By Contributing Writer
Ireland is a compact country with many travel options that are very user friendly. Any kind of traveler can find a method to suit him, regardless of his experience and confidence level. Before you decide on a transportation method, you should determine a basic schedule and the landmarks you want to see most. From there, you can figure out if you will need to use more than one type of transportation. Don't let this intimidate you, though. The travel system throughout Ireland is remarkably well connected and with a little advance planning, you should have no problem getting around.
Travel by Rail
Ireland boasts an extensive rail system extending all over the country, and it may be one of the easiest ways to travel the Island. Dublin is a good place to start, as it has two central stations and many connections to every part of the country. One of the downsides of traveling by rail, however, is depending on your itinerary and what part of the country you are in, you may end up waiting longer than you wish for a connection. The rail system does not reach some of the smaller counties in Ireland, but in that case, there is generally a good connecting bus system. Before your trip, access the Irish rail schedule to time and plan your route as well as check on ticket prices.
Irish Rail
http://www.irishrail.ie/home/
Travel by Car
Traveling Ireland by care is an independent way to see the country. As long as you are confident you can figure your way around, you have access to any part of the country when you want to go and not be tied to a schedule. Cars can be rented for approximately the same amount you might pay to travel by another method, but you are subject to delays from getting lost as well as heavy traffic or unexpected construction delays or detours. Make sure you take a good map with you and research ahead of time where all the gas stations on your route are. Utilize an online route planner, such as AA Ireland, to help determine your exact route and keep your trip running smoothly.
AA Ireland Route Planner
http://www.aaireland.ie/routes/
Travel by Bus
Every region of Ireland is well served by its extensive bus network, which makes it an ideal way to travel the country. Every major city and town in Ireland has a bus station, as do many of the smaller villages. Make sure you do your research before heading to any destination however, as you may find yourself stranded and unable to continue if you have not figured out additional transportation to a particularly remote spot. Accessing Bus Eireann's schedule before you travel can help you plan your trip thoroughly.
Bus Eireann
http://www.buseireann.ie/site/home/
Travel by Air
Air travel throughout Ireland is possible due to its multiple regional airports, but is also probably one of the most expensive ways to travel in Ireland. It is a handy option, however, for those who need to get from one end of the country to the other on limited time. There are airports in Dublin, Galway, Shannon, Kerry and Cork, although if you would like to see anything outside these cities, you will certainly need to access another form of transportation in between flights.
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