Bus
Local buses to and from the city centre are the numbers 5, 7, 7A and 45. Bus services are operated by Dublin Bus.
Dart
The DART (suburban rail) station closest to the RDS is “Sandymount”, which is approximately 10 minutes on foot to the RDS.
Train
There are two main train stations in Dublin (Heuston & Connolly). The DART (suburban rail) connects from Connolly station only. The LUAS (light rail) links Heuston Station with Connolly Station. A complimentary shuttle bus will run daily up to 1pm from Heuston Station to the RDS and will return from the RDS to Heuston Station at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. Please note on Wednesday the shuttle bus will return from the RDS to Heuston at 2pm and 3pm.
Air
The RDS is 16 kilometers from Dublin International Airport, which is serviced by European, Transatlantic and International Airlines. Dublin airport is located to the north of Dublin city centre. The “aircoach” service operates from both the airport and Ballsbridge every 15 minutes.
Sea
Dublin is serviced by two Ferry companies - Irish Ferries and Stena Line - which operate out of Dublin Port (to the north).
Car hire
Budget Car Rental Ireland offers a great value and friendly service and has rental locations in Dublin, Shannon, Cork, Knock and Belfast airports as well as in the major cities. Their website also offers information on safe driving in Ireland, tourist tips, and other useful information that you might find helpful.
Car park
The RDS also offers car parking facilities (extra charge) onsite.
Directions
The following are directions to reach the RDS by car:
Directions from the City Centre
From O'Connell bridge in the heart of Dublin's city centre, with O'Connell street behind you travel south onto D'Olier Street (one-way);
Following the flow of traffic right at the end of D'Olier Street onto College Green (Trinity College will be on your left hand side);
Veer left at the entrance to Trinity College towards Grafton Street (one of Dublin's main pedestrian shopping streets);
Follow the flow of traffic left onto Nassau Street (one-way); proceed to the end of Nassau Street/South Leinster Street to the fork in the road;
At this fork/set of traffic lights take the right onto Clare Street; continue straight along Merrion Square; Mount Street; over the Canal onto Northumberland Road; onto Merrion Road (Ballsbridge).
The RDS Main Hall Complex is located on your right hand side (opposite the AIB Banking Centre) in Ballsbridge.
Directions from the M50
Traveling southbound/northbound on the M50 take the exit for Sandyford Industrial Estate;
Continue in the direction of the Sandyford Industrial Estate as far as the Leopardstown Roundabout; take the second exit onto Brewery Road;
Continue straight to the end of Brewery Road until you reach the N11; turn left onto the N11 (direction of the city centre);
Continue straight passing UCD (on your left hand side) and RTÉ (on your right hand side) until you reach Donnybrook (Donnybrook Dublin Bus Garage will be on your left hand side);
With Donnybrook Bus Garage on your left hand side & Donnybrook Church on your right hand side turn right onto Anglesea Road;
For the RDS Main Hall Complex continue along Anglesea Road; just before the end of Anglesea Road, with the entrance to the Herbert Park Hotel on your left hand side there is the Anglesea Road entrance to the RDS Main Hall Complex.
