Show summary Hide summary
Soaring fuel prices are making the idea of a driving holiday less appealing — and not just for the wallet. Fortunately, there are practical, often greener ways to explore Ireland that don’t need a car and still let you see the country at a relaxed pace.
City breaks by rail
Car-free escapes: five adventures to take across Ireland
An Irish café named among the world’s best coffee shops
All the main Irish cities — Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast — are connected by rail, which makes short city escapes straightforward. Trains remove the hassle of parking and navigation, letting you start relaxing as soon as you board.
Cities here are compact and easy to wander on foot. On a recent trip to Cork I explored the English Market, admired local street art and climbed Shandon Tower for panoramic views — a simple, low-cost itinerary that felt entirely stress-free. Earlier this year I also took the train to Belfast to see the latest expansion of the Titanic Museum.
Explore on two wheels
If you enjoy cycling, Ireland’s network of Greenways and Blueways opens up quieter landscapes you can’t reach by car. Bike hire is generally affordable — around €20–€30 a day — and routes range from gentle riverside trails to longer coastal rides.
I’m no expert cyclist — I nearly came off my bike on the Barrow Blueway in Kildare — yet the route’s calm atmosphere and friendly passersby made it memorable. The Great Western Greenway, running from Westport in Mayo toward Achill, is a popular choice for people wanting scenic, low‑stress outings.
Slow travel on the water
A river cruise along the Shannon is an ideal option for anyone avoiding cars. Many trips begin at Carrick-on-Shannon, which you can reach by train or bus. Boats move slowly — often under 10km/h — so these trips are really about taking time, stopping in small towns and meeting other travellers.
If you’ve never helmed a hire boat, operators such as Emerald Star offer tuition and test runs before you set off. Several people I know have turned a Shannon cruise into an annual tradition.
Guided day tours for key sights
Day tours are a practical way to visit major attractions that may be harder to reach by public transport. They can be economical, efficient and, frankly, relaxing — you get to enjoy the views instead of watching the road.
For example, Wild Rover runs a day tour from Dublin to Belfast for about €60, including a walking tour of the city, entry to Dunluce Castle and a visit to the Giant’s Causeway. I’ve taken similar trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Glendalough and Carrick-a-Rede, and they remain some of my favourite no‑car ways to see Ireland.
Local buses and island trips
Smaller bus services can surprise you. I based myself in Portlaoise and used Local Link services to reach attractions in Laois and Tipperary; the buses were modern, accessible and compatible with my Leap Card.
Another excellent option is the Wexford 390 bus from Wexford town to Kilmore Quay. From there the Saltee Ferry runs to the Saltee Islands, where visitors can watch puffins and other seabirds. It’s an easy weekend escape that doesn’t require driving.
Public transport in Ireland isn’t perfect and experiences will vary. Still, between trains, local buses, guided tours, cycling routes and boat hire, there are many ways to enjoy a slower, less expensive and more climate-friendly Irish break this summer.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
