Coming to Ireland by ferry for a concert? Dublin Port places passengers close to the city centre, making it a convenient arrival point for concerts at Slane Castle, Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, Aviva Stadium, Croke Park and St Anne’s Park.
This guide explains what to do when you get off the ferry, how to travel from Dublin Port into the city and how to join a pre-booked Concert Express service from Dublin City Centre.
Your journey: Ferry terminal → Dublin City Centre → Concert Express pickup point → concert venue → return journey to Dublin.
Book your Dublin City Centre concert bus
The simplest option for most ferry passengers is to travel into Dublin City Centre and join a Concert Express service from there.
View Dublin City Centre Tickets
Before Travelling to Ireland by Ferry for a concert
Your ferry, concert admission and concert transport are separate bookings. Arrange all three before travelling, particularly for large outdoor concerts where transport can sell out.
- Book the correct ferry sailing and allow for possible weather delays.
- Purchase a valid admission ticket for your concert.
- Book your Concert Express ticket for the correct artist, date and route.
- Choose accommodation with convenient access to Dublin City Centre.
- Plan where you will leave your luggage before travelling to the concert.
For the safest itinerary, arrive in Dublin the day before the concert. If you are arriving on the day of the event, choose a sailing that leaves a generous gap before your Concert Express departure.
What to do when you get off the ferry at Dublin Port
- Keep your travel documents ready: Follow your ferry operator’s instructions when disembarking and passing through the terminal.
- Confirm your terminal: Irish Ferries and the Isle of Man Steam Packet use Terminal 1, while Stena Line uses Terminal 2.
- Follow signs for buses, taxis or passenger collection: Dublin Port is a working port, so remain within designated passenger areas.
- Travel into Dublin City Centre: Use the transfer service for your ferry operator, Dublin Bus Route 53 where suitable, or a taxi.
- Leave your luggage safely: Check into your accommodation or use an appropriate luggage-storage facility before going to the concert.
- Check your Concert Express voucher: Confirm the pickup point, departure time and route before leaving for the bus.
How to get from Irish Ferries Terminal 1 to Dublin City Centre
Passengers arriving with Irish Ferries have two useful public transport options for reaching central Dublin.
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Irish Ferries express transfer
An express transfer operated by Nolan Coaches runs between Dublin Port and George’s Quay in Dublin City Centre seven days a week. The service is cashless, so payment should be made online or by card. Check the latest timetable against your sailing before travelling.
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Dublin Bus Route 53
Dublin Bus Route 53 operates between the Irish Ferries terminal and Talbot Street. Talbot Street is close to Busáras, Connolly Station, O’Connell Street and other city-centre transport connections.
Route 53 has a more limited timetable than many city routes. Check the current timetable rather than assuming a bus will be waiting for every ferry arrival.
Check Irish Ferries transfer information or visit the Dublin Bus timetable page
How to get from Stena Line Terminal 2 to Dublin City Centre
tena Line provides a connecting bus between Terminal 2 and Dublin City Centre for its sailings. The journey normally takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
City-centre stops can include Connolly Station, George’s Quay, Aston Quay and Heuston Station. Choose the stop that best suits your accommodation or onward journey.
If a sailing is delayed, the connecting bus time may also change. Follow announcements onboard and check the latest sailing information on the day.
There is no direct train station at the ferry terminal. The Point Luas stop is near the entrance to Dublin Port but is a considerable walk from Terminal 2, so the ferry transfer or a taxi is normally more practical for foot passengers with luggage.
Check Stena Line Dublin Port transport information.
Taking a taxi from Dublin Port
A taxi can be the most convenient choice for groups, passengers carrying luggage or visitors with limited time before their concert bus. Give the driver the full address of your hotel or the exact Concert Express pickup point shown on your booking.
Do not ask to be brought directly to a large concert venue unless you have specifically planned that journey. Road closures, traffic management and restricted drop-off areas are common on major concert days.
Joining Concert Express in Dublin City Centre after the Ferry
Once you reach the city, check into your accommodation and make your way to the pickup point shown on your Concert Express voucher.
The current city-centre departure point advertised for a number of 2027 services is Bus Stop 194 on Western Way, approximately a 10-minute walk from O’Connell Street. This location is subject to licensing and may differ by event, so always use the final details supplied with your booking.
Passengers arriving at George’s Quay, Talbot Street, Connolly Station or Aston Quay should allow time to continue across the city to Western Way. Walking may be suitable without luggage, but a local bus, Luas connection or short taxi journey may be more convenient.
Why book a Dublin City Centre Concert Express ticket?
- A convenient route for passengers arriving through Dublin Port
- Dedicated transport to major concert venues
- No need to drive or search for event parking
- Return travel available after the concert
- Online booking with an email voucher
- Multiple routes and departure options for selected events
Concert Express tickets can only be purchased on Concert Express Dublin City Centre page. Select your concert, choose the Dublin City Centre route, complete the booking and keep the voucher available on your phone for scanning when boarding.
Ferry booked? Book the next part of your journey
Secure your city centre concert transport before travelling to Ireland
Concerts and venues served by Concert Express from Dublin City Centre
Concert Express provides transport to Ireland’s biggest outdoor concerts and stadium shows.
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Slane Castle
City-centre buses are available for Fontaines D.C. on 26 and 27 June 2027 and Oasis on 4 and 5 September 2027.
Check out the upcoming Slane Castle Concerts
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Malahide Castle
Buses to Malahide Castle Concerts from Dublin City Centre
Check out the upcoming Malahide Castle Concerts lineup
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Marlay Park
Bus to Marlay Park Concerts from Dublin City Centre
Check out all upcoming Marlay Park Concerts
Travelling to a Slane Castle Concert from Dublin Port
Slane Castle is outside Dublin in County Meath. There is no simple direct public transport journey from the ferry terminal to the concert entrance, particularly when event traffic restrictions are in place.
For most ferry passengers, the clearest plan is:
- Travel from Dublin Port to Dublin City Centre.
- Leave luggage at your accommodation or a secure storage facility.
- Join the correct Concert Express departure from the city centre.
- Travel to the designated Slane Castle transport hub.
- Return to Dublin on the same booked service after the concert.
Concert traffic can cause significant delays. After the show, buses can only depart when permitted by the event organisers and traffic-management team.
After the concert
Follow the directions given by Concert Express staff and event stewards. Return boarding normally begins after the concert finishes, but the bus may not be permitted to leave immediately.
Keep your phone charged, stay with the passengers for your route and do not leave the designated boarding area without speaking to a member of staff.
If you are sailing home the following day, stay overnight in Dublin and leave sufficient time to return to your ferry terminal. Do not book a tightly timed overnight sailing based on the advertised concert finishing time, as event egress and road traffic can be unpredictable.
Returning to Dublin Port for your ferry home
Check in advance whether you need Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and confirm your ferry operator’s check-in deadline.
- Irish Ferries passengers can use the express transfer from George’s Quay or Dublin Bus Route 53 from Talbot Street, subject to the current timetable.
- Stena Line passengers can use the connecting bus from the advertised city-centre stops.
- Taxis are available for early departures or journeys outside the bus timetable.
- Allow additional time for traffic, check-in and security procedures.
Ferry transfer tickets, public transport fares and Concert Express tickets are separate purchases
Concert ferry travel checklist
- Ferry booking and valid travel documents
- Concert admission ticket
- Concert Express email voucher
- Confirmed city-centre pickup point
- Accommodation or luggage-storage plan
- Charged phone and portable power bank
- Suitable clothing for an outdoor concert
- Enough time between each part of the journey
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Ireland by Ferry for a concert
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Does Concert Express collect passengers directly from Dublin Port?
Dublin Port is not currently advertised as a Concert Express pickup point. Ferry passengers should travel into Dublin City Centre and join the pickup location confirmed on their Concert Express booking.
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Can I walk from Dublin Port to the city centre?
Dublin Port is a large working port and the passenger terminals are not positioned for a convenient walk into the city, particularly with luggage. Use the ferry transfer, Route 53 where suitable or a taxi.
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Which city-centre stop should I use from the ferry?
George’s Quay, Talbot Street, Connolly Station and Aston Quay are all central arrival points. The best option depends on your ferry operator, accommodation and the final Concert Express pickup location.
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What happens if my ferry is delayed?
Contact the relevant transport provider if a delay may cause you to miss a booking. Concert Express operates to scheduled departures, so choose a sailing with a substantial time buffer or arrive the day before the event.
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Can I bring my ferry luggage on the concert bus?
Do not assume that large luggage can be carried on a concert service. Leave bags at your accommodation or a suitable storage facility, or contact Concert Express before booking if you have specific luggage requirements.
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Is a Concert Express ticket valid on Dublin Bus or the ferry transfer?
No. Your ferry journey, port transfer, public transport, concert admission and Concert Express journey are separate products.
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Is the journey back from the concert included?
Many Concert Express products are return services, but passengers must check the product description before booking. Select the correct route and journey type for your plans.
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Can I use a TFI Leap Card on Concert Express?
No. Concert Express requires a separate ticket booked online. A Leap Card may be used on eligible public transport services within Dublin.
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What if I am bringing a car on the ferry?
Follow the port exit signs and travel to your pre-booked accommodation or parking location. Do not assume parking will be available at the concert venue. Visitors staying in Dublin can leave the car safely and use a city-centre Concert Express service to avoid event traffic and parking restrictions.
Complete your concert travel plan
Your ferry gets you to Dublin & Concert Express can help you with the next part of your journey to the concert venue