Getting There - The North West Region of Ireland

Tourist Information

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No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the beautiful north-west region. Miles of stunning coastline, fascinating historical sights, great pubs and craic, and some of the best golf courses in Europe make this a place that is not to be missed.

Getting to and from the north-west is easy whether you are traveling from abroad or you are already in Ireland. Ireland's two biggest airports, Dublin and Shannon, are just a couple of hours away by car, while you can also travel to the region by plane or train.

The region is served by a number of local airports, including City of Derry Airport, Donegal Airport and Sligo Airport. Aer Arann provides direct flights to all three airports from Dublin Airport, while City of Derry Airport and Donegal Airport also serve destinations in Britain.

If you are traveling overland you can reach the region by train from Dublin. Ten Iarnrod Eireann trains run from Dublin to Sligo every day and the journey takes about three hours. Alternatively, Bus Eireann provides regular bus services from Dublin to all the major towns in the region while local buses provide links between all the major urban centres.

By far the easiest way to get to and from the north-west of Ireland from within the country is to rent a car. Not only is it the quickest way to get to the region, it also allows you to enjoy your holiday at your own pace and to see the best sights, many of which are quite secluded.

Ireland is a small country and roads have improved dramatically in recent years so drive times to the north-west are short from anywhere in the country. For example, you can drive from Dublin to Sligo in about two-and-a-half hours, or from Shannon in about three hours.

So whether you choose plane, train or automobile, you will find getting to the north-west is easy.