Trains, ferries and rental cars: the best ways to get around Ireland

13.03.2024 - 17:11 / lonelyplanet.com

Independent visitors to Ireland have historically counted on renting a car to get around the country.

Yet soaring costs (including tolls, parking, fuel and more) plus the environmental impact of driving have inspired many to seek out alternative ways to reach the country’s magnificent coastlines, lush green countryside and ancient historical sites.

Indeed, public transport in Ireland has improved dramatically over the years. Irish Rail’s direct city-to-city links and Bus Éireann’s comprehensive nationwide network make a car-free journey across possible more than feasible. Hefty discounts mean that – bar relying on a bicycle or foot – public transit is also the cheapest way to explore Ireland.

Before you decide which mode of transport is most suitable for your upcoming visit, read our top tips for getting around Ireland.

Since Ireland is about the same size as South Carolina in the US, first-time visitors often think they can see it all in a week with a rented car. Seasoned travelers know better.

Drivers must access many of the most spectacular locations via winding, narrow country lanes where every bend in the road offers a plethora of photo opportunities. The darker evenings of the off season can be particularly challenging, and in winter months the roads often have black ice.

Motorways have a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h (74 mph), while dual carriageways have a maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). Most tolls have staffed booths to process payments – but some motorways, such as the M1, require immediate payment online to avoid a penalty. When exploring major towns and cities, it’s always a good idea to leave your vehicle in a parking lot on the edge of town and explore on foot. Aggressive drivers and narrow streets are not for the fainthearted.

The biggest car-rental hubs are at the airports. If you don’t have a few weeks to tour the entire country, there are a number of ways to make the best use of your time. First, check to see if your rental company permits a different drop-off location, and plan to begin and end your trip and different airports (think an arrival in Dublin and departure from Shannon). Then, fill in your cross-country from there, focusing on either the northern or southern counties as you go. Head south to visit captivating counties like Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry and Clare. Alternatively head north to enjoy Belfast; the Antrim Coast; and Counties Donegal, Mayo and Galway. If you'd like to drive through Northern Ireland, check that your car insurance covers the UK before you go.

Your first step for maximizing your travel around Ireland on publicly funded transportation is to go online and buy a Leap Card. The card offers substantial discounts on bus, tram and train fares across the country,