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These Are the 12 Best Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

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What better way to explore the Emerald Isle than by hopping on one of these Ireland bus tours from Dublin ?

Ireland is a country that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Renowned for its lush green landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich history – it’s brimming with reasons to visit. 

I was lucky enough to study abroad in Dublin and was able to take a few bus tours during my time there!

This small island certainly packs a punch, and each region holds unique attractions. This makes it challenging to choose just one area to visit – which is where Ireland bus tours from Dublin come in.

By adding a few bus tours to your itinerary, you can be sure not to miss out on experiencing the real Ireland. 

The many Ireland bus tours on offer boast carefully curated itineraries, encompassing some of the country’s best landscapes and attractions. Choosing a bus tour is a surefire way to get the most out of your Ireland trip.

Table of Contents

Best Bus Tours from Dublin in Ireland

Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin

✅ Explore Belfast

✅ Visit Giants Causeway

✅ Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

✅ See the Cliffs of Moher

✅ Drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way

✅ Visit Burren National Park

Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

✅ Visit Kilkenny Castle

✅ Drive the Wicklow Gap

✅ Guided walk of Wicklow Mountains National Park

Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Northern Ireland absolutely should not be missed on your Ireland adventure, and this bus tour is a great way of experiencing its highlights. This 13-hour day tour sets off from Dublin and will start by taking you on a 2-hour drive to Belfast.

Here, you’ll jump into a black cab for a Belfast tour led by a guide who grew up in this city during the ‘troubles’ (the Northern Ireland conflict).

The tour will take you through the neighborhoods that were at the heart of the conflict, as well as the famous peace wall, and along the way, you’ll listen to tales of this city’s bloody past. 

There is the option to swap the black cab tour for a visit to the Titanic Dock and Pump House, the site where the ship was constructed before beginning its tragic journey.

The Titanic Experience, situated next door, is a fantastic museum containing artifacts from the ill-fated ship, as well as many interactive exhibitions. 

Next, you’ll head to the UNESCO World Heritage sight of the Giants Causeway. This natural wonder is a true sight to behold, and learning about the mythology surrounding the causeway is fascinating.

Test your bravery by crossing the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended 100 feet over the fierce Irish Sea. 

All admission costs are included in this trip, and the onboard guides are informative and will keep you entertained throughout the day. 

⭐ Click here to book this tour! ⭐

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  13 hours | ✅   Book it!

The Wild Atlantic Way is a popular trail covering the entire east coast of Ireland, taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. The road is windy in many parts, and conditions can be treacherous, thanks to Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

This means that driving the Wild Atlantic Way as a self-guided trip can be a stressful experience, and you’re likely to spend more time looking at maps than appreciating the magnificent views. 

There are many Ireland tour packages that cover this route, and a bus tour of the area means all hassle is removed – instead, you can sit back and take in the epic beauty in comfort.

The Cliffs of Moher Tour takes you through the most scenic spots along the Wild Atlantic Way, and you’re given free time to explore the magnificent cliffs at your own pace.

The trip also makes a stop at Burren National Park, famed for its thousands of archaeological sites and rocky landscapes. 

Your final stop will be Galway City, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute introductory tour before spending a few hours exploring this waterfront paradise on your own accord.

Wandering around Galway’s brightly colored buildings and sampling fresh local cuisine is an experience not to be missed! 

The day trip lasts for around 13 hours, and your local guide will share their knowledge of the Irish countryside as you pass each stop.

There’s even Wi-Fi on board the coach, so you can keep your Instagram followers updated with all the incredible things you see throughout the day. 

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⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✅   Book it!

This bus tour will take you on a journey exploring Ireland’s mythical folklore and stunning medieval architecture. You’ll start at Kilkenny Castle, an 800-year-old Castle founded soon after the Norman occupation of Ireland.

After spending time exploring this remarkable site, you’ll head to a working sheep farm where you’ll watch sheepdog trials and learn how these dogs heard the farm’s animals.

Getting an opportunity to visit a working Irish farm isn’t part of the usual tourist trail, and this is just one of the things that makes this bus tour a great choice. 

After this, you’ll drive through one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland – the Wicklow Gap. This road is nestled between rugged green hills, and the scenery is breathtaking. Make sure to pack your camera!

This area was used as a filming location for ‘Braveheart’ and ‘P.S. I love you’; it’s one of the most stunning spots in Ireland. 

The nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park is your next stop, and here, you’ll enjoy a two-hour guided walk that takes in impressive views across the dramatic mountain range.

From here, you’ll head to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement. This early Christian settlement was founded in the 6th century, and your guide will walk you through the church ruins and ancient graveyards while recounting folklore tales.

The mystical energy in this place makes it a truly special environment to explore. 

This 10-hour day trip is one of the best Ireland bus tours from Dublin for anyone interested in delving into Ireland’s mystical history while also soaking up some of the country’s best natural wonders. 

Small-Group Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  8 hours | ✅   Book it!

One of the downsides to bus tours is that traveling in a large group can come with downsides.

Larger queues for attractions, not being able to ask your guide all your questions, and people getting in the way of your pictures – these are all things that sometimes happen in a large group. 

This Ireland bus tour from Dublin is the perfect trip if you’re worried about these problems. With a guaranteed maximum of 16 people, this is a great way of experiencing all the perks of bus tour travel without any of the downsides.

You’ll have plenty of exploration time at each spot, making it the perfect tour for the more independent traveler. 

This 8-hour trip starts and ends in Dublin and makes seven stops. Your first stop is the Molly Malone statue, and then you’ll drive to Powerscourt House and Gardens. These gardens are voted 3rd best gardens in the world by National Geographic! 

Next, you’ll head to the charming Enniskerry Village Square. Traveling as part of a small group means you get to visit more local attractions, and Enniskerry Village Square is somewhere that larger group tours don’t tend to visit. 

Next, you’ll spend an hour driving through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, stopping at all the noteworthy points along the way, such as the Guinness estate and Sally Gap.

You’ll visit the bridge used for filming in P.S. I Love You before heading to the beautiful Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake. Guinness Lake is where the series ‘Vikings’ was created, and the view over the lake is one of Ireland’s most spectacular. 

Finally, you’ll head to the Glendalough Monastic Settlement, where you’ll have time to explore the beautiful valley and all its ruins.

This is an excellent Ireland bus tour from Dublin as you get to escape the city for a few hours and explore rural Ireland without having to spend too much time on the road – all of the stops are relatively close to one another. 

Titanic Belfast Experience, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Game of Thrones fans won’t want to miss this Northern Ireland bus tour. You’ll board the bus in Dublin for a 2-hour drive up to Belfast, where you’ll head straight to the Titanic Belfast Experience.

This world-class attraction delves into Belfast’s role in the Titanic’s history and features nine interactive galleries, where visitors will be immersed in the sights and smells of the ship.

Here, you’ll hear stories of life aboard the Titanic and learn about the people who made her – in the very place you stand. 

Following this, you’ll head to the 500-year-old Dun Luce Castle. This iconic castle is located on a cliff edge, towering high above the wild Atlantic Ocean – making it one of the most dramatic views in the country.

It was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, and fans of the show will recognize it instantly. 

Your final stop will be at the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. You’ll have 2 hours to explore this magical site before returning to Dublin. 

All entry admissions are included in this bus tour, making it a very convenient day out. The day trip is 13 hours long and suitable for all age groups. 

Celtic Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✅   Book it!

This is one of the best bus tours in Ireland for history lovers. Ireland has a rich history, and on this trip, you’ll travel more than 5000 years back in time as you explore some of the country’s most significant historical sites. 

The 10-hour-long tour will start and end in Dublin. Your first stop is the famous Hill of Tara, the most sacred ancient site in Ireland. You’ll have an hour to explore this giant mound, which is where the high kings of Ireland watched and ruled over the country.

A quarter of the country can be viewed atop this hill on a clear day – it’s a pretty special place. 

Next up is Trim, an Anglo-Norman castle that is the largest of its type in Ireland. Admission here is included, and your guide will teach you all about the history and significance of the castle.

It has been remarkably well preserved and is surrounded by stunning scenery, and you’ll spend an hour taking it in in all its glory. 

Following this, you’ll go to Loughcrew Cairns, a passage of 5000 Neolithic burial tombs which are filled with ancient rock art.

The next stop is the nearby Fore Abbey, a fascinating area home to 7 wonders – the monastery in the bog, the mill without a race, the water that flows uphill, the tree that has three branches/the tree that won’t burn, the water that won’t boil, the anchorite in a stone and the stone raised by St Fechin’s prayers. Pretty impressive! 

This is a fantastic day out, offering the chance to delve into ancient Ireland without spending the night away from the city. 

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Vintage Tea Trips offer a bus tour with a twist. This hour-and-a-half-long journey is a unique way to see Dublin while sitting in the comfort of a cozy vintage bus, listening to the sounds of smooth jazz and nibbling on divine freshly baked goods. 

There is no structured commentary on the bus, but the friendly tour escorts create a warm and sociable atmosphere among the passengers. You’ll pass all the best sites in downtown Dublin and listen to the team as they share their favorite Dublin stories. 

This trip is a great way to spend an afternoon and is a fun way to experience this quirky city. 

Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | ✅   Book it!

This is a great bus tour from Dublin that explores the highlights of County Cork and County Tipperary.

The first stop is the Rock of Cashel, famous as one of Ireland’s most important historical sites. This cluster of medieval buildings is home to a vast collection of Celtic artwork, and its medieval architecture is renowned as some of the best in Europe.

The buildings perch atop a hill and overlook quintessentially Irish rolling green hills. You’ll have an hour to spend here, and admission is included in the ticket. 

Next, you’ll have an hour and a half to explore the city of Cork. There is no guided tour here, so you can spend your time as you please, and you certainly won’t struggle to find things to do in Cork!

The buzzing city contains a truly vibrant Irish atmosphere and is a foodie’s paradise. 

After your time in Cork, the next stop is the famous Blarney Castle. This beautiful castle is famous in Irish legend – the Irish have been kissing the Blarney Stone for centuries, and it’s believed that by kissing the stone, you’ll receive the ‘gift of the gab’… otherwise known as seven years of eloquent speech. Maybe there’s some truth in it – the Irish are great storytellers! 

This 12-hour tour is a must for history lovers, as it journeys around some of Ireland’s most impressive historical landmarks. 

Dublin: Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey, Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12.5 hours | ✅   Book it!

This West Ireland tour covers the same stops as the above Cliffs of Moher tour, but it also includes an additional stop that is exclusive to this tour operator. Kilmacduagh monastery is a 1000-year-old ruin and graveyard and is one of Ireland’s best collections of monastic buildings. 

During your visit, you’ll spend time exploring the 12th-century round tower as well as the ruins and graveyard. The area is surrounded by Ireland’s famous verdant green hills and here you’ll spot more cows than you will people!

The tour is 12 and a half hours long and includes all admission fees, as well as fantastic live commentary, which will teach you everything there is to know about Ireland’s wild and enchanting west. 

Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅   Book it!

Ireland is famous for its pubs, and for good reason – you’d be hard-pressed to find a country with more charming and atmospheric watering holes. 

The best way to experience Ireland’s pubs is by visiting with a local. This Ireland bus tour from Dublin is hosted by a local guide, meaning you can do just that!

You’ll venture into the mountains of Dublin and tour three different pubs, and your guide will share his knowledge and stories with you at each spot. The tour is 5 hours long, so you’ll have ample drinking time in each.

The best part is that you don’t have to worry about being the designated driver as you’re on a bus tour! This trip is a fantastic way to experience Dublin’s pubs. 

The places you’ll visit are real local pubs, rather than the touristy ones you’re likely to find in the city center. Each pub is located in a scenic mountain setting, and you can expect to find live traditional music at each spot.

The Irish are an incredibly friendly and welcoming bunch, so expect to meet some fantastic people and enjoy brilliant conversation along the way. 

Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

⭐️ RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes | ✅   Book it!

If you’re a seasoned city-hopper, you’ll be no stranger to seeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. These cheery red double-decker buses can be found in most cities around the world, and they’re an excellent way to see all the sights and learn along the way. 

Dublin has multiple tour providers offering Hop-On and Hop-Off tickets, each of which allows you to explore the city at your own pace.

On board, you’ll receive an audio guide with an informative commentary of each sight you pass, along with interesting facts about the city.

These buses all follow a similar route around Dublin’s most popular attractions, including everything from the iconic National Gallery to the world-renowned Temple Bar. 

Your ticket is usually valid for 24 hours and allows you to get off at each site you want to explore and skip the ones you aren’t interested in.

Many of the tour providers (such as Big Bus Dublin) also include a free walking tour within the ticket, led by a local historian who takes you to some of the lesser-known sites in areas the bus can’t reach.

This bus tour is the perfect way to get the most out of the city without the additional expense and stress of navigating transport yourself. 

Game of Thrones – Winterfell Trek from Dublin

⭐️ RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✅   Book it!

Thanks to its stunning scenery and out-of-this-world nature, Ireland has been used in countless film and television productions over the years.

Some Ireland tour packages offer trips that bring these cinematic worlds to life, and this Winterfell Trek is an absolute must-do for fans of Game of Thrones. 

The tour starts when you board the bus in Dublin, where you’ll be given a cloak to wear for the tour – you’ll be feeling like a member of House Stark in no time!

Along the way to visit filming locations from the series, you’ll stop at some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic locations, like Tollymore Forest Park and Strangford Lough. 

Then, you’ll arrive at Old Castle Ward, which was the location of Winterfell in series 1. The tour is led by guides who were extras in the series, and they’ll lead you on a walking tour of areas like Walder Frey’s Twins and Robb Stark’s camp in the Riverlands. 

The guides will share tales of their experience during filming, and you’ll even get to watch special behind-the-scenes footage on tablets. The final stop is Inch Abbey, the 12th-century ruins where Robb Stark became king in the North. 

This trip is an incredible experience for fans of the series, and when surrounded by the ethereal forests and medieval ruins of Ireland, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re in Winterfell. 

Final Thoughts: Ireland Bus Tours from Dublin

As you can see, there are multiple incredible Ireland bus tours from Dublin. Traveling in this way enables you to maximize your time in the Emerald Isle and discover all the best sites without the headache of organizing your own tour.

The only problem with bus tours in Ireland is… which one to choose?!

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Escorted Bus Tours

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• Escorted Bus Tours Ireland

63 tours met your criteria

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Sheepdog Demonstration, Waterford Crystal, Kings John Castle, Ring of Kerry

Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle - 8 Days/7 Nights

Glasgow Highlights, Loch Lomond, Lochness Cruise, Edinburgh Castle, Titanic Belfast, Dublin sightseeing.

Taste of Scotland & Ireland - 11 days/10 Nights

Glasgow Highlights, Loch Lomond, Lochness Cruise, Edinburgh Castle

Taste of Scotland - 5 days/4 Nights

Trip highlights include superb 5-Star hotels and luxury Irish Castles

Irish Supreme - 9 Days/8 Nights

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin Castle, Blasket Centre, Foynes flying boat museum & a trip to Kinsale

Southern Gems - 7 Days/6 Nights

Tour highlights includes Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Sheep dog Trials & Dublin Sightseeing

Taste of Ireland (Tour B)- 6 Days/5 Nights

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Dubln Castle, Ring of Kerry, Sheep dog Trials& Skellig Michael

Taste of Ireland (Tour C)- 5 Days/4 Nights

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Dubln Castle, Ring of Kerry, Sheep dog Trials & Skellig Michael

Taste of Ireland (Tour A)- 7 Days/6 Nights

Trip highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Isle of Skye and the amazing Giant's Causeway.

Scots Irish Tour - 11 Days/10 Nights

Trip highlights include Blarney Castle, the world famous Cliffs of Moher, Edinburgh Castle and the Isle of Skye.

Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights

Trip highlights include Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny Castle, Ring of Kerry & Blarney Castle

Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Kilkenny Castle and the stunning Ring of Kerry

Irish Spirit - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include Isle of Skye, Loch Ness Cruise, Skara Brae and Urqhart Castle.

Scottish Isles & Glens - 12 Days/11 Nights

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse Tour, Dingle Peninsula & a fantastic Sheepdog Demonstration

The Irish Pub Tour- 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Guinness Storehouse and the fantastic sheepdog demonstrations.

The Irish Pub Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include Almwick Castle and Gardens, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Giants Causeway, Hampton Court Palace, Jameson Whiskey Experience, Roman Bath, Stonehenge.

British & Irish Grandeur - 14 Days/13 Nights

Trip highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Cardiff Castle, Epic The Irish Emigration Museum, Roman Baths, St Patricks Cathedral, Stonehenge, Tower of London.

Irish & British Focus - 11 days/10 nights

Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths, Tower of London and Windsor Castle

Best of Britain 10 Days/9 nights Tour

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Little Museum of Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Jaunting Carriage Ride in Killarney and Sheep Dog demonstration

Best of Ireland South (Tour B) - 7 Days/6 Nights

Best of Ireland South (Tour C) - 7 Days/6 Nights

Best of Ireland South (Tour A) - 8 Days/7 Nights

Tour highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Inverary Castle, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum, Sean's Bar, Cliffs of Moher, Waterford Crystal, Kylemore Abbey and Gardens.

Scottish & Irish Gold - 15 Days/14 Nights

Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights

Trip highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Titanic Belfast and the fantastic sheepdog demonstrations.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way 13 days/12 night

Trip highlights include Blair Athol Distillery, Blair Castle, Edinburgh Castle and the Isle of Skye.

Scottish Dream - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Blasket Centre, Giant's Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs and Titanic Belfast.

Jewels of Ireland - 14 Days/13 Nights

Trip highlights include the Blasket Centre, Brú na Bóinne, the Giant's Causeway and the Slieve League Cliffs.

Jewels of Ireland - 15 Days/14 Nights

Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrew's, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and the fantastic Sheepdog Demonstration.

Scottish & Irish Dream- 13 Days/12 Nights

Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher and the Titanic Belfast.

Scottish & Irish Dream- 14 Days/13 Nights

Trip highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and Trinity College & the Book of Kells.

Irish Gold Coach Tour - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Trinity College & the Book of Kells and the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

Irish Gold Coach Tour - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include Caernarfon Castle, Snowdonia Train Ride, Shakespeare's Birthplace and the famous Tower of London.

Heart of Wales and England 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Titanic Belfast and the Giant's Causeway.

Irish Adventure - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Knock Shrine and the Giant's Causeway.

Irish Adventure - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include Windsor Castle, the Roman Baths, the stunning Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle.

Taste of Britain & Ireland - 14 Days/13 Nights

Trip highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Belfast.

Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights

Trip highlights include Windsor Castle, the Roman Baths, a cruise on Lake Windermere and the Tower of London

Taste of Britain - 7 Days/6 Nights

Trip highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, Down Cathedral, the Titanic Belfast and the world famous Giant's Causeway.

Mystical Ireland - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Muckross House and Gardens, the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey and a wonderful Sheepdog demonstration.

Castles & Manors of Ireland - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Cawdor Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness Cruise and St. Andrew's Castle & Cathedral.

Scottish Supreme - 8 days/7 nights

Trip highlights include Blair Athol Distillery, Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrew's and the Giant's Causeway.

Irish & Scottish Sampler - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge, , Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and the House of Waterford Crystal.

Essence of Britain & Ireland 11 day/10 night tour

Trip highlights include Dublin Vintage Tea Tour, Seaweed Foraging Experience, Glendalough and Blarney Castle.

The Irish Foodie Tour - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Brodie Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and the Isle of Skye.

Scottish Clans & Castles 10 day/9 night tour

Trip highlights include Blair Athol Distillery, Loch Ness Cruise & Edinburgh Castle

Scottish Clans & Castles 11 day/10 night tour

Tour highlights include Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Sheep Dog demonstration, fun cooking experience, viking splash tour, Galway Walking Tour and private chocolate tasting.

Irish Myths & Legends - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Blair Blair Castle, Loch Ness Cruise, Sheep dog demonstration, Riverside Transport & Museum, Sterling Castle and Highland Safaris

Scottish Lochs & Castles - 8 Days/7 Nights

The highlights are Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin City Tour, Jaunting car ride, South Pole Inn an Sheep Dog demonstration.

Ireland South Daytripper - 7 Days/6 Nights

Trip highlights include Roman Baths Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

Taste of England - 14 day/13 night

Trip highlights include Roman Baths, Stonehenge and Cantebury Cathedral and London Eye.

Best of Southern England - 8 day/7 night

Trip highlights include Stonehenge, York, Oxford, Cambridge, Cantebury Cathedral and Lake District

Best of Northern England - 8 day/7 night

The highlights include Beleek Pottery, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Abbey Tavern, Cruise on Lough, Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Florence Court House, Whiskey Experience in Killarney, Sheepdog demonstration, Sieve League Cliffs.

Irish Explorer - 10 Days/9 Nights

Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Glamis Castle, Edinburgh Castle and the Tower of London.

Great British Cities - 8 day/7 night

Trip highlights include Trim Castle Living History Demonstration, the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Edinburgh Castle.

Lochs, Luck & Lore - 8 Days/7 Nights

Trip highlights include Roman Baths, Glamis Castle, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

Scenic Britain - 11 day/10 night

Trip highlights include the Dingle Peninsula, the Book of Kells, the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey.

Elegant Ireland - 10 Days/9 Nights

Trip highlights include Castle Howard, Stonehenge, Shakespeare's Birthplace and Lanhydrock House.

Highlights of Britain - 15 day/14 night

Trip highlights include Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the Giant's Causeway and a fantastic sheepdog demonstration.

Northern Welcome - 9 Days/8 Nights

Trip highlights include Glens of Antrim, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the Cliffs of Moher and a fantastic Sheepdog Demonstration.

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland - 23 Days/22 Nights

Trip highlights include Belleek Pottery, Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway and Kilmainham Gaol

Irish Odyssey - 12 Days/11 Nights

Trip highlights include Callanish Standing Stones, Island Hopping Experience, Isle of Harris Distillery and Edinburgh Castle.

The Outer Hebrides - Scotland's Gaelic West - 11 days/10 nights

Trip highlights include a West End Theater Show, Harry Potter Themed London Walking Tour, Roman Baths, Stonehenge and the Tower of London.

English Knights & Wizards - 8 Days/7 Nights

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IrishTourism.com is pleased to announce that CIE Tours International is guaranteeing the vast majority of tour departure dates, so you can now book safe in the knowledge that your chosen tour of Ireland will operate! To determine whether your preferred tour departure date is open and guaranteed, please check with our reservations team prior to booking. You can do this by calling us here in Ireland on one of the numbers below or by sending us an enquiry for the particular tour of your choice. With dates assured, we guarantee that you will have a superb travel experience with us!

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Hop On Hop Off Dublin - Bus Tours

Experience the best of the capital city of Ireland with your hop-on hop-off Dublin tour. Choose from a range of Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tickets and discover the city at your own pace. Explore the culture and vibrance of the city and visit some of the iconic stops like the Irish Whiskey Museum, Dublin Castle, Writers Museum, Guinness Brewery, Temple Bar and many more. The city that wakes up early offers some top-rated Dublin bus tour combinations at compelling prices. It’s what to do in Dublin!

Dublin Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Top Customer Reviews

Mary mcdonald.

Getting a wide overview of a new city helps me get the most out of travels.

Lauren Murphy

woooooo loved it !!!!!!!!

Elizabeth Quigley

Great driver and staff. Very helpful.

Experience Dublin in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Explore the Emerald Isle during your hop-on hop-off Dublin city tours. With your tickets, you don’t need to trouble yourself about how to get around the city. The bus tours are super-flexible, and they make plenty of stops at the top attractions, so you can choose which places you would like to see. Check out the Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and much more!

You can choose from top curated experiences and hop on Big Bus Dublin, Do Dublin, or more. You can even pair a hop-on hop-off with a free museum visit and a walking tour. Otherwise, why not opt for a tour that includes meal deals, a free walking tour, drinks, and more! And for those wanting to avail themselves of a great deal, you can try a DoDublin Card or a Dublin Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book the hop-on hop-off dublin sightseeing tour.

June to August is the peak season in Dublin when the weather is pleasantly warm and festivities fill the air. However, the city is packed with tourists in the summer season. You can also visit Dublin in late spring to balance out the crowds. Plus, you can secure great deals on sightseeing and accommodation.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the Dublin hop-on hop-off tour?

Major attractions covered in Dublin open bus tour include the Irish Whiskey Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, The Dublin Liberties Distillery, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park, Writers Museum, Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Ireland, Teelings Distillery, and Temple Bar.

Q: Is Dublin hop-on hop-off worth it?

Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tour covers all major attractions of the city with strategically placed stops. Add to that, you can also combine your sightseeing bus tour with a River Cruise or The Guinness Storehouse Experience. These tours also include free guided walking tours and immersive audio commentary about Dublin’s Viking history. You can enjoy live commentary in several languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Russian to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various hop-on hop-off tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops and timings change frequently.

Q: Where do I exchange my Dublin Bus tour voucher or paper ticket?

Other hop on hop off destinations.

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

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Coach / Bus Tours in Ireland 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Ireland. There are 106 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 15 days. The most popular month for these tours is August.

106 Coach / Bus trips around Ireland with 5,815 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

The tour was beyond our expectations! Everything was very well organized. We were able to experience local place and people, which we would not have been able to do touring on our own. Our tour guide, Sally, was THE BEST!!!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

Our Irish Experience was great. Our tour guide Allie was very professional and engaging. Driver Stevie was on-tine and friendly. Our hotels were all very clean and comfortable. Morning breakfasts at the hotels very full and well-rounded. We had 2-3 main attractions per day and had adequate time at each one. Ireland is beautiful and I highly recommend.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Mike and Team do a great job, friendly and very professional in accommodating people from all over the place. A very good selection of attractions, pointing out special locations, ending in a awesome relaxing tour! Looking forward for similar tours in the future!

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

My sister and I booked a tour with Wild N Happy and had an absolute blast! It was such a great experience from beginning to end. Both Michael and Diarmuid were excellent tour guides, giving great insight into the history and folklore of the island. We loved being immersed in the culture and getting to explore the many sights and cities that make Ireland such a dream. We walked away with a deep appreciate and admiration of the country, and we loved that we got a new travel family along the way :) We look forward to booking another tour with Wild N Happy in the future!

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

Kerry Royal

Overall good...don't like showers over tub..dangerous...slip mats essential. Gresham Dublin confusing because of the Reno's. Our tour leader and driver were excellent, but the relief driver for our visit to Dingle was downright scary.

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

Fantastic director, great stops and awesome coach

Introduction to Ireland

Our tour guide was Tiarnan....he was excellent and had a wealth of knowledge. I would definitely go with Globus again!! :)

Emerald Isle

Lived the itinerary and the tour guide Barbara was fantastic.

Best of the West

thought it was expensive for what we had gotten, I'm used to having the majority of the meals provided. also, very very rushed 30 minutes here or 45 there. it wasn't leasurely. too stressful. would help if orders were taken a head to speed up the process.

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Loved it!! Our tour guide Tony was so nice.I wanted a small group....and there were only 6 of us on the tour which was great! We loved the Irish people and saw some beautiful castles and scenery. I would definately recommend TourRadar and would do another in Ireland. :)

3-Day West Coast Explorer Small-Group Tour from Dublin

This was our first tour with Rabbies and we had an excellent experience with the tour. Our tour guide, Dan was exceptional. Dan was not only kind, good humored and accommodating, but has an incredible wealth of knowledge. His thoroughness of the Irish Gaelic language and history helped bring Ireland’s beauty, people and history to life. He is a great professional but very, very pleasant as well. He ensured that his customers were well taken care and comfortable. He explained every site with great depth of knowledge and patience. My husband and I consider ourselves lucky to have Dan as our tour guide. It was not only our experience but the other members of the tour conveyed the same sentiments as well. I would definitely consider Rabbies for our future tours and would surely refer friends and family to Rabbies for their travel needs especially Dan as their tour guide in Ireland. We have booked two additional tours with Rabbies on our travel to Scotland. Thank you very much, Dan and Rabbies for making our trip to Ireland an enjoyable one.

Irish Elegance (Small Groups, 8 Days)

Traveling with Greg was an unexpected delight! I had imagined a guide who would point things out and give some history or information. What I didn’t expect was a funny and vibrant young man who was willing to go the extra mile at any and every opportunity. From spurring us on to sing “Here Cones the Sun” every single morning as we drove off (and in our case in Ireland it actually worked!) to walking the full length of the bus to ask each of us if we had questions or thoughts, several times a day, to providing us with what he called “little flourishes”—a refreshing mint after we had been walking, or a sample of Butler’s chocolate or tastes of different local beverages— all of it thoughtful and enriching to the trip. His love of music kept us energized as he played songs in the bus to match different locales. He took requests! He gauged the overall feel of the group regularly, getting us off on the road earlier on some days, making sure we had some moments of relaxation to revive before the next stop, or adding in extra things along the way if he heard different members chatting about something. He was quite willing to take hold of someone’s cell phone and capture photos of them at key points. He was consistently upbeat even in some tough moments, like having to chase after a couple who were waylaid for 4 days from catching the tour through no fault of their own and who were terribly sad about it. Greg made sure to save as many events for them as he could and to enfold them into the group so they felt welcomed and supported as soon as they finally caught up with us. I feel that Greg was a fabulous person to travel with and cannot recommend him highly enough.

Land of Saints & Scholars (Hotel) - 7 days

Land of Saints & Scholars - 7 days

Ireland coach / bus tour reviews.

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

This tour was so good! We experienced more of Ireland than the itinerary indicated (because of stops we made along our journey, which I loved!), but never felt rushed. Our guide Diarmuid is such a professional - he provided us with interesting information about the places we stopped and Ireland in general, kept us on schedule with a relaxed demeanor, and is genuinely a very nice person. I've never traveled with a tour group before and this one couldn't have been any better. The Emerald Isle is so beautiful and everyone is so friendly that, even when there was a bit of rain, it was still fun. Many thanks to Mick and Diarmuid (the best!!) for making this a most memorable trip. PS the accommodations were fantastic - especially the breakfasts!

Regions in Ireland

• Ireland Wild Atlantic Way (56)
• Southern Ireland (49)
• Munster (19)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)
• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

3 Day Tours from Dublin

Irish tours departing dublin for 3 days.

Are you ready for an adventure? The Emerald Isle awaits. Even if you only have a few days in which to explore, our tours are here for you, with our short but sweet 3-day tours from Dublin. Ireland is like a wild horse frolicking in a rugged landscape. What's more, this beautiful land is bursting with historic castles, stunning waterscapes, and sacred Guinness.

And we want to make the most out of your  tour of Ireland . We strive to go beyond the traditional, looking for the hidden gems that could have been buried with their ancestors, lost in plain sight, or even wanting to be kept a secret. There are a multitude of adventures waiting for you when you take a tour from Dublin.  

Planning Your 3-Day Tour from Dublin

The beauty of a 3-day tour from Dublin is you can find whatever it is you're looking for, even in just three days. Whether it’s the coastal paths calling out to the Atlantic, or laying footsteps along the cobbled streets of Northern Ireland , the only way to experience the magic is to say 'yes' to adventure.

Travel Responsibly from Dublin 

No matter where we travel in this beautiful world, we believe it deserves to be cared for by every visitor. And that’s exactly what we strive to do, in Ireland and beyond. Through our responsible travel initiative , we donate, volunteer, use small mini-coaches and do as much as we can to protect locations for future generations to enjoy. 

USA/Canada Toll Free: 1-888-508-6639 USA/Canada Toll Free / Landline: (046) 9437555

ALL OUR TOURS are fully customizable We offer 24/7 customer care on arrival in Ireland

Where the Love for Ireland Begins

• COACH TOURS OF IRELAND

Travel Ireland, Scotland, Britain or a combination of all three with our popular luxury bus tours, for small groups and large groups . Depending on your budget and length of your stay, we have the perfect coach trip for you to see the best of these beautiful countries.

Travel in comfort from coast to coast and experience varied treasures, from stunning countrysides and coastlines to picturesque towns and World heritage landmarks. In Ireland, tick the Wild Atlantic Way, The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway off your travel bucket list as well as Dublin City, historic Castles and much more.

Choose from our wide range of small and large group coach tours, led by your own personal, expert driver guide. Our all-inclusive bus tours of Ireland, Scotland and Britain include wonderful accommodation, meals and guided excursions.

For a more customized tour experience, we also have a great range of private tours. Be sure to also take a look at our self-drive tours if you would prefer to be in the driving seat.

SMALL & LARGE GROUP TOURS

Small group tours.

6 DAY NORTHERN ISLAND

6 Day Flavour of Ireland

7 DAY TREASURE IRELAND TOUR

7 DAY BEAUTFULL SOUTH TOUR

• 8 Day Love Ireland

10 DAY LOOP OF IRELAND TOUR

11 DAY DISCOVER IRELAND TOUR

Large group tours.

5 DAY TASTE OF IRELAND

6 DAY TASTE OF IRELAND

7 DAY BEST OF IRELAND SOUTH

7 DAY Southern Gems

8 DAY IRISH GOLD

8 Day Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle

• 8 Day Mystical Ireland

8 DAY The Irish Pub Tour

8 DAY Irish Spirit

9 Day Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

9 DAY IRISH ADVENTURE

This coach tour is also available in a 8 day tour so pop us an email to get your quote and further details

10 Day Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

• 10 Day Irish Legends

12 DAY IRISH ODYSSEY

14 Day Jewels of Ireland

5 DAY TASTE OF SCOTLAND

8 DAY SCOTTISH DREAM

Scotland & ireland.

7 DAY IRISH & SCOTTISH SAMPLER

10 DAY TASTE OF SCOTLAND & IRELAND

14 DAY SCOTTISH & IRISH DREAM

15 DAY THE SCOTS IRISH TOUR

16 DAY SCOTTISH & IRISH GOLD

Britain & ireland, coming soon.

Contact Info

• Love Irish Tours
• Unit 8 Scurlockstown Business Park Trim Co Meath
• 1888-508-6639
• (046) 9437555
• edel@loveirishtours.com
• 5 Day Taste Of Ireland
• 6 Day Taste Of Ireland
• 7 Day Best Of Ireland South
• 7 Day Southern Gems
• 8 Day Irish Gold
• 8 Day Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle
• 8 Day The Irish Pub Tour
• 8 Day Irish Spirit
• 9 Day Irish Adventure
• 9 Day Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
• 10 Day Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
• 12 Day Irish Odyssey
• 14 Day Jewels Of Ireland Tour
• 6 Day Flavour of Ireland Tour
• 6 Day Northern Island
• 7 Day Treasure Ireland Tour
• 7 Day Beautiful South Tour
• 10 Day Loop of Ireland Tour
• 11 day Discover Ireland Tour
• 5 Day Taste of Scotland
• 8 Day Scottish Dream
• 7 Day Irish & Scottish Sampler
• 10 Day Taste of Scotland & Ireland
• 14 Day Scottish & Irish Dream
• 15 Day The Scots Irish Tour
• 16 Day Scottish & Irish Gold

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The best bus tours in Dublin

Go sightseeing in Dublin on a city bus tour, and see all the landmarks in one day.

If you’re short on time, a bus tour is a great way to see Dublin. You can tick off all the major sights in one fell swoop, without your step counter going through the roof.

Whether you want to pack in as much as you can, or simply see the sights from the comfort of a double decker bus, these tours will show you the best of Dublin.

• 1 . Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours
• 2 . Big Bus Dublin
• 3 . City Sightseeing
• 4 . Vintage Tea Trips
• 5 . What to see in Dublin

Seeing the city by bus means you don’t need to decide between visiting Kilmainham Gaol or the Phoenix Park , because you can do it all in one day, hopping on and off at your leisure. Better still, you’ll often be accompanied by a tour guide who can point out the local hotspots as you sail on past.

It's also a cost-effective way to see the city, particularly if tickets to museums or other attractions are thrown into the mix. As a general rule, you can expect to pay around €30 for a 24-hour hop on, hop off tour, or around €35 for a two-day ticket. On most of the tours, at least one child goes free per adult, making family tours even better value.

But bus tours aren’t just for seeing the city. Nearby attractions are also at your fingertips, on tours that take you all around Ireland without you having to hire a car or navigate public transport. You can head off to places like the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant's Causeway and be back in the city by nightfall.

Hop On Hop Off Tour by DoDublin Tours

You’ll spot these bright green buses all over the city. Their hop on, hop off tours take in all the major sights, including the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum . But they also stop off at the smaller attractions, like Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the Liberties and Marsh’s Library , right next to St Patrick’s Cathedral . A ticket also includes entry to the Little Museum of Dublin and a Pat Liddy's walking tour . Buses depart from O’Connell Street regularly.

Guinness Storehouse

If you want to get out of the city, they also run tours south to Wicklow and Glendalough, or north up to Belfast and the Causeway Coast. They also offer a Ghostbus tour of Dublin, where you’ll visit a medieval vault and a city graveyard, accompanied by some fairly theatrical characters. While their original tour is most definitely not for kids, they’ve now created a version for children aged between 7-14.  

Big Bus Dublin

This bus tour takes in 25 stops around Dublin, with a guide pointing out all the sights of the city, or a pre-recorded commentary available in eight languages. As well as all the locations set in the middle of the city, the tours head out to Dublin Zoo in the Phoenix Park, as well as Kilmainham Gaol and Richmond Barracks . Even if you don’t hop off and explore those sights, the trip will give you a broader sense of Dublin’s geography away from the city centre. The regular tours kick off from O’Connell Street, check Big Bus Tours Dublin for up-to-date departure times.

All tickets include a walking tour, and there’s free Wi-Fi on the bus, too — so you can plot out your next move, or post a video of the on-board singalongs to Instagram. They also offer a night tour , so you can see all the landmarks illuminated after dark, like the lights of St Patrick’s Cathedral or the buildings that line the River Liffey. There’s also a deluxe package available, which includes the hop on, hop off ticket for three days, a night tour and a half day coastal tour to the fishing village of Howth .  

City Sightseeing

There are more than 30 stops on the City Sightseeing hop on, hop off tour, including Jeanie Johnston , a replica famine ship on the River Liffey, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham. Buses run every hour, departing from Trinity College.

As well as the included stops in the city, you can get picked up in the morning from bus stops around Ballsbridge, which is handy if you’re staying in that neighbourhood and want to see the more central sights without getting separate transport into town. 

They also offer a river cruise along the Liffey, giving you a unique perspective of the city from the water. Starting at Bachelor’s Walk, you’ll sail under O’Connell Bridge and past the 18th-century Custom House, all the way to the glass and steel architecture of the Docklands. 

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Vintage tea trips.

This isn’t a traditional bus tour. Instead of hopping off at various spots, you’ll stay on the vintage bus for the duration of your journey, passing the highlights of the city as you tuck into afternoon tea accompanied by the sounds of 1950s jazz. You’ll see sights like Trinity College, the Phoenix Park and Christ Church Cathedral , with freshly made sandwiches, desserts and pastries on the table in front of you.

What to see in Dublin

Planning your hop off points? Our guide to the great things to see in Dublin will get you started, with most of them included on the bus tours above.

 Dublin Bus

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Dublin's No.1 Sightseeing Tour Company

DoDublin is the No.1 rated Dublin Bus Tour on TripAdvisor

For a vacation you'll never forget!

DoDublin are the top tour company in Ireland's capital city. We show more people around Dublin than anybody else, and we've been No.1 since 1988.

• Friendliest guides - with an encyclopedic knowledge of the city they love.
• We offer fantastic value and 1 Child U15 Goes Free.
• Buses arrive every 20-30 minutes (in Summer, every 30-60 minutes in Winter)
• Buy online before you arrive and present voucher on your phone!

Take our Hop on Hop off tour of the city, try a Day Trip on our famous double decker buses.. We have the biggest fleet of sightseeing buses and higher frequency for our city tour than any other bus company in Ireland, with the most dedicated and passionate tour guides behind the wheel!

Ireland is one of Europe's top vacation destinations and it's easy to see why.

• The Irish scenery is simply breath-taking - from its ancient cities to its wonderful green countryside.
• Céad Míle Fáilte (or one hundred thousand welcomes) On vacation it's often the people you meet who leave the biggest impression, and the Irish are famous for their warm and friendly nature.
• Ireland is a country that is steeped in history with medieval castles, Georgian splendour, and prehistoric monuments to be found around every turn!
• Ireland's culture and arts are famous throughout the world, from their music, writers and poets, ancient folklore and they're wit.
• Modern Ireland is renowned as a travel destination for its great food, top quality hotels and accommodation and excellent customer service and value for money.

Green is the colour that is synonymous with Ireland. City's throughout the world "go green" each year (in Chicago they even dye the river) to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Well DoDublin are green all year round, and if you're in Dublin city you're never far away from a Green DoDublin Bus. Hop on board and we'll help you DoDublin, like a Dubliner!

For Dublin’s fastest, most frequent and best valued airport transfers book through the Airlink Express Airport Transfer Hub

Take Dublin’s No.1 city sightseeing tour on open top bus.

24 Hour & 48 Hour tickets available helping visitors truly discover Dublin.

One original route covering the city’s must-see attractions.

Buy tickets for all of Dublin's top tourist attractions;

Includes EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum,

Christ Church Cathedral, Teelings Whiskey Distillery

and much more!

Venture outside Dublin city for the day.

See world famous landmarks and breath-taking landscapes including the Cliffs of Moher, Glendalough and the Titanic exhibition.

Experience traditional Irish culture and craic in popular cities like Belfast, Galway, Kilkenny and more.

Paddle under Dublin's most famous bridges on a kayaking adventure! Discover more now. Read More

Hop On Hop Off - 48 Hours

The DoDublin Hop-on hop-off tour is the best way to see the City. Book your 2 day* tickets here.

*Valid for 48 hours from first use, so if you activate at 3pm on Monday you'll be able to use it until 3pm on Wednesday!

• Dublin's Most Popular Hop-On Hop-Off Tour!

See All of Dublin's Favourite Attractions & Museums!

Kids Go Free* + Free Entry to Dublin's Famous Little Museum

Dublin's Best Tour Guides

• Sightseeing for just one day? Check out 24 Hour tickets

Tour Overview

Discover Dublin's best sites and attractions with Dublin's No.1 Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Visit the attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, and Dublin Zoo, or really discover the true nature of Dublin at the city’s hidden gems like Epic The Irish Emigration Museum, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Marsh’s Library beside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and many more.

The DoDublin Tour is the most comprehensive bus route with strategic stops located close to all the major attractions in the city. Perfect for the first-time visitor to the capital, or if you're just looking for a great fun-filled way to travel around the city, with a super guided tour along the way.

Enjoy views of the city’s stunning Georgian Architecture, City Parks, Monuments, as well as the gorgeous Phoenix Park on WiFi-enabled open-top double-decker buses while listening to the best tour guides in Dublin.

Kids Travel Free

A child under 15 travels free with every Hop on Hop off adult ticket purchased and free entry into The Little Museum of Dublin. You'll receive a free map of the city too.

You’ll enjoy live commentary from our Fáilte Ireland trained drivers, all native Dubliners and all of whom are great entertainers. The term “gift of the gab” was invented for DoDublin tour guides! They take great pride in presenting the best of Dublin city, with plenty of historical and cultural references, quotes by famous Dublin poets and writers, loads of jokes and plenty of Songs from Dublin City too. We also provide pre-recorded multilingual tours in 9 languages.

• Find out all sorts of useful information on Dublin at the Essential Dublin Information  page

Meal & Drink Deals

Fantastic meal and drink deals included with your Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket. We have partnered with great Café's Restaurants and Bars across Dublin City!

2 for 1 Murray's Bar and Grill (available between 12:00 - 17:00) - O'Connell Street Stop

2 for 1 The Lotts Café Bar (available 11:00 - 17:00, 7 days a week) - Bachelor's Walk Stop

2 for 1 KC Peaches on all cooked breakfasts - Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green & Temple Bar Stops

Free Glass of Guinness at Lennan's Yard - St. Stephen's Green Stop

Free Glass of Red Ale at Kenndy's Pub & Restaurant - Westland Row Stop

*Please note much present tour ticket to avail of these offers*

Buy 48 hour Hop-on-Hop-off Tour Tickets

View Online Map Here

Download Map (.pdf)

Tour Information

• First Tour departs Stop 1 at 09:00. Last Tour departs at 17:00
• Monday - Friday : Tours every 30 minutes
• Saturday - Sunday : Tours every 30 minutes until 10:00, every 20 minutes until 16:00, and every 30 minutes until 17:00

Customers must ask Bus Driver for a Ticket for Free Entry to Little Museum

*One child under 15 travels free with each adult. Tickets must be purchased for additional children and Student tickets must be purchased for children 15 years old and over. *Max 8 child tickets per booking (including FREE). Any addition children per group must hold a student ticket.

Live and Multi-lingual buses are provided.

Tours are in German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Italian and Irish.

Please look for the sign on the front of the bus. Every 2nd bus is live and every other bus is multi-lingual.

Children travelling for FREE do not need a ticket.

All DoDublin buses are wheelchair accessible.

“The best way to see the city”

Whoever invented hop-on hop-off city tour busses was an absolute genius!

Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Big Bus: 24/48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Dublin

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Get a taste of the best of Dublin at your own pace with an unlimited hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
• Access 1 route – Red Route with over 23 stops dotted along the city with the option of a Discover, Essential or Explore pass.
• The 48-hour pass also includes a guided walking tour and night tour. Additionally, with your Explore pass, get a half-day coastal tour too!
• The open-top-double-decker buses will give you the best views of the city along with an entertaining live guide present onboard.
• Some popular stops include the iconic Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin Castle.

Discover Pass: 24-Hours

• 24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Entertaining live guide
• Pre-recorded audio commentary in 8 languages
• Guided walking tour

Essential Pass: 48-Hours

• 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass

Explore Pass: 48-Hours

• Half-day coastal tour
• Entrance fees at the monuments
• Meal inclusions
• First bus: 9am from stop #1 (13 Upper O'Connell Street)
• Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (13 Upper O'Connell Street)
• Frequency: Every 15 to 20 mins
• Popular stops: National Art Gallery, Dame Street/Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral & St. Patrick's Cathedral

Click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.

Walking Tour

• Depature: 11am from O'Connell Street
• Duration: 2 hours
• First bus: 7pm from stop #1 (13 Upper O'Connell Street)
• Last bus: 8:30pm from stop #1 (13 Upper O'Connell Street)
• Duration: 1 hour

Half-Day Coastal Tour

• Depature: 2pm from stop#1 (13 Upper O'Connell Street)
• Duration: 60 mins
• Tip: For a deeper understanding of Ireland's tumultuous past, visit Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that played a significant role in Irish history.
• Facilites: Wheelchair & Pram/Stroller accessibility, Pre-recorded commentary, Headphones, Guide dogs.
• The pre-recorded commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Cantonese & Russian.
• These tickets are valid for 1 days from the date of purchase.

City Sightseeing 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour of Dublin

• Explore Dublin at your leisure with this unlimited hop-on hop-off tour on a modern, open-top, double-decker bus.
• Get unlimited access to over 25 stops across the red route, with the freedom to hop on and off as many times as you like with your 24, 48, or 72-hour pass.
• Enhance your trip with a walking tour of Dublin in Spanish or English, offering a deeper dive into the city's rich history and culture.
• Enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi and an audio guide in 8 languages to tell you more about the places you see along the way.
• Visit popular stops such as the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and Temple Bar, and discover the hidden gems of Dublin.
• 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
• Audio guide in 8 languages
• Walking tour
• Entry to attractions
• First bus: 9:15am
• Last bus: 5pm
• Frequency: Approx every 30mins.
• Popular stops: Dublin Castle, St. Patricks Cathedral, Irish Museum of Modern Art & Phoenix Park

Please click here for a detailed map and its boarding points.

• Departure: 11am from stop #2 (Barnardo Square next to City Hall)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Frequency: Daily
• Tip: Hop off at the Guinness Storehouse (stop 7) and learn about the history of Ireland's famous beer and enjoy a pint with panoramic city views.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Audio Guide, Earphones.
• The audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian.
• These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, known for its rich literary history, vibrant pub culture, and friendly locals. It is home to famous landmarks such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse, as well as a thriving arts and music scene.

But getting around the old city can be confusing for a new visitor. With Dublin’s Hop On Hop Off Buses , you can get to explore all the top spots in the city. And, with this convenient mode of transport, all you need is one ticket!

Read on to learn more about Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Why Choose Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours?

• Visit Top Landmarks: See all of Dublin’s top attractions from the open-top buses that are ideal for sightseeing.
• Easy and Convenient: Explore the best of Dublin with just one ticket without worrying about your commute.
• Save Money: Hop-on hop-off bus tours will help you save money as you won’t have to spend on local transport fares to get from one spot to the other.
• Complimentary Add-Ons:  Get free onboard Wi-Fi, walking tours, night tours, and more with your tickets.
• Pre-Recorded Commentary: There are audio guides in 10 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Polish, as well as a live commentary to give you information on all the attractions you will visit.

For more information on the special features and inclusion, please check your tickets.

Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Timetable

City Sightseeing

• Timings: 9:15 AM to 5 PM
• Frequency: Every 30 mins
• Walking Tour: Twice a day at 11 AM and 2 PM
• Guided Walking Tour: at 11 AM daily. The duration is 2 hours
• Night Tour: 7 PM & 8:30 PM, The duration is 1 hour
• Coastal Tour: at 2 PM daily. The duration is 4 hours

Dublin Hop On Hop Off Visitor Tips and Guidelines

• Know What Your Ticket Includes:  Most hop-on hop-off bus tour operators have multiple ticket options. Some may not include all the routes on the tour, while others may even offer additional perks like a boat ride or a walking tour. 
• Plan Your Route:  Find out the routes that your hop-on hop-off bus will take (all tour operators offer a map of their routes), so you can decide which stops you would like to get off at beforehand. It is also important to know which major attractions are near the stops. 
• Schedule Your Stops:  If you want to tour any of the attractions near the bus stops, make sure you know how long the tour will be, and when the next hop-on hop-off bus will stop. 
• Buy Attraction Tickets: Many attractions require entry tickets, be sure to purchase these in advance online to avoid standing and waiting in long queues.
• Peak Hours:  If you can you the time and day of your bus tour, find out what the rush hours are in New York during your visit, so you can avoid getting stuck in traffic. 
• Try to Take the Tour Twice:  If you have time, consider first making a full loop on the bus without getting on or off the bus. It may seem like this defeats the purpose of a “hop-on hop-off” tour, but this way you can get an overview of Dublin with a good seat and view for the entire trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

A. Yes, Dublin has a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

A. You can buy Dublin hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Yes, you can avail Dublin hop-on hop-off tickets online.

A. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour ticket prices start from £16.

A. Hop-on hop-off buses in Dublin allow you to get on and leave the bus at any of the designated stops to see the major city landmarks whenever you want.

A. Dublin hop-on hop-off buses run between 10 AM to 6 PM and arrive at a frequency of 15 minutes.

A. Yes, there are audio guides available for adults in 5 languages on the Dublin hop-on hop-off bus tours, including English, Spanish, Italian, French & German.

A. Yes, Dublin’s hop-on hop-off bus tours are accessible to wheelchair users.

14 Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

Utilizing a long layover is one of the best traveler hacks out there. With AerLingus offering most flights with a stopover in Dublin, if you're going to stop there anyway, you might as well leave the airport and get some exploring in. Dublin is a relatively small city, and with even just one day, you can tick a few things off of your Irish bucket list. Here are 10 recommended things to do on a long layover in Dublin with AerLingus.

UPDATE: 2023/05/12 13:37 EST BY KHYATI DAND

More Things To Do in Dublin, Ireland On a Long Layover With AerLingus

It can be very hard to kill time on long layovers but that's not something travelers flying to Dublin have to worry about. With the entire city at one's disposal, long layovers in Dublin are an excellent way to explore the Irish capital. This list was updated to include more things that travelers can do on stopovers in Dublin when flying with AerLingus.

RELATED: 10 Places Perfect For Exploring While On a Long Layover

See The Book Of Kells At The Trinity College Library

The Library of Trinity College in Dublin is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland and nothing will make time fly by quicker than the dark aisles of its 16th-century reading halls. The library has over 7,000,000 volumes of books on its shelves but if there's one thing that visitors must see, it's the Book of Kells -- the four Latin Gospel manuscripts dating back to the 9th century. No matter the time of the year, the library always has at least one volume on display for the public to see.

Catch A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Flights can get pretty darn tiring. Oftentimes, there's very little energy left for anything exciting on a layover, let alone exploring an entirely new city . In that case, hop-on hop-off bus tours offer visitors an excellent means through which to see Dublin without much physical exertion on their part. Simply catch an open-top double-decker bus, grab a seat in a corner, and watch Dublin's top attractions pass by as you listen to audio guides for context.

Get A Taste Of Irish Food

What better way to spend a layover in Dublin than to eat your way through the Irish capital? Food blogger Ketty Quigley's Delicious Dublin Tours take visitors on a three-hour walking trip around the city with stops at plenty of famous eateries in between. As local experts tell tales of Dublin's food history, visitors will not only taste the best of local Irish food, but they will also learn of its past and present. These tours operate regardless of the weather in the notoriously temperamental capital.

Hop Onto A Viking Splash Tour

Long layovers in Dublin are one thing if you're alone or in the company of a fellow adult, but finding entertainment can be a far more tedious task when traveling with kids. A Viking Splash Tour is an excellent adrenaline-filled activity -- and an incredibly unique one at that -- for both adults and kids to take part in when in Dublin. The tours take place on a restored World War II amphibious vehicle that functions much like a bus on the roads but transforms into a boat as it mightily glides into the Grand Canal Dock, splashing passengers on board with the cold waters of the canal.

Drink At Temple Bar

What visit to Ireland is complete without a proper pint of Guinness? Head to the place that does it best, and arguably the most famous bar in not only Dublin but all of Ireland: Temple Bar Pub. Not to be confused with the neighborhood that is called Temple Bar, Temple Bar Pub is an infamous landmark pub with the traditional bright red exterior, welcoming you in to have a pint or two.

Related: 10 Pubs You Need To Grab A Brew At While Visiting Dublin

Dublin Castle

Despite popular belief, there's a lot more to do in Dublin than just drinking. Ireland is home to several castles, and Dublin Castle is one of the finest . Having been built in the thirteen century, Dublin Castle has since served as home to English and British administration. In 1922, Dublin Castle was given to the Irish government, where it now serves as a popular tourist hotspot. For an entry fee of about 8 euros, you can head inside and see the collection of art, as well as take in the majestic red velour and gold-plated interior.

Related: 9 Things To Do In Dublin: Complete Guide Beyond The Pubs To This Irish Capital

Chester Beatty

Within the confines of Dublin Castle is what Lonely Planet has described as one of the best museums in Europe: Chester Beatty. Also known as Chester Beatty Library, this museum is home to the collections of Sir Chester Alfred Beatty, a philanthropist and mining magnate who was given the title "King of Copper" due to his fortune. The collections at Chester Beatty include but are not limited to Arabic treatises on religion, Western manuscripts, pieces from Persian poets, and even Japanese art.

Shop At George's Street Arcade

Looking to get a little shopping in on your long layover in Dublin? George's Street Arcade is one of the best places in the city of Dublin to do so. Centrally located close to other major tourist spots, George's Street Arcade has shops ranging from Brazilian-made fashion at Carnaval to Mystic Ireland Crystals. There are also plenty of eateries on site, like the top-rated vegan burgers at Flip Burgers and proper wine and cheese at Loose Canon.

Take A Guinness Brewery Tour

Back to booze because, hey, it is Ireland, after all. Aside from Irish whiskey, the most popular alcoholic beverage in Ireland is Guinness. The Irish take their Guinness seriously. There's a craft behind pouring each one which amplifies the overall taste. If you're curious to know the art behind this extremely popular beer, head to the Guinness Brewery for a tour.

Related: You Need 90 Minutes To See The Guinness Storehouse, And Here's What The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour Looks Like

Visit Jameson Distillery

If you're more into whiskey, or better yet, if you want to add a second boozy adventure to your layover in Dublin, the Jameson Distillery is a great addition to your activities. Learn the history behind one of the most popular Irish whiskeys in the world. Created in 1780 by John Jameson, the long-standing tradition behind making Jameson can now be experienced as a tourist. The tour options range from a simple visit to cocktail classes.

See Local Music At Whelan's

Who doesn't love a good Irish folk band? While you are bound to find live music at pretty much any pub in the city, Whelan's is one of the best. You can check out their calendar on their website to see who's playing, and it's recommended to book a table in advance since this place quickly fills up. Enjoy a beverage while listening to some classical local Irish music.

Drink High Tea On A Vintage Bus

Are you less interested in whiskey and stouts and more interested in feeling posh with a cup of tea in hand? There are many tours to book in Ireland , but one of the more unique experiences in Dublin offered on GetYourGuide is a high-tea tour while riding on a vintage bus . Priced at about $50 per person, a high-tea tour in Dublin is a fun way to experience the city from a double-decker bus that's been refurbished to be its fanciest self. The tour comes with food options, including those that are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.

Cross Ha'Penny Bridge

The Ha'Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in central Dublin. It was built in May 1816 over the River Liffey and remains a popular tourist attraction to this date. Its central location is close to the popular Temple Bar neighborhood, and the best part about ticking Ha'Penny Bridge off of your bucket list during a short layover is that it's only going to take a few minutes to see it.

Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to quickly explore any city while learning a bit about its history is by taking a free walking tour . Explore Dublin by foot, see plenty of major tourist hot spots, and learn the history through a local tour guide, all for zero cost. The tour is offered several times a day, meaning it's likely you can fit it into your Dublin layover regardless of what time you land.

Taking the train in Ireland - what you need to know

Apr 19, 2024 • 11 min read

A train travels along the Rosslare, Wexford to Dublin line in Ireland © Irish Rail

Traveling by train is one of Ireland ’s great if under-appreciated pleasures.

It’s a small island and the rail network is limited, so no journey is especially long – but riding the rails across the country is one of the loveliest ways to enjoy the rolling countryside.

Compared to its European counterparts, Irish trains aren’t especially spectacular, but this is a country that doesn’t need high-speed or sleeper trains: you roll along at a maximum of 160kph (99mph) and before you know it you’re on the other side of the island.

The particular nature of Irish demographics has shaped train travel in Ireland: with around a quarter of the population clustered in the greater Dublin region, it makes sense that most train journeys begin or end in the capital. In Northern Ireland the same is true of Belfast .

Irish trains might not be especially quick or super luxurious, but they’re an efficient and eco-friendly way of exploring the island – so long as your explorations are focused on the major cities and towns. Here is our essential guide to train travel in Ireland.

The lowdown on rail travel in Ireland

Irish trains are efficient, relatively frequent and usually on time.  Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann operates the entire network of trains in the Republic, from intercity trains linking the major urban centers to the busy commuter network that services the greater Dublin region.

There are two main lines into the west and three into the south and southwest; spurs off the main lines connect to a host of smaller towns throughout the country. There’s also a line to Belfast, from where  Translink services connect the city with the Antrim Coast and Derry (Londonderry) .

Within the greater Dublin region, a network of commuter services connects the capital with a host of suburbs and dormitory towns in the surrounding counties. Dublin’s coastline between the northside suburbs of Howth and Malahide and Greystones in County Wicklow is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) trains.

There are some notable gaps in the country’s rail network, with no services in counties Donegal , Monaghan and Cavan , and no trains into West Cork . Some towns – like Buttevant in Cork or Annacotty in Limerick – are on the rail line but they’re bypassed as they have no functioning station.

Ireland’s bigger train stations – including Cork , Limerick , Galway , Sligo, Belfast and the two in Dublin – are all pretty well stocked when it comes to picking up supplies and other assorted sundries for your journey. Most other stations will have a small shop.

Train tickets are relatively good value

The good news about traveling by train in Ireland is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to train travel in some places, such as the UK, for example. If you buy it online, a standard one-way fare between Dublin Heuston and Kent Station in Cork costs between €30–35, and around €55 in first class.

Online is the best place to buy your tickets for train travel in the Irish Republic. Not only do you get the best fares (with savings of up to 50% compared to buying the ticket at the station), but you can purchase your ticket up to 90 days in advance and reserve a seat when you do.

You have the option of collecting your bought ticket from a machine at the station as you’re boarding, or downloading a QR code at the point of purchase. If you wait to buy your ticket at the station, you’ll pay significantly more and have to get there early to queue up at the ticket kiosk.

For travel in Northern Ireland, you’re better off buying the ticket at the station as only a limited number of tickets are available online. Show up a short time before your intended departure time and just buy your ticket there.

Only a handful of services offer first class, but upgrading is relatively inexpensive. On average, expect to pay around €20–25 more to sit in first. There are three kinds of first class service on Irish trains. CityGold is on direct Dublin to Cork services, and includes an onboard host and a complimentary newspaper on selected early morning services. The Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast offers the same, plus a fine breakfast. Premier Class is similar, but is only available on direct services between Dublin and Tralee and some Dublin to Cork trains.

Some discounts and offers apply

There are discounted fares for children and young adults aged between 19 and 25, as long as they have a valid discount card. Under 5s and those aged 66 and over travel for free.

The commuter network in the Greater Dublin area has a fare cap of €6 for travel between the capital and a host of towns in the surrounding counties.

There are two rail passes aimed at visitors. The Trekker Four Day (€88) offers unlimited travel for adults on all Irish Rail services on four consecutive days from the date of issue. The Explorer (adult/child €128/64) provides five days travel on all services in a 15-day window.

However, before investing in either, be sure that you plan on making the most out of it. The limited rail network means that connections are limited and traveling between some destinations involves backtracking: Cork and Waterford are both on the south coast, but to get from one to the other means travelling to Limerick, while Sligo and Westport are only 140km (87 miles) apart along the west coast, but to go between them by train you’ll have to travel through Dublin – which is on the other side of the country.

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mLink ticketing app and from the conducter of the train.

These are the busiest times to travel by train

Unsurprisingly, peak times for train travel coincide with busy rush hour periods. Early morning services to Dublin from cities including Cork, Galway and Limerick can be busy, especially if the train is due to arrive in Dublin around the start of the working day. Friday evening trains departing Dublin can also be quite busy. However, as online bookings also include the option of booking a seat, you’ll never have to stand.

The commuter network is busiest on weekdays between 7–9am and between 4:30–6:30pm as thousands of people travel in and out of work. You can’t prebook seats on these services, so plenty of people do end up standing. Keep an eye out on changing schedules, especially for weekend and holiday travel, as frequencies diminish.

The train network is limited, but it has some benefits over road travel

There are no rail links to any Irish airport, which means you’re relying on taxis, private cars or buses once you arrive in the country. Irish ferry ports are better connected to rail lines, however, and you can catch trains in Rosslare, Dublin and Larne; there is no rail link to Belfast Port.

If you want to reach the more remote corners of the island, then the Irish rail network is quite limited, and a car will give you the flexibility you need. However, rental fees can be very expensive and fuel is another considerable cost, with the price of unleaded and diesel hovering between €1.75 and €2 a liter. Parking is also pricey in all urban centers, especially Dublin.

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get around, but it can be a slow business, as most make lots of stops along the way. There are some direct express services, but they are at the mercy of traffic, which can also add considerable time to a journey compared to traveling by train. Plus, buses don’t have bathrooms, with those traveling longer distances relying entirely on rest stops.

On board facilities vary depending on the type of train

There are two kinds of Irish trains: InterCity and commuter. InterCity trains are all the same – relatively modern with comfortable seats in standard class and fancier recliners in first – and they travel at speeds of up to 160kph (99mph). There’s no journey in Ireland that is longer than 2½ to 3 hours. Commuter trains are slightly older, with less comfortable seats; older trains are used on some small distance spur lines in rural areas and are very basic (facilities include seats and a toilet).

While Ireland’s flagship service is the one between Dublin and Cork, the fanciest train is the Enterprise service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place, which is a joint venture between Irish Rail and Translink. This train is on a par with most services you’ll find in mainland Europe and first class is the most luxurious of any in the country.

All InterCity trains have three-pin sockets at every row where you can plug in a charger or a laptop. Most commuter trains in the greater Dublin area also have sockets. All trains have toilets and there is a cross-network wi-fi service operated by Irish Rail, but it is patchy and inconsistent. Translink has its own wi-fi network, which is accessible on all bus and rail services in the north, but, like in the Republic, you’re at the mercy of signal strength and contention levels.

Food options are pretty limited. There is a trolley service on the Dublin to Cork service, while the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast operates a full service menu in a dedicated dining car; first class passengers also get a pretty good breakfast as part of their ticket.

Some trains on the Dublin to Cork route have a "quiet carriage", (usually Carriage G, marked in purple when booking) where the use of phones is prohibited and passengers are encouraged to keep noise levels down.

You can bring a bike on any Irish Rail train for free, although there are some restrictions during busy periods (such as sporting fixtures and concerts). The Dublin to Cork line is the only one to have a dedicated bike storage area; all other InterCity trains have (very) limited bicycle spaces within the passenger compartment – it’s not unusual for only two bikes to be allowed into the compartment, so be sure to book in advance. Bikes are not allowed on commuter and DART services during peak hours – before 10am and between 3:30–7pm Monday to Friday.

There are many scenic train routes: here are the best

No matter where you are in Ireland you’re going to find a beautiful landscape or two, but some journeys are worth keeping your eyes wide open for.

Dublin to Sligo

Once you’ve gone past the huge suburban sprawl of the greater Dublin area, the landscapes get quite gentle; beyond Mullingar the train skirts alongside the edge of beautiful Lough Owel. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.

Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise service is the best in the country, with the most comfortable seats and the best food options – especially in first class. The train skirts alongside the Irish Sea between Malahide and Balbriggan, so be sure to sit on that side as you travel (on the right-hand side if you’re traveling to Belfast).

Derry (Londonderry) to Coleraine

The Translink service between Northern Ireland’s second city and Coleraine is a stunner, a 40-minute journey along the Causeway Coast that comes with beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and unimpeded views out over the North Sea.

Downpatrick to Inch Abbey

It’s only a 10-minute journey, but the trip from Downpatrick in County Down to the monastic ruins of Inch Abbey takes place in a vintage steam train (or a 1960s diesel train) that chugs its way along the line, over the River Quoile and past the drumlin-specked landscape.

Cork to Cobh

One of Ireland’s most scenic trips is the 25-minute trip from Cork City to the seaside town of Cobh , which takes you along the river (sit on the right for the best views), past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water. You can always stop off at Fota and visit the  wildlife park  there.

Book in advance for wheelchair access to trains

All InterCity services are nominally accessible, but if you do need assistance you will need to book it in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. This usually means that a conductor will have a ramp ready for wheelchair access, but we have also heard plenty of anecdotal evidence of staff simply lifting a wheelchair onto a train, which depending on the individual can either be a help or an annoying hindrance. Whatever you do, make sure to communicate your requirements before you travel as assistance is not guaranteed otherwise.

For passengers with learning difficulties or any issue where there may be a challenge with communication (such as Asperger’s or autism) Irish Rail staff are trained to recognize visual cue cards such as the  JAM card , which inform the interlocutor of the holder’s condition. JAM cards are available online or at mainline train stations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo.

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Take That at 3Arena Dublin: which songs will they play, can I buy tickets, stage times and more

Everything you need to know about the veteran group’s irish dates.

Take That's Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen will take to the 3Arena stage in Dublin on April 22nd and 23rd. Photograph: John Phillips/Getty Images for The National Lottery

Take That take the stage at the 3Arena Dublin on April 22nd and 23rd as part of their 15-city, 29-date tour celebrating their ninth studio album This Life . The trio – Gary Barlow , Mark Owen and Howard Donald – will be joined by support act Olly Murs, of X Factor fame .

Take That are renowned for their huge productions, holding the record for the most performances at London’s The O2 with 34 headline shows.

The three original members are responsible for quite a few of the best-known pop songs of the past 30 years. But regardless of how long they have been around – with or without Robbie Williams – they continue to bring the energy.

Here’s all you need to know about Gary Barlow and co being back in Dublin town.

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Are tickets available?

According to promoters MCD, both gigs are sold out. However, tickets may become available on ticketmaster.ie . Always buy tickets from recognised sources.

What time are Take That on stage?

• Doors: 6.30pm
• Olly Murs: 7.25pm
• Take That: 8.35pm

[  Take That Music Quiz special: In a Derry Girls episode, which song did the group perform?  ]

How do I get there?

Parking is available in the Point Village car park, but better to leave the car at home and use the red-line Luas and get off at Point stop, or take Dublin Bus 151 to Castleforbes Road, the closest stop to the venue.

Which songs will Take That play?

Obviously, we won’t know what songs the boy band will play until the big night itself, but here’s the set list from their April 17th gig at the First Direct Arena in Leeds:

• Keep Your Head Up
• Days I Hate Myself
• Everything Changes
• A Million Love Songs
• I Found Heaven
• Forever Love
• Speak Without Words
• Get Ready for It
• March of the Hopeful
• The Champion
• Greatest Day
• Relight My Fire
• One More Word
• Hold Up a Light
• Back for Good
• Never Forget
• Rule the World

[  Take That: This Life review – The strengths of the songs lay in the pooling of resources  ]

What about security?

The 3Arena has a maximum bag size limit in place of 40cm x 40cm x 20cm. Large rucksacks, luggage or oversized bags are not permitted. Bags will be searched at the door. Bottles, cans, selfie sticks, large umbrellas, iPads and other tablets, video cameras, professional cameras, audio recorders, GoPros, large posters (A3 or bigger), large flags on poles, belt chains, laser pointers and anything that can be deemed a weapon are prohibited. So pack light to keep the queue time as short as possible.

Are there any age restrictions?

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and standing is strictly over 14s.

How about accessibility?

Please check the venue information page for details of facilities and companion tickets. For special access, contact the venue via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01-8663400.

Ellen O’Donoghue

Ellen O'Donoghue is an Irish Times journalist

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