🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Ireland
✈️ Flying to Ireland
Main Airports
Dublin Airport (DUB) - Ireland's largest international gateway, 10km north of Dublin city center. Well-connected to city via bus, taxi, and private transfer.
Other International Airports:
- Cork Airport (ORK) - Southern Ireland, access to Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way
- Shannon Airport (SNN) - West coast gateway, close to Cliffs of Moher and Galway
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Northern Ireland, access to Giant's Causeway
💡 Insider Tip
Shannon Airport can be cheaper than Dublin for transatlantic flights and saves driving if exploring the west coast first.
🚆 From Dublin Airport to City Center
Airlink Express Bus (Fastest & Cheapest)
747 bus runs every 10-15 minutes to city center. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Ticket: €7 single, €12 return.
Public Bus (Dublin Bus)
Routes 16, 41, 102 serve airport. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Ticket: €3.30.
Taxi
Official taxi rank outside terminals. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: €25-35 to city center.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Britain—Holyhead to Dublin (3.5 hours, from €30). Irish Ferries, Stena Line. Bring car or foot passenger. Popular option for road trips.
Ferry from France—Cherbourg or Roscoff to Cork/Rosslare (14-18 hours, from €60). Overnight sailing. Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries. Good for touring Europe before Ireland.
Northern Ireland border—Open border with no checks. Drive from Belfast to Republic easily. Different currency (GBP vs EUR).
Land borders: Only with Northern Ireland (UK). Seamless crossing. Brexit hasn't changed travel for tourists.
No bridge/tunnel to mainland Europe—must fly or ferry. Ireland is island. Plan connections accordingly.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Ireland is NOT part of Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days.
Ireland has separate visa rules from Schengen. UK passport holders have free movement. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Ireland →🚗 Getting Around Ireland
Buses (Bus Éireann)
National bus network connecting all major towns and cities. Affordable and reliable. Book at buseireann.ie
Trains (Irish Rail)
Limited network focused on Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Galway, Dublin-Belfast routes. Scenic but expensive. Book at irishrail.ie
Rental Car (Recommended)
Best way to see Ireland—Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, remote areas. Drive on LEFT. Roads narrow. Worth it for flexibility.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Irish Rail + Bus Open Road pass offers unlimited travel. 3 days in 15 days: €160. Good value if not renting car.
🚋 Local Transportation in Dublin
Dublin Bus, DART (coastal rail), Luas (tram) operate on Leap Card system.
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: €2.15-€3.30 (distance-based)
- Day ticket: €7 (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- Leap Card: Reloadable card with 20-30% discount
The Luas tram is modern and efficient. DART coastal train is scenic. Dublin Bus covers everywhere else.
🚙 Renting a Car
Highly recommended for exploring beyond Dublin. Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry need a car.
Things to Know
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- Roads are narrow, especially in countryside
- Manual transmission common—request automatic (costs more)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (towns), 80-100 km/h (rural), 120 km/h (motorways)
- Major rental companies at airports and Dublin
⚠️ Left-Side Driving
First time driving on left? Take it slow on narrow roads. Roundabouts go clockwise. Practice before hitting rural areas.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Ireland
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains/buses early: Cheaper fares when booked in advance
- Leap Card in Dublin: 20-30% discount on public transport
- Rent car outside Dublin: Airport rentals cheaper than city center
- Compare car rental sites: Prices vary significantly between platforms
- Fill your own gas: Avoid prepaid fuel options at rental counters