Private car transfer from Belfast to Dublin

On your way to Dublin, there will be numerous stops waiting for you. Make the most of your private trip by planning your stops beforehand and have a fun road trip like no other. Your first stop can be Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. This 18th-century Georgian country house is a great stop for walking through the elegantly decorated royal rooms with personal objects accrued by the Royal family throughout the years.

You also shouldn’t miss Newgrange, a monumental tomb predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. This huge monument is believed to have connections either with a cult of the dead or an astronomical religion.

What you heard most about Dublin is probably its literary legacy. It is the birthplace or residence of some of the most influential and renowned writers such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. This literary legacy is celebrated throughout the city, and preserved at the Museum of Literature Ireland and the National Library of Ireland. The social life in Dublin is as dynamic as its cultural scene. It houses the most popular Irish beer Guinness and it is the go-to drink in every pub you’ll visit.

Pack well for the journey

It’s Ireland, so no matter when you visit, make sure to have a rain jacket with you, and some layering pieces depending on the season you visit the island. Bring good shoes that can withstand the rain as well. Some snacks and tea or coffee to keep you cozy in case it gets cold are also a good idea.

Belfast to Dublin by train

Taking a train ride from Belfast to Dublin is one of the more comfortable options. The journey takes around two and a half hours and is operated mainly by Irish Rail in cooperation with Translink in Northern Ireland.

There are multiple direct trains from Belfast Central Station to Dublin Connolly Station daily. Tickets average $17. The route offers scenic views and comfortable traveling but can be more expensive than bus options. Most importantly, schedules require planning in advance, so check the timetable of the trains here; https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Belfast to Dublin by bus

There are direct buses operated by Translink (Goldline Express Service) and Bus Eireann from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Dublin Busaras, the Central Bus Station. The trip takes around two and a half hours but can change depending on traffic conditions.

The timetable offers a high frequency of buses with multiple departures throughout the day and evening. Buses are generally cheaper than trains with more flexible schedules but also offer less room and comfort. Check their schedule on their websites; https://www.buseireann.ie/ and https://www.translink.co.uk/

Belfast to Dublin by private car

The most convenient and enjoyable option is traveling in a private car you book with Daytrip. Depending on how big or luxurious you prefer your car to be, the price would range from $347 to $510. But that's for the vehicle, so if you're traveling in a group, prices can be as low as $73 per person.

Your local driver will help you throughout the way with your luggage, the stops you’d like to take, and insider tips. The smooth trip will take around two hours without stopping. But Daytrip sets itself apart from any other travel option by offering sightseeing stops. And when you have the chance to fill the 120 miles (around 165 km) with even more Irish experiences, why wouldn't you?

Belfast to Dublin by rental car

You can also rent a car and drive from Belfast to Dublin. Your journey would take you around two hours depending on traffic and exact starting/ending points. You would drive via the M1 motorway in Northern Ireland which becomes A1 and then M1 again in the Republic of Ireland.

It is a flexible option in schedule and stops but keep in mind that you will need to consider the costs including rental, fuel, and potential tolls, as well as driving on the left and parking in Dublin.

Take a sip of Guinness Storehouse

Ireland’s by far the most iconic and famous beer Guinness has a temple in Dublin. At Guinness Storehouse, you can have the ultimate Guinness beer experience. With a history reaching far back to a brewery in the heart of Dublin built in 1759, Guinness is a global brand and taking a tour at Guinness Storehouse is a great way to experience the taste and its history to the fullest.

Worship the Temple Bar

Dublin's Temple Bar is probably the most visited neighborhood in the city, and for good reason: it's filled with pubs! The most famous is the Temple Bar itself, where there is live traditional Irish music 24/7 and the largest collection of whiskey in the whole of Ireland (quite the feat). The pub is famous for its history dating back to 1840, for holding the largest selection of pub sandwiches in the world as well as its great selection of beers.

But besides the pubs, the Temple Bar neighborhood dates back to the 17th century, so make sure to explore. There's plenty of other things to keep you busy, from vintage shops to the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios.

Hike the Howth Cliffs

If you haven't experienced the rugged beauty of the Irish coast, hop on a DART (Dublin’s railway network) to Howth. Here, the best nature walk in Dublin showcases mesmerizing coastal views with the immense seascape.

Travel from Belfast to Dublin from June through August if you’d like to enjoy Dublin in its warmest, most crowded, and busiest. Summer has the warmest weather and most activities, and Temple Bar is perpetually packed. If you want to enjoy some festivals and concerts, summer is definitely the best time to visit Dublin.

If you don’t mind the cold, would like a cheaper holiday, and are happy to drive away the winter gloom at an Irish pub, then winter months from December to March are also good options.