
Bus Eireann goes just about everywhere
Last weekend I rented a car, but that was because driving was part of the experience. This weekend I just wanted to get there. And Bus Eireann helped me with that.
Bus Eireann is everywhere–which is kind of handy for the person exploring Ireland.
And, especially if you aren’t traveling on a weekend there really aren’t all that many people on the bus.
Interestingly, while I was on the bus back from Waterford the driver was listening to a debate about which form of public transportation should get an increase in funding to increase the chance of going green (bus v. train).
Sounded like the bus was solidly winning in, at least, that debate.

Wandering around Waterford
This weekend was our last three day weekend before the end of the program and I can assure you that my compatriots and I scattered to all corners of Ireland (and beyond! several people went to London, Paris, and Amsterdam).
As for me? Well, I spent some time in Southeastern Ireland down near Waterford. The city itself was nominally interesting, but I vastly preferred wandering around the grounds near the hotel I was staying at.
So much of the time in Ireland has been spent in a city (Dublin, Cork, etc.) that it was nice to spend more time in Irish countryside and this time (unlike when I was driving) there wasn’t that same stress level. After all, who can be stressed when you are surronded by verdant forests and gently meandering paths.

Photo Credit: Katie McQueeney
This weekend when I was in Killarney, I ended up on a boat.
Killarney National Park has over 25,000 acres of land spread between mountains, lakes, and forests. In short, it’s beautiful.
In long, simply driving and walking does not give you a full picture of the park. My traveling companion and I decided by remedying this by getting on a boat.
Gliding around the lake on the boat let us experience the park, the sun, the water, and all the various shades of green in a new way. I’d definitely recommend it!
Today is the start of the first long weekend that we have as part of the eLSI program. During the three weeks of classes there are two such 3 day weekends.
So where is everyone going? I took a random poll and people are scattering to all parts of Ireland and beyond. Some of the destinations include:
- London
- Kinsale
- Killarney
- and Dublin
One of the great things about being over here is that bus, train, plane, or even car is available to explore for a decent price. And with that, I’m off! See you on the flip side of Killarney.
Today I’m putting Dublin behind me and traveling out to Cork!
There are many ways to go from Dublin to Cork–trains, planes, and automobiles will all take you there. But I figured a train ride would be nice. After all, for the train ride all I need to do is settle in and watch the scenery fly by.
So, in a short moment I’ll be dragging my suitcase out of my hotel heading down to Dublin Heuston station and hoping on the train to Cork.