History of the Rail System

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It's a widely known fact that Britain was a pioneer of rail travel, as it was the first to open a modern railroad back in 1830. But not everyone knows that Ireland was not far behind. 

The first railroad in Ireland, the Dublin and Kingstown Railway was just 10 km (6 mi) long and opened only 4 years after the famous Liverpool to Manchester Railway. The project's contractor was William Dargan, known as the founder of the railway in Ireland, as he was involved in the construction of multiple major train lines over the years.

And while the country can't boast the fact that it gave the world the first railroad, it takes exceptional pride in knowing that it built the first dedicated commuter railway!  

But Ireland's records in the field or rail travel don't end here! In 1888, half a century later, the Listowel and Ballybunion Railway aka the world's first commercial monorail was officially opened.

​At the beginning of the 20th century, Ireland rail system was at its peak, boasting over 4200 route kilometers (3500 route miles), But during the last hundred years, the role of rail transport reduced immensely, and now only about 1/3 of the network remains in operation. 

Nevertheless, don't let this fact fool you. Taking a train in Ireland is still one of the smartest ways to get around the country, as it offers fast travel times, great travel conditions, and simply stunning views. 

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Ireland Train Lines & Rail Transport

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When it comes to rail, Ireland boasts a well-spread network of train routes. Most of them radiate from amazing Dublin. So if you are looking for a perfect starting point for your rail adventure - the scenic capital of the country is a great place to consider. Another popular option is to stay in Dublin and enjoy frequent day trips to other amazing destinations, such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, and, of course, Belfast. 

​There are a few more useful things to keep in mind while planning a trip. First, remember that Ireland doesn't have a metro (although one in Dublin is planned for the nearest future). The second useful thing to know is that there is no railway connection between airports in Ireland and train stations, although airports in Kerry and Belfast are set within walking distance from the stations.

Irish Trains Company

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Iarnród Éireann is the Irish national operator responsible for all railway services in the country. The passenger services provided by the company divide into Intercity, Commuter, and DART. Intercity trains cover long-distance routes. Commuters are trains servicing the suburban areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. And the DART category stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transit (the Irish only electrified heavy-rail service) and it includes trains running along the North-South Route.​

​Together with Northern Ireland Railways, IR operates Irish high-speed train, serving the Dublin - Belfast route. 

Read more about Irish high-speed train

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FAQ: Irish Trains

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• Irish Train System
• I​rish Trains

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Does Ireland have a good train system?

Yes, the country boasts a rather advanced railway network. Taking a train is definitely a great choice if you need to travel from/to Dublin, as it's the heart of Ireland railway network, but most smaller population centers can also be reached by railway, although a change might be required. 

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Is it easy to travel by train in Ireland?

It's rather simple and very convenient. The major train stations in Ireland are set in the city centers and are very easy to reach by public transport. The Irish trains are fast, modern, and safe, providing not just great travel conditions, but also an extensive train schedule, making planning your trip a pleasure. Plus, a train ride is a fantastic way to admire the natural beauty of Ireland, and trust us, the views won't disappoint!

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What is the fastest train in Ireland?

Although there is no Ireland high-speed rail in the country yet, the trains offer fast travel times and extensive departure schedules. The fastest trains in Ireland are Mark 4 of Intercity fleet, connecting Dublin and Cork and boasting the top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph).

Who owns Irish Trains?

Iarnród Éireann is a daughter company of Coras Iompair Éireann which is, in turn, is owned by the state. 

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Can you drink on Irish train?

Yes, you can, but there are a few restrictions. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is banned onboard a few intercity trains from Dublin to Galway, Westport, and Waterford that depart on Friday afternoon. Similar restrictions also concern a few trains departing on Sunday and going from Galway to Dublin and Waterford to Dublin. So, if you suspect that your travel plans might be influenced by these bans, it's better to check with the rail system of Ireland here. 

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Can dogs travel on Irish train?

Yes, your dog can travel on an Intercity train, although separately from the owner. Dogs are allowed onboard only in a non-passenger compartment, Guards Van, and must be either on the leash and wearing a muzzle or secured in a cage. If the train doesn't have a Guards Van, the dogs are not allowed. The restrictions don't concern lap dogs and assistance dogs.

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Can I book a ticket on Irish train at the station?

Of course, all train stations in Ireland have ticket desks where you can purchase a ticket. But you should always keep in mind that this way you are not protected from queuing for ages or dealing with already sold-out tickets. Booking tickets online is much better, as it takes just a few minutes, plus a language barrier is never a problem. We recommend purchasing your tickets on Rail Ninja, a great booking platform, boasting an intuitive interface as well as offering all the main information on the route you are interested in. 

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