Border Crossing: Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland (Belfast to Dublin) by Translink bus

May 24 2023 | Tagged: United Kingdom, Border Crossings
I was curious about how the border crossing from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland would be, or if a border even existed, so instead of taking a ferry back to Scotland or a flight to the Isle of Man, which I didn't do because of the TT Race was just starting making getting accommodation impossible, I took a Translink bus to Dublin, crossing the border just south of Newry.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom but the Republic of Ireland is not. 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 could need a visa. A visa for the UK and/or the Schengen 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 for Dublin out of the Europa Bus Station in Belfast:
On board the bus:
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.

Welcome to Dublin Busáras Bus Station, the Republic of Ireland:

You can check out the latest times and fares on the Translink website.

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