ULSTER Rugby star, David Humphries and All-Ireland medal winner and GAA Allstar, Stephen McDonnell of Armagh have launched a new hourly bus service operating between Belfast and Dublin at Dublin Airport.

The new service is jointly operated by Ulsterbus, as the Goldline Service 200 and Bus Eireann's as its 001 service. The shuttle service operates seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 9pm daily.

The route for those departing Belfast begins at Europa Buscentre and calls at Sprucefield Shopping Centre, Banbridge War Memorial, Newry Buscentre, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, and all these stops are included on the return journey. Stops at Dundalk Bus Office and Drogheda Bus Office are also scheduled on some services.

Philip O'Neill Translink's General Manager Bus Services, said: "The Goldline Express 200 service links Belfast and Dublin seven days a week. There has been a significant increase in passenger numbers travelling between the two cities both for business and leisure purposes over the past few years.

"An increased number of holidaymakers from Northern Ireland fly from Dublin Airport to warmer climates, the service will also facilitate travel for shopping trips, concerts, sporting events and business meetings. The service provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to the private car.

Fares for this service start at £5.50 for a Super Single which is available on specific services; standard singles are priced at £8.30 and return fares cost £11.70.

The service is jointly operated by Ulsterbus and Bus Éireann.