I travelled on the Translink X1 bus from Belfast to Dublin, crossing the border just south of Newry.
Having backpacked the Giant’s Causeway, the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and Rathlin Island, I headed south, across the border.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. They are not part of the Schengen, not part of the EU, and they use British and Northern Irish Pounds.
The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom. They use the Euro, they are members of the UN and the EU, and like the UK, they are not part of the Schengen agreement, so as visitors, you may need a visa. A visa for the UK is not valid for the Republic of Ireland.
I know things are complicated, especially with BREXIT and the Good Friday Agreement, so what better way to learn how things are than to go and see for myself?
The 10:00 bus from Belfast to Dublin – Europa Bus Station, Belfast:
On board the Translink X1 Goldliner from Belfast to Dublin:
Was there a hard border? No.
Did the bus stop? No
Was there any immigration control? No
So, in theory, you can go to the Republic of Ireland without a visa if you do actually need one?
Seems like. But you will have issues if you have entered Northern Ireland on a UK visa, then travelled to the Republic of Ireland without a visa if you need one, and then try to leave from the ROI. It’s all confusing! And will be more so if Ireland joins the Schengen and the rollout of the ETIAS.
Welcome to Dublin Busáras Bus Station, the Republic of Ireland:
You can check out the latest times and fares on the Translink website.