Getting Around - The North West Region of Ireland

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Getting around the North West of Ireland

Though the north-west of Ireland is a compact and accessible region, there is a lot to see so it is important that you have the right transport.

In general, getting around the north-west is easy and there are plenty of options for exploring the region. Probably the quickest and easiest way of getting around the north-west is with a hire car. Whether you are landing at one of the main airports or a local airport in the north-west region you will find plenty of car rental options, while there are also agencies in all the major cities and towns. Hiring a car means you can see the region on your own terms and at your own pace. It also allows you to explore off the beaten track.

One increasingly popular option is camper van hire. This allows all the freedom of having a car and you can save significantly on accommodation costs. There are a number of good camper van hire companies in the region, including Celtic Camper Vans and Erne Camper Vans. If you are travelling in a large group you may want to hire a coach service to get around.

Another popular choice of getting around the region in the summer months is by bike. Many choose to bring their bikes from abroad and see the whole region this way, which can be challenging but rewarding. Alternatively, you can hire bikes locally for day trips or longer journeys.

Many visitors to the north-west region, and especially backpackers, use the local bus system to get around. The extensive Bus Eireann network provides regular services between all the major towns. In general, the service is good though buses to some of the more remote regions may not be so frequent.

You will also find all kinds of tours of the area and they are a hassle-free way to see all the sights. Tours can be as short as half a day or as long as a week and can be tailored to your tastes and needs. There are countless companies, such as Innisfree Coaches, in the region that provide tours and tailor-made transport options for groups.