Galway to Limerick by Coach or Minibus
Galway to Limerick follows the motorway spine of the west, the M18, through Gort, Ennis and Shannon to the Shannon estuary. The route links two university cities and is used for sport, study, conferences and touring.
Journey
- Galway to Limerick
- Approximately 1h 30m
- Serving Galway
Airports at Limerick
- Shannon Airport (SNN)
Why groups travel to Limerick
- King John's Castle
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Hunt Museum
Route
From Galway the coach heads east on the M6 to junction 18 and turns south onto the M18. The motorway bypasses Gort, Crusheen, Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus and ends at the Shannon junction, after which the N18 dual carriageway runs past Bunratty to Limerick. The direct run pays no toll, because the coach leaves the M6 well west of its toll plaza.
Arriving in Limerick
For the city centre the coach comes off the N18 and enters along the Ennis Road. For Castletroy and the University of Limerick on the east side, the driver may route through the Limerick Tunnel under the Shannon and round the southern ring road; the tunnel is tolled. Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby, is north of the river, on the side the coach arrives from.
Stops along the way
Ennis, about halfway, has a coach park at Friar's Walk with a drop-off shelter roughly 100 m from the town centre, which suits a lunch stop on a slower day. Bunratty Castle sits right beside the N18 before Limerick. Shannon Airport lies between the two, so the same route serves a group leaving Galway for a flight.
Vehicles and match days
The motorway suits any size of vehicle. A 49-seater coach fits a supporters' club or a school; a 29 to 35-seat midi coach suits a university or conference group moving between campuses. On match days at Thomond Park the roads round the ground are busy before and after the game, so allow extra time and agree the pick-up point in advance.
Is the train an option?
Trains run between Galway and Limerick via Athenry and Ennis, but they keep to a timetable and stop at the stations. A coach takes the group to a stadium, campus or hotel door, with kit and luggage on board.
Can we take in the Cliffs of Moher on the way?
Yes, though it turns the transfer into a full day. The coach leaves the M18 at Ennis for the coast and rejoins it afterwards. Remember that the cliffs need 72 hours' notice for any coach group of ten or more.
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