How can I conveniently travel around the island of Ireland without a car?

Get ready for an amazing adventure in Ireland, no car required! Leave your worries behind and discover the beauty of the island using hassle-free alternative modes of transportation. Here are some fantastic options for your car-free adventure…

In busy cities like Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Galway, walking is the way to go! Step into the pedestrian-friendly vibe, soak up the lively atmosphere and uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the way.

If you’re venturing beyond the cities, don’t fret! Reliable bus services like Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Go-Ahead Ireland connect various regions, including popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations. Need more info? Transport for Ireland's website has your back to plan out your travels. In Northern Ireland, cities like Belfast offer excellent transportation options as well, with Translink providing similar reliable services to explore the city and its surroundings.

Dublin has even more transportation options for city exploration. Hop on the LUAS tram system for a quick and convenient ride to the suburbs. And for a scenic coastal journey, you can’t miss the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train that runs along Dublin Bay. It’ll whisk you away to charming coastal towns like Malahide, Dun Laoghaire and Howth! Oh, and grab yourself a Leap Card for integrated journey planning to provide easy access to buses, LUAS trams, and DART trains.

Taxis are your comfy companions throughout the island of Ireland, especially for those late-night journeys. Use apps like FreeNow for stress-free taxi bookings. If you’re in more rural areas, you can call local taxis to book your journey.

Embrace the island of Ireland's stunning landscapes on two wheels by renting a bicycle. Many cities and towns offer bike rental services, giving you the freedom to explore the countryside and dedicated cycling routes. And if you’re in Dublin, a three-day pass for a bike-share service is an affordable way to pedal your way through the city.

For longer journeys, Irish Rail and Translink have got you covered with an extensive network of train routes connecting major cities and towns across the island. Score the best fares by checking online and plan your itinerary accordingly. And if you have a couple of European stops, Eurail passes is your golden ticket for flexibility.

Join organised day tours and excursions to discover popular attractions beyond the cities without a car. These tours provide transportation and knowledgeable guides, allowing you to explore breathtaking areas like the Ring of Kerry, Giant's Causeway, and the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re staying in a bigger city like Dublin or Belfast, Hop-on hop-off bus tours are the way to go. Enjoy the freedom to visit attractions at your own pace and soak up informative commentary.

With these alternative modes of transport, you can navigate the island comfortably and efficiently, experiencing Ireland's iconic sights without the need for a car!

Does our community have any tips and tricks for getting around the island of Ireland without a car?

Visiting Connemara , Aran Islands and Inishbofin  without a car is possible. 
The Bus Éireann Galway to Carraroe Route services all the villages along Cois Fharraige and will bring you to Ros a Mhíl. There is also a shuttle bus which connects you to the ferry from Galway City. From there you can get the ferry to the Oileáín. (Aran Islands) with Aran Ferries. Highly recommend staying on the islands to really experience them. On return you can get a local link bus from Carraroe which takes you via the coast to Clifden servicing villages along the way. I would recommend staying in this area for another day or two to explore the Gaeltacht area. Or if you are going to head towards Clifden area you can buy a day ticket (available via app or with Leap Card) which means that you could do some stops along the way but you would be limited to within the times of the service. There is also a local link service from Carraroe to Claremorris which intersects with the N59 at Maam Cross which takes you to explore the Joyce Country Western Geopark area. 

If you prefer a direct route to North Connemara then both Bus Eireann and City Link have a service to Clifden serving Moycullen and Oughterard ,Maam Cross , Recess along the way.  City Link also services Cleggan making it possible to visit Inishbofin and it also serves Letterfrack making it possible to visit Connemara National Park. Bike hire is available in Clifden also. 
If you would like some suggestions about things to do along the route you can reply to this post and I will be happy to give some suggestions depending on what your interests are.