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Rail travel in Ireland.
Two jurisdictions, two operators, one surprisingly good rail network. Everything you need to plan, book, and ride.
Network
2,400 km
Stations
145+
Top speed
160 km/h
Passengers
68M/yr
Two systems, one island, one surprisingly good network.
Ireland's rail network is split between two operators across two jurisdictions, but it works seamlessly for travellers. In the Republic, Iarnrod Eireann runs intercity, commuter, and the DART coastal line from Dublin. In Northern Ireland, Translink operates NI Railways. They jointly run the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast.
Almost all intercity lines radiate from Dublin's two termini, which are not connected by rail. From Heuston, trains go south and west: Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Westport, Tralee. From Connolly, services run north to Belfast and Sligo, and south to Rosslare via the coast.
A handful of regional routes connect cities without going through Dublin: Limerick to Galway on the Western Rail Corridor, Cork to Tralee, and Limerick to Waterford. But for most journeys, Dublin is the hub.
Buying your ticket
Irish rail ticketing is refreshingly simple compared to most European systems. Full-price "flex" tickets cannot sell out and need no advance booking. Board any train on the route and sit in any unreserved seat.
For savings, advance fares start from €9.99 on shorter routes and €13.99 for Dublin-Belfast. These are tied to a specific train with limited refund options, but the savings are substantial. Walk-up Dublin-Cork fares run €40-65 depending on stage and time of day, so booking ahead pays for the coffee.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
irishrail.ie
Book at irishrail.ie. Print at home or collect from ticket machines at the station.
NORTHERN IRELAND
translink.co.uk
Book at translink.co.uk. Exchange your confirmation at any staffed station.
No passport check, no border queue, no airport security. For the same money as a taxi across Dublin you get a window seat on one of the most scenic stretches of Irish railway.
- Patrick Hughes, Planet Patrick editor
Standard, First, and where it actually matters
First class exists on three corridors: Dublin-Cork (branded First Class on direct Mark 4 services, Premier Class on selected others), Dublin-Tralee (Premier Class on direct services), and the cross-border Enterprise (Enterprise Plus). Everything else is standard class only - 2+2 seating, decent legroom, free WiFi. Save the upgrade for Cork and Belfast, where the trolley service actually runs.
Seating Classes
Standard Class
2+2 seating on most services. Good legroom by European standards. Free WiFi on intercity routes. Tables and power sockets at most seats. Perfectly fine for any Irish rail journey.
First Class
Three products under three names. 'First Class' on Dublin-Cork direct (Mark 4 stock), 'Premier Class' on Dublin-Tralee and some Dublin-Cork services, 'Enterprise Plus' on Belfast-Dublin. All three use table-of-4 and table-of-2 seating with power sockets, free WiFi, and wheelchair spaces. Trolley service runs on Cork and Belfast only, not Tralee. Not available on Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, or Rosslare railcars.
Best for: Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Tralee, and the cross-border Enterprise
Practical intelligence
WiFi
Free on intercity and Enterprise services. Functional for email and browsing. Mobile data drops noticeably west of the Shannon.
Luggage
No weight limits on any Irish rail service. Overhead racks and open areas at the end of each carriage. Space is rarely a problem outside peak commuter services.
Accessibility
Modern intercity trains are wheelchair accessible. Heuston has level access. Connolly has lifts. Book assistance through irishrail.ie at least 24 hours ahead.
Food & Drink
Trolley service on Dublin-Cork and Enterprise. No catering at all on the Galway, Limerick, Waterford, or Sligo railcars. Bring your own or buy at the station.
Dublin's Two Stations
Two termini, no rail link between them. Heuston serves south and west. Connolly serves north and east. Connected by LUAS Red Line tram. Allow 30 minutes for the transfer.
Currency
Euro in the Republic, Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland. Most Enterprise passengers pay in Euro regardless of direction. Card payment is accepted on board and at all stations.
Rolling stock
Mark 4
CAF Spain, 2006
Dublin-Cork direct services only.
The premium intercity set. Loco-hauled, First Class and Premier Class, table seating and catering car. Ireland's most comfortable ride.
Cross-border express, border-free: The only direct Belfast-Dublin service. Jointly run by Irish Rail and Translink, with border-free travel between the two capitals.
Ireland's most scenic railway: Hugs Belfast Lough heading north, then the coast past Castlerock and Downhill before arriving at the walled city. Sit on the right.
2h 12mHourly
Guide soonReview
NI Railways
Belfast Grand Central
→Bangor
Translink NI
Quick coastal commuter: Frequent coastal service connecting Belfast to the seaside town of Bangor. Quick, reliable, and useful for day trips from the city.
35-40mEvery 30 min
Guide soonReview
Reviews & First-Hand Reports
Route guides and reviews covering Ireland's rail network.
MAY 2026
Dublin to Galway by Train: Fares from €14, Times and How to Book (2026)
Everything you need for the Dublin Heuston to Galway train - journey time around 2h 30m, fares from EUR 13.99, timetable summary, and train vs...
