Is it a good idea to travel around Ireland by train?

Question

I am taking my fiancee on a short 4 day trip, we will be based in Dublin, and want to venture further afield for a couple of days, perhaps a trip to the west coast. Would we be better hiring a car or catching a train? (We couldn't enjoy the pubs as much if one of us had to drive...)

Answer 1

You would be better off taking the train

Answer 2

my family members have been there and found the hire car the best idea,maybe you could book in at night at the pubs and drink the night out,some do B&B. You will waste too much time and money on trains

Answer 3

If you're only going for a day or 2, take the train and stay in Galway, which is beside the sea and where there are hundreds of pubs.

Answer 4

No. Trains in Ireland are expensive and only serve the biggest cities/towns. I think the best idea is to rent a car and drive around during the day, then park it wherever you're staying in the evening and go out. More than likely if you're staying in a small town/village your accommodation will be within walking distance to the pubs. Or you can take a taxi, they're affordable and widely available.

Answer 5

Yes, That sounds like a brilliant idea.

Good Luck. = )

Answer 6

It depends on where you're going, if (for example) you're going to Galway - the train station is in the city centre and the train journey is lovely.  I've done it many times.  People always give out about public transport but it's really not that bad - local services are less reliable so if you want to explore the west coast you should probably rent a car.  Mind you - why not save yourself the hassle of driving from Dublin to the west by taking the train and hiring a car locally!

Enjoy your trip anyway!

PS this might help: http://www.irishrail.ie/home/

Answer 7

DO NOT TRAVEL AROUND IRELAND IN A TRAIN!! The public transport system in Ireland is disgraceful and doesn't even serve a lot of the country! Its good in Dublin but once you move outside of Dublin its very bad! The west coast is the most beautiful part of Ireland but it is also the most difficult part to get to on a train! A car would be way better because then you good enjoy the scenery properly! However if ye are coming to Ireland for just four days and want to enjoy the pubs it might be better if ye just stick to Dublin and leave the rest of the country for another time!

Enjoy your holiday!

Answer 8

You would get such great, pleasant scenery by taking the train...not to mention a relaxing, enjoyable ride.

Answer 9

I think it is yes, such a lovely country to experience.