Thinking about my next trip to Ireland and we are discussing using train and bus travel where possible to reduce some of the driving. We will rent a car in Galway for a few days to go to Connemara, but it appears that much of Ireland is accessible by the train and bus lines. Has anyone tried this, and what do you prefer, the train or bus. I know that the trains don't go as many places as buses, so we will probably have to use both. I am guessing that someone out there may have had some experience and would be willing to pass along some tips. Thanks.

I've been to Ireland several times, travelling around by bus and train. Last September, I visited Belfast, Derry, Galway, Cork and Kinsale, by train and bus. The rail network is limited, but for journeys like Dublin-Cork or Dublin-Galway, trains are faster and more comfortable than buses. For many journeys, there is no alternative to buses. Some towns now suffer badly from traffic congestion, which can disrupt bus schedules.
Most buses are run by Bus Eireann (www.buseireann.ie). Details of train services are on www.irishrail.ie, and buses and trains in Northern Ireland are on www.translink.co.uk.
The people are, of course, very friendly and you will have interesting conversations during your journeys. Bus services are generally infrequent, but are reliable, if sometimes unpunctual. You need to check timetables carefully and be prepared to wait, perhaps in a bar with a Guinness - it's part of the pace of life in Ireland.

I wouldnt travel on the train in Ireland if I were you! I've heard about this guy who was thrown out of a moving train 'cause they didn't like his accent!

We did part of one trip by rail and really regretted it. It was slow and cumbersome and we saw essentially nothing. IMHO driving is far preferable - both in terms of seeing/doing what you want and not wasting a lot of time.

We went from Dublin to Sligo and back on the train. The kindest word I can think of to describe the condition of the coaches is dilapidated. And people were smoking in the non smoking car.

That particular train makes everything else in Europe look good. It is something I would have expected in a former Communist country, not prosperous, high priced Ireland.

All I can say is that it got us to Sligo and back.

We did a lot of bus travel the last time we were in Ireland. Sometimes we hired a driver, too (that's how we got from Adare to Cork on Sunday when the train and bus routes weren't favorable timewise).

Hiya,
I am Irish, living in Cork, i would get a car as the bus and train services are very limited and often very unreliable. The main cities dublin, cork, galway, limerick etc are good to travel to but if you wanna go to connemara, a car is much better. i spent a few weeks travelling the country in the summer with my car and even though it was exhausting as i was the only one who could drive, i wouldn't do it any other way. I explored Kerry for a few days the area's like the amazing Connor Pass is difficult to travel by bus as its very narrow and windy, also its brilliant to stop to look at views and pet animals walking on the roads that you cannot do by bus. another is thing is the travel here is very, very expensive for example train from dublin to cork is about 60euro! (approx.US$80)
PS if you are interested in travelling the country and going to heritage sites i recommend you purchase a heritage card, its good value and you get to go to many sites free with the card instead of paying for each site as they do add up.
I hope my ramblings helped you in some way....
Good luck with it, Cheers!

I'm a Septuagenarian who visits Ireland about twice a year; I use public transport almost exclusively (hitch-hiking, usually to golf courses) is my only other medium. Some European countries will not rent a car to people my age (unless we have a 'fly-drive' package booked).

I have travelled CityLink (private) bus service from Dublin airport to Galway; then on BusEireann out to Ross a'Veal (Connemara) and back; Shannon to Ennis & Galway, then on to Ballina (Co. Mayo) and west to Belmullet. In the southwest I have travelled BusEireann Shannon to Limerick, Adare, Tralee.

I'm not sure if you can buy an Expressway Bus Schedule online but you can at Dublin's BusAras or Galway Bus & rail station. Buses are generally fast and comfortable (Don't sit in back; the suspension makes them do funny things when they make turns - make me seasick).

Sorry, I have never ridden Irish Rail. Trains look kind of old fashioned when compared to Europe's high speed trains

Before I started hitch-hiking I would take local taxis: Then, one day a lady who was picking up her children from Monagea school in west Limerick asked me if I wanted a lift into town. I had already arranged for a taxi to pick me up.

My thanks to everyone for all your input. Now I have something to base my decision on. I do appreciate your time.

I have a question re: the Citylink Bus from Dublin to Galway. Citylink told me there was no W.C. on the bus. How does one manage to do a 3-4 hour bus ride with no facilities?
My husband and I have decided to take the train to Galway, where we pick up our car. I am presuming that there will be a W.C. on the train. Will there?

yes there are facilities on all inter city trains.

Recent short trip used train and taxi, as I did not want to drive on my own. My limited experiences:
Train between Dublin and Cork very modern and sometimes very crowded. Smaller trains such as to Killarney are the older ones, but still get there and only one late train in the bunch I used. DART service out of Dublin very modern. Many older stations have added lifts so one doesn't have to use the stairs with luggage--look for signs and behind the stairs.

Taxi was expensive, but sometimes the best alternative to get where I wanted at the time I wanted.

Both in Ireland and England avoid travelling on public transit on Sundays--schedules are TREMENDOUSLY reduced with hours between service and sometimes delays and closures due to repairs. My suggestion if using public transport (which I like to do) is to plan to be in a city for signtseeing on Sunday.

I am with Bob Brown.

I am originally from Ireland and, when we travel back, we rent a car, my husband drives. A few times, when I was on my own, I took the train and am extremely embarrassed at the appalling state of the train: Even the long distance trains are well below the standards of regional trains in France, Spain and Italy. Last year, I had to travel from Dublin to Galway to meet my husband and took the bus, because of timing. It was cleaner than the train, but the journey was tedious.

It might make sense for you to take a train or bus between major cities, but I would not depend on it beyond that and I suggest you come with very low expectations. I would never recommend anyone explore Ireland by public transportation; to get the best out of the visit, you really should have a car for the entire journey. If it is a budget issue, then I would personally prefer to stay in cheaper accommodation and eat less, then try to plan a vacation around public transportation in Ireland.

Regards Ger

I live in Ireland and the only 2 trains worth going on are the Dublin/Belfast & Dublin/Cork and they are only just OK. I would use the buses which are more comfortable and you can veiw the Irish countryside. They are not frequent however in country areas.