I have a week's holiday next week and a significant number of days of this week. I'm thinking of taking a day trip to the Republic of Ireland as Ryanair (yeah, I know) are offering some very cheap flights to either Knock or Dublin, timed ideally for a day trip. Never set foot in Ireland before so would like some pointers. Was thinking of incorporating a rail journey, hence this thread.
I'm aware neither of these airports have rail links and I'd likely be getting the bus to the station. Which airport is preferable? I was thinking of going to Dublin simply because and doing something on the line to Cork, simply because the 201s look possibly rateable? Of course I could be horribly wrong. I'm also looking to do this on a budget, but am aware that IE have banned split and over distance ticketing on pain of prosecution (please let's hope our companies don't get ideas) so probably nothing that could be described as a loophole. Any experience of booking advances? Would it be worth it? The fares seem a tad steep (but then so are ours, I know)...
What sort of DMUs am I likely to get from a station near Knock? Anything worthwhile?
Or should I give up the whole broad gauge bashing idea and just enjoy a day out to one of Ireland's cities by bus and plane? I have so many questions, maybe I should do a little more research but have already invested several hours of time with few solid answers. Although doing this on a budget, what sort of first class is offered on IE? Is it as bad as Southern's or as good as VTECs for example?
Edit: I just realised Knock isn't really timeable for a day trip... Dublin still is so it looks like it's Dublin.
Also ran into an issue with getting the bus to Heuston station from Dublin airport... The buses seem to pick up and drop off in the wrong way. Any solutions?
I'm aware neither of these airports have rail links and I'd likely be getting the bus to the station. Which airport is preferable? I was thinking of going to Dublin simply because and doing something on the line to Cork, simply because the 201s look possibly rateable? Of course I could be horribly wrong. I'm also looking to do this on a budget, but am aware that IE have banned split and over distance ticketing on pain of prosecution (please let's hope our companies don't get ideas) so probably nothing that could be described as a loophole. Any experience of booking advances? Would it be worth it? The fares seem a tad steep (but then so are ours, I know)...
What sort of DMUs am I likely to get from a station near Knock? Anything worthwhile?
Or should I give up the whole broad gauge bashing idea and just enjoy a day out to one of Ireland's cities by bus and plane? I have so many questions, maybe I should do a little more research but have already invested several hours of time with few solid answers. Although doing this on a budget, what sort of first class is offered on IE? Is it as bad as Southern's or as good as VTECs for example?
Edit: I just realised Knock isn't really timeable for a day trip... Dublin still is so it looks like it's Dublin.
Also ran into an issue with getting the bus to Heuston station from Dublin airport... The buses seem to pick up and drop off in the wrong way. Any solutions?
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