Posted by PAT on January 21, 2007 at 15:30:44:
In Reply to: transportation from Shannon to Dublin posted by Diane on January 21, 2007 at 10:35:37:
: We are traveling to Ireland for our first time in April. We fly into Shannon from the US approx. 7:30am arrival and need to get to Dublin by the end of the day. We have hotel reservations at the Burlington in Dublin and pick up a tour the following morning.
: What is you suggestion for the best way to get to Dublin? We have looked into flying with a long layover in Shannon, taking a train which we assume would allow us to see Ireland countryside, and driving but we have heard nightmares about the narrow roads and left side driving.
: I think we are leaning towards the train but also wonder about getting to the train station from Shannon and from the train station to the hotel in Dublin.
: We would appreciate you recommendations.
Dear Diane,
Getting from Shannon Airport to Dublin is not difficult and you have several options. You are correct that driving would not be the best choice, especially since you will have just flown the Atlantic and you will be jet-lagged and on unfamiliar roads. Driving into Dublin can be daunting, especially on week days. And since you are commencing a tour on the following day, there is absolutely no reason to rent a car for just one day.
Here are your better choices:
Bus - take the Shannon Airport bus (or a taxi) into Limerick bus/train station, and get a Limerick-to-Dublin bus; get a taxi from the Dublin central bus station to the Burlington. For schedules and fares, www.buseireann.ie
Bus & Train - take the Shannon Airport bus into Limerick bus/train station, and get a Limerick-to-Dublin train; get a taxi from the rail station to the Burlington. For schedules and fares, www.buseireann.ie and www.irishrail.ie
Going by bus all the way will be cheaper, but the rail trip can be more pleasant since you can get up and walk around, have some refreshment, and have the convenience of a toilet on board. Since your tour will be conducted via a bus, it would be fun to experience a train as well.
Either way, it is not a long journey and you will see the midland countryside of Ireland, lots of farms and big/small towns en route. It is not the most scenic part of Ireland, but you will see the scenic highights on your bus tour. You will arrive in Dublin just around the correct time for hotel check in (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.).
Hope this helps,
PAT