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| Ireland
Getting Around - Internal Travel |
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Air
Aer Lingus (and several other carriers) operates services
throughout the country. Charter flights are available. The Aran
Islands are served by Aer Arann
via a 15-minute flights from Connemara Regional Airport (located
27km or 17 miles west of Galway city).
Domestic
airports
Galway (GWY) is approximately
8km or 5 miles from the city centre. Buses and taxis are available
into Galway centre.
Sligo (SXL) is 8km
or 5 miles from Sligo. Only essential facilities are available.
Taxis need prior booking. Buses and taxis are available into Sligo.
Carrickfinn (CFN) is in Co Donegal.
Kerry (Farranfore) (KIR) in Co Kerry is 19km
or 12 miles from both Killarney and Tralee. Taxis are available
to both these towns and to the nearby railway station.
Car hire is available.
There are various small airstrips which provide passenger services;
enquire at the Irish Tourist Board for details of operators and
routes (see Contacts section).
Sea
Ferry services operate to the various west coast islands. Enquiries
should be made locally.
Rail
Rail services in the Republic are owned by Iarnród
Eireann (Irish Rail) and express trains operate between the
main cities.
There are two types of accommodation, with restaurant and buffet
cars on some trains. Children under five years travel free. Children
aged five to 15 pay half fare. A rail-only and combined rail and
bus tickets are available for unlimited travel within the Republic
of Ireland.
The Eurorail card valid in Ireland.
Road
The road network links all parts of Ireland; road signs are international.
Traffic drives on the left.
Bus
Bus services are run by Bus
Eireann (Irish Bus), which has a nationwide network of buses
serving all cities and most towns and villages outside the Dublin
area. Bus services in the more remote areas are infrequent.
An Expressway coach network complements the train
services. The central bus station is on Store Street, Dublin. A
variety of passes is available, including the Irish
Rambler, which offers unlimited travel from three,
eight or up to 15 days.
Independent bus companies, which are often cheaper, faster and more
frequent than Bus Eireann, operate regular scheduled services to
and from Dublin. More information can be found in local papers.
Coach tours
Several companies offer coach tours, varying in length and itinerary.
Full-day and half-day guided tours are organised from the major
towns and cities. These run from May to October and full details
are available from CIE Tours International office.
Taxi
Service is available in the major cities. Cruising taxis are not
frequent. Places to get taxis are at rail and bus stations, hotels
or taxi stands.
Car hire
Available from all air, sea ports and major hotels. All international
hire companies are represented in Ireland, as are local operators.
Age requirements vary from a minimum
of 21 years to a maximum of 75
years. A full licence from the driver’s home country is needed,
and the driver will normally be required to have had at least two
years of driving experience.
Bicycle
hire
Tourist Board leaflet has more information.
Documentation
EU nationals taking cars into Ireland require:
 Motor
registration book or owner’s authority in writing.
Full
EU driving licence or an International Driving Permit.
Nationality
coding stickers.
Insurance
coverage valid for the Republic.
A
Green Card is highly recommended, as without it, insurance coverage
is limited to the minimum legal requirement in Ireland.The Green
Card tops this up to the cover provided by the visitor’s domestic
policy.
Urban
An extensive bus service operates in Dublin. There is a fast suburban
rail service (DART), connecting Howth and Bray,
including a link to Dun Laoghaire (the ferry port). The Dublin
Explorer pass is valid for four days on all Dublin buses
and DART suburban trains. The ticket may not be
used before 09:45 hours, but there are no evening restrictions.
Travel times
The chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes)
from Dublin to other major cities and towns in
Ireland. |
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Air |
Road |
Rail |
Cork |
0.40 |
3.00 |
2.40 |
Galway |
0.35 |
2.45 |
2.40 |
Limerick |
- |
3.30 |
2.10 |
Shannon
Airport |
0.35 |
3.00 |
- |
Waterford |
0.30 |
2.30 |
2.40 |
Kilkenny |
- |
2.00 |
1.45 |
Killarney |
- |
3.00 |
3.50 |
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