Car Hire

Cars are available for hire all over the country and competition between companies means it doesn’t cost the earth. If you’re under 21 or over 70, you’ll need to check each hire company in advance as some won’t hire to these age groups, but otherwise as long as you hold a valid driving licence, you’ll be fine.

For terms and conditions, always check with the car hire company before you travel. And remember to book in advance before you travel, especially in summer when availability may be more limited.

A child's seat should also be ordered in advance to ensure availability. Advise the car hire company if you’re planning to travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Airlines

Flying is one of the quickest ways of getting around this wonderful island and it’s blissfully hassle-free. There is now a selection of operators offering flights from regional airports, including Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Belfast as well as the Aran Islands, Donegal, Kerry, Knock and Sligo.

For flights across Ireland, check out the following:
Aer Arann - www.aerarann.ie
Aer Arann Islands - www.aerarannislands.ie
Aer Lingus - www.aerlingus.com

Ferries

Half the fun of getting to an offshore destination is taking the ferry. There’s nothing quite like bobbing up and down on the choppy ocean with a craggy island rising up ahead of you. It’s advisable to check out island boat services before you travel because the weather can affect services. Regular services operate to the Aran Islands off the Galway coast, Aranmore off Donegal, Clare Island off the Mayo coast, Sherkin and the Cape Clear Islands off the coast of West Cork.

Taxis and Hackneys

There are metered taxis operating in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick; in other areas you may have to get a hackney.

Buses

There’s an excellent countrywide bus network operating to all parts of Ireland. And for places that are inaccessible by rail, it can be your best option. Bus travel around Ireland tends to be cheaper than rail and special tickets of varying duration are available, offering very good value for money.

Trains

A rail journey in Ireland is an absolute pleasure with the silent countryside zipping by outside and comfortable, fast trains getting you to your destination on time. Bicycles can be taken on most trains for a small extra charge and are stored in the guard's van, which is handy if you’re off on a cycling holiday.

 

Trams

In Dublin city and outskirts, the LUAS state-of-the-art light rail system has arrived. Cool, clean and comfortable, it will get you hassle-free to and from the city centre. Simple to navigate, the red line takes you from Tallaght to Connolly Station, while the Green line brings you from Sandyford to St Stephen's Green.

Visit - www.luas.ie

Chauffeur

If you've come over all grand and don’t fancy mixing with the hoi polloi, then you can, of course, hire a chauffeur to get you around. Chauffeurs can be hired from many car hire companies and are also ideal for corporate travel.

Helicopter

Realise your dream of taking off in a helicopter to avoid the weekend rush – it really is quite breathtaking to gaze at the ground below while you whiz by above. Whether it’s to get to the races on time or just to view the magnificent countryside from a different perspective, a helicopter ride is a journey worth taking...