Ireland
General train travel information for IRELAND. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
Ireland's railway history dates back to 1834 when the Dublin and Kingstown Railway became the first passenger railway. This marked the beginning of rapid expansion as numerous railway companies were established, connecting cities, towns, and rural areas.
During the Great Famine of 1845-1852, railways played a vital role in transporting food supplies and relief aid to affected regions, providing a lifeline during those difficult times.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Irish railways flourished, becoming a crucial transportation network for passengers, goods, and livestock. They played a significant role in Ireland's economic growth and social connectivity.
Following the establishment of the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland in 1922, the railway system became divided between the two territories, with separate railway companies operating in each region.
However, with the rise of road transport and automobiles, the demand for rail travel declined, leading to financial difficulties for the railway system. Many branch lines and stations were closed, signaling a shift in transportation preferences.
Today, though the railway system faced challenges, efforts are being made to preserve its heritage. Many historical railway stations and lines have been restored, serving as a reminder of the crucial role the railways played in shaping Ireland's past and present.
General Information and Statistics
Rail transport in Ireland (InterCity, commuter and freight) is provided by Iarnród Éireann in the Republic of Ireland and by Northern Ireland Railways in Northern Ireland.. In 2019, IÉ carried 50 million passengers.
Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), the state railway system in the Republic has 1,944km, and in Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Railways operates another 357km. There are currently 147 railroad stations in Ireland.
Only 53 kilometers of railroads have been electrified.
What connections to other countries there are.
From the Republic of Ireland, you can travel by train to Northern Ireland.
There are several ferries to France and the UK. Irish ports with ferry services are mainly in Belfast, Dublin and Rosslare, see here for more information.
Are trains fast in Northern Ireland in general? How much time to cross the country?
The fastest trains in Ireland are Mark 4 of Intercity fleet, connecting Dublin and Cork and boasting the top speed of 200 km/h. The journey from Ballina to Glounthaune takes 5:50 hours and from Tralee (Casement) to Dublin Heuston 3:41 hours.
What railway companies are available?
Trains in the Republic of Ireland are operated by Iarnrod Éireann (Irish Rail). Rail services in Northern Ireland are run by Northern Ireland Railways (NI Railways).
What train types are available in Northern Ireland
Ireland offers several types of train services to cater to different travel needs. The main types of trains available in Ireland are:
• Intercity Trains: These are the primary long-distance trains connecting major cities and towns across the country. Operated by Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), Intercity services provide comfortable and efficient travel between Dublin and cities such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Belfast (in Northern Ireland).
• DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): The DART is a suburban railway network that runs along the coast of Dublin, serving various suburban areas and popular destinations such as Howth and Bray. It provides frequent and fast transportation within the Greater Dublin Area.
• Commuter Trains: Complementing the DART, Irish Rail's Commuter services operate in the Greater Dublin Area and nearby counties. These trains connect suburban areas to Dublin city center and are designed to accommodate daily commuters.
• Enterprise: Operated by both Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways (NIR), the Enterprise service is an international train connecting Dublin and Belfast. It offers a comfortable and scenic journey between the capitals of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Local Services: Some regional lines provide local train services, connecting smaller towns and villages to larger cities. These services are essential for connecting rural communities to urban centers.
• Tourist Trains: During certain periods, special tourist trains may operate, offering scenic journeys through Ireland's picturesque landscapes and tourist destinations. These services are typically seasonal and cater to travelers seeking a unique railway experience.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
The fastest trains in Ireland are Mark 4 of Intercity fleet, connecting Dublin and Cork and boasting the top speed of 200 km/h.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Ireland are Dublin Connolly, Dublin Heuston, Dublin Pearse, Cork Kent, Limerick Colbert, Galway Ceannt, Belfast Central.
Websites to buy train tickets for Northern Ireland?
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Northern Ireland?
The Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail mobile app is available in Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Northern Ireland?
You can purchase Irish rail tickets at the station, as Ireland's rail hubs are equipped with ticket offices and most major stations also have ticket vending machines.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Phone bookings, using a credit or debit card can be made between Monday - Friday 07:00hrs - 19:00hrs, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 08:00hrs - 18:00hrs, at (01) 8366 222 / 0818 366222; (or 353 1 8366 222 from outside the Republic of Ireland).
Return the ticket.
All refund claims must be made within 28 days of the ticket expiration date. may request further evidence to support your refund claim.
If you have purchased your ticket online, by telephone or at a booking office, an administration fee will be charged and the terms and conditions you have agreed to will apply.
Train ticket prices
Irish Rail ticket prices depend on your travel plans. For example, a one-way ticket from Dublin to Limerick costs from €21.6. On average, the Dublin to Cork train costs around €35.20. And if you want to travel from Dublin to Belfast, be prepared to pay from €23.45.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
From the Republic of Ireland you can travel to Northern Ireland. A trip from Dublin to Belfast will cost from 13.99 €.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/train-timetables
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Iarnród Éireann recommends purchasing tickets in advance to avoid queues at peak times.
Types of tickets.
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Ireland. It’s great deals as you can travel on any train in Ireland.
Iarnród Éireann also offers a wide variety of different tickets to suit any traveler.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Northern Ireland
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website using their app.
Saver price.
Iarnród Éireann has "low fare" tickets available only on irishrail.ie. This ticket is valid only on the mode of transportation of your choice. Changes or cancellations are allowed online up to 48 hours prior to departure and a 50% fee plus the fare difference will be charged.
Cancellations and refunds are not possible after tickets have been printed.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Traveling mid-day is cheaper than traveling at rush-hour peak times (in both the Republic and in Northern Ireland). Round-trip fares in the Republic of Ireland can cost as little as 10 percent more than one-way fares.
Flexible tickets.
Iarnród Éireann has the following types of flexible tickets:
Semi Flexible
Your ticket is valid on your selected service only. Amendments or cancellations are allowed online up to 24 hours in advance of the outward journey, subject to 20 percent fee plus fare difference.
Flexible
Your ticket is valid on your selected service only. Amendments or cancellations are allowed online for free up to 70 minutes in advance of the outward journey.
Rules of boarding.
In addition to your train ticket, you will need an identity card or passport to prove your identity.
Discounts for group travel.
Customers can take advantage of great discounts for groups across the network when booking 11 or more passengers on the Semi Flexible fare.
Age groups and discounts.
Children aged from five years old up to nineteen years are entitled to purchase a child ticket or fare.
Children under the age of five years are entitled to travel for free any Iarnród Éireann services when accompanied by a fare paying adult provided children do not occupy seats required for other fare paying passengers.
Discounts for students and young adults (aged 19-23):
1. Intercity Travel:
• Enjoy affordable student fares.
• Use TFI Young Adult Leap Card as identification.
• Online tickets with flexible options.
2. Dublin Travel (DART & Commuter Rail):
• TFI Young Adults Leap Card or TFI Student Leap Card - only €1 for 90 minutes of travel.
3. Cork Travel (Cork Commuter area):
• TFI Leap Card - fares from 70 cents to €1.95.
Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to free travel under the Department of Social Protection Free Travel scheme.
Age limitations for minors.
It is recommended that children travelling alone are aged 12 years and older. Parental discretion is advised. Iarnród Éireann does not provide nor is there any duty on Iarnród Éireann to provide any supervision on its passenger services.
Handicapped passengers.
Iarnród Éireann is committed to helping all customers with disabilities navigate its rail routes.
If you need help boarding trains and are planning to travel in the next few days, Iarnród Éireann can help you if you call (01) 8366 222 (Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 18:00, except public holidays). At other times you can contact your local station.
Seat reservations in trains in Northern Ireland.
You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains:
• Online at http://www.irishrail.ie/ - Check out our step by step guide to buying online
• Customer Contact Centre (0)1 836 6222
• At selected Intercity Stations
• Tickets are also available at selected Travel Agents
Iarnród Éireann recommends purchasing tickets in advance to ease ticket queues at peak times.
Comfort classes on the trains.
Economy Class Seat
This type of train coaches offers comfortable seating with individual power sockets and Wi-Fi connection. There are compartments for your personal belongings, as well as the possibility of bike and ski equipment transportation. Seating for passengers with special needs is also provided.
1st Class Seat
This type of train cars equipped with facilities, such as power sockets, Wi-Fi connection, a service table, and a reading light. Compartments for your personal belongings and passenger info monitors are also accessible onboard.
Business Class Seat
Such coaches equipped with facilities, such as spacious lumbar support and fully adjustable seat, power sockets, Wi-Fi connection, adjustable blinds, a service table, and a reading light. Compartments for your personal belongings and newspapers are also accessible onboard. Seating for passengers with special needs is also provided.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Northern Ireland.
On-board catering resumes on the Cork to Dublin route from the 24th April. A limited service will operate initially with more services being added over the following weeks. From the 15th May a full trolley service will be in place on all Dublin to Cork and Cork to Dublin services.
Customers please note, all catering services are cashless and cash will not be accepted on board.
On-board catering is available on the Dublin - Belfast Enterprise services.
Retail / catering facilities are available at many of our stations.
Night trains in Northern Ireland?
There are no night trains as such in Ireland
Monday-Saturday: Trains run from approximately 6am to 12am (last trains leave Dublin city center around 11.30pm). Sunday: Trains run from about 9am to 12am (last trains leave Dublin city center around 11.30pm).
Important train routes in Northern Ireland.
Dublin - Cork /from 2:32 hours / from 21,49 EUR / every hour
Dublin - Waterford / from 2:08 hours / from 12,39 EUR / every 2-3 hours
Dublin - Limerick Junction / from 1:26 hours / from 16,99 EUR / every 2-3 hours
Waterford - Limerick Junction / from 1:43 hours / from 4,25 EUR / every 2-3 hours
Limerick Junction - Galway / from 2:38 hours / from 14,84 EUR / every 1-2 hours
Dublin - Galway / from 2:19 hours / from 13,99 EUR / every 2 hours
International train routes.
From the Republic of Ireland you can travel to Northern Ireland.
Tourist / scenic routes in Northern Ireland.
Ireland offers several scenic and tourist routes that can be explored by train, providing travelers with breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences. Some of the notable tourist and scenic routes include:
• Dublin to Galway (Dublin-Westport/Galway line):
This route takes you through picturesque countryside, including the lush landscapes of County Kildare and County Galway. It offers stunning views of the River Shannon and the iconic Burren region.
• Dublin to Belfast (Dublin-Belfast line):
The journey from Dublin to Belfast offers beautiful coastal views along the Irish Sea. It passes through historic towns and scenic spots like Dundalk and Newry.
• Belfast to Derry/Londonderry (Derry~Londonderry line):
This route takes you through the scenic landscapes of Northern Ireland, including the stunning Antrim Coast and the famous Giant's Causeway.
• Dublin to Waterford (Dublin-Waterford line):
This route offers a mix of lush countryside and coastal views as it travels to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.
• Killarney to Tralee (Killarney-Tralee line):
Traveling through County Kerry, this route showcases Ireland's stunning southwest landscapes, including the picturesque Killarney National Park.
• Sligo to Dublin (Sligo-Dublin line):
This journey passes through beautiful countryside, including the picturesque Lough Arrow and Lough Gill, as well as the charming town of Longford.
• Rosslare to Dublin (Rosslare-Dublin line):
The coastal route offers scenic views of the Irish Sea as it travels from the southeast port of Rosslare to Dublin.
Luggage information.
There is no checked baggage as such on Irish Railways. You carry it yourself. You are allowed up to 50kg of luggage per adult passenger per ticket.
Bicycle on the train.
How to bring bicycles on public transport in Ireland:
IRISH RAIL INTERCITY:
Bicycles are carried for free but limited, so book in advance at irishrail.ie.
Look for bicycle racks with the logo on the first or last carriages.
Folding bicycles with covers are allowed at all times for free.
NI RAILWAYS:
Bicycles are carried for free, except before 09:30 on weekdays.
Up to 4 full-sized bicycles allowed in designated areas.
Folding bicycles allowed if completely folded.
IRISH RAIL DART AND COMMUTER:
Bicycles are free during off-peak times.
Counter-peak travel may be possible, depending on staff.
Not allowed before 09:30 and between 16:00 and 19:00 on weekdays.
Folding bicycles with covers are allowed at all times for free.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
There's no official information.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Northern Ireland.
There are luggage lockers in Connolly and Heuston Railway stations. There is also lockers in Busaras bus station.
Lost and Found Items.
Please contact the final station of the flight you are traveling on. Contact details for all stations can be found on the "Station Information" page.
or
Send an email to lostproperty@irishrail.ie with the subject line "Lost Property" and include as many details as possible.
Please note that we only hold lost property for 30 days.
Pets on the trains.
• Small dogs can travel free if on the owner's lap or in a secure carrier.
• Dogs on the restricted breeds list must be muzzled.
• Cats can travel free in a secure carrier on the owner's lap.
• Guide and Assistance dogs are allowed on all trains without restrictions.
• Accompanied dogs can travel in the Guards Van (if available) with specific requirements.
• Iarnród Éireann may refuse to carry animals causing inconvenience to passengers.
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