Buses & Trains

Ireland without a car? Possible, but with limitations. The capitals and larger towns are well connected, but in the countryside — where the most beautiful spots are — it gets sparse.

🚌 Bus Éireann & Express Buses

Bus Éireann (buseireann.ie) is Ireland's national bus company and operates the most extensive network on the island. The express buses reliably and affordably connect all major cities.

Route	Duration	Price from
Dublin → Galway	2:45h	€16
Dublin → Cork	3:15h	€18
Dublin → Killarney	4:00h	€22
Dublin → Belfast	1:40h	€12
Galway → Cliffs of Moher	2:00h	€10

GoBus and Citylink are private alternatives on the main routes (Dublin–Galway, Dublin–Cork) and are often cheaper and more comfortable than Bus Éireann.

🚂 Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)

Ireland's rail network is manageable, but the main routes are fast and comfortable. Dublin is the central hub with two main stations: Heuston Station (trains to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Killarney) and Connolly Station (trains to Belfast, Rosslare, Sligo).

Route	Duration	Price from
Dublin → Cork	2:30h	€25
Dublin → Galway	2:15h	€20
Dublin → Belfast	2:10h	€15
Dublin → Killarney	3:30h	€30

Online tickets at irishrail.ie are significantly cheaper than at the counter — book in advance for the best prices. The Irish Explorer Pass (5 days out of 15 for €160) can be worthwhile for intensive travelers.

Organized Tours

For travelers without a car, day tours from Dublin are an excellent alternative: Paddy Wagon Tours, Wild Rover Tours, and other providers run daily to the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, Glendalough, and the Wicklow Mountains. Prices: €40–70 per tour including transport and entry. The guides are usually excellent and provide entertainment on the level of a stand-up comedian.