Ireland attracts music fans from around the world, with major concerts taking place at venues including Slane Castle, Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.
If you are flying into Dublin Airport for Oasis, Fontaines D.C. or another Slane Castle concert, it is important to plan more than just your flight and accommodation. You will also need to know how to reach your Concert Express pickup point and how you will get back after the show.
This guide explains how to travel from Dublin Airport to Swords or Dublin City Centre before joining a dedicated Concert Express return bus to Slane Castle.
If you're planning a trip to Ireland for a gig in Slane Castle check out all concert bus tickets from Dublin City Centre to Slane Castle concerts.
Before travelling to Ireland
There are three separate parts of your trip that should be booked in advance:
- Your flights and accommodation
- Your concert admission ticket
- Your Concert Express return bus ticket
A Concert Express ticket covers transport to and from the concert venue. It does not include admission to the concert, so every passenger must also have a valid concert ticket.
Arriving at Dublin Airport
If you have never flown into Dublin Airport, don't worry we have all the information you will need for both terminals no matter where you're flying into.
- Flying with Ryanair
If you're coming to Ireland with Ryanair you will be landing in Terminal 1
- Flying with Aer Lingus
You will land in Terminal 2 majority of the time when flying with Aer Ligus
After collecting your luggage at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, follow the signs for buses and public transport outside your terminal.
Dublin Airport is served by several Transport for Ireland routes, including the 16, 41, 19, 24, 33A, 41, 101 and 102. These services provide connections to Swords, Dublin City Centre and other areas across Dublin.
Before leaving the airport, check:
- The correct bus route and direction
- Your Concert Express pickup location
- The time you need to arrive
- Current traffic or service updates
The TFI Live app and TFI Journey Planner can be used to check routes and live departure information.
Option 1: Travel from Dublin Airport to Swords
Swords is one of the most convenient pickup areas for passengers arriving at Dublin Airport, particularly if they are staying close to the airport or in north Dublin.
Public transport options from Dublin Airport include:
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Route 41
Take the Route 41 bus in the direction of Swords Manor. This service travels from Dublin Airport through Swords and can be used to reach Swords Village.
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Route 102
Route 102 operates from Dublin Airport towards Sutton DART Station via Swords. Depending on your selected Concert Express pickup point, this may also provide a suitable connection.
Always check the latest route information and make sure you board the bus travelling in the correct direction.
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Concert Express pickup locations in Swords to Slane Castle
Concert Express currently lists the following Swords pickup points for Oasis and Fontaines D.C. at Slane Castle:
Pickup locations can vary depending on the concert, so passengers should check the relevant event page and their booking confirmation before travelling.
Option 2: Travel from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre
Dublin City Centre may be the better choice if your accommodation is located in the city or if you plan to spend time sightseeing before the concert.
Our best recommendation would be to purchase an express bus ticket from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre on airlinkexpress.ie
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Concert Express pickup point in Dublin City Centre
The current Concert Express city-centre pickup point is:
Bus Stop 194, Western Way
Western Way is approximately a 10-minute walk from O’Connell Street. The pickup point is subject to licensing, so passengers should always confirm the final location on their booking confirmation before travelling.
Getting from Dublin to Slane Castle
Slane Castle is located in County Meath, approximately a 45-minute drive from Dublin City Centre under normal traffic conditions.
However, major Slane Castle concerts attract tens of thousands of people, so traffic restrictions and delays should be expected. Booking a dedicated concert bus removes the need to drive, arrange parking or find transport back to Dublin late at night.
Concert Express provides return services to Slane Castle from Dublin City Centre, Swords and a range of other locations across Dublin, Meath and Wicklow. Current Slane Castle services include buses for Oasis on 4 and 5 September 2027 and Fontaines D.C. on 26 and 27 June 2027.
How Concert Express works
Booking your journey is straightforward:
- Select your concert and date.
- Choose your preferred pickup route.
- Select an available departure.
- Complete your booking online.
- Check your email for your booking voucher.
- Arrive at the pickup point in good time.
- Present your voucher for scanning.
Concert Express provides a return journey, with boarding for the return service beginning after the concert finishes.
Other Concert Express pickup areas
If you are staying outside Swords or Dublin City Centre, other routes may be available from areas including:
- Malahide and Portmarnock
- Blanchardstown and Finglas
- Raheny, Killester and Whitehall
- Baldoyle and Clarehall
- Ratoath and Ashbourne
- Clonee, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin
- Templeogue, Tallaght and Clondalkin
- Bray, Shankill and Cherrywood
- Ballybrack, Killiney and Sandyford
Buses may not leave immediately after passengers board. Concert organisers and the event traffic-management team control when buses can depart the Slane Castle area, so delays may occur after the show.
The routes offered can differ between concerts. Check the individual event page before choosing accommodation or making onward travel arrangements.
Using a Leap Card (Public Transport Card in Ireland)
A TFI Leap Card can be used on many public transport services in Dublin, including participating bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services. Leap Cards and Leap Visitor Cards can be purchased at Dublin Airport.
If you're planning on staying in Ireland for a few days, the Freedom Ticket would be the best purchase - with this you will get a 72-Hour Leap Card for public transport and a 48-Hour Sightseeing ticker for exploring Dublin.
However, Leap Cards are not accepted on Concert Express buses. A separate Concert Express ticket must be booked online before travelling.
Concert-day travel checklist
Before leaving your accommodation, make sure you have:
- Your concert admission ticket
- Your Concert Express booking voucher
- A fully charged mobile phone
- The address of your pickup point
- Suitable clothing for an outdoor concert
- Enough time to reach the bus
Do not wait until the departure time to begin looking for your stop. Arrive early and use the stop number or map supplied with your booking.
Frequently asked questions
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Does Concert Express collect passengers from Dublin Airport?
Dublin Airport is not currently listed as a Concert Express pickup point for Slane Castle services. Passengers arriving by air should first travel to a confirmed pickup point in Swords, Dublin City Centre or another available area.
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Should I choose Swords or Dublin City Centre?
Swords is generally the most convenient option for visitors staying near Dublin Airport. Dublin City Centre may be better if your hotel is in central Dublin or if you want to explore the city before the concert.
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Is the Concert Express service a return journey?
Yes. Slane Castle services include the outward journey to the concert and a return journey after the event.
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Does my bus ticket include entry to the concert?
No. Your Concert Express booking only covers transport. You must purchase a separate admission ticket for the concert.
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Can I use a Leap Card on Concert Express?
No. Leap Cards can be used for many public transport journeys between Dublin Airport, Swords and Dublin City Centre, but they are not accepted as payment for Concert Express services.
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What happens after the concert?
There will be massive crowds trying to leave when the concert is over at the same time. The Concert Express buses will be waiting for you where they dropped you off, our recommendation is to make a note or put a pin in Google Maps so you remember where the bus dropped you off.
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Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility arrangements can vary depending on the pickup and drop-off locations assigned for each concert. Passengers requiring accessible transport should check the event information and contact the Concert Express team before booking.
Book your bus to Slane Castle
Make your concert journey part of the plan before you fly.
Choose your artist, concert date, pickup location and departure time, then travel to Slane Castle with a dedicated return bus service.
Check out all Slane Castle concerts bus tickets for 2027!