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Trains in Ireland

 

With an Interrail Pass you can travel by train across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They're directly connected to each other by train. The isle has discounted ferry connections to Great Britain and France.

 

Train types in Ireland

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).

Map with main train connections in Ireland

Trains in the Republic of Ireland

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) has modern and reliable trains across the country, with many connections to and from Dublin. You can start planing your trip with the Irish Rail timetables and journey planner.


Your Interrail Pass is valid on:

  • InterCity trains: Fast, high quality rail services that connect popular cities and towns in the Republic of Ireland. Wifi is available on most connections.

  • DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport): Dublin's electic rail system. To get through the entrance gates, just show your Pass at the ticket window.


Trains in Northern Ireland

Train times for Northern Ireland are on the NI Railway (Translink) website.

  • Free wifi is available on all NI Railway trains.

  • Bicycles are allowed on trains after 9.30am, with no extra charges.

Scenic routes

 

Republic of Ireland

Rosslare – Waterford/Rosslare – Rosslare – Wexford – Enniscorthy
Wicklow – Greystones – Dun Laoghaire

 

Northern Ireland

Londonderry – Coleraine

 

Popular connections

Republic of Ireland

Most long distance services start or end in Dublin. These services are run by Intercity trains. The Enterprise Service takes people from Dublin to Belfast in just over two hours. 

 

Route

Travel time (by InterCity)
Dublin Connolly to Belfast
Enterprise Service		 2h 15m
Dublin Heuston to Cork 2h 35m
Dublin Heuston to Waterford 2h 10m
Dublin Heuston to Limerick (Via Limerick Junction) 2h 05m
Waterford to Limerick (Via Limerick Junction) 2h 30m
Limerick to Galway 1h 55m
Dublin Heuston to Galway 2h 25m
Dublin Heuston to Tralee 3h 55m
Dublin Heuston to Westport 3h 10m
Dublin Heuston to Ballina 3h 15m
Dublin Connolly to Sligo 3h 15m
Dublin Connolly to Rosslare 3h

 

Northern Ireland

NI Railways' popular routes are:

 

Route

Travel time
Belfast Central to Dublin Connolly 2h 10m
Belfast to Bangor 31m
Belfast to Derry Londonderry 2h 05m
Belfast to Larne 50m
Belfast to Newry 57m
Portrush to Coleraine 12m

Ferries

There are several ferries to France and the UK. Irish ports with ferry connections are mainly Belfast, Dublin and Rosslare, see here for more information.

 

Reservations

Republic of Ireland

Reservations for InterCity (IC) trains are optional. They can be made locally or online at www.irishrail.ie.

 

Northern Ireland

Train reservations are not required.

 

Get your Pass for Ireland

Interrail Ireland Pass

 

Gives you access to the trains in Ireland - both Northern Ireland and the Republic and Ireland.

  • Youth, senior and family discounts available.

  • Benefits include 30% discount on several ferry routes.

  • Prices from € 119

 

View Ireland Passes →

 

Interrail Global Pass

 

  • Explore up to 33 countries in Europe by train.

  • Youth, senior and family discounts available.

  • Prices from € 212

 

View Global Passes →

 

Tips and tricks for Ireland

The main Irish train stations

Republic of Ireland

Dublin has two main train stations. There is no train connection between these stations, so you have to take a tram or bus to travel from one to the other.

  • Dublin Connolly

  • Dublin Heuston

 

Northern Ireland

  • Belfast Central

 

Spelling of names in Ireland

It's good to know the local spelling of Irish cities when you try to find the right train station! Here are some places you may visit in Ireland:

  • Corcaigh = Cork

  • Gaillimh = Galway

  • Cill = Kilkenny

  • Cill Airne = Chainnigh Killarney

  • Luimneach = Limerick

  • Mala = Mallow

Ferry travel and other discounts

  • Use an Interrail Pass in Ireland and get 30% discount on ferry routes to England, France, Scotland and Wales.

 

Guided train tours

  • Get a discount of up to €30 on train tours from Dublin.

 

See all Pass benefits in Ireland

 

Get inspired

 
  • masthead-ireland-coastal-highway-view
    Ireland Discover Ireland's natural beauty with an Interrail trip. Find the best places and events! As you travel, enjoy Irish culture and its sprawling coastline.
  • ireland-itinerary-autumn-fall-header
    Looking for hidden pots of gold Add the Emerald Isle to your next rail adventure with this two-week rail itinerary from Belfast to Kilkenny (with stops at Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry & Cliffs of Moher).

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