HOW TO GET HERE

Your Journey Awaits!

Ready for an unforgettable trip to Killarney for Your Roots Are Showing? Whether you’re traveling by land, sea, or air, we’ve got you covered with all the best routes (and some insider tips!) to make your journey smooth and exciting. Here's how to get here:

By Land: The Scenic Route

The Irish countryside is waiting to whisk you away on an enchanting adventure!

Bus from Dublin Airport: We’ve teamed up with FlightLink to offer a special discount for all our attendees traveling from Dublin Airport directly to Killarney. Just hop on the FlightLink bus and sit back as Ireland’s rolling hills and stunning landscapes unfold before your eyes.

Bonus: Book HERE and use promo code ROOTS and enjoy your exclusive discount. Click the Dublin Airport to Killarney option. There’s no better way to start your Irish folk journey than on the open road!

By Air: Take to the Skies!

Flying in? You’ve got a couple of options to make your trip quick and easy.

Dublin to Kerry Airport: Catch a short, scenic flight from Dublin to Kerry Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive to Killarney. In no time at all, you’ll be right in the heart of the action!
Other Airports: Fly into Cork or Shannon Airport and either rent a car or hop on public transport for a beautiful drive to Killarney.

By Sea: Sail Across the Irish Waters

If you're coming from the UK or mainland Europe, traveling by ferry is a fantastic way to begin your Irish adventure! You'll sail across the Irish Sea or the Celtic Sea, arriving at Cork Harbour or Rosslare Europort. From either port, Killarney is just a scenic drive or a convenient bus journey away.

Here’s how you can make the most of your sea journey and travel to Killarney:

Step 1: Booking Your Ferry

There are multiple ferry routes from the UK and Europe to Ireland. Here are the main ones:

From the UK:
- Pembroke to Rosslare: Irish Ferries offers frequent sailings from Pembroke in Wales to Rosslare.
- Fishguard to Rosslare: Stena Line operates from Fishguard in Wales to Rosslare.
- Liverpool to Cork: Brittany Ferries offers occasional services from Liverpool to Cork, which takes you straight into the heart of southern Ireland.
From France:
- Roscoff to Cork: Brittany Ferries provides a direct route from Roscoff in northern France to Cork Harbour.

Once you’ve chosen your ferry route:

Visit the ferry provider’s website (Irish Ferries, Stena Line, or Brittany Ferries).
Select your departure point and destination (Cork or Rosslare).
Choose your travel date and time.
Complete the booking process and don’t forget to book space for your car if you’re driving.

Step 2: Arriving at the Port

Once you arrive at Cork Harbour or Rosslare Europort, you’ll be just a few hours from Killarney. You can continue your journey either by driving or taking public transport.

From Cork Harbour to Killarney

Driving Route:
- If you’re bringing a car, Cork Harbour is conveniently close to Killarney. From Cork, follow the N22 road, a beautiful route that winds through the scenic countryside and brings you straight to Killarney. This drive offers stunning views of rolling hills and quaint Irish towns.
Bus Option:
- If you prefer to take the bus, head to Cork City Bus Station (Parnell Place) from Cork Harbour. Take Bus Éireann Route 40 towards Tralee, which stops in Killarney. The bus runs regularly, and it’s a relaxed way to sit back and enjoy the Irish landscape.

From Rosslare to Killarney

Driving Route:
- If you’re driving, take the N25 from Rosslare through Waterford, passing through stunning coastal scenery and historic Irish towns. Then, follow the N22 from Cork to Killarney. It’s a longer drive but incredibly rewarding with postcard-worthy sights along the way.
Bus Option:
- From Rosslare Europort, take Bus Éireann Route 40 to Cork City. Once you arrive in Cork, transfer to another Route 40 bus heading to Killarney. The journey is longer but offers a chance to relax and enjoy the views of Ireland’s southern coast and lush countryside.

Step 3: Enjoy the Scenic Irish Drive

No matter whether you’re driving from Cork or Rosslare, or even taking the bus, the road to Killarney is full of Irish charm. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, lush green fields, and rolling hills. This is your chance to soak in the beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and experience the magic of rural Ireland before arriving in Killarney.

Ferry Providers and Booking Links:

Irish Ferries: www.irishferries.com
Stena Line: www.stenaline.ie
Brittany Ferries: www.brittanyferries.ie

By choosing to arrive by sea, you’re not just getting to Killarney—you’re starting your adventure the moment you step onto the ferry! Embrace the journey, enjoy the sea breeze, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

How to Book & Bus Routes from Cork and Shannon Airports to Killarney

If you're flying into Cork or Shannon Airport, you’re in for a delightful trip through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes on your way to Killarney! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book your bus and the best routes to take.

Step 1: Booking Your Bus Ticket

Booking your bus journey is easy and can be done online ahead of time or at the airport when you arrive. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure a smooth, stress-free start to your trip.

Go to the Bus Éireann website: You can book tickets directly from the official Bus Éireann website (www.buseireann.ie).
Enter your departure airport (either Cork Airport or Shannon Airport) and your destination as Killarney.
Choose your travel date and time: Buses operate frequently, but it’s always best to double-check the schedule for your desired day of travel.
Select your fare and proceed with payment. You will receive a digital ticket that you can print or show on your phone when boarding.

From Cork Airport to Killarney

Route: Cork Airport → Cork City (via local bus) → Killarney (via intercity bus)

1. Cork Airport to Cork City

Bus Route: Bus Éireann Route 226
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes
When you arrive at Cork Airport, take the 226 bus from outside the arrivals terminal to Cork Parnell Place Bus Station in the city centre. This bus operates every 30 minutes.

2. Cork City to Killarney

Bus Route: Bus Éireann Route 40
Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Once at Cork Parnell Place, transfer to Route 40 heading towards Tralee, which will stop in Killarney. This leg of the journey offers scenic views of the countryside as you travel west.

From Shannon Airport to Killarney

Route: Shannon Airport → Limerick City (via local bus) → Killarney (via intercity bus)

1. Shannon Airport to Limerick City

Bus Route: Bus Éireann Route 343
Duration: Approx. 30-40 minutes
From Shannon Airport, hop on the 343 bus to Limerick Bus Station. This service runs frequently throughout the day, so you won’t have to wait long after landing.

2. Limerick City to Killarney

Bus Route: Bus Éireann Route 14
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Once at Limerick Bus Station, transfer to Route 14 heading towards Killarney. This scenic route takes you through charming villages and lush landscapes.

Important Tips

Baggage: Both Cork and Shannon buses can accommodate your luggage, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with Bus Éireann if you’re traveling with large items.
Travel during peak times: If traveling during busier hours or weekends, book in advance to secure a seat.
Comfort breaks: The bus from Limerick and Cork to Killarney are direct and do not have scheduled breaks, so it’s wise to pick up snacks and water at the airport or bus station.

By taking one of these relaxing bus routes, you’ll not only get to your destination but also enjoy the beauty of the Irish countryside.