Getting around

Travel between major centres in the Republic is generally straightforward, with reliable - albeit infrequent and slow - public transport operated by the state-supported train and bus companies IarnrA?d A?ireann (Irish Rail) and Bus A?ireann. There are, however, glaring anomalies, and you should never assume that two major, local towns are necessarily going to be connected. It pays to think and plan ahead. Once off the main routes this becomes particularly important since it's quite usual for small towns and villages to be served by a couple of buses a week and no more. Transport in the North is similarly infrequent in rural areas. Ulsterbus is generally regular and dependable, as is the (limited) train network. Ireland's relatively quiet rural roads make car rental an attractive and increasingly popular option, allowing you to visit the more remote areas of the country; most towns throughout Ireland will have rental outlets, though the best value is usually found in Dublin. Parts of the country, especially in the west, are ideal for cycling and bikes are available for rent in even the smallest villages

Other useful information for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections):