I'm considering a trip to the Republic of Ireland this fall. In most of Europe I've taken trains everywhere, and in Portugal found that using buses to the smaller towns was easy.<BR><BR>I understand that the train system in Ireland is OK from big city to big city but not great in the countryside. Is a rental car the best way to get around, or is the inter-city bus system good? I prefer not to drive on vacation but may make an exception this time. If a car is needed, are car rentals expensive?.<BR><BR>Also, if I fly into Manchester, England (I have friends in Yorkshire to visit), what's the best way to get from that area to Dublin, air or ferry? If ferry, what departure city in England (or Wales)?

First, the best way to get from Manchester to Dublin is to fly Ryanair (at ryanair.com) with a sale of seats now for 10 pounds. Getting around Ireland is easiest by renting a car (preferably after seeing Dublin) but can be done by bus. Trains are really only good going to/from dublin but not between other cities. See www.cie.ie to connect to the bus and train schedule websites. As far as car rentals it depends on the time of year and size of car. Last summer I got a class 3 car (1 the smallest) for about $25 dollars a day from nova rent a car (using budget)

The only way I would even consider traveling around Ireland via public transport is if I was willing to hitch-hike (or hike) if needed to get between certain points.<BR><BR>Car rental prices aren't too bad, until you add on the insurance that is usually required in Ireland. Most credit cards don't cover you in the Republic.<BR><BR>Definitely fly from Manchester.

Don't think about public transportation outside of Dublin. Rent a car and see the countryside on your own schedule.<BR><BR>But if you haven't been to Scotland, I'd suggest you give that some consideration over Ireland. Scotland is a more lovely country and warmed residents.

Thanks for the responses. It looks like a car for the countryside it is. As for Scotland, I've only been to Edinburgh and hope to get to the Highlands sometime in the future. However, I'll be visiting Irish locals with my Yorkshire friends who have relatives there and I think that's a big plus.

I think it's a matter of opinion whether or not Scotland is a more lovely country and has warmer residents. I've traveled both countries a few times and prefer Ireland. The Highlands of Scotland are magnificent and I love the castles (Eileen Donan esp.), but the scenery in Ireland is equally spectacular in it's own way and you'll never find more hospitible people than the Irish. For my money, it's always Ireland.<BR><BR>Bill

I'd give my vote for Scotland. While Ireland was nice on my 3 visits, Scotland will always have a much more special place in my heart. My wife agrees that Scotland has a more varied and beautiful scenery. And while the Irish were nice on the most part in the countryside, I'd say that in the big cities, Scotland takes the cake.