Travelling around Ireland and Lough Derg
Travelling has never been easier. Whether you want to travel by bus, car or other method, there are a range of options to suit everyone. Lough Derg is so varied and interesting, that you can get there in different ways - The choice is yours!
Driving
A valid driving license is required by the visitor from their country of residence. Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road. Safety belts must be worn at all times by front and back seat passengers.
Motorcyclists and passengers must wear safety helmets whilst driving.
The speed limits are as follows: Motorways 120kph, National Roads 100kph, Regional roads 80kph. Route Planner within Ireland (Travel by Road).
The AA Route Planner at www.aaireland.ie/routes/ will prove useful in helping you plan your route and calculate point-to-point distances and traveling times within Ireland.
BUS SERVICES
Bus Eireann operate a comprehensive provincial service to the many towns and villages throughout Ireland and the Shannon Region. These services operate out of the main urban centres at Limerick, Cork, Galway, Ennis and Shannon Airport.
The main bus terminals are in Galway, Ennis and Limerick. These services to conect to many of the main destinations around Lough Derg including, Nenagh, Killaloe/Ballina, Mountshannon, Terryglass, Scarriff, Whitegate, Ogonolloe, Portroe,Youghal, to mention a few. The provincial routes operate as a commuter and feeder service. Main towns are connected by the Expressway service which operates on a frequent basis and forms part of the national bus routes to Ireland’s other main towns and cities. Frequent user tickets, by the day, week or month are available from the main stations. For further details visit www.buseireann.ie
Private Group Transport By Coach
There are many coach hire companies operating for private hire bookings. They offer a range of services from airport and hotel transfers to organising specialised scenic tour packages.
www.jjkavanagh.ie
www.irelandescorted.com/
www.bkavcoaches.com/
www.henrygolf.com/
www.4tours.biz
www.irelandwest.ie/content.asp?id=483
Rail Services
Iarnod Eireann, the Irish Rail Network, operates a regular train service thoughout the country. There are two main lines which link Lough Derg, firstly the main route from Dublin to Limerick and Cork and secondly the main route from Dublin to Galway. Rosslare Europort also has services to and from Tipperary, Limerick and Clare. The main rail stations near Lough Derg on the Dublin-Limerick line are Nenagh, Castleconnell and Birdhill and on the Dublin-Galway line, the nearest station are at Ballinasloe Woodlawn, Attymon and Athenry. For details, timetables and online booking, visit www.irishrail.ie
Car Hire
Car Hire companies operating in Ireland and in and around Lough Derg and the Shannon Region, include the following:
Argus Rent A Car Ireland www.argus-rentacar.com
Avis Car Rental. www.avis.ie
Budget Car Hire. www.budget.ie
Europcar. www.europcar.ie
Dan Dooley Car Hire. www.dan-dooley.ie
Hertz Rent a Car. www.hertz.com
Ireland Rent a Car. www.irelandrentacar.com
Malone/Thrifty Car Rental. www.malonecarrental.com
National Car Rental. www.nationalcar.com
Sixt Car Rental. www.irishcarrentals.ie
These companies operate at all of the main airports and in the main urban centres.
Chauffeur Services
www.premierchauffeurservice.ie
www.dbcsireland.com
CABS AND TAXIS
There are metered cabs/taxis available at various locations such as railway stations, ports, airports and taxi ranks in main cities and some towns. Elsewhere it is possible to book hackney cabs where fares are agreed by arrangement with the driver in advance. Throughout Lough Derg, your accommodation provider or Tourist Information Centres will gladly call a taxi for you.
Cycling Tours and Bike Hire
Fancy a two wheeled trip to explore Lough Derg, contact one of the following: www.irishcyclehire.com
IRISH TOUR GUIDES ASSOCIATION
AATGI is the Association of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland and is the professional association of Tourist Guides who are approved by Failte Ireland and FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council). Whatever your specialisation aatgi has a tourist guide to suit you. Always insist on an aatgi guide for all your tours in our wonderful emerald isle. Further information on www.tourguides.ie
