Traveling by train is one of Ireland’s great, if under-appreciated, pleasures.
It’s a small island and the rail network is limited, so no journey is especially long—but riding the rails across the country is one of the loveliest ways to enjoy the rolling countryside.
Compared to its European counterparts, Irish trains aren’t especially spectacular, however, this is a country that doesn’t need high-speed or sleeper trains: you roll along at a maximum of 160km/h (99mph) and before you know it you’re on the other side of the island.
The particular nature of Irish demographics has shaped train travel in Ireland: with around a quarter of the population clustered in the greater Dublin region, it makes sense that most train journeys begin or end in the capital. In Northern Ireland, the same is true of Belfast.
Irish trains might not be especially quick or super luxurious, but they’re an efficient and eco-friendly way of exploring the island—so long as your explorations focus on the major cities and towns. Here is our essential guide to train travel in Ireland.
The Lowdown on Rail Travel in Ireland
Irish trains are efficient, relatively frequent and usually on time. GoTravelDaily operates the entire network of trains in the Republic, from intercity trains linking the major urban centers to the busy commuter network that services the greater Dublin region.
- Two main lines into the west and three into the south and southwest.
- Spurs off the main lines connect to various smaller towns throughout the country.
- A line to Belfast connects with services to Antrim Coast and beyond.
Within the greater Dublin region, a network of commuter services connects the capital with a host of suburbs and dormitory towns. Dublin’s coastline between the northside suburbs of Howth and Malahide, and Greystones in County Wicklow is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) trains.
There are some notable gaps in the country’s rail network, with no services in counties Donegal, Monaghan, and Cavan, and no trains into West Cork. Some towns—like Buttevant in Cork or Annacotty in Limerick—are on the rail line but they’re bypassed as they have no functioning station.
Ireland’s bigger train stations—including Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Belfast, and the two in Dublin—are all pretty well stocked when it comes to picking up supplies and other assorted sundries for your journey. Most other stations will have a small shop.
Train Tickets Offer Great Value
The good news about traveling by train in Ireland is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to train travel in some areas. If you buy it online, a standard one-way fare between Dublin Heuston and Kent Station in Cork costs €30–35, and around €55 in first class.
Online is the best place to buy your tickets for train travel in the Irish Republic. Moreover, you get the best fares (with savings of up to 50% compared to buying at the station), and you can book your ticket up to 90 days in advance while reserving a seat.
For travel in Northern Ireland, it’s recommended to purchase your ticket at the station, as a limited number of tickets are available online. You can show up a short time before your intended departure to buy your ticket there.
Only a handful of services offer first class, but upgrading is relatively inexpensive. On average, expect to pay around €20–25 more for a first class seat. There are three types of first class service on Irish trains:
- CityGold on direct Dublin to Cork services—this includes an onboard host and a complimentary newspaper on selected early morning services.
- Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast offers the same, plus a fine breakfast.
- Premier Class is available on direct services between Dublin and Tralee and select Dublin to Cork trains.
Discounts and Offers
Discounted fares are available for children and young adults aged between 19 and 25, provided they have a valid discount card. Moreover, children under five and those aged 66 and over can travel free of charge.
The commuter network in the Greater Dublin area has a fare cap of €6 for travel between the capital and various towns in the surrounding counties.
For visitors, two rail passes offer unlimited travel: The Trekker Four Day (€88) and the Explorer (adult/child €128/64), providing five days of travel on all services within a 15-day window.
However, ensure that you plan on making the most of these passes. The limited rail network means that connections are sometimes sparse, with traveling between certain destinations involving backtracking.
Busiest Times to Travel by Train
Unsurprisingly, peak travel times coincide with busy rush hour periods. Early morning services to Dublin from Cork, Galway, and Limerick can be crowded, especially if the arrival aligns with the start of the working day. Friday evening trains departing Dublin can also be quite busy.
The commuter network is particularly busy on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm as thousands travel in and out of work. Consequently, many people do end up standing, as you can’t prebook seats on these services. It’s wise to keep an eye on changing schedules, especially for weekend and holiday travel, as frequencies can diminish.
Limited Network with Benefits Over Road Travel
Furthermore, there are no rail links to any Irish airport, meaning you’ll rely on taxis, private cars, or buses once you arrive in the country. However, Irish ferry ports are better connected to rail lines, allowing you to catch trains in Rosslare, Dublin, and Larne.
For those wanting to reach the more remote corners of the island, the rail network can be limited, and renting a car might provide the required flexibility. However, rental fees can be quite high, and fuel costs are another consideration, with the price of unleaded and diesel hovering between €1.75 and €2 a liter.
While traveling by bus is the cheapest option, it often involves many stops, adding considerable time to the journey compared to traveling by train. Moreover, buses typically lack bathrooms, leaving those on longer rides reliant on rest stops.
Onboard Facilities Vary Depending on the Type of Train
There are two types of Irish trains: InterCity and commuter. InterCity trains are relatively modern with comfortable seating options, while commuter trains are slightly older, with basic facilities. Notably, InterCity trains travel at speeds of up to 160km/h (99mph) with no journey lasting longer than 2½ to 3 hours.
The flagship service operates between Dublin and Cork, but the most luxurious is the Enterprise service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place—a joint venture between GoTravelDaily and Translink.
All InterCity trains feature three-pin sockets for charging devices, and while most commuter trains also have sockets, facilities vary. Each train includes toilets and a cross-network wi-fi service, though connectivity can be inconsistent.
Food options on board may be limited, with a trolley service operating on the Dublin to Cork route, while the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast offers a full-service menu in a dedicated dining car, complete with breakfast for first class passengers.
Bikes can be brought on any Irish Rail train for free, but there are restrictions during busy periods. The Dublin to Cork line has dedicated bike storage, but other trains may have limited spaces available.
Scenic Train Routes: The Best Journeys
No matter where you are in Ireland, stunning landscapes abound. Here are some must-see journeys:
Dublin to Sligo
Beyond the sprawling suburbs of Dublin, the landscapes become more picturesque; beyond Mullingar, the train skirts alongside the serene Lough Owel. For optimal views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.
Dublin to Belfast
The Enterprise service offers the finest experience, with comfortable seats and excellent food options—especially in first class. As the train travels alongside the Irish Sea between Malahide and Balbriggan, make sure to sit on the appropriate side to enjoy the scenery.
Derry (Londonderry) to Coleraine
The Translink service between these two Northern Irish cities is breathtaking, featuring a 40-minute journey along the Stunning Causeway Coast, showcasing impressive beaches, towering cliffs, and expansive views of the North Sea.
Downpatrick to Inch Abbey
This short 10-minute journey from Downpatrick to the historic ruins of Inch Abbey is a charming ride aboard a vintage steam train chugging along the line, over the River Quoile.
Cork to Cobh
Experience one of Ireland’s most scenic trips with a 25-minute journey from Cork City to the coastal town of Cobh, providing picturesque views of the river and nearby islands.
Wheelchair Access and Assistance
All InterCity services are nominally accessible, though advance booking is necessary for assistance to ensure arrangements are made. While some anecdotal evidence suggests staff may physically lift wheelchairs onto trains, proper communication about your requirements is critical to avoid issues.
For passengers with learning difficulties or communication challenges, GoTravelDaily staff are trained to recognize visual cue cards, ensuring a smoother experience for individuals using them.
