WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
Irish Railway 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 Irish railroad, 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. |
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. |
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 Enterprise train, serving the Dublin - Belfast route. |
This website serves as a comprehensive guide to assist you in planning your rail travel across Ireland, while also providing insightful details about the different train options available. Please note that we do not own or operate any of the trains in Ireland. Neither we nor our suggested partners for ticket booking services function as rail carriers.
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Popular Routes |
Railway Stations |
Enterprise Train |
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