Interesting Dublin Bus destinations!

Einhard

Ok, so I've been living in Dublin for college and work on and off for six of the past ten years, and because haven't really strayed beyond the tourist centre, and the routes that I absolutely needed to take for work/college. My present job has meant me taking the 39A to Cabra for the past year or so, and I was wondering all the time what this Ongar place might be like. So, today, with trusty rambler ticket in hand I hopped on the 39 and rode it to the end. And it was pretty meh. But at least the mystery of what lies at the end has been solved.

Anyway, as I have lots of time on my hands over the next two weeks, and as I'm a tight ass who wants to get the most from his rambler, I was wondering are there are anymore "hidden gems" lurking unknown to me along the Dublin Bus routes. And I decided to come here for suggestions. I don;t want obvious places like Dalkey or Portmarnock, but rather places like Ongar is on full display on the front of buses and yet which nobody really thinks about outside of those who live there.

Anyway, pretty weird probably, but that's my challange. Find me those places!

admiralofthefleet

the 31/b. brings you up to the beautiful howth summit

markpb

Harristown at the end of the 27B is the most Godforsaken place that's still (barely) inside the city. Good for a bit of plane spotting if that's your thing.

coolabula

the 78A, its an interesting journey

C-Shore

Definitely the 78A

On a serious note though, I don't know where you live so you might know it already but you might be interested in Wadelai Park in terms of interesting names. That's the number 11 bus.

I'll come back when I think of more, I just know that one because people have said it to me when I mention it's the bus I take.
The bus doesn't actually stop at the named destination, which I've never questioned until now as I write this.

Edit: 41b to Rolestown! I should also add; most of the routes with interesting names lead you to some of the most boring places!

145 to kilmacanogue, and there's actually some nice places to stop on the way, even head to Bray for a walk. More Edits: Speaking of Bray, if you do get off there then I remember seeing a bus there that goes to Shop River, I don't know the bus route though.

I can't believe I know bus routes.

gugleguy

Takes 3 days allegedly :P and goes all over the place. Well worth it both directions. Keep safe though.

neris

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

the 31/b. brings you up to the beautiful howth summit

31 goes up to the summit aswell but goes through the village in howth. nice views on either route so you can take one out and the other back

HeidiHeidi

There's a bus stop(s) down the Pigeon House Road in Ringsend , which is both an interesting name and a lovely walk out to the Great South Wall which sticks out into Dublin Bay.

Unfortunately I can't for the life of me find out which route goes out there.... I suspect it's probably one bus in the morning and one in the evening... I'll keep digging for the route, or maybe someone else will know.

admiralofthefleet

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

There's a bus stop(s) down the Pigeon House Road in Ringsend , which is both an interesting name and a lovely walk out to the Great South Wall which sticks out into Dublin Bay.

Unfortunately I can't for the life of me find out which route goes out there.... I suspect it's probably one bus in the morning and one in the evening... I'll keep digging for the route, or maybe someone else will know.

its the 1.

stovelid

65 goes out to Blessington (or Ballymore Eustace).

Blessington is about 20 miles from Dublin and BE is further.

http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/your-journey1/timetables/all-timetables/65/

Must be one of the longest Dublin Bus journeys

ceekay74

Get the 65 to Blessington and check out the lakes. The views from this place are nice...
http://www.avonri.com/ENG/location.php


Also the 44 to Enniskerry...
http://www.visitwicklow.ie/towns/enniskerry.htm
Powerscourt gardens & waterfall are nearby.

Gillo

33 to Skerries, nice beach and a few nice pubs. Better off getting the train though.

Sundew

78a no longer exists .........it is now called the 40!!!!!!!!!
and for an extra bonus you get to visit Finglas unlike the old 78a

Degsy

Sundew wrote: »

78a no longer exists .........it is now called the 40!!!!!!!!!
and for an extra bonus you get to visit Finglas unlike the old 78a

I use that bus every day....the "people" coming from the ballyfermot end in the evenings make the finglas crowd look like alterboys...swigging from bottles of methadone and smoking heroin...an absolute pile of scumbags.

John Mason

Degsy wrote: »

I use that bus every day....the "people" coming from the ballyfermot end in the evenings make the finglas crowd look like alterboys...swigging from bottles of methadone and smoking heroin...an absolute pile of scumbags.

absolutely +1 on this.

and they stink - is there no water or baths out in wherever is comes from ??

Maglight

Take the 123 to Marino and go visit the Casino Marino. It's a gem.

deffo get the 65 to ballymore,
Dont forget your sleeping bag,it takes 2 days I think

ozmo

Maglight wrote: »

Take the 123 to Marino and go visit the Casino Marino. It's a gem.

Why not do some geocaching while you are at it... give you a purpose to go to some of the less touristy spots...

Theres a few along that 39A bus you took - one in Clonsilla near the train station I think.

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?lat_ns=1&lat_h=53&lat_mmss=20.565&long_ew=-1&long_h=6&long_mmss=14.991

John Mason

this just sums up the 78a and what the Finglites are no subjected to on a daily basis.

http://www.herald.ie/news/dead-man-robbed-on-bus-1594163.html

Slunk

Thankfully we're getting some half decent weather. Ill be cycling from now on. Avoid the 40 at all costs.

KD345

Einhard wrote: »

I was wondering are there are anymore "hidden gems" lurking unknown to me along the Dublin Bus routes. And I decided to come here for suggestions. I don;t want obvious places like Dalkey or Portmarnock, but rather places like Ongar is on full display on the front of buses and yet which nobody really thinks about outside of those who live there.

Anyway, pretty weird probably, but that's my challange. Find me those places!

Scenic Routes:

31B to Howth Summit - Sit upstairs for amazing views of Dublin bay and it also passes some lovely houses on the way.

32A to Malahide - A nice coastal route passing through Portmarnock.

44 to Enniskerry - A scenic trip to a nice village in Wicklow.

44B to Glencullen - The highest route on the Dublin Bus network, it gives amazing views over Dublin city. It's a single decker bus, but you still get great views. This is a peak time only service running Monday to Friday.

65 to Ballyknockan - This service only runs twice a day, early morning and evening peak, so you'll need to travel back on the same bus or you're stranded. It's a beautiful route which extends around Blessington lakes, the roads are narrow and the terminus has a nice backdrop of the mountains. Other services on route 65 will take you to Blessington and Ballymore, but Ballyknockan is the most scenic.

185 - to Shop River - This is probably the weirdest destination you'll find on a Dublin Bus. This routes travels from Bray via Enniskerry, passing the gates to Powerscourt. Note - the terminus does not contain a shop, or a river. It's just a country road


The odd destinations on bus routes in Dublin:

11 to Wadelai Park - a housing development on Dublin's northside.

15B to Stocking Avenue - Another strange destination, the 15 and 15B travel here, but the 15B is a more interesting route. Stocking Avenue is at the foothills of the Dublin mountains, and consists of a half built housing development.

25 to Dodsboro - A housing estate in Lucan.

4, 13, 27B and 83 to Harristown - This is actually a bus depot, but located next to the airport. If you're taking a bus here, try the 83, it takes an interesting route along the runway at Dublin Airport.

38/A/B to Damastown - An industrial development in north west Dublin.

40B to Toberburr - Part of the Finglas routes, but it travels beyond Charlestown to a housing estate. Not a frequent service, so check timetable.

41B to Rolestown - Part of the Swords services but travels towards Rathbeale to Rolestown. An interesting route along a long country road.

47 to Belarmine - This is a winding route, taking in nice views of Sandymount, then the N11, Stillorgan, Sandyford, and Stepaside. Belarmine is a big housing development close to Stepaside.

123 to Marino - This is a busy cross city service from Drimnagh to Marino, usually packed with Dublin characters. Watch out for old ladies with shopping trolleys.

145 to Kilmacanouge - An odd destination, about 20 minutes beyond Bray. The terminus is on the main N11.

184 to Newtownmountkennedy - Just because it's the longest destination name.

220 to Lady's Well - A long, long route through North Dublin, taking in Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown, Finglas and Ballymun

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

There's a bus stop(s) down the Pigeon House Road in Ringsend , which is both an interesting name and a lovely walk out to the Great South Wall which sticks out into Dublin Bay.

Unfortunately I can't for the life of me find out which route goes out there.... I suspect it's probably one bus in the morning and one in the evening... I'll keep digging for the route, or maybe someone else will know.

That used to be the 1, but it was withdrawn last weekend.

Degsy

irishbird wrote: »

this just sums up the 78a and what the Finglites are no subjected to on a daily basis.

http://www.herald.ie/news/dead-man-robbed-on-bus-1594163.html

They need inspectors on that bus..its a disgrace.

Sundew

Degsy wrote: »

I use that bus every day....the "people" coming from the ballyfermot end in the evenings make the finglas crowd look like alterboys...swigging from bottles of methadone and smoking heroin...an absolute pile of scumbags.

Are they not the Clondalkinites
The "classier" folks usually take the 79's anyhow
OP you'll get an interesting ride on that bus ....thats for sure lol

Corruptedmorals

The 150 to Rossmore via Crumlin. It used to be more direct but now it's a total scenic route of the Liberites and Donore Avenue etc. You almost feel like it's about to swing through somebody's house as the first bit of the route consists of really narrow roads unsuitable for busses.

LXFlyer

There is a lot of dud information here I'm afraid:

The 78a is no more (now the 40) and the 1 no longer serves Pigeon House since the weekend before last.

OP to answer your question, I'd suggest some of the following:

1) Take the 31 to Howth Village, walk to the Summit (or just stay on the 31) and get the 31b back (limited service on the 31b) and enjoy a spectacular view over Dublin Bay (try the ones that operate via Strand Road - an interesting diversion along the bay in Sutton!).

2) Take the 44 to Enniskerry (it starts in a housing estate in North Dublin at Larkhill) and visit Powerscourt, return on the 185 to Bray from Powerscourt via the terminus at Shop River (massively steep hill up and back from Enniskerry) and then 145 to Dublin.

3) Take the 33 to Skerries and Balbriggan - lovely trip in the summer and one of the longest in Dublin. The 0710 (Mon/Fri) trip goes via Portrane - a nice diversion.

4) A circuit of Dublin - 17a Kilbarrack/Blanchardstown, 239 Blanchardstown/Liffey Valley, 76 Liffey Valley/Tallaght, and 75 Tallaght/Dun Laoghaire.

5) 84 to Newcastle from UCD (until next weekend and then from Blackrock to Newcastle) - great trip over the rear of Bray Head or 184 from Bray to Newtownmountkennedy.

6) Take a trip on 44b - the latter brings you to the highest terminus on the Dublin Bus network in Glencullen - check the timetable carefully though - the service is very limited.

7) Try the 161 to Tibradden from Dundrum - also a trip up the Dublin hills but very limited timetable

8) But best of the lot is the 65 to Ballyknockan during the summer months - 1730 ex-Hawkins Street and 1930 return (or if you're an early riser 0530 from Hawkins Street and 0700 from Ballyknockan) - spectacular views over Blessington lakes and a few very narrow roads that you wouldn't think a double-deck bus could do! It's now probably the longest journey on the Dublin Bus network.

You could also go to Ballymore Eustace on the 65 (a nice village - buses marked "b" in the timetable serve it).

LXFlyer

The 37 is an interesting trip also as it travels along the walls of the Phoenix Park and through Castleknock to Blanchardstown.

A return trip on the 270 from there to the Co. Meath village of Dunboyne (or return direct to Dublin on the 70).

The 67 to Maynooth via Celbridge, returning on a 66 is worth a trip.

The 68 to Newcastle (Co. Dublin this time!) takes you along the South Circular Road and through a small housing estate before continuing to Clondalkin and out through county Dublin to a Business Park. Its sister route the 69 takes you through estates in Clondalkin before continuing out to the village of Rathcoole.

I'd second a trip on the 83 also to Harristown from Kimmage - an interesting tour of many Dublin City Council estates.

The 63 from Dun Laoghaire to Kilternan brings you along a tour of southeast Dublin - a nice trip, as is the 59 from Dun Laoghaire to Killiney.

bc dub

markpb wrote: »

Harristown at the end of the 27B is the most Godforsaken place that's still (barely) inside the city. Good for a bit of plane spotting if that's your thing.

LOL! Harristown Dublins Barron land infested with hares and rabbits...one of them anyway!!

Picturesque it is not. Good for plane spotting, depending on their take off / landing positioning that day.

Does anyone remember the guy that lived there in a tent for months a few years back? Opposite the main runway, at the t-junction end of it...? Think he couldn't get housing and lived in a tent with some sign (I never stopped to read) pointing toward the road?

bc dub

Back on topic, the 42 to malahide. Beautiful on a summers day, great pubs, great restaurants and a great chipper.

starviewadams

If big pharmaceutical factorys are your thing then might I suggest you take the number 13 out to Grange Castle in Clondalkin.

You could also get the 69 out to Corkagh Park in Clondalkin,enjoy an ice cream while sitting out beside the beautiful lakes,and then maybe visit the pet farm and feed the pot bellied pigs too.

Einhard

Thanks for all the replies. Everyone gets a thanks cos I'm a generous mood!:D

31 to Howth it is tomorrow. I have loads of time to kill between appointments, so might go a little Manichen on it and follow that up with the 78a to Finglas!! *packs stab jacket*

January

Einhard wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. Everyone gets a thanks cos I'm a generous mood!:D

31 to Howth it is tomorrow. I have loads of time to kill between appointments, so might go a little Manichen on it and follow that up with the 78a to Finglas!! *packs stab jacket*

40 to Finglas and you'd only want to be wearing your stab vest for the southside part of your journey

FullRetard

been a while since I was on a bus but the 44b use to pass the blue light pub up in sandyford..well worth a visit.Get off before the tourist hellhole that is johnnie foxs:D

Fluorescence

The 40 is an *ahem* experience. As is the 56a, for the sole reason that it's almost always near-empty. The 150 is fun just because of the tiny little streets it attempts to go down, and the 77a goes halfway round the world and back (like a little sister of the scummier 40). I've always been curious about the 27a too - "Blunden Drive" sounds amusing.

WoollyRedHat

Degsy wrote: »

They need inspectors on that bus..its a disgrace.

If by inspector you mean Inspector Gadget, then yes, yes they do

Cookie_Monster

145 to Kilmacanogue and there's a nice walk to Bray or Greystones over the little Sugar Loaf.

145/ Dart to Bray station and walk over the hill to Greystones and get 84/Dart back, great walk (in either direction, a sneaky pint in the Beach House doesn't go amiss either )

Any bus to Shankill (145/45a/45/84) and you can walk up over the leadmines and get the 44 home, or alternatively even walk back down to Cabinteely and get the 145 back again. Really nice walk on a fine day.

185 to Shop River gives you a huge number of fantastic hikes that with a bit of planning can be circular or meet back on the 44 route.

KD345

Einhard wrote: »

31 to Howth it is tomorrow.

Make sure it's the 31B, that's the route with the view!

Degsy

Fluorescence wrote: »

I've always been curious about the 27a too - "Blunden Drive" sounds amusing.

Its an estate near darndale..not amusing at all.

RobbingBandit

Why not get the 13 to Ballymun we wont rob you,I swear!

admiralofthefleet

Degsy wrote: »

Its an estate near darndale..not amusing at all.

ayrfield is the estate, blunden drive is only a road through it

Corruptedmorals

lxflyer wrote: »

The 67 to Maynooth via Celbridge, returning on a 66 is worth a trip.

I have to ask why these are worth the trip? Neither Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Liffey Valley, Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth or Celbridge or the bits of the n4 in between are scenic, quaint or particularly interesting. I might be biased as these are routes I've taken thousands of times but I don't see they are of note generally.

KD345

Corruptedmorals wrote: »

I have to ask why these are worth the trip? Neither Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Liffey Valley, Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth or Celbridge or the bits of the n4 in between are scenic, quaint or particularly interesting. I might be biased as these are routes I've taken thousands of times but I don't see they are of note generally.

On a sunny day the drive up Chapelizod Road is one of the nicest in the city, you have the Phoenix Park on one side and the Liffey on the other. The 67 has a nice routing past Weston and through Celbridge. I suppose if you take this journey every day it might become a bit monotonous.

ordinary_girl

Is it weird that this is something I've thought about doing too? I'll probably never get around to doing but I'm around buses so often that I get curious about the terminals. I remember being really curious about Wadelai Park because it's a strange name, but it turns out there's pretty much nothing to see there.

It's already been mentioned a few times, but I figure it's worth mentioning again - the 44b to Glencullen. Probably the most rural but interesting route in the entire Dublin Bus network.

The 75 to Dun Laoghaire is an interesting route, in that it's one of the few bus routes that doesn't go to town and goes through a variety of different places - Dundrum, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham and Tallaght.

The 114 to Blackrock Station, mainly because it's such an infrequent and seemingly pointless route. It's rare to see it around so you'd be one of the few people who've been on that bus, and Blackrock is a delight.

On the off chance you see the 27 and see Jobstown and wonder what it's like, it's not worth going to. The terminus is basically in the middle of a housing estate with a medical clinic and a shop similar to a Centra. Just thought I'd let you know!

LXFlyer

Corruptedmorals wrote: »

I have to ask why these are worth the trip? Neither Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Liffey Valley, Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth or Celbridge or the bits of the n4 in between are scenic, quaint or particularly interesting. I might be biased as these are routes I've taken thousands of times but I don't see they are of note generally.

I'd disagree. It's a nice run alongside the Phoenix Park, and from Leixlip along the canal to Maynooth. Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge are all nice villages/towns, and the 67 is a nice run back through the countryside.