Coach / Bus Tours from Dublin

What our customers ask about Coach / Bus Tours from Dublin

• What's the best season for taking a bus tour starting from Dublin?

  The best time to visit is between April and September when temperatures are mild, around 60-70°F (15-21°C). July and August get pretty busy, so if you want to avoid crowds while still enjoying nice weather, try going in spring (March-May) or fall (September-October) when it's about 50-60°F (10-15°C). As one TourRadar traveler puts it: "We went in September and had perfect weather for exploring - warm days, cool nights and manageable crowds at popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher."

• What are the most popular routes for bus tours leaving Dublin?

  Most tours follow the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. You'll head south to Cork (186 miles from Dublin) and Killarney, then up to Galway and Belfast. Along the way, you'll stop at famous spots like Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher (215 miles from Dublin), and Giant's Causeway. One TourRadar traveler says: "We got to experience the real Ireland, from the bustling streets of Dublin to the dramatic coastal scenery of Dingle Peninsula and the charm of small villages along the way."

• What kind of places will I stay in on bus tours from Dublin?

  You'll stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses. Some examples include the Maldron Kevin Street Hotel in Dublin, DoubleTree by Hilton in Belfast, and the International Hotel in Killarney. Here's what one TourRadar traveler shared: "The accommodations were consistently good quality, especially the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, which offered great access to local pubs and restaurants."

• How long will I be on the bus between stops?

  Most drives between major stops take 1-3 hours, though some can be up to 4 hours. For instance, it's about 3 hours from Dublin to Galway (130 miles) and 4 hours from Galway to Killarney (180 miles). Don't worry - you'll get breaks every 2 hours, plus stops for photos along scenic routes like the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way.

• How much time will I have to explore on my own?

  You'll usually get 2-3 hours of free time each day, mostly in the afternoons or evenings after group activities. In Galway, for example, you might have a few hours to wander through the Latin Quarter's shops and pubs. In Killarney, you could spend an evening listening to traditional music at places like Murphy's Bar. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We had enough structured activities but also plenty of time to explore on our own, especially in vibrant cities like Dublin and Galway."

• How long do these bus tours usually last?

  Most tours run between 6-14 days, with 7-12 days being the sweet spot. The Irish Explorer tour is 7 days, while the Irish Odyssey gives you 12 days to see everything. According to TourRadar travelers: "The itinerary was well-planned and not too hectic, covering all major highlights including Trinity College, Cliffs of Moher, and Ring of Kerry." You'll stay in good hotels like the Imperial Hotel Galway and Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin.

• How often does the bus stop between Dublin and the next big destination?

  In the first 4-5 hours after leaving Dublin, you'll typically make 2-3 stops for breaks and sightseeing. Common first-day stops include Wicklow Town (1 hour from Dublin), Kilkenny Castle (1.5 hours from Dublin), and Cashel (2.5 hours from Dublin). A TourRadar traveler noted: "The journey was well-paced with strategic stops at beautiful locations like Glendalough and Waterford, making the distance from Dublin very manageable."