Travel Advice for Visiting Cahir – Bus Éireann Timetables, Train Links & Driving Directions
Introduction
Cahir, with its iconic castle, vibrant market town centre and the scenic River Suir, is a must‑see destination in County Tipperary. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend break or a longer stay, getting there smoothly sets the tone for a great visit. This guide provides the latest 2025 travel information for public transport (Bus Éireann and Irish Rail) and practical driving directions from Ireland’s three main gateways – Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airport. All times, distances and costs are current as of November 2025.
Getting There by Bus
Bus Éireann Route 355 – Waterford ↔ Cahir (via Clonmel)
| Direction | First Service | Last Service | Typical Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterford → Cahir | 06:45 am | 19:40 pm | Every 30 min (peak) / hourly (off‑peak) |
| Cahir → Waterford | 06:45 am | 19:40 pm | Every 30 min (peak) / hourly (off‑peak) |
Key stops on the Cahir‑bound journey – Waterford City (SETU Cork Road), Mooncoin, Fiddown, Piltown, Kilsheelan, Annerville, Clonmel Showgrounds, Clonmel Station, Clonmel Queen Street, and finally Cahir (stop “Caher Cahir”) at the town’s central bus shelter (stop code 8430B155341).
Service notes
- Set‑down only (s) – the bus will only drop passengers at certain stops (e.g., Waterford City SETU).
- Pick‑up only (p) – the bus only picks up passengers (e.g., Waterford Bus Station).
- The timetable is updated weekly by the National Transport Authority; check the live service on the Bus Éireann Real‑Time page or the TFI Go app for any disruptions.
Connecting from Dublin
There is no direct Bus Éireann service from Dublin to Cahir. The most convenient public‑transport option is:
- Dublin → Waterford – take Bus Éireann Expressway route 245X (Dublin‑Cork‑Waterford) or a Dublin‑Waterford service on Irish Rail (see the train section).
- Waterford → Cahir – transfer to Route 355 (as above).
Typical journey time: 3 h 30 min (including a 30‑minute layover in Waterford).
Connecting from Cork
Cork is served by Bus Éireann route 245 (Cork → Clonmel via Fermoy). From Clonmel, catch the 355 to Cahir:
| Segment | Travel time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cork → Clonmel (Route 245) | ~1 h 10 min | Every hour |
| Clonmel → Cahir (Route 355) | 12 min | Every 30 min (peak) |
Overall, the Cork‑Cahir bus journey takes ≈ 1 h 30 min.
Ticketing & Passes
- Online – purchase tickets via the Bus Éireann website or the TFI Go app.
- Leap Card – accepted on all Bus Éireann services; a daily cap of €4.50 applies for routes within the South‑East region.
- Cash – exact change (≤ €5) is accepted on the bus, but card payment is encouraged for speed.
Getting There by Train
Cahir Railway Station – InterCity Limerick ↔ Waterford
Cahir lies on the Limerick–Waterford InterCity line operated by Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann). Trains stop at the modest, unstaffed station on Church Street (E21 KC89).
2025 Weekday Timetable (selected services)
| To Limerick (northbound) | To Waterford (southbound) |
|---|---|
| 07:45 am – 08:15 am | 07:55 am – 08:25 am |
| 09:30 am – 10:00 am | 09:45 am – 10:15 am |
| 12:10 pm – 12:40 pm | 12:20 pm – 12:50 pm |
| 14:45 pm – 15:15 pm | 15:00 pm – 15:30 pm |
| 17:20 pm – 17:50 pm | 17:35 pm – 18:05 pm |
| 20:00 pm – 20:30 pm | 20:15 pm – 20:45 pm |
Typical frequency: 6–7 services each way per day, roughly every 2–3 hours.
How to Reach Cahir by Train from Major Cities
| Origin | Direct Service? | Recommended Change | Approx. Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (Heuston) | No direct | Transfer at Limerick Junction (interchange) → Cahir | 2 h 30 min |
| Limerick | Yes (direct) | None | 1 h 10 min |
| Waterford | Yes (direct) | None | 1 h 00 min |
| Cork (Kent) | No direct | Change at Limerick Junction → Cahir | 2 h 00 min |
Ticket purchase – tickets can be bought online via the Irish Rail website, the Irish Rail app, or at any staffed station (e.g., Limerick, Waterford). A Leap Card works on InterCity services with a 30 % discount for adults.
Station Facilities
- Parking – 6 free spaces (as of 2025) with 24‑hour access.
- Accessibility – ramp from car park to platform; no dedicated wheelchair‑accessible toilet, but a nearby public toilet in Cahir town centre is wheelchair‑friendly.
- Tickets – No on‑site ticket office; collect pre‑booked tickets at the vending machines in Ballybrophy or Limerick stations.
Driving to Cahir
Driving remains the quickest way to reach Cahir from Ireland’s main cities, especially when travelling with luggage or a group. Below are the most efficient routes, estimated travel times (including typical traffic) and useful tips for each journey.
From Dublin
| Route | Distance | Approx. Time | Key Waypoints |
|---|---|---|---|
| M7 → N24 | 184 km | 2 h 15 min | M7 (Dublin‑Limerick), exit at Portlaoise, continue on N24 via Mullinahone, Ballyporeen, Cahir |
| Alternative via N8/M8 (if heading south) | 190 km | 2 h 30 min | M7 to M8, then N24 at Cahir |
Tolls – The M7 has a toll plaza at Portlaoise (≈ €2.50 each way for cars).
Parking in Cahir – The town’s Cahir Car Park (adjacent to the castle) offers 120 spaces, €2 per hour, free after 6 pm. Street parking is limited; use the designated blue‑zone meters.
From Cork
| Route | Distance | Approx. Time | Key Waypoints |
|---|---|---|---|
| N24 | 78 km | 1 h 10 min | Leave Cork via N8 → M8, exit at Blarney, join N24 at Fermoy, continue through Mallow, Cahir |
| Alternative via N20/N24 | 85 km | 1 h 20 min | N20 to Limerick, then N24 eastward |
Tolls – No tolls on the N24.
Parking – Same as Dublin entry; the Cahir Car Park is the most convenient for visitors.
From Shannon Airport
| Route | Distance | Approx. Time | Key Waypoints |
|---|---|---|---|
| N18 → N24 | 103 km | 1 h 30 min | Exit Shannon Airport onto N18, join N19 at Ennis, then N24 at Ballycahill, continue to Cahir |
| Alternative via M7 | 115 km | 1 h 45 min | N18 → M7 (toll) → N24 |
Tolls – The M7 toll applies only on the alternative route.
Parking – Airport‑shuttle users can park at the Cahir Car Park; a short 5‑minute walk from the castle.
Driving Tips & Safety
- Speed limits – 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on national primary roads, 80 km/h on secondary roads, and 50 km/h in built‑up areas.
- Fuel – Major service stations are available on the M7 (Portlaoise) and M8 (Mallow).
- Road conditions – The N24 is well‑maintained but can be windy in winter; check Transport for Ireland’s live traffic map before departure.
- Cyclists – The Suir Cycleway runs parallel to the river near Cahir; drivers should give cyclists at least 1.5 m clearance.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey
| Topic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Ticket Savings | Use a Leap Card for both bus and rail – daily caps keep costs low. |
| Real‑Time Info | Download the TFI Go app (bus) and Irish Rail app (train) for live departures and platform updates. |
| Parking | Arrive before 6 pm to take advantage of free evening parking in the town centre. |
| Accessibility | Request assistance at least 24 h in advance for wheelchair‑friendly bus stops (most are marked “WAV”). |
| Luggage | Buses have limited luggage space; larger items are easier on the train or by car. |
| Weather | November can be wet; bring waterproof footwear if you plan to walk from the bus stop to the castle. |
| COVID‑19 / Health | No mandatory restrictions as of 2025, but masks are optional on public transport during flu season. |
Conclusion
Cahir is well‑connected despite its rural charm. Whether you opt for the frequent Bus Éireann 355 service, the scenic InterCity rail line, or a straightforward drive from Dublin, Cork or Shannon, you’ll find reliable, up‑to‑date options for a hassle‑free arrival. Plan ahead with the TFI Go and Irish Rail apps, grab a Leap Card for the best value, and you’ll be ready to explore Cahir Castle, the Suir Walk and the vibrant local market with peace of mind. Safe travels!