Travelling through Ireland - roads, airports, railway, bus transportation

The transport infrastructure in Ireland is well developed with the roads and railways both in perfect condition. It is also mandatory here that public transport go strictly according to the schedule. This is why holidaymakers in Ireland do not have any problems with movement within the territory of the country. The nature of the relief combined with the desire of the state for development, created a tremendous drive for the development of various public transports in the country. The network of highways in the state is developed, and the quality of coverage is at a very high level. Every tourist who has an international driver’s license and has reached the age of twenty-one is fully able to use car rental services.

The most popular type of public transport are buses. In Ireland, buses do not only run intra urban routes. There are also long-distance runs that connect the most remote regions. Transport as has been earlier mentioned goes in strict accordance with the schedule. The buses, usually two-storey and greenish in color are in excellent working condition and running around the city. Railway connections on the other hand have also been developed at the highest level. All major cities are connected with the most remote settlements by railroad tracks. Virtually all trains running through Ireland are speedy and their technical condition is at a high level. The cost of train tickets depends on the class of the wagon, the direction of travel and the distance. Please note that for several years now, the Government of Ireland has been planning to begin construction of a subway. Initially, it was in the plan to build only two branches of underground transport which will connect the Northern part of Dublin with the Western part.

Air transportation in Ireland, just as in all European countries is at a very high standard. In total, ten large airports that conduct international flights operate successfully in the country. There are also thirty small airfields at the least. The main air harbor as expected is located in Dublin, the capital of the country. The airport terminals are clean and comfortable. Within their territory, any traveler will find for himself absolutely everything that he or she needs. Thanks to the open access to the “big” water body, water transportation in Ireland has also become very popular. With the help of ferry crossings, you can not only travel along the coast, but also travel to England, France and some islands. The most important seaport is also in Dublin. All year round, there are various cruise ships and boats on the coast of Ireland that allow travelers to enjoy the delightful scenery and sea air. They serve rather as an attraction, than as a means of transportation. It is worth noting that some owners of sea ships offer tourists the opportunity to rent barges and boats and independently travel along the coast.

Taxis also function perfectly in Ireland regardless of the locality or city. The only thing that can stop a tourist from using this means of transportation is the high cost of travel tickets, although the quality of service are in line with this. Therefore, this is the best option for emergency trips. If you do not want to spend much money on a taxi or rental car, but at the same cannot refuse personal transport, then it is possible to rent a motorcycle. A great alternative would also be a bicycle. Bicycle excursions are very popular in the country as there are enough specially equipped bicycle trails and paths in Ireland. However, more often than not, both locals and tourists prefer to travel on foot. Although in picturesque villages and suburbs, everyone can rent a luxurious horse.

Air transportation in Ireland is developed at a very high level. The country has ten major international airports, as well as about thirty airfields. The main air gateway in Ireland is the international airport in Dublin. It is located only ten kilometers from the center of the capital. You can get to the airport by bus, taxi or transfer. It is worth noting that this airport is recognized as the largest in Ireland. Annually, it has traffic of at least twenty million passengers. After the Second World War, a modernization of the airport was carried out and the number of runways was increased. States zealously monitors the quality of coverage of runways, and also gradually improves technology on the territory of the terminal. The most comfortable facilities have been put in place here for passengers. There are various cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and stores, recreation rooms and halls, nursing rooms, ATMs, currency exchange offices, bank branches and the likes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Cork International Airport is situated only six kilometers from the city of Cork. You can get to the airport by public transport or by taxi. In a year the air harbor accepts about two and a half million tourists. The airport’s capacity per day is not less than twelve thousand passengers. Reconstruction of the airport was carried out in the late 70’s. The terminal also has all the necessary conditions for a comfortable wait before a flight departure or a relaxing stay upon arrival. Kerry Airport is considered to be the starting point for traveling along the tourist golden route in Ireland. The construction of the airport was started back in 1968. However, timely reconstruction and improvements led to the fact that Kerry Airport in Ireland is considered one of the best. Today, it has free Wi-Fi, currency exchange offices and bank branches. There is also a restaurant with a bar, souvenir shops and stores where you can buy chocolate, perfume, alcoholic beverages, jewelry, publications and much more, within the airport’s territory. The city can be reached by taxi, bus or train.

Ireland West Airport Knock is also designed for international flights besides the many charter flights from the UK and France that the airport accepts daily. Since 2007, the airport began restoration work to which the government has allocated more than twenty-seven million euros. Thus, in 2008, the airport was assigned a second category. This means that during takeoff or landing, passengers are guaranteed absolute safety even in conditions of poor visibility. To date, the airport operates three terminals at once, and a wonderful viewing platform that will please tourists. Galway Airport is the air gateway of West Ireland. It is located just 8 kilometers from the city of Galway. It should be noted that student of light aviation school undergo their practical training at the airport.

Transport infrastructure in Ireland is developed at a high level. Buses are the most popular type of public transportation. As a rule, comfortable green colored double-decker buses run around the city. The insides of the salons are always very clean. Please note that all trips are always in strict accordance with the schedule. Due to the fact that the fleets of all companies are in excellent condition, unanticipated situations are extremely rare during the journey. It should be noted that the bus routes are very well organized and the buses act as the main means of transportation in those cities where there are no railway networks. Tickets for suburban trips can be bought directly from the driver and they cost at least six euros. There is also the opportunity to buy a single ticket with validity of three or five days. This way, you can save a lot. Tickets for long distance buses can be ordered via the internet by visiting the site of a particular passenger carrier.

Thanks to the relief of Ireland, the country was able to build a quality rail network. To date, it covers most of Ireland; absolutely all major cities are linked by rail. Trains in the country usually go at high speed. Their technical condition is also at a high level. The State regularly allocates funds for the renovation of trains and the acquisition of new wagons and trains. The wagons themselves are of two classes: the standard and the super standard (the improved first class). The cost of travel differs depending on the class of the wagon, the chosen route and direction, as well as the distance. In large cities and in the capital, suburban electric trains also run. They are designed for domestic traffic between areas of cities. Such trains run from six in the morning until midnight. The interval is about twenty minutes.

The air transportation in Ireland is also at a high level. There are 10 international airports operating here which also accept charter flights. There are as well about thirty small airfields. Therefore, if there is a need to quickly move around the country, air transportation will be the best solution. In addition, local tour operators offer their clients a pretty good price for domestic air traffic. Due to the fact that Ireland has access to the sea, water transportation is also developed. There are ferries and barges not only along the coastal line. Some flights connect Ireland with England and France, as well as some islands. All year round, excursion liners, ships and boats cruise the whole coastline. You can rent a boat for yourself if you so desire.

Ireland has simply delightful quality of highways. Therefore, some tourists prefer renting a car to enable them go around the country. Although this option is quite expensive, it is worth the pleasure as you do not have to be strongly dependent on public transportation anymore. A tourist who has an international driver’s license and who has reached twenty-one years can rent a car of any brand. The amount of collateral (in the absence of a credit card) ranges from 500 to 1000 euros. A negative characteristic of the Irish roads is that they are very narrow, especially in historical urban centers. The maximum speed limit on cars in residential areas is fifty kilometers per hour. This limit is also applicable to country roads. On the other hand, it is quite possible to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour on the highways.

Also, taxi services are popular in cities. Nonetheless, their fare is quite expensive. For pick up, you will have to pay at least four euros. In many cities, tourists can rent motorcycles or bicycles. There are even special bike tours. The territory of Ireland is comfortable enough to move on two-wheeled transport, and there are even specially equipped bike paths. Nevertheless, most locals and tourists prefer to walk around the city on foot and enjoy the delightful scenery and historical sites. Outside the city, locals give tourists even horses for hire. For most, it is more fun than a vehicle.