Many travelers to Ireland are terrified when their familiar driving habits are reversed, which forces them to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Fears are eased in the large cities with public transportation or by walking. Another no-driving cure when traveling across the country is Irish Rail and Bus Eireann, both with upgraded equipment and handy schedules. However, venturing deep into the Irish countryside does require a car but the driving is manageable at that point.
Getting Into and Around Dublin
No train connections serve Dublin Airport, only bus, taxi or car transport. Airlink is an express bus taken outside the Arrivals building. Number 747 travels daily to and from Dublin Airport and O'Connell Street; bus 748 serves Heuston Station. The 45-minute trip is 6 euro for an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, at a vending machine beside the bus stop and at Dublin Tourism Information venues. Local bus service is available but has many stops. Dublin Bus Tours (green buses) offer hop-on, hop-off tourist stops and multilingual guides. The Three-Day Freedom Ticket costs 25 euro and includes the airport Airlink. Great deal.
The Dublin Pass, is chock full of value, beginning with a one-way Aircoach transport from the airport into Dublin. Available in 1-, 2-, 3- or 6-day durations, the Pass offers free entry into 31 attractions. VIP preference allows the prepaid holder to move to the front of the line using the "smart" chip in the card. Be aware that the first swipe, such as at the airport, activates the card and constitutes one calendar day.
Riding the public, double-decker Dublin Bus works well for the independent traveler. Most routes stop at tourist venues. There is an exact fare-no change policy on almost all buses, based upon zones. Coins are needed and paper notes are not accepted. Prepaid "Rambler" tickets offer unlimited travel for specific days.
The Luas is Dublin's state-of-the-art, light-rail tram system consisting of the Green Line and the Red Line running through the city and between Heuston and Connolly Stations.
Take Irish Rail for Hassle-Free Train Travel Throughout the Irish Countryside
Thanks to the largest capital improvement investment in history between the EU and the Irish government that began in 2006, Ireland's railroad system will continue to improve through 2015. Intercity trains are committed to arrive at their destination within 10 minutes of the published time. Quality control regulates that all trains are cleaned every day; exteriors are washed at least three times a week. Electrical outlets are available. Be sure to use a three-prong plug with two flat prongs in line and one perpendicular. Tabletops are available on some cars with facing seats for four passengers. Most trains have a catering service. Northern and Eastern routes depart from Dublin's Connolly Station while Southern and Western routes depart from Heuston Station.
The Irish Explorer Rail/Bus pass combines rail and intercity bus access throughout the country. Eight days of travel out of 15 consecutive days costs 245 euro. The Irish Explorer is for rail only and for a shorter time frame while the Irish Rover is for buses only.
The "no ticket, no travel, no excuse" warning means passengers must have a ticket before boarding any intercity, commuter or DART transport. If not, the penalty can be up to 150 euro. Some stations have an automatic validation machine where a ticket is needed to enter or exit the gate.
Driving in Ireland
Travelers that take public transportation between major cities and regional stations will need a car to access the countless inner roads throughout the countryside. A helpful hint when in the driver's seat is to align one's body with the center line but with roundabouts, small lanes and the like, driving here isn't easy. Speed limits are shown in kilometres; older road signs give distances in miles and newer one in kilometres.
Irish tourism is steeped in beautiful, lush landscapes, welcoming people, vibrant cities and villages brimming with bed and breakfast accommodations. All is worth savoring. It's getting around that can be daunting for some.
Judith Glynn - I've written travel articles for years. See more and my novel about romance and travel at www.facebook.com/judglynn
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