The first ever bus service between Ireland and Australia today set off on its mammoth expedition taking it across the world in 13 weeks.
OzBus left Galway this morning and will stop off in London, Prague, Istanbul and a host of other cities as it passes through 22 countries before arriving in Sydney in May.
The 22,000km trip 'Down Under' will have 39 passengers on board, all of whom paid €5,500 each for the trip, among them 10 Irish people.
"Until now there's never been an alternative to flying," said OzBus founder Mark Creasey.
"Each year thousands of young travellers set off to Australia seeking the thrill of adventure. The trouble is most just end up doing the same old thing whilst the closest they come to adventure is watching the airport baggage carousel," he said.
Highlights of the 13-week journey include the Tiger reserves in India, the Mount Everest region, Bali and Ayers Rock (Uluru).
The bus left from Galway this morning before stopping at Dublin's Guinness Storehouse to pick up the remaining Irish contingent and to allow for pint at the famous brewery.
They will leave for Britain tomorrow morning on the 8am Holyhead ferry before heading to London to collect the remaining passengers, among them two Finnish, one American, one Swedish, over 20 British and one New Zealander.
PA