How to get to Southern Ireland

Southern Ireland is a magnificent holiday destination thanks to its charming and historic towns, relatively untouched landscapes, and a plethora of ancient castles fit for your favorite fairytales.

Given all its cultural goodness, it's little wonder why travelers from all over the United Kingdom and Europe flock to its lush countryside and coastal vistas.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get to Southern Ireland; however, the best way largely depends on where you're traveling from.

If you're located closer to Southern Ireland (or you want to embark on an epic road trip), then driving is a great option that also allows you to soak up as much of the spectacular Irish scenery as possible.

If you're coming from further away, flying is the quickest and best option. Or, if you're budget-conscious, you can always catch the Translink cross-border train and start your holiday in comfort. 

Driving to Southern Ireland 

Driving around Southern Ireland is one of the best ways to experience Ireland's breathtaking scenery. Embarking on a road trip also gives you the flexibility to explore small towns and attractions along the way.

The major motorways to popular destinations such as Cork or Tralee are well-maintained and feature plenty of bold signage for easy navigation. However, some routes include narrow and winding country roads, so take care when driving and heed any speed restrictions.

Traffic varies depending on the time of day, but try to avoid peak times if you can. Also, be mindful of the weather conditions when driving, especially in winter or late at night.

Public transport to Southern Ireland 

One of the best ways to get to Southern Ireland is via the Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). It's budget-friendly, easy to navigate, and relatively time-efficient, but this form of transportation only really makes sense for travelers coming from a destination that's already in Ireland such as Dublin.

The Iarnród Éireann provides a modern, clean, and comfortable journey and operates frequent services to southern destinations such as Cork, Tralee, and Limerick departing from Heuston Station in Dublin. To book your train tickets, visit the Iarnród Éireann website. 

Flying to Southern Ireland 

Flying is the quickest way to get into Southern Ireland if you're coming from further afield. Dublin and Cork, Ireland's largest and second-largest cities respectively, service a range of domestic and international destinations. Airlines include RyanAir, Aer Lingus, and British Airways.

Airfares and availability change with the seasons, with prices typically rising in the summer. To avoid this, aim to book your flights well in advance.

Want to learn more about Southern Ireland? Return to Southern Ireland FAQs

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