public transportation
 

Can anyone tell me how the public transportation is in Ireland for getting around the country?

Baaaad.

Maureen, It depends where you want to go. The rail network is limited and the level of service isn't as good as it could be on all routes. Also the route by rail to some places isn't as direct as it could be, so it can be quicker to go by bus. More rail details from http://www.irishrail.ie<BR><BR>The bus service is more extensive and cheaper than rail, more details from http://www.buseireann.ie<BR><BR>I suggest you decide where you want to go & check out the timetables & prices at these sites and see if they meet your needs. Given a choice I'd hire a car to get around the country.<BR><BR>http://gofree.indigo.ie/~kieran

Thanks KieranB and Daniel for the input. Does anyone else have anything, good I hope to say about the bus system in Ireland?

Renting a car, i'm afraid, is your best bet to get around.

The best way to see much with any efficiency is by car. Buses go to a lot of places - but they are public transport - they better serve the public rather than tourists. It is slow and difficult to see very much by bus.

What we were hoping to do is to use the buses to get from point A to B, the places where we will be staying and take day tours from these spots. We will stay in one cottage for one week in Clare, and one week in county Kerry. Neither of us feel confident enough to drive on the left .

My cousin and I went to Ireland last year and did not rent a car. We stayed in Dublin first, then traveled to Killarney, Galway and finally Bunratty, all by bus. We stayed several days in each place (except Bunratty) and took one all day tour from each city. The rest of our sightseeing we did on foot. It worked out fine. We plan to travel by bus again, and maybe train, the next time we go. (We were careful to pack light!)

Maureen, I was very worried about driving on the left but after my husband got seasick on the ferry to Ireland, I had to do the driving - and it took me only about 15 minutes to get comfortable. Big surprise!