Ireland Rail

Ireland is an island split between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Most passenger services in the Republic are run by Irish Rail; cross-border services involve Translink/Northern Ireland Railways to Belfast. Coastal lines give many scenic sea views.

Irish rail centers on Dublin with intercity spokes to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Westport, and cross-border link to Belfast. Dublin suburban networks include the DART and commuter lines that feed main terminals.

Key intercity corridors: Dublin–Cork (fastest), Dublin–Galway (west), Dublin–Belfast (cross-border), Dublin–Westport/Ballina (Connemara access), plus regional services to Limerick and Sligo. Frequencies vary by route and season.

Major hubs are Heuston Station (southwest services) and Connolly Station (north, west, cross-border), plus Cork Kent Station, Galway Ceannt, and Belfast hubs like Belfast Lanyon Place. Stations range from staffed intercity terminals to small unstaffed halts.

Buy online or at stations; advance fares bring big savings on intercity services. For Dublin local travel use the Leap Card; day/short-term passes and third-party tourist rail passes exist—compare prices vs singles. Seat reservations usually optional but recommended on busy routes.

Intercity services mostly use modern diesel multiple units like the 22000-class; Dublin suburban lines run DART electric units and various commuter DMUs. Expect standard intercity comfort with tables, power sockets on some units, and variable onboard catering.

Top scenic trips: Dublin–Galway (coastal approach into the west), Cork–Killarney for peninsulas, and the Westport line with Atlantic views. Wildlife sightings common along coasts: puffins (Fratercula arctica), gannets (Morus bassanus), and roaming red deer (Cervus elaphus) in wild pockets.

Trains link to buses, regional airports, and some ferry ports (notably Rosslare). At Dublin Airport travel typically uses bus or taxi into central stations; rail links from airports are limited, so plan transfers in advance for tight connections.

Most main stations offer step-free access, lifts, and assistance on request—book help ahead for platform transfers. Smaller halts may lack full accessibility; check station pages before travel for ramps, help points, and accessible toilets.

Rail is generally safe; watch platform edges, obey level-crossing warnings, and expect service disruptions in severe weather. Keep valuables close in busy periods and check live service alerts before departure.

Travel off-peak for lower fares and easier seating. Bring layers for damp, windy stations; reserve bike space where required (many services accept bikes with restrictions). Arrive 15–30 minutes at major stations for ticketing and boarding.

Rail in Ireland is compact, scenic, and practical for active travelers. Focus on key intercity routes from Dublin, use advance tickets or passes, book assistance or bike spaces early, and prioritize coastal lines for the best views.