Is there a border check between Dublin and Belfast?
There are no routine border checks between Dublin and Belfast due to the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland, which allows for the free movement of people. However, it's always wise to carry identification as checks can be implemented in certain circumstances.
Can I hire a car in Belfast and drop it off in Dublin?
Yes, many car rental companies operating in both Belfast and Dublin offer the option to pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. This service is particularly convenient for travelers who do not wish to return to their starting point. Be aware that one-way rentals may incur additional fees.
Is it easy to drive from Belfast to Dublin?
Yes, it is relatively easy to drive from Belfast to Dublin, thanks to the well-maintained M1 motorway in Northern Ireland, which becomes the A1, and then the M1 again in the Republic of Ireland. The route is direct and well-signposted, and takes about two hours, depending on traffic. Just be aware of different speed limit units (mph in Northern Ireland and kph in the Republic of Ireland) and potential tolls.
What is the cheapest way to get from Belfast to Dublin?
Typically, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Belfast to Dublin. Operators like Translink and Bus Eireann provide frequent and direct services between the cities. Buses offer a cost-effective option with multiple departures daily. Prices are generally lower than train tickets, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Is Dublin or Belfast better for tourists?
Choosing between Dublin and Belfast depends on your interests. Dublin offers rich historical sites like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse, along with vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes. Belfast, known for its role in the Titanic's history and the stunning Giant's Causeway nearby, offers a deep dive into Northern Ireland's unique heritage and recent history.
Is there a direct train from Dublin to Belfast?
Yes, there is a direct train service between Dublin and Belfast operated by Irish Rail in cooperation with Translink in Northern Ireland. The service runs from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Central Station. The journey typically takes around two and a half hours, offering multiple departures daily.
Getting from Belfast to Dublin is a smooth and straightforward journey when you have Daytrip's private car service taking you from door to door. The distance covers approximately 120 miles (around 165 km) and depending on the traffic takes around two hours. Starting from Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast, a city rich in history and culture, the drive takes you through the heart of the Emerald Isle's two countries.
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.
About Dublin
Arriving from Belfast to Dublin, you’ll find a vibrant city known for its literary history, bustling pubs, and historical buildings like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Divided by the River Liffey, the city’s silhouette is made of green parks, cobblestone streets, and historical and modern buildings.
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.
From Belfast to Dublin: travel tips
It is guaranteed that you will have a smooth and laid-back experience traveling from Belfast to Dublin with Daytrip. Still, there are a few things you can do to make sure everything goes perfectly.
Add sightseeing stops
There are many interesting towns, historical sites, and parks on the way to Dublin, so add some stops to your itinerary! If you're a Game of Thrones fan, several scenes were filmed in Tollymore Forest Park. Or for history lovers, Monasterboice, one of the first Christian monasteries in the country is unmissable.
### 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.
How to Get from Belfast to Dublin
You have several options to get from Belfast to Dublin including train, bus, private car service, or car rental.
### 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.
Things to Do When You Get to Dublin
Leaving your seamless trip from Belfast to Dublin, you’ll arrive in a city that preserves a piece of its history in each of its corners. Make sure you enjoy its historical pubs, libraries, green parks and even hikes.
### 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.
When’s the best time to visit Dublin?
Dublin gets rowdy, so for a calmer and a bit colder scene of Dublin, consider visiting during spring and autumn. The weather is fair, as are prices for accommodation and transportation. If crowds are a definite no-no for you, then avoid St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated on the 17th of March.
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.
沿途参观这些景点
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
This Georgian manor offers a look into the private lives of the British Royal Family. Her Majesty’s Manor
Tollymore Forest Park
Featured in Game of Thrones, this wonderful woodland is filled with Romantic follies. Follies of Fantasy
Monasterboice
Covering the grounds of an early medieval monastery, this historic cemetery is home to the finest high cross in all of Ireland. Buried on High
Irish Military War Museum
With weapons handling and tank lessons, this museum offers an immersive look at Ireland’s role in both World Wars. Tension Tanks
Newgrange
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important examples of prehistoric megalithic art in all of Europe. Massive Ancient Art
Drogheda
The former home of the Irish Parliament proudly is the proud home of the national shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett. A Saintly Status
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