How to travel to Ireland by land

Don’t like the idea of travelling by air and want to reduce your environmental impact? Fear not – Ireland may be an island, but by taking trains/buses and a short ferry ride, travel blogger Evelina Utterdahl discovered that it is possible to holiday on the Emerald isle...

Copenhagen – Brussels – London – Dublin

Even if you're on a budget, it's easy to get to Ireland’s shores by land! The cheapest route involves travelling mostly by bus, and though a little less luxurious than the train, you will still be treated to many of the advantages of travelling on the ground (such as the gorgeous views out your window!). The final step of this journey is a quick ferry ride from Wales to Dublin port. Generally cheaper due to the bus and a total travel time of 28 hours, this route will allow you to be eco-conscious and save money at the same time! So sit back, relax, and take in Europe’s views as you cruise to our green island.

Copenhagen – Cologne – Brussels – London – Dublin

If you want to get to Ireland faster, this is the route for you. Taking trains only (and one ferry), this will get you from Copenhagen to Dublin in under 22 hours, and with the extra comfort of the train! This route let's you watch Europe’s landscapes whiz by your window as you stretch your legs, read a book, watch a movie... And you will arrive in less than a day to Dublin Port, where the adventure really begins!

If you are unsure about travelling by train remember that, aside from being an eco-friendly way to travel, there are many other benefits. As your train meanders through beautiful scenery, you will have the luxury to move around and stroll the aisles whenever you like, or else make use of the extra legroom and get cosy at your table. With mobile phone service and often WiFi available, you can browse the internet (useful for planning your upcoming holiday in Ireland!). And while you travel, you stay with your luggage the whole time – no baggage checks or putting items in the hold.

Of course, there is a substantial environmental benefit to travelling by train or bus. According to Evelina (calculated with 2019 figures), travelling from Copenhagen to Dublin via airplane (not including journeys to and from the airport) works out at approximately 0.404 tonnes return, whereas travelling from Copenhagen to Dublin by land works out at only approximately 0.125 tonnes return!

So you see, if you are unsure about flying, you can still visit the island of Ireland while you enjoy the many advantages to taking the more sustainable route! Now there’s just one more question for you to answer: what would you like to see when you arrive on our shores? Time to get planning!

Copenhagen – Dublin by land ~ 0.125 Ton return
Bus Germany – Brussels: 54kg / return
Ferry Denmark – Germany: 6.3kg / return
Brussels – London St Pancras: 22 kg / return
London Euston – Holyhead: 38.1 kg / return
Holyhead – Dublin: 4.733 kg / by-foot-passenger return