Cavangal

Finalizing my itinerary with visit to Galway 2 nights early September. Going onward on Galway/Ennis route with Plan to hike near Cliffs of Moher. Got excellent advice from Tony on this board on route.
On to Westport next day. Looked at bus schedule on scenic route passing Kylemore Abbey. Schedule as of yesterday is showing summer bus journeys up to end of August. I booked hotel in Westport as have not been there in a long time and would enjoy the bus route from
Galway and if I can get off, see the area, have lunch and get later bus into Westport early evening to enjoy walking around and dinner. Hope they update the schedules for September service but expect there are buses from Galway to Westport all year.
Leaving Westport early on Sunday morning by train to Athlone. When I checked the bus connection from Athlone it would take me all the way to Dublin airport to connect with a bus to Belturbet. Hoping there is a more direct route. I looked at some trains hoping to find a shorter route. Sligo had nothing also checked buses and did not find any service onward towards Belturbet/Enniskillen or Ballinamore. Wonder if updated schedules in September would have better choices. Found that many of the bus routes show no service for Sunday. From an earlier experiences I found some rail ticketing offices close down all weekend which makes it difficult for travelers depending on public transportation. Wondering if Westport is best choice and would welcome any better ideas? Have been to Cong on earlier trip but would need help with public transportation if I change route. I travel on Open Roads bus Pass which is excellent for me and avoids the hassle of driving and lets me visit many scenic areas I like. Thanks to all.

Tony2phones

Its a bit of a pain as services across country are limited. From Athlone tou would get the 65 bus to Cavan and then pick up the Expressway bus for Belturbet/Enniskellen

http://www.buseireann.ie/timetables/1469801715-65.pdf
http://www.buseireann.ie/timetables/1469801409-30.pdf

The 52 runs Galway to Westport all year http://www.buseireann.ie/timetables/1473420575-52.pdf

Westport to Enniskillen. Get the bus to Knock Airport 440 from there to Sligo 64 and from Sligo the 458 to Enniskillen.

This site will help with planning public transport.. http://www.journeyplanner.transportf..._TRIP_REQUEST2

Cavangal

Thank you Tony for response. I looked at all my options late yesterday and since I prefer leaving early on Sunday morning there would be limited service, 1st bus from Westport. departs 3pm. I looked at the buses leaving Westport early evening to Sligo route so might change hotel plans as I would not have much time in Westport. I was more interested in enjoying the scenic route from Galway resting overnight.
There are 2 buses Saturday afternoon from Westport to Sligo shorter distance. Will look at hotels in Sligo or a good B&B as this seems a better choice. I saw that one bus leaves Sligo early Sunday going via Enniskillen where I would change for service to Belturbet and arrive several hours earlier than taking Athlone route. Bus routes goes towards Ballyshnnon and this is another option as might be able to meet some relatives there in time for lunch and then make connection to Belturbet.

I am a bit surprised at the poor rail connections. I thought getting an early train to Athlone would make it easy. The trains from Sligo would take several hours with connections and most likely the fares would be double.
Many thanks for taking the time to help me.

Tony2phones

It's not much help I'm afraid. Ireland isn't big on Public Transport and getting worse. I'm 12 miles from the closest regular bus stop and 17 from a rail station. The flip side is that if anyone needs a lift anywhere there's always some one around willing to provide it.

Cavangal

I now use public transportation mostly it lets me avoid stress of driving. Have decided I will leave Galway early on Saturday and try to have a stop enroute then pick up next bus (I will double check the schedules again in case September routes change), plan continuing to Sligo for overnight. I looked at hotels and there isn't much because its Saturday but I have booking on hold at Great Southern which is close to bus and train. Did not see anything better and I also checked B&Bs. I would not want having to wait for a taxi to arrive early on Sunday to get to bus.
Thanks again.

jaja

A B&B I recommend near Sligo, actually in Rosses Point, is Iorras (pronounced err-as)http://sligoiorrasbandb.com/ .

Tony2phones

Great Southern is a good hotel and as you say well placed for the bus's.

Cavangal

Thanks for responses. Think I am all set with routes and now need to order the Open Roads passes which will cover my stops.