CatMoore
Unregistered User
(1/2/03 11:36 am)
 
Getting around Ireland with out a car

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Hello Michele,

Do you have any info on the best ways to get around Ireland without renting a car? My husband and I are flying into Dublin, and planning a stay in N. Ireland (Portballintrae), then meeting his parents in Dublin, continuing to Roscrea, Cahir then back to Dublin. Is the rail system good? How about the buses? I did drive around Ireland on a previous trip back in March 2000, and was too stressed out to actually really enjoy the time on the road.

Also, do you know anything about the Rail/Bus combo passes that cover all of Ireland and Northern Ireland?

Thanks in advance!

Sincerely,
Cat Moore

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 952
(1/2/03 11:17 pm)

Re: Getting around Ireland with out a car

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Hi Cat,

Sorry to hear that the driving stressed you out on your last trip. Public transportation in Ireland is okay but not to be equated with the efficient transport on the Continent. Most train travel connects Dublin with major cities. What you are outlining will probably need transportation by train and bus. If you go to the bottom of this page and click on Transport you will find links to Irish rail and bus service, which you can check out for routes and schedules.

The combo pass you are asking about is called The Emerald Card and is good for rail and bus travel throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Emerald Card Rail AND Bus (All Ireland – Standard Class)

15 days of travel out of 30 consecutive days Adult IR£214 EUR 271.72 Child IR£107 EUR 135.86

8 days of travel out of 15 consecutive days Adult IR£124 EUR 157.45 Child IR£62 EUR 78.72

Valid on InterCity, DART & Suburban Rail, Iarnród Éireann Services, Northern Ireland Railways, Ulsterbus, Bus Éireann Expressway and Provincial Services, Bus Éireann Services in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

You can purchase the pass from Iarnrod Eireann, Travel Centre, 35 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Phone: (01) 836-6222. Web site: www.irishrail.ie/ . You can also buy the Emerald Card at all major bus and rail stations throughout Ireland. Your travel agent may also be able to provide the Emerald Card for you.

Michele

garyvol
Unregistered User
(1/3/03 6:29 am)

driving

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One other way of getting around Ireland, that I read about is using a chauffeur. Let them do the driving. Not sure if that would fit in this situation.
-gary

CatMoore
Unregistered User
(1/8/03 11:33 am)

chauffeur

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Does anyone have an idea how much a chauffeur would charge? How about taxi service in the smaller towns?

Thanks again!

Cat Moore

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 972
(1/9/03 1:32 am)

Chauffer-driven Cars

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Hi Cat,

Below are a few links to chauffer-driven rental cars. You can also inquire of all the rental car agencies listed on my web site.

www.limosireland.com/
www.ambassador.ie/index.htm
www.bartons-transport.ie/
www.chauffeur.ie/index.htm
www.dorganscoaches.com/
www.procar-ireland.com/intro.html
www.pat-keogh.com/
www.bushq.com/irishcoaches/

Generally taxis cost around 5 euro for taking you just a couple of miles.

Michele

CatMoore
Unregistered User
(1/14/03 8:49 am)

Rail/Bus Passes

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Are the rail and bus passes available at the airport upon arrival?

Thanks again!

Cat Moore

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1005
(1/14/03 11:05 pm)

Re: Rail/Bus Passes

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Hi Cat,

I suggest emailing Iarnrod Eireann and asking them if you can buy the pass at the airport. Web site: www.irishrail.ie/

Michele

DarrenA
Unregistered User
(1/16/03 7:00 pm)
 
Car

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One thing to bear in mind is that the roads in the North are generally of a higher standard than many parts of the South, so driving is likely to be less stressful for you up here.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1027
(1/17/03 12:57 am)

Re: Car

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Darren is right! The roads in Northern Ireland are much better than the Republic in most instances.

Michele

CatMoore
Unregistered User
(1/20/03 9:12 am)

Rail/Bus Passes

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I just checked the Bus Eireann website (www.buseireann.ie/site/home/), and they now offer the Bus and/or Rail passes online. They also offer to send them via post (if you are unable to pick them up upon arrival in Dublin).

Just wanted to let you all know in case anyone else is interested.

Thanks for all your help!
Cat

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1041
(1/21/03 12:20 am)
 
Re: Rail/Bus Passes

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Hi Cat,

Thanks very much for letting us know that you can order online. I'm sure that will be valuable info for those wanting to get the passes in advance.

Michele