Those seeking a rural Ireland vacation can fly into a major city in Ireland from outside countries. There are four major international airports--Dublin, Shannon (Galway), Cork and Belfast. Ferries are also available from Great Britain and France to Belfast, Dublin and Rosslare in the southeast in the County of Wexford. From Dublin, Cork or other cities, one must take another form of transportation to smaller towns.
Bus Éireann is Ireland's main bus company (similar to Greyhound). This bus line offers a number of routes to rural Irish cities such as from Waterford to Longford, Carrigallen to Enniskillen and Scariff to Feakle and Gort. Bus transportation is the most reliable form of transportation to rural towns in Ireland. Past the main stretches of road in the towns there is little to no public transportation. This means one must rely on car travel.
Renting a car is the most efficient way to travel around rural Ireland. In Ireland, vehicles drive on the left and this will take some getting used to for American drivers. A U.S. driver's license is sufficient to rent a car. It would be best to familiarize yourself with common signs and traffic laws in Ireland before you go (see Resources). Roads in rural Ireland are often confusing and minimal, so it is important to have a route plotted before journeying out. Keep in mind that rural Ireland has less traffic and buildings between roads as well. If you get lost it may be difficult to find someone for help.
The best way to explore rural Ireland is by hiking one of the many trails throughout rural Ireland. By foot you can climb the hills and cliffs to take in what Ireland's countryside has to offer. Achill Island even has a yearly festival called "Achill Walks Festival" where guides take groups out on the hills of Achill Island. Fáilte Ireland with support from the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs developed 80 walks that loop around the countryside of Ireland. Each walk is geared towards a theme such as "Mountain," "Nature" and "Heritage." Coillte Outdoors also has 150 different areas with walking trails across rural Ireland. (See Resources.)
Rent a bicycle or bring your own to ride through the small country streets. Traveling by bike is similar to walking through the countryside because you see more than you do by bus, car or train. Bikes can travel on buses and trains in Ireland. This means that even if you don't rent a car, you can travel with your bike.
