This is so nostalgic for countless thousands of Irish, who made this journey going back as far as the 1930s and before. Holyhead, my God, the stories it could tell. London, the mysterious metropolis that swallows one up. I made that journey last time in December 1978. Punk rock was big in London. Sid Vicious was in Rikers Island, after the death of his girlfriend Nancy at the Chelsea Hotel, New York. And the magic of returning home 🏡 for Christmas 🎄 ✨️ with my family. Thank you, for the vicarious pleasure of reliving my Yuletide 🎉 journey of 1978🇮🇪🇬🇧
My wife played Gaelic football in Westmeath and worked in London for six months with a couple of other players back in the 80s. They used to make that trip back every weekend to play for their local team.
In August 1962, aged 16, with my sister aged 15, I took a trip from London to Liverpool by bus, Liverpool to Dublin by boat, overnighted at home in Dublin before going on to Donegal the following day for the rest of the school holidays. What a trip.
@@LetsMakeaTrip 25 hrs London Victoria Bus Terminal to front door in Dublin, 6 km from the port, then train to Sligo and three different buses to destination took 10 hrs on the following day. But we had it easy, apart from being violently sick on the boat.....😖
I have done this trip three times and I have to say it beats the panic at airports as you are sorted once you are on the bus. One word of warning be sure to have your phone off or not roaming on the boat as you can get hit with a 60 euro charge. Technically you are outside EU and UK areas and thus subject to external charges.
Good point about the phone Sean. I must admit, I didn’t even think about it so I’d be interested to know if anyone’s been hit with this charge. Yep, I do like the ‘once you’re on the coach’ feeling as you can just relax. It’s more the overnight thing for me over a distance such as this. I just really struggle to sleep. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
Hi Mark , I love your videos and going vicariously on trips with you . Sadly, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, so your videos help take my mind off the pain etc . Please everyone who reads this, send good wishes and prayers my way . They will really help me . Sincerely, Doctor Kästien, Tel Aviv, Israel 🇮🇱
Hi Mark! Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for all you do! In the past 6/7 weeks I’ve used National Express for the return journey from Edinburgh to Plymouth three times (dread to imagine my total journey time)! It was my first time using a coach company and I have to say I was impressed - cheap, comfortable and gets the job done! And I knew exactly what to expect because of your handy videos. Would definitely recommend coach travel! Adam
Hi Adam, well cheers mate, really appreciate your comment and it truly encourages me to do more. That’s some trip as well so I hope you had plenty of stuff to do on the way! And ok it’s a long time on the coach but doing it three times - I reckon you must’ve saved loads of money using NX! Hate to think how much the train fares would’ve been.
Used this service 25 years ago when I emigrated from Ireland to London. Well the reverse route obviously.... I'd imagine tens of thousands of Irish people done this trip over the years.
@@geoffpoole483 💯 Agree and I doubt I would use it now as flights are so cheap. But years ago it was the affordable way to get home for a week or so before the likes of Ryanair.
Yep, good points both. Just trying to think how long the sail/rail fares have been around for too? Ever since I remember but tbh, I don’t take advantage of them as much as I should.
@@LetsMakeaTrip They have been around for a good while and can be good value depending on time etc. I remember there used to be a direct train to Holyhead. Not sure if you can get one straight thru now or need a change. Just checked. They are still direct trains. Around 3hr 45min.
Lovely video I travel with expressway now and again as I do travel with bus eireann and I tend to fall asleep and wake myself up from snoring 😂 but fall asleep again love them as usual
@@LetsMakeaTrip indeed I am a heavy sleeper I think so I am always going to ended up asleep within 20 minutes and sometimes after it I start snoring lol 😂
I've used it many times , you can bring a decent sized suitcase, not the farty sized one allowed on an aircraft . If you can get some sleep on the bus / boat it's grand ..
Good video Mark. Brings back a few memories, used to do this trip as a hgv driver 3 times a week, London to Dublin and back. We could have been starting around 6pm in the afternoon with a few collections to do, then straight to Holyhead, lots of pressure but I enjoyed it.
Cheers Michael. I was shattered but I was flying over to Aberdeen where, by the time I got there, knew I’d be able to check in to my airport hotel. It was a long day/night for sure 👍
My wife cannot fly, so from '97 on we took one or two trips back to Ireland with eurolines each year. Leaving work on a Friday evening we would grab a meal before getting on the coach in Reading at about 8pm. The coach took the overnight Fishguard to Rosslare crossing. Occasionally we hired a car at Rosslare, but usually continued by coach on to Limerick arriving sometime after 12 noon. On the way back the coach leaves Limerick on a Sunday lunchtime arriving back in Reading at 6am. Time for breakfast before starting work again around 8am. The drivers were usually eastern European, and really helpful. Once I caught a drunk woman with her hand in my pocket, then in my wife's handbag. The driver had her removed by the police at Fishguard, but other than that the passengers have been great. In the early days we would share a picnic with others on the bus, but coaches have become fussier about eating on the coach. Since retiring five years ago we have not used the service as we travel by car for longer stays, and don't have to fit in around work,
Hi many thanks for the comment. Really interesting to learn about your experiences. Have you ever thought about the train though. The starting work at 8am would be an absolute killer for me tbh!
@@LetsMakeaTrip back in '97 the cost of a return coach ticket was under £40. We did use the train a couple of times when it was about £70 or £80 return on the train and £55 on the coach, but the train was only as far as Rosslare, it would cost as much again to get to Limerick or Ennis. The few times we did take the train we always hired a car at Rosslare. The train allows use of the daytime ferry which changes things a little, and also let us use our local station (Didcot), a ten minutes walk from home. Working the day after an night on the coach was not as bad as you might think. We could get breakfast and a shower at work, take a walk at lunchtime to keep a clear head, then leave at four grabbing a carvery meal on the way home so as not to need to cook.
Cheers Tim, people either don’t listen to instructions or just don’t think it applies to them or something. I just don’t get it. I’m always early for stuff, I hate cutting things fine and the risks involved - especially whe. You’ve got a bag in the hold! The driver put him in his place though, I can tell you that!
Seems like a very chaotic start to your journey! Very cramped - perhaps they need more space at Victoria. The coach though seemed pretty nice and the pillows and blankets were a nice touch!
This brings back memories, the first and last coach trip to Dublin, to visit my sister and family from London Victoria. this was two days before Christmas about 10yrs ago, the coach was jammed packed and I ended up with back pain and no sleep. Never again. From then on I would prefer to fly.
Cheers Dave, maybe I got lucky with the number of passengers because that (in my book) makes a massive difference to the enjoyment (or otherwise) of the trip. The train of course is the other option and if busy, at least you can get up and move about a bit.
I think Eurolines is a consortium of European operators with National Express as the UK representative. My 1 and only Eurolines trip to Amsterdam was certainly an experience. Your video brought back a lot of memories. Thanks
Cheers Paul, yep my first time with Eurolines. That price though on the NX website I couldn’t believe how much more expensive it was than on the Expressway website!
I did that journey for many years as a kid in the 90s, first from Cricklewood, London then from London Victoria to Holyhead to Dublin on Irish Ferries. It was a very long journey from 7pm to 2am, then 2:40am sailing to docking in Dublin for 6am. Then from the ferry to Busarus bus station in Dublin City Centre and then get connection to our destination so all together there and back it was very long and tiring
Bus Áras is also a listed Art Deco building so that nicely bookended your video. Used to see the buses leaving for London years ago and wondered what it would be like to take it. Thanks for this video.
At the time of the Iceland volcano, the only way I could get home from London was on the bus to Dublin. That was my first experience. Since then I have travelled two or three times every year from Cork to London until the pandemic struck and the service was cancelled. I am looking forward to the day when the reinstitute the Cork service.
Hi Moira, thanks for the comment - and thanks for the info. Didn’t know there was a Cork - London service so like yourself, I hope it returns. Similarly, I’d love to see the return of the Swansea - Cork ferry. Did it once a few years back and was a lovely trip. Fingers crossed 😊
Hi Have made this journey a few times over the years, and also the Dublin/Leeds one. One good plus for the coach is that there is no weight or size limit for cases!!!
As long as I can remember Eurolines/CIÉ buses have used Digbeth, as well as the service from London to Dublin, there used to be one that sailed to Rosslare and called at points along the southern passage to Kerry and Limerick. Then there was the Ulsterbus one that drove all the way up to Stranraer calling to pick up passengers in Liverpool and Manchester, then sailing via Larne and down the I think A8 into Belfast
And one that went to Cork I’ve just learnt which is a fair distance from London. I guess a few years ago the Swansea - Cork ferry would’ve been utilised and I’d love to take that route again. I wonder if it’ll ever return 🤔
A hell of a long trip, maybe that's why the coach was so empty, people find alternative ways to travel?! The coach seemed fine, you had a laugh with the woman banging her head on the coach, and the late passenger on the ferry! And for a long coach journey, unlike your trip to Glasgow, there were breaks in your trip. Thank you again for an excellent fun video.
Yep cheers Keith and a good point about the breaks. I mean, we did have a break on the overnight to Glasgow but it was a totally different atmosphere and I would NEVER do that trip again! It was long but the passengers and the driver made it into a decent, enjoyable trip really. Certainly an experience!
I did it when it was cheaper than sail rail. Tired n smelly and lots of coughing. Think it was 36-42€. I have done Birmingham route too alighting at Manchester airport. Them routes are slowly coming back. London is only twice a week in ‘23
I agree Byron, they are slowly coming back and new domestic routes are being added now. I think the coach operators sense a rise in demand based on the current shambolic rail service!
Tanks for the memories. Irish Ferries Were formally known aß B&I. Early morning arrival in Dublin, then, found a fine pint of Guinness With. a Jamesons Whiskey Shot. The Pubs Are open nowadays later.
always a great video mate. your clip at Victoria coach station reminded me as a boy circa:1962. we moved to London from Lancashire but went back to stay with relatives each summer. my dad took us to the coach station to get on a 'Ribble/Standerwick GAY HOSTESS!' this was the concorde bus of it's day. all the other coaches leaving victoria were single deckers but this Beautiful machine was double decker with toilets and hostess service like a cafe thing at the rear downstairs. there really was nothing like it in it's day. it always said on destinaton board 'COLNE' but we got off at Accrington where i was born. no M6 them days just a bit of M1 and regular stops at Rugby, stoke etc. lovely memories when i saw that iconic Victoria coach station. thankyou so much.
Cheers Peter, I had to google that tbh as I’m certainly not an expert but I’ve learnt so much doing these bus/coach videos! Dubious name I guess these days but looks fantastic and reclining seats as well (I wonder when they first became ‘a thing’). Glad it brought back some memories 😊👍
I used to take similar trips on eurolines 870 from Manchester after connecting from Blackpool. It was a long journey and i felt safe. Best seat on Ulysses was above the shop in a circular lounge. Sometimes Dublin hotel let me in room in the early hrs depending who was on duty.
Cheers mate, sounds like you knew what you were doing there as a regular. I’d like to have a proper look at Ulysses’s offering some time. Probably a day crossing as it does look a good ship 👍
I highly reccomend for whatever overland trip you do...always...always carry a roll of toilet paper and a small bottle of antispetic gel for your hands because as you highlighted in the toilet on the bus..there is no guarantee of toilet paper and soap.
Great video, did that trip back to back. Got the 8pm from Dublin to London on a Thursday and back on Friday at 6, day in London was nice. That drivers a true gent and a great driver
Thanking you for this video. I want to go to Dublin one day and this will be my mode of transport. Even better they do pickups from Birmingham Coach Station. Thank you for informing on this
I use to work in the port of Holyhead. And I directed the cars and coaches for Irish ferries for the 02:40 sailing on the Ulysses. I’ve have retired now, and I don’t miss standing out in all weathers 😁😁😁😁
Hi Selwyn, yep I’ve always thought doing that would be an interesting job but I don’t envy you with the shift patterns and the weather. It’s probably not at all glamorous when I think about it! Cheers 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it can be interesting to meet people from different backgrounds and countries. But the weather in the winter can be unpredictable 👍 I hope that you carry on doing your journeys to keep people informed about them all 👍👍👍
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video as always again goodness you had a very long coach trip but at least you did it very busy coach station it was specially for London that's a very nice modern looking Mercedes coach from the outside and the inside too bugger the lights didn't work great road shots of the motorway and the city and background music very professional indeed good price for the coach trip to Dublin even including a ferry in the deal that woman certainly liked you had a tiny bit of wine too hope your having a good day so far bud 👍
Cheers FG, I’m fine, hope you are too! Yeh it was a long trip but the coach was nice, the driver was great and overall, if you can do it and you prefer it to the train, plane, it’s fine. Personally, I’d probably take the train next time if I wasn’t in a rush. I might do that anyway to see how it compares.
I think rather you than me for this one mate, looks like a proper tiring trip, especially with the timings. But hugely enjoyable to watch as always. The only way your video could have been better would have been if that guy had missed the coach :)
Cheers Steve! Oh I think this trip would be fine for a man of your stamina! Think of the viewing figures! The guy who was late, well, I was quite kind to him on the video because he seriously annoyed the driver and I heard every word sitting where I was. Like I said, there’s always one!
Great video, as others said, nostalgic trip, did it a few times originating at Dublin, for music concerts in London, often wondered if it was still operating, now I know, thanks for video 👍
Well done for doing this, what a trouper! I can't believe there was just one driver for the journey, for over 12 hours. And yes, I don't think I would choose that was to get to Dublin. Cheers Mark
Cheers Daz, yep I mean it wasn’t my hardest trip, it was certainly an adventure I just struggle with the morning after tbh. I think I will try the sail rail at some point to compare and probably try that one in the day 👍
Hiya Jim, I’m good ta, hope you are too! I thought of you when I did this, I reckoned you’d probably been on it in the past. A great experience, not sure I’d do it again tbh but yep, the passengers were great fun really. Cheers mate 😊👍
I think the thing I would dislike the most is the super early arrival time unless I was heading on elsewhere or it was summer and already quite warm. I guess this trip is good if you have a lot of baggage and have somewhere to go upon arrival in Dublin. As always a fair report on what it’s like to take the trip.
That is the downside of overnight trips for me too. OK if you're heading home or whatever, but depending where you're going there can be a lack of bag storage, shower facilities, etc until much later in the day otherwise.
Yep, this is the thing with overnight travel whether it’s on a train, coach well, whatever really. I mean you can get day rooms from around 8, 9 in the morning but then you have to be out by late afternoon then if you’re staying, you have the additional expense of the nights hotel as well!
Interesting video. I did the London to Dublin train and ferry trip with my son in 2019. It was cheap enough but took a long time and with a late running ferry we did not arrive into Dublin until about 10pm when everything was closed. Public transport from ferry port in Dublin to city centre was poor. Although I glad I tried it - I would fly next time.
Cheers Andrew. I might well try the sail rail thing now I’ve done this, just to see how it compares. I like the idea of getting into Dublin and straight to the hotel - even though it’s very expensive to spend a night there! I wonder if they do a free bus from the port if you buy your ticket to Connolly or somewhere?
Another stamina sapping journey, you need something nice and relaxing soon. I'm doing Nottingham-Dublin outward by train/ferry overnighting in Holyhead and back by plane the next evening in a few weeks time. I hope I've got your stamina :)
Cheers Kevin. I did the overnight thing at Holyhead once. Stayed at the Premierinn - easy walk from the railway station and, imo, the best way to do it too. Enjoy 😊👍
Great vid as ever. Must agree that there are too many other ways to make this trip before I'd pick this one. But maybe the timings suited people? Loved the bonus architecture at the start. What a lovely building!
Cheers mate. Yep I’ve always looked at that building but never bothered to find out what it is/was. Fantastic bit of history right there - couldn’t believe it when I found out!
My wife and I did Dublin to Luton when snow closed Luton. Getting a flight the next day after a day of no flights gave us little option. Yes it is not a journey you take lightly but to us it was the best option to getting us home promptly. Driver rests in the middle of the morning when not a soul left the coach at a motorway service station should tell you how we all felt. Useful but not a trip of choice.
Cheers Richard, the coach hen drives to the Busaran terminal in central Dublin. Not sure where it goes after that but with Irish plates etc I guess it’s just doing express coach duties around Ireland for most of the week?
there are plenty of hotels open at 6am in Dublin, there are 2 right across from busaras, and any of the big chain hotels around the city are open......then there are the early house pubs around that part of thencity that cater to travels with early opening hours where you can have a drink or hot food.......and just 10mins walk to your left is the famine monument with far nicer view to end video on.
Thanks for the suggestions Kenneth. Don’t dispute there are hotels open but all costs money and I’m on a tight budget with these trips. I did look at day rooms that were available later on in the morning but I needed to get to Scotland anyway and by the time my £30 flight arrived in Aberdeen, I was checking into the airport hotel for £50. If I could get a day room and a Saturday night stay in Dublin for around £80, I would be amazed!!
@Let’s Make a Trip! lol.....yeah there are plentybof hotels but yeah they are expensive last time I checked, booking the day of was around 160-230 euro and that's not if there is a big concert on or somenother big event then the rooms nearly double in price, but there is a hostel across the road from the bus station beside the garda station.
When I worked for megabus I used to leave people all the time at keels services people just don’t listen and when control used to call me to go back and get them i used to refuse lol
Cheers Simon. Tbh, I never knew this existed until I looked it up. And that’s the thing I guess, it does give you an alternative if you’re quite happy sitting on the coach and not getting much sleep!
I'm so glad you did this trip. I've often wondered if I could cope with it and you know, I think, even though I'm in my mid seventies, I could, just about, for the sake of economy, if I had to! Other than the state of those coach loos, everything else is tolerable but it's beyond me why, at the start of a long journey, the toilet couldn't be checked for a quick floor wash, and replen of soap, paper towels etc. Cheap should not also mean utterly nasty! It doesn't in many countries, but of course British standards and tolerance of such stuff is really high. I guess that putting up with Joe Public comes a close second as a minus, because, as you say, there's always one. Maybe if you are staying in Ireland for a while, you could just take a day out to catch up on lost sleep on arrival. Definitely a bit much to fly right back to UK. But certainly I wouldn't say "never".
Hi MM and thanks for the comment. I totally agree with you about the British attitude to things as so many people will say ‘well it only cost xxx so what do you expect’ (see my London to Glasgow video for plenty of comments like that)! This was much much better but yes, I didn’t have to do it, I was interested in the experience and sharing it. Ordinarily I’d fly tbh. I was booked to do some stuff in Scotland so flew up to Aberdeen that same morning. Cheers 😊👍
Love these short and long trips you do on here and yes I would love to see the ferry (day sailing would be good) next time your traveling in hat direction (Wayne down under)
Eurolines does not exist like it used to in fact if you input the name into Google it states that it does not exist at all. ( I think bus eireann used the name for convenience )My first visit to London was in 2002 on a 24 HR bus journey from Vienna to London with eurolines that bus came from Budapest, although I joined it in Vienna, I used eurolines many times over the years, when flights were not as cheap as they are now. Flixbus seems to be the new eurolines.
Eurolines used to be part of nx, I used to drive the 021 to Dover from VCS which was a bus eireann coach from Belfast overnight then we'd take it to Dover and back and then it would head back to Belfast that night.
@@LetsMakeaTrip well it was 2 split routes, we used to travel up on the 025 from our base in Sussex and pick the coach up in VCS, was normally there for a couple of hours before we arrived, we'd get back from Dover into VCS early afternoon and then it would head back to Belfast in the evening. Think it ran as the 921 to/from Belfast but can't remember for sure.
The bit of extra money seems worth it for a comfortable and modern coach. I went on a trip from Dublin to Yorkshire a couple of years ago and the coach was a 2008-registered coach that felt like it was about to pack up at any moment! If you had been on that trip then you would not criticise this 2022 Merc coach at all! :)
@@LetsMakeaTrip Oh, you said it was 'not the best' coach so that's what I meant, but I'm glad it was good then. I was most interested to know how you felt at the end of that trip and it seems that as you said it was quite a slog. I think I'd be prepared to do the trip if I was getting a coach like this though, so I'd use this company. Cheers.
No worries Paul, sorry probably my ‘figure of speech’ should’ve explained yes I’d definitely do one of these coaches again. I have had better (see my London to Bristol 040 video - that was brilliant!) and much, much worse (London to Glasgow!) but overall, yep pretty good really 😊👍
Well, it is something worth a try, apart from the 2 am passport checks really. Anyway, National Express had another service, the 890 (outsourced to Irish operator Bernard Kavanagh) which ran between London and Cork via Reading, Bristol, Swansea, and Waterford, with the Ferry running between Pembroke and Rosslare. Sadly, this ceased operations in February 2020, likely because it had a much longer journey than yours
Cheers Enrico. I believe that this service is subbed-out to Bernard Kavanagh too (according to another commenter). I remember, years ago, taking the Swansea - Cork ferry overnight,but sadly this service is no more.
I did the journey from Cork to London in 87.....18 hours.....Slatterys coaches....arrived shattered...had to open the luggage in Fishguard and show the contents..." the troubles "...
Iv made that trip to Birmingham many times, there was an 873 that went busaras liverpool Manchester Leeds alongside the 871 , i think bus eireann contracted the London route to Callanan coaches aka irish citylink as up until 3 year ago bus eireann had there own liviried eurolines buses and bus eireann drivers doing the route.
Cheers David. Didn’t realise there were more routes than this one. Like all these things, I wonder if they’ll ever return or whether it’s just a connecting service via Birmingham?
Another great vlog! At least there was a good atmosphere on the coach which will have helped with the tedium! Shame about that rude passenger but as you said, there is always one🤦🏼♀️
Bit of a mystery as to how Eurolines is back as Flixbus seem to have bought the brand and haven't been using it.I though that National Express might have taken over the various England/ROI routes as I saw a National Express livered coach going down the road to Cork a year ago or so and I'd guess that it must have come via Dublin although I suppose it could have come via Rosslare and Waterford.A private company called Slattery's did the London Dublin via Birmingham route about 20 years back in competition with National Express and Bus Eirean.
Interesting trip. Thanks for sharing. I actually live in Melbourne Australia, though we have relatives on my wife's side of the family from England and Northern Ireland.
Interestingly, that's not actually a Bus Eireann coach, it looks like its a third party based on the operator information on display on side of coach at start of video.
I really enjoyed that video so much thank you for making it and what an exciting journey you had. I would prefer to fly on a plane to Dublin me personally.
I have done this trip via rail from Gatwick Airport to Dublin City centre it took roughly 13 hours end to end it cost me around £80 with my 16-25 railcard discount at the time but I was on W.B yeats as ulysses was in dry dock at the time
Great trip. I don't know there's coach route between London and Dublin via Holyhead. For a coach enthusiasm, I think this route is great, especially if there's daytime schedule.
I've done this journey but from Cork via Swansea - Cork ferry to London many times, lately from Cork via Wexford Europort to Pembroke Dock onto Victoria, a 16 hour journey. On the old Swansea - Cork ferry it was an 11 and a half hour sailing (sometimes longer waiting for the tide to rise or fall a few feet at Swansea, due to spring tides) but as it sailed into international waters leaving the EU, when UK was a member, sold duty free. EuroLines/Expressway charter in private Irish/EU operators for the service and other European services from Ireland. The driver changes on the M4 before London, the new one having driven to the services by car from London, the old one leaving the same way to the London lodgings. Not required when it was the Swansea - Cork sailing as the crossing was long enough for the drivers daily rest period to be taken. Cork no longer a ferry terminal but a deep water container and cruise ship port.
I remember the Swansea - Cork ferry Tony. Did it once, walked from the railway station down to the passenger terminal in Swansea with my rucksack and yep, had a great night. Good days those, such a shame it finished.
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This is so nostalgic for countless thousands of Irish, who made this journey going back as far as the 1930s and before. Holyhead, my God, the stories it could tell. London, the mysterious metropolis that swallows one up. I made that journey last time in December 1978. Punk rock was big in London. Sid Vicious was in Rikers Island, after the death of his girlfriend Nancy at the Chelsea Hotel, New York. And the magic of returning home 🏡 for Christmas 🎄 ✨️ with my family. Thank you, for the vicarious pleasure of reliving my Yuletide 🎉 journey of 1978🇮🇪🇬🇧
Great comment Jack, loved those memories well-told 😊👍
@@Denis.Collins Me too Denis. Camden Lock, on Sunday afternoon. Full of punk life, love and music. Magic!
My wife played Gaelic football in Westmeath and worked in London for six months with a couple of other players back in the 80s. They used to make that trip back every weekend to play for their local team.
In August 1962, aged 16, with my sister aged 15, I took a trip from London to Liverpool by bus, Liverpool to Dublin by boat, overnighted at home in Dublin before going on to Donegal the following day for the rest of the school holidays. What a trip.
Sounds fantastic Paddy that. I bet things were different 60-odd years ago, would love to know how long it took you. 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip 25 hrs London Victoria Bus Terminal to front door in Dublin, 6 km from the port, then train to Sligo and three different buses to destination took 10 hrs on the following day. But we had it easy, apart from being violently sick on the boat.....😖
@@paddydiskin3645 wow you experienced the 60s. What a privilege.
Thanks very much for doing this- you are taking so many of us along with you!
Cheers Anthony, thanks for watching 😊👍
I have done this trip three times and I have to say it beats the panic at airports as you are sorted once you are on the bus. One word of warning be sure to have your phone off or not roaming on the boat as you can get hit with a 60 euro charge. Technically you are outside EU and UK areas and thus subject to external charges.
Good point about the phone Sean. I must admit, I didn’t even think about it so I’d be interested to know if anyone’s been hit with this charge. Yep, I do like the ‘once you’re on the coach’ feeling as you can just relax. It’s more the overnight thing for me over a distance such as this. I just really struggle to sleep. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
Hi Mark , I love your videos and going vicariously on trips with you . Sadly, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, so your videos help take my mind off the pain etc . Please everyone who reads this, send good wishes and prayers my way . They will really help me .
Sincerely, Doctor Kästien, Tel Aviv, Israel 🇮🇱
Hi Mark! Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for all you do!
In the past 6/7 weeks I’ve used National Express for the return journey from Edinburgh to Plymouth three times (dread to imagine my total journey time)!
It was my first time using a coach company and I have to say I was impressed - cheap, comfortable and gets the job done! And I knew exactly what to expect because of your handy videos.
Would definitely recommend coach travel!
Adam
Hi Adam, well cheers mate, really appreciate your comment and it truly encourages me to do more. That’s some trip as well so I hope you had plenty of stuff to do on the way! And ok it’s a long time on the coach but doing it three times - I reckon you must’ve saved loads of money using NX! Hate to think how much the train fares would’ve been.
You used to able too do Edinburgh to Plymouth on one service
Used this service 25 years ago when I emigrated from Ireland to London. Well the reverse route obviously.... I'd imagine tens of thousands of Irish people done this trip over the years.
It's worth remembering tht the budget airlines are a fairly new innovation. I could do this trip as a one-off but not on a regular basis.
@@geoffpoole483 💯 Agree and I doubt I would use it now as flights are so cheap. But years ago it was the affordable way to get home for a week or so before the likes of Ryanair.
Yep, good points both. Just trying to think how long the sail/rail fares have been around for too? Ever since I remember but tbh, I don’t take advantage of them as much as I should.
@@LetsMakeaTrip They have been around for a good while and can be good value depending on time etc. I remember there used to be a direct train to Holyhead. Not sure if you can get one straight thru now or need a change.
Just checked. They are still direct trains. Around 3hr 45min.
Lovely video I travel with expressway now and again as I do travel with bus eireann and I tend to fall asleep and wake myself up from snoring 😂 but fall asleep again love them as usual
Cheers Lucy, I would love to be able to fall asleep on these trips but I’m such a light sleeper! Maybe I’ll get used to it one day 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip indeed I am a heavy sleeper I think so I am always going to ended up asleep within 20 minutes and sometimes after it I start snoring lol 😂
Merci pour vôtre video, c'est très interressant.
I've used it many times , you can bring a decent sized suitcase, not the farty sized one allowed on an aircraft . If you can get some sleep on the bus / boat it's grand ..
As an American, i am so envious of your traveling options within Europe!
The rail network in-particular. Of my recent experiences with public transport in the US, car is king really isn’t it. Cheers 😊👍
Don’t be
It used to be Boac i moved to an estate by e bury bridge in 1955 could see the clock from our flat went to ebury tech school happy days then
Good video Mark. Brings back a few memories, used to do this trip as a hgv driver 3 times a week, London to Dublin and back. We could have been starting around 6pm in the afternoon with a few collections to do, then straight to Holyhead, lots of pressure but I enjoyed it.
Excellent you must be shattered; I wouldn’t do this type of trip, but it’s fantastic you are prepared to do this travelling. 👍🏻☑️
Cheers Michael. I was shattered but I was flying over to Aberdeen where, by the time I got there, knew I’d be able to check in to my airport hotel. It was a long day/night for sure 👍
My wife cannot fly, so from '97 on we took one or two trips back to Ireland with eurolines each year. Leaving work on a Friday evening we would grab a meal before getting on the coach in Reading at about 8pm. The coach took the overnight Fishguard to Rosslare crossing. Occasionally we hired a car at Rosslare, but usually continued by coach on to Limerick arriving sometime after 12 noon. On the way back the coach leaves Limerick on a Sunday lunchtime arriving back in Reading at 6am. Time for breakfast before starting work again around 8am.
The drivers were usually eastern European, and really helpful. Once I caught a drunk woman with her hand in my pocket, then in my wife's handbag. The driver had her removed by the police at Fishguard, but other than that the passengers have been great. In the early days we would share a picnic with others on the bus, but coaches have become fussier about eating on the coach. Since retiring five years ago we have not used the service as we travel by car for longer stays, and don't have to fit in around work,
Hi many thanks for the comment. Really interesting to learn about your experiences. Have you ever thought about the train though. The starting work at 8am would be an absolute killer for me tbh!
@@LetsMakeaTrip back in '97 the cost of a return coach ticket was under £40. We did use the train a couple of times when it was about £70 or £80 return on the train and £55 on the coach, but the train was only as far as Rosslare, it would cost as much again to get to Limerick or Ennis. The few times we did take the train we always hired a car at Rosslare. The train allows use of the daytime ferry which changes things a little, and also let us use our local station (Didcot), a ten minutes walk from home. Working the day after an night on the coach was not as bad as you might think. We could get breakfast and a shower at work, take a walk at lunchtime to keep a clear head, then leave at four grabbing a carvery meal on the way home so as not to need to cook.
Hats off to you. That was a slog of a journey. You’re right of course, there’s always one, always.
Cheers Tim, people either don’t listen to instructions or just don’t think it applies to them or something. I just don’t get it. I’m always early for stuff, I hate cutting things fine and the risks involved - especially whe. You’ve got a bag in the hold! The driver put him in his place though, I can tell you that!
ID papers?.. passports or any type of ID? Just wondering..many thanks.
Love your videos My mum also does too
Thanks Kirsty and thanks to your mum too. Appreciate both your support 😊👍
Seems like a very chaotic start to your journey! Very cramped - perhaps they need more space at Victoria. The coach though seemed pretty nice and the pillows and blankets were a nice touch!
Cheers Danny, yep it seems like it’s always like this at the far gates in Victoria. No biggie though and the coach left on time too 👍
This brings back memories, the first and last coach trip to Dublin, to visit my sister and family from London Victoria. this was two days before Christmas about 10yrs ago, the coach was jammed packed and I ended up with back pain and no sleep. Never again. From then on I would prefer to fly.
Cheers Dave, maybe I got lucky with the number of passengers because that (in my book) makes a massive difference to the enjoyment (or otherwise) of the trip. The train of course is the other option and if busy, at least you can get up and move about a bit.
Eurolines is a joint NX/Bus Eirenen operation, hence the use of Digbeth.
Cheers Mark, yep thought it must be something like that 😊👍
I think Eurolines is a consortium of European operators with National Express as the UK representative. My 1 and only Eurolines trip to Amsterdam was certainly an experience. Your video brought back a lot of memories. Thanks
Cheers Paul, yep my first time with Eurolines. That price though on the NX website I couldn’t believe how much more expensive it was than on the Expressway website!
Took the bus from Dublin to London in 1989. Cost 19 punt. Different times.
I’ve still got a few punts kicking about somewhere. They were different times I agree 👍
I did that journey for many years as a kid in the 90s, first from Cricklewood, London then from London Victoria to Holyhead to Dublin on Irish Ferries. It was a very long journey from 7pm to 2am, then 2:40am sailing to docking in Dublin for 6am. Then from the ferry to Busarus bus station in Dublin City Centre and then get connection to our destination so all together there and back it was very long and tiring
Bus Áras is also a listed Art Deco building so that nicely bookended your video. Used to see the buses leaving for London years ago and wondered what it would be like to take it. Thanks for this video.
Cheers Ronan. I didn’t know about Bus Áras being listed. Tbh, I walked off for the airport bus and never looked at the outside. I will next time 👍
At the time of the Iceland volcano, the only way I could get home from London was on the bus to Dublin. That was my first experience. Since then I have travelled two or three times every year from Cork to London until the pandemic struck and the service was cancelled. I am looking forward to the day when the reinstitute the Cork service.
Hi Moira, thanks for the comment - and thanks for the info. Didn’t know there was a Cork - London service so like yourself, I hope it returns. Similarly, I’d love to see the return of the Swansea - Cork ferry. Did it once a few years back and was a lovely trip. Fingers crossed 😊
Yes, Eurolines is like the international partner of NX
Thanks , really enjoyed your video…..I’d give it a try 👍
Thanks Jean, appreciate the comment and I wish you all the best if you try it 😂👍
Hi
Have made this journey a few times over the years, and also the Dublin/Leeds one.
One good plus for the coach is that there is no weight or size limit for cases!!!
good point, Ian :)
Yep, good point. There were a few really large ‘items’ going on the coach on my trip would’ve cost a fortune on the plane 👍
As long as I can remember Eurolines/CIÉ buses have used Digbeth, as well as the service from London to Dublin, there used to be one that sailed to Rosslare and called at points along the southern passage to Kerry and Limerick. Then there was the Ulsterbus one that drove all the way up to Stranraer calling to pick up passengers in Liverpool and Manchester, then sailing via Larne and down the I think A8 into Belfast
And one that went to Cork I’ve just learnt which is a fair distance from London. I guess a few years ago the Swansea - Cork ferry would’ve been utilised and I’d love to take that route again. I wonder if it’ll ever return 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip Been on the Cork one, got it at Bristol. It's a London driver all the way to Waterford then a CIÉ man takes over.
A hell of a long trip, maybe that's why the coach was so empty, people find alternative ways to travel?! The coach seemed fine, you had a laugh with the woman banging her head on the coach, and the late passenger on the ferry! And for a long coach journey, unlike your trip to Glasgow, there were breaks in your trip. Thank you again for an excellent fun video.
Yep cheers Keith and a good point about the breaks. I mean, we did have a break on the overnight to Glasgow but it was a totally different atmosphere and I would NEVER do that trip again! It was long but the passengers and the driver made it into a decent, enjoyable trip really. Certainly an experience!
I did it when it was cheaper than sail rail. Tired n smelly and lots of coughing. Think it was 36-42€.
I have done Birmingham route too alighting at Manchester airport. Them routes are slowly coming back. London is only twice a week in ‘23
I agree Byron, they are slowly coming back and new domestic routes are being added now. I think the coach operators sense a rise in demand based on the current shambolic rail service!
@@LetsMakeaTrip flights are max expense too
Tanks for the memories. Irish Ferries Were formally known aß B&I.
Early morning arrival in Dublin, then, found a fine pint of Guinness With. a Jamesons Whiskey Shot.
The Pubs Are open nowadays later.
Great report as always, Mark. Just a side comment: check out your spelling of the caption for the bridge across the Menai Strait 😊
always a great video mate. your clip at Victoria coach station reminded me as a boy circa:1962. we moved to London from Lancashire but went back to stay with relatives each summer. my dad took us to the coach station to get on a 'Ribble/Standerwick GAY HOSTESS!' this was the concorde bus of it's day. all the other coaches leaving victoria were single deckers but this Beautiful machine was double decker with toilets and hostess service like a cafe thing at the rear downstairs. there really was nothing like it in it's day. it always said on destinaton board 'COLNE' but we got off at Accrington where i was born. no M6 them days just a bit of M1 and regular stops at Rugby, stoke etc. lovely memories when i saw that iconic Victoria coach station. thankyou so much.
Cheers Peter, I had to google that tbh as I’m certainly not an expert but I’ve learnt so much doing these bus/coach videos! Dubious name I guess these days but looks fantastic and reclining seats as well (I wonder when they first became ‘a thing’). Glad it brought back some memories 😊👍
I used to take similar trips on eurolines 870 from Manchester after connecting from Blackpool. It was a long journey and i felt safe. Best seat on Ulysses was above the shop in a circular lounge. Sometimes Dublin hotel let me in room in the early hrs depending who was on duty.
Cheers mate, sounds like you knew what you were doing there as a regular. I’d like to have a proper look at Ulysses’s offering some time. Probably a day crossing as it does look a good ship 👍
I highly reccomend for whatever overland trip you do...always...always carry a roll of toilet paper and a small bottle of antispetic gel for your hands because as you highlighted in the toilet on the bus..there is no guarantee of toilet paper and soap.
Good tips these mate, cheers 😊👍
Great video, did that trip back to back. Got the 8pm from Dublin to London on a Thursday and back on Friday at 6, day in London was nice. That drivers a true gent and a great driver
Fair do’s mate, that’s some going! You’re right, total respect for the driver - it’s a tough gig that one!
Thanking you for this video.
I want to go to Dublin one day and this will be my mode of transport.
Even better they do pickups from Birmingham Coach Station. Thank you for informing on this
Definitely try it David but also consider the other options - sail rail and flying will be similar prices and obviously a lot quicker. 😊👍
I use to work in the port of Holyhead. And I directed the cars and coaches for Irish ferries for the 02:40 sailing on the Ulysses. I’ve have retired now, and I don’t miss standing out in all weathers 😁😁😁😁
Hi Selwyn, yep I’ve always thought doing that would be an interesting job but I don’t envy you with the shift patterns and the weather. It’s probably not at all glamorous when I think about it! Cheers 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it can be interesting to meet people from different backgrounds and countries. But the weather in the winter can be unpredictable 👍 I hope that you carry on doing your journeys to keep people informed about them all 👍👍👍
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video as always again goodness you had a very long coach trip but at least you did it very busy coach station it was specially for London that's a very nice modern looking Mercedes coach from the outside and the inside too bugger the lights didn't work great road shots of the motorway and the city and background music very professional indeed good price for the coach trip to Dublin even including a ferry in the deal that woman certainly liked you had a tiny bit of wine too hope your having a good day so far bud 👍
Cheers FG, I’m fine, hope you are too! Yeh it was a long trip but the coach was nice, the driver was great and overall, if you can do it and you prefer it to the train, plane, it’s fine. Personally, I’d probably take the train next time if I wasn’t in a rush. I might do that anyway to see how it compares.
I love the Ulysses Ship , been on her many times in my life so far when visiting the UK from Israel .
I think rather you than me for this one mate, looks like a proper tiring trip, especially with the timings. But hugely enjoyable to watch as always. The only way your video could have been better would have been if that guy had missed the coach :)
Cheers Steve! Oh I think this trip would be fine for a man of your stamina! Think of the viewing figures! The guy who was late, well, I was quite kind to him on the video because he seriously annoyed the driver and I heard every word sitting where I was. Like I said, there’s always one!
Oh btw, I’ve had another comment on this video from someone thinking I’m you. When it starts with ‘dear Mr Marsh…….’ 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip haha I'll happily take the credit for this video :)
Thank you for making this trip so we don't have to 😊
No worries! And tbh, it wasn’t that bad so long as you’re not in a rush and you don’t mind not getting much sleep!
Really enjoyed travelling with you. I would fancy that for the experience 👍👌
Thanks CatB. Like I say, try anything once! 😊👍
Great video, as others said, nostalgic trip, did it a few times originating at Dublin, for music concerts in London, often wondered if it was still operating, now I know, thanks for video 👍
About twice a week each way atm Thomas.
Well done for doing this, what a trouper! I can't believe there was just one driver for the journey, for over 12 hours. And yes, I don't think I would choose that was to get to Dublin.
Cheers Mark
Cheers Daz, yep I mean it wasn’t my hardest trip, it was certainly an adventure I just struggle with the morning after tbh. I think I will try the sail rail at some point to compare and probably try that one in the day 👍
I might do this trip, I like the idea of it. Get on a coach, stay on a coach and get to Ireland.
Yes Jamie, that is an advantage I get that 👍
Hi Marc. Hope u R well. Great video. I use to do that journey all the time prior to budget flights. Boarded at Digbeth. Loved the ferry from Holyhead.
Hiya Jim, I’m good ta, hope you are too! I thought of you when I did this, I reckoned you’d probably been on it in the past. A great experience, not sure I’d do it again tbh but yep, the passengers were great fun really. Cheers mate 😊👍
Brings me back to the 70s 80s a flight was a small fortune
Yes Pat, the coach must’ve been much more popular (and frequent) prior to Ryanair and the like.
Yeay...my favourite trip reviewer saves friday night
Cheers Mike 😊👍
Really enjoying your vids!
Thanks very much, appreciate the comment too 😊
I think the thing I would dislike the most is the super early arrival time unless I was heading on elsewhere or it was summer and already quite warm. I guess this trip is good if you have a lot of baggage and have somewhere to go upon arrival in Dublin. As always a fair report on what it’s like to take the trip.
That is the downside of overnight trips for me too. OK if you're heading home or whatever, but depending where you're going there can be a lack of bag storage, shower facilities, etc until much later in the day otherwise.
Yep, this is the thing with overnight travel whether it’s on a train, coach well, whatever really. I mean you can get day rooms from around 8, 9 in the morning but then you have to be out by late afternoon then if you’re staying, you have the additional expense of the nights hotel as well!
Totally agree, hanging around a city for hours even once you’ve done a bag drop is just not for me. I’ve done it several times and I hate it!
Interesting video. I did the London to Dublin train and ferry trip with my son in 2019. It was cheap enough but took a long time and with a late running ferry we did not arrive into Dublin until about 10pm when everything was closed. Public transport from ferry port in Dublin to city centre was poor. Although I glad I tried it - I would fly next time.
Cheers Andrew. I might well try the sail rail thing now I’ve done this, just to see how it compares. I like the idea of getting into Dublin and straight to the hotel - even though it’s very expensive to spend a night there! I wonder if they do a free bus from the port if you buy your ticket to Connolly or somewhere?
Let’s!breathhtaking trip!have a great day-
Haha, cheers mate and you!
You are making environmentally friendly travel a consideration..in place of air travel
Cheers Adam. Yep, I wouldn’t want to do to all the time though ngl
Another stamina sapping journey, you need something nice and relaxing soon. I'm doing Nottingham-Dublin outward by train/ferry overnighting in Holyhead and back by plane the next evening in a few weeks time. I hope I've got your stamina :)
Cheers Kevin. I did the overnight thing at Holyhead once. Stayed at the Premierinn - easy walk from the railway station and, imo, the best way to do it too. Enjoy 😊👍
Great vid as ever. Must agree that there are too many other ways to make this trip before I'd pick this one. But maybe the timings suited people?
Loved the bonus architecture at the start. What a lovely building!
Cheers mate. Yep I’ve always looked at that building but never bothered to find out what it is/was. Fantastic bit of history right there - couldn’t believe it when I found out!
My wife and I did Dublin to Luton when snow closed Luton. Getting a flight the next day after a day of no flights gave us little option. Yes it is not a journey you take lightly but to us it was the best option to getting us home promptly. Driver rests in the middle of the morning when not a soul left the coach at a motorway service station should tell you how we all felt. Useful but not a trip of choice.
Yes I think your last comment sums it up perfectly. I feel the same tbh. An experience but not something I’d rush to do again.
Road travel is the best way to get to Ireland
I’ll probably do the train/ferry next to compare. It’s a price thing tbf.
I don't understand why the coach actually travels on the ferry.... e39 a bargain!! Its not always cheap to fly!! Great vlog..
Cheers Richard, the coach hen drives to the Busaran terminal in central Dublin. Not sure where it goes after that but with Irish plates etc I guess it’s just doing express coach duties around Ireland for most of the week?
there are plenty of hotels open at 6am in Dublin, there are 2 right across from busaras, and any of the big chain hotels around the city are open......then there are the early house pubs around that part of thencity that cater to travels with early opening hours where you can have a drink or hot food.......and just 10mins walk to your left is the famine monument with far nicer view to end video on.
Thanks for the suggestions Kenneth. Don’t dispute there are hotels open but all costs money and I’m on a tight budget with these trips. I did look at day rooms that were available later on in the morning but I needed to get to Scotland anyway and by the time my £30 flight arrived in Aberdeen, I was checking into the airport hotel for £50. If I could get a day room and a Saturday night stay in Dublin for around £80, I would be amazed!!
@Let’s Make a Trip! lol.....yeah there are plentybof hotels but yeah they are expensive last time I checked, booking the day of was around 160-230 euro and that's not if there is a big concert on or somenother big event then the rooms nearly double in price, but there is a hostel across the road from the bus station beside the garda station.
Thanks for the really good video, a dedicated one on the Ulysses would be great to see.
Cheers Wolf and thanks for the feedback on Ulysses, duly noted mate! 👍
Ebury is pronounced E bury. Good video.
Cheers mate, I’ll bear that in mind next time I’m there 😊👍
Enjoyable video, a little bit different thanks 😊
Thanks Neil, cheers for the comment 😊👍
Great video Mark really like your videos as always
Cheers Daniel and I appreciate the comment 😊👍
When I worked for megabus I used to leave people all the time at keels services people just don’t listen and when control used to call me to go back and get them i used to refuse lol
Haha, I bet they listened next time! 😊👍
Dear Mr Marsh , most interesting trip
Thanks David. You probably mean Steve Marsh(?) but I’ll take the compliment 😂 He does make great videos though and is much more popular than myself 😊👍
Thanks for doing this it gives us an idea of what is available and how good or bad it is, looking forward to your next video so stay safe and cheers.
Cheers Simon. Tbh, I never knew this existed until I looked it up. And that’s the thing I guess, it does give you an alternative if you’re quite happy sitting on the coach and not getting much sleep!
I'm so glad you did this trip. I've often wondered if I could cope with it and you know, I think, even though I'm in my mid seventies, I could, just about, for the sake of economy, if I had to! Other than the state of those coach loos, everything else is tolerable but it's beyond me why, at the start of a long journey, the toilet couldn't be checked for a quick floor wash, and replen of soap, paper towels etc. Cheap should not also mean utterly nasty! It doesn't in many countries, but of course British standards and tolerance of such stuff is really high. I guess that putting up with Joe Public comes a close second as a minus, because, as you say, there's always one. Maybe if you are staying in Ireland for a while, you could just take a day out to catch up on lost sleep on arrival. Definitely a bit much to fly right back to UK. But certainly I wouldn't say "never".
Hi MM and thanks for the comment. I totally agree with you about the British attitude to things as so many people will say ‘well it only cost xxx so what do you expect’ (see my London to Glasgow video for plenty of comments like that)! This was much much better but yes, I didn’t have to do it, I was interested in the experience and sharing it. Ordinarily I’d fly tbh. I was booked to do some stuff in Scotland so flew up to Aberdeen that same morning. Cheers 😊👍
Love these short and long trips you do on here and yes I would love to see the ferry (day sailing would be good) next time your traveling in hat direction
(Wayne down under)
Cheers Wayne and watch this space 😊👍
Eurolines does not exist like it used to in fact if you input the name into Google it states that it does not exist at all. ( I think bus eireann used the name for convenience )My first visit to London was in 2002 on a 24 HR bus journey from Vienna to London with eurolines that bus came from Budapest, although I joined it in Vienna, I used eurolines many times over the years, when flights were not as cheap as they are now. Flixbus seems to be the new eurolines.
Can you do one on 'London Chinatown', my good man. Thanks, watching from San Francisco.
Cheers mate, maybe at some point 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Chi Na Town 💩
You are right. There is always one!
Thanks!
Cheers mate, appreciate the super thanks, it really helps 😊😊😊
Eurolines used to be part of nx, I used to drive the 021 to Dover from VCS which was a bus eireann coach from Belfast overnight then we'd take it to Dover and back and then it would head back to Belfast that night.
Cheers mate. That must’ve been some trip Belfast to Dover and then another the ferry I presume for most people!
@@LetsMakeaTrip well it was 2 split routes, we used to travel up on the 025 from our base in Sussex and pick the coach up in VCS, was normally there for a couple of hours before we arrived, we'd get back from Dover into VCS early afternoon and then it would head back to Belfast in the evening.
Think it ran as the 921 to/from Belfast but can't remember for sure.
National express were founder members of the eurolines group, bus eireanan are a national bus company. This service has been going for a long time.
Cheers Andrew. Thanks for the info 😊👍
I used to do this journey 29 years ago when I was a student in Wolverhampton
Cheers Jo, I hope it brought back some good(?) memories for you 😊
Very interesting trip, Mark! Cheers from Oz.
Cheers Jim, glad you enjoyed it mate 😊👍
The main reason people use eurolines is to carry 2 or 3 suitcases there wasn't any extra charge before,
airlines charge £50 each.
Can’t wait to watch this I love your videos
Hope you enjoyed it mate 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip did the bus have wifi?
The bit of extra money seems worth it for a comfortable and modern coach. I went on a trip from Dublin to Yorkshire a couple of years ago and the coach was a 2008-registered coach that felt like it was about to pack up at any moment! If you had been on that trip then you would not criticise this 2022 Merc coach at all! :)
Not sure where you think I was criticising the coach? One or two niggles but as I said in the video, pretty decent overall.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Oh, you said it was 'not the best' coach so that's what I meant, but I'm glad it was good then. I was most interested to know how you felt at the end of that trip and it seems that as you said it was quite a slog. I think I'd be prepared to do the trip if I was getting a coach like this though, so I'd use this company. Cheers.
No worries Paul, sorry probably my ‘figure of speech’ should’ve explained yes I’d definitely do one of these coaches again. I have had better (see my London to Bristol 040 video - that was brilliant!) and much, much worse (London to Glasgow!) but overall, yep pretty good really 😊👍
Great video as always 🙂
Thanks mate, appreciate the comment 😊👍
Well, it is something worth a try, apart from the 2 am passport checks really. Anyway, National Express had another service, the 890 (outsourced to Irish operator Bernard Kavanagh) which ran between London and Cork via Reading, Bristol, Swansea, and Waterford, with the Ferry running between Pembroke and Rosslare. Sadly, this ceased operations in February 2020, likely because it had a much longer journey than yours
Cheers Enrico. I believe that this service is subbed-out to Bernard Kavanagh too (according to another commenter). I remember, years ago, taking the Swansea - Cork ferry overnight,but sadly this service is no more.
There was a service from London to Stranraer too
@3:16 "Bernard Kavanagh & Sons"
I did the journey from Cork to London in 87.....18 hours.....Slatterys coaches....arrived shattered...had to open the luggage in Fishguard and show the contents..." the troubles "...
That is a long trip! And yep, luggage, customs issues make it even worse!
@@LetsMakeaTrip shattered by the time you'd hit Paddington..🤣🤣🤣
Another classic 👌 You could make a trip to Tesco interesting.
Are you proposing a future video there Adam 😂
As a tour guide, when in training we were told to take rude and difficult tourists to the nearest police station if they were agro.
Yes definitely! I hope you didn’t get many though!
Iv made that trip to Birmingham many times, there was an 873 that went busaras liverpool Manchester Leeds alongside the 871 , i think bus eireann contracted the London route to Callanan coaches aka irish citylink as up until 3 year ago bus eireann had there own liviried eurolines buses and bus eireann drivers doing the route.
Cheers David. Didn’t realise there were more routes than this one. Like all these things, I wonder if they’ll ever return or whether it’s just a connecting service via Birmingham?
The secret to using bus toilets is, reverse in, drive out. 🇮🇪
Haha, yes good point William 😊👍
Another great vlog! At least there was a good atmosphere on the coach which will have helped with the tedium! Shame about that rude passenger but as you said, there is always one🤦🏼♀️
Thanks Sheila, yep the passengers (most of them) were a good bunch. 😊
Excellent video 👍 thanks
Cheers James, appreciate the comment mate 😊👍
Bit of a mystery as to how Eurolines is back as Flixbus seem to have bought the brand and haven't been using it.I though that National Express might have taken over the various England/ROI routes as I saw a National Express livered coach going down the road to Cork a year ago or so and I'd guess that it must have come via Dublin although I suppose it could have come via Rosslare and Waterford.A private company called Slattery's did the London Dublin via Birmingham route about 20 years back in competition with National Express and Bus Eirean.
I was looking on the Eurolines website a while back. Gotta say, with the prices on there I’m not sure how they could compete with Flixbus at the time.
It's beautiful when Kevin's and Karen's get put back in there place
Certainly is. They were very quiet for the rest of the trip!
Interesting trip. Thanks for sharing. I actually live in Melbourne Australia, though we have relatives on my wife's side of the family from England and Northern Ireland.
Interestingly, that's not actually a Bus Eireann coach, it looks like its a third party based on the operator information on display on side of coach at start of video.
It is I think Dave. There are one or two comments on here referencing it.
I really enjoyed that video so much thank you for making it and what an exciting journey you had. I would prefer to fly on a plane to Dublin me personally.
Thanks for watching Bobby, glad you enjoyed it 😊
I have done this trip via rail from Gatwick Airport to Dublin City centre it took roughly 13 hours end to end it cost me around £80 with my 16-25 railcard discount at the time but I was on W.B yeats as ulysses was in dry dock at the time
Cheers Shane, quite fancy a trip on WB Yeats, haven’t managed to so far but seems an impressive ship. Watch this space!
Enjoyed this video....
Cheers Gambry
I just done that same trip five weeks ago got the trip home next week and it tiring as I have to go on to Galway from Dublin
That’s a trip and a half Jennie. I wish you all the best!
Great trip. I don't know there's coach route between London and Dublin via Holyhead. For a coach enthusiasm, I think this route is great, especially if there's daytime schedule.
I've done this journey but from Cork via Swansea - Cork ferry to London many times, lately from Cork via Wexford Europort to Pembroke Dock onto Victoria, a 16 hour journey. On the old Swansea - Cork ferry it was an 11 and a half hour sailing (sometimes longer waiting for the tide to rise or fall a few feet at Swansea, due to spring tides) but as it sailed into international waters leaving the EU, when UK was a member, sold duty free. EuroLines/Expressway charter in private Irish/EU operators for the service and other European services from Ireland. The driver changes on the M4 before London, the new one having driven to the services by car from London, the old one leaving the same way to the London lodgings. Not required when it was the Swansea - Cork sailing as the crossing was long enough for the drivers daily rest period to be taken. Cork no longer a ferry terminal but a deep water container and cruise ship port.
I remember the Swansea - Cork ferry Tony. Did it once, walked from the railway station down to the passenger terminal in Swansea with my rucksack and yep, had a great night. Good days those, such a shame it finished.