Ireland travel guide

Choose the arrival that fits your route

Dublin Airport is useful for the capital and direct coaches to other cities. It has no mainline railway station at the terminal. Reaching Dublin Heuston for a Galway or Killarney train is a separate journey. If you are heading straight west, compare an airport coach before travelling into Dublin simply to leave again.

Shannon can suit Galway, while Kerry Airport serves the Killarney area. A shorter flight is not the only consideration: check the last onward service, luggage and arrival time. The Dublin, Galway and Killarney guides cover the arrival choices.

Use the right Dublin station

Galway trains use Dublin Heuston. The Enterprise train to Belfast uses Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Grand Central. Changing between the two Dublin stations involves a journey across the city, not a move to the opposite platform.

For Killarney, compare direct departures with services changing at Mallow. Read the whole result on Iarnród Éireann, including works and any replacement buses. Put the station names in your calendar alongside the departure time.

Understand the local ticket

Dublin's adult TFI 90-minute fare is €2 with an eligible Leap card on the covered services. It is not a promise that tapping an ordinary bank card gives the same fare on every bus or train. The TFI fare-zone guide explains the limits and included operators.

Outside Dublin, use the fare for the actual local or intercity service. A Dublin ticket does not become an all-Ireland travel pass. The Leap Visitor Card can simplify a busy Dublin stay, but a regular Leap card may cost less if you mostly walk.

Give coastal outings their own transport plan

From Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands are separate full outings. A ferry ticket needs the right departure port and, if necessary, a transfer from the city. Check the return sailing and weather arrangements before committing to a flight the next morning.

The Cliffs of Moher access notice currently rules out a through coastal walk from Doolin to the visitor experience. Use the open visitor routes and obey closures; a map showing an old path does not establish access.

Around Killarney, choose a named park route that fits your transport and ability. Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and the Ring of Kerry are different outings. A short lakeside walk does not cover a full circuit of the peninsula.

Meals, music and the room bill

For a music session, ask the venue about the day and start time. Do not assume every pub has traditional music every night, or that a district name guarantees a lower bill. Read the menu before sitting down and leave musicians space to play.

Compare accommodation by the complete stay price and room type. A hostel bed and a whole private room cannot be compared as if both were per-person prices. The examples on this site are adjustable allowances; replace them with your booking, meals and chosen visits.

Crossing into Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland uses pounds; the Republic uses euros. Both are outside Schengen and have their own entry requirements. Read Ireland's visitor guidance and the UK checker for your passport before travelling north.

The Common Travel Area gives particular rights to British and Irish citizens. It does not give every visitor automatic permission to enter both countries. Keep the appropriate documents with you even on a straightforward land journey.