Getting Around Ireland

Ireland is a relatively small country, similar in size to the state of Indiana. And with modern highways and national roads (plus trains and bus routes), travelers can easily visit numerous regions in just one trip. 

Most visitors start in Dublin—Ireland’s capital and largest city—and opt to rent a car. Driving in Ireland is fairly straightforward, with major roadways connecting Dublin to many other cities, including Galway, Cork, Limerick (and Shannon Airport), and Waterford.

But because some of the country’s most scenic and traditional regions are still rather rural, some road trips rely on narrow, local roads. These include the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. It’s also important to note that in Ireland, vehicles drive on the left side of the road.

Irish trains are a great option for those who prefer public transportation, as they are fast and reliable. But they are a bit restricted, serving only bigger cities or regional transport hubs (like the town of Tralee for the Dingle Peninsula). The regional bus, Bus Éireann, is the best option for rural areas, such as Connemara, Donegal, and the Beara Peninsula.

Ireland’s domestic airline, Aer Lingus, also offers direct flights from Dublin to smaller, regional airports. These include Kerry Airport in Ireland’s southwest region and Donegal Airport in Ireland’s northwest region. Flights also connect Dublin with Belfast (the capital of Northern Ireland) but usually require a connection elsewhere in the United Kingdom.