I would like to spend a day and night in Belfast but am curious as to the best way to do this. It will be on Dec. 26th (a holiday in Ireland I think) so I'm worried about train schedules. I cannot find good info on the Ireland train website. Is it easier to travel by car? Thanks!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Either way is easy. The train is fast, the driving distance about 80 miles. If you are going to have a car anyway, I would drive. If you would be renting one for the occasion, the train would be far less expensive and easier to do.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
2 posts
Thanks Nancy. I am a bit worried as Dec. 26th is a national holiday and it appears some train service doesn't run that day. I can't get a good feel for it on the Irish rail website.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32206 posts
Michael, I travelled that route about a month ago using train. It's about a two hour trip from what I recall, and that would be my recommendation. After arrival in Belfast, I took a Taxi to the main downtown area.
A car might be an option if you rent it prior to holidays and return afterwards. If you stay in a major Hotel in Belfast, you shouldn't have too many concerns about parking (ensure the Hotel offers FREE parking).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I just checked the Irish Rail site. For 26 December it says "no services."
I also checked the Bus Eireann site. The Journey Planner shows Dublin-Belfast service on 26 December.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Irish national rail site says "No services available within the specified time period." That would be leaving Dublin 26 December, heading back 27 December. However, the national bus service has runs 26 December to Belfast. There's a direct run from Dublin's Busaras central bus station and it takes about 2 1/2 hours. Check http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home