mgr1018

I will be traveling to Dublin on May 21 for a week and staying in Castleknock with my party of six. I would love to rely on public transportation to get me into the city daily because car rental is expensive for six people. Do the buses and rails go from there or is it short enough walking distance?

dcespedes

Hi there--I believe Castleknock is too far to walk to city centre, however, following is the Dublin Bus website that should help you. http://www.dublinbus.ie/home/

For additional public transportation information check out;
http://www.dublinguesthouse.com/transport/
I hope this helps. Enjoy!

Ardfert

There is also a commuter train service from Castleknock to Connolly station in the city centre.

OReilly

I would advise against renting a car just to drive to and from the city centre. Driving in Dublin is even more frustrating than usual, as half the city seems to be ripped up to build the "Luas". Parking is also expensive.

There are regular buses into city centre. Its a long hike through the Phoenix park, but I HAVE done it. It might be something you do once, but certainly not every day

SiobhanP

I live on the opposide side of the park in town and would say do not rent a car. Its too stressful if you are not used to driving on the other side of the road and traffic is awful. Also there are mmany one way streets and you need to know where you are going.

As for the train its in Clonsilla or Coolmine and not a quick walk and they do not run as frequently as a bus. There are several busses that will accommodate you. Where are you staying in Castleknock and I will look up the route for you. There are Bus lanes into the city that will pass the traffic jams during rush hour and is fairly quick. (I take the Castleknock bus to work on cold days when it stops in my part of town). You can also get 1 day or 5 day passes at news agents.

kempten

There is a very frequent train service from Castleknock train station to and from Dublin city centre every morning and evening with trains running approx every half hour up til about 10am. There are then trains nearly every hours throughout the day. This is the web address for Irish Rail : http://www.irishrail.ie/home/. There are also frequent bus services from Castleknock and it really wouldn't be worth the hassle of renting a car if it is only to drive into the city centre.

SiobhanP

Hi Kempton from what I know the train is not in Castleknock (I think they are building a station there soon) but beside it in Clonsilla/Coolmine so they may not be walkable to this. I think the bus will give you the quicker access to town but let us know the location in Castleknock as you may be near the train after all.

mgr1018

Thank you all for good information. So far the car rental is out of the question. Also, what about Taxicab service? The adress of my cottage is Castleknock Elms,
Laurel Lodge,
Castleknock
Dublin

celine13

Just to reaffirm about NOT renting a car in Dublin. The city is small enough to get around by foot and everything is one way and you are BOUND to get lost! (plus parking is expensive and limited)

As for taxis, if memory does not fail me, it's quite dear. Also, do not rely too much on the cab being there when calling for one. Half the time, it never comes!

Dublin used to have a shortage of taxis( I recall standing in the cold at 1am on a Saturday night for an hour in line just to get one!) but I think they have the problem fixed.

I traveled by buses and they were alright. Much cheaper and would come fairly on time. Have fun exploring Dublin! It's a great, compact city, very easy to get round in.

SiobhanP

MGR1018,

I think from the address this may be good for you.

Starts at BLANCHARDSTOWN CENTRE, Blanchardstown Village, Navan Road, Auburn Avenue, Castleknock Village, Laurel Lodge, Carpenterstown, Coolmine Road, Clonsilla Road, Blanchardstown Road South,

see link for timetable:
http://www.dublinbus.ie/your_journey...e=Laurel+Lodge

Taxis are also fine for getting home in the evening approx €10.00-12. Make sure they go throught the Phoenix park as it is quicker than the motorway.

brookwood

I think driving in Dublin rivals trying to drive in Paris and London for crowded streets and expensive parking. The eternal question: what do you dod with the car once your arrive at the destination?
You could easily spend $55 a day on rental and parking fees, particularly if the car sis large enough for 6 -- which means a van.

Most of the time the car or van is not being used and it is costing you double not to use it: rental and parking fees.

kempten

Hi Siobhan. The train station in Castlenock is located just beside Laurel Lodge near the bridge between Castlenock and Blanchardstown. Coolmine is the next stop after Castleknock. As mgr1018 is staying in Laurel Lodge,the train is very easily reached. Hope that helps.