Ireland by train

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Ireland is a small island, but its rail network is quietly useful for reaching its major cities and many of its scenic corners. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates the national network, running services from Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and beyond. The trains are not fast by continental standards, but they are comfortable, the routes are often beautiful, and for city-to-city journeys the train avoids Ireland's often-congested roads.

The shape of the network

Irish Rail's network radiates outward from Dublin, which has two main stations: Heuston Station (for routes to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Tralee and Westport) and Connolly Station (for Belfast, Sligo, Rosslare Europort and the DART coastal line).

Key routes and approximate journey times from Dublin:

• Dublin to Cork: about 2h30–2h45 by Intercity. Several services a day.
• Dublin to Galway: about 2h15–2h30 by direct service (some require a change at Athlone).
• Dublin to Limerick: about 2h10–2h30.
• Dublin to Belfast: about 2h15 on the Enterprise service, a cross-border joint venture between Irish Rail and Translink NI (Northern Ireland).
• Dublin to Waterford: around 2h30.
• Dublin to Tralee: around 3h30–4 hours, often requiring a change at Mallow or Limerick Junction.
• Dublin to Westport/Ballina: around 3h30, for access to County Mayo.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is a separate suburban rail line running along Dublin Bay from Greystones in the south to Malahide and Howth in the north — an excellent and affordable way to explore Dublin's coastal suburbs.

What rail does not cover

Ireland's rail network is more limited than it might appear on a map. There are no trains to Donegal, Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula, or much of the rural west. The former west Clare railway, the Cavan & Leitrim and many other rural lines closed in the twentieth century and have not been revived. For these areas, bus services (operated by Bus Éireann) fill most of the gaps, though frequencies can be low outside peak tourist season.

If you plan to explore the Wild Atlantic Way or the ring roads of Kerry and Cork, a hire car is typically the more practical choice for the off-rail sections.

Tickets, fares and booking

Irish Rail tickets can be bought online at the Irish Rail website, at station ticket machines or from ticket offices. Advance tickets (available from about three months ahead) are significantly cheaper than walk-up fares, particularly on the Dublin–Cork route which sees the most competition. There are no budget coach operators matching FlixBus-style prices on all routes, so early rail booking can represent genuine value.

Returns are often cheaper than two singles, and weekly and monthly commuter tickets exist for frequent travellers. Irish Rail also offers a Journey Anywhere fare (unlimited travel for a defined period), worth considering for visitors planning to use the train heavily.

The Enterprise: Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise is the flagship cross-border service linking Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central (the recently opened replacement for Belfast Great Victoria Street). It is operated jointly by Irish Rail and Translink, Northern Ireland's public transport operator. The journey takes about 2h15 and crosses from the Republic of Ireland into the UK — meaning you are crossing not just a border but a transition from Schengen/EU to non-EU/UK. Carry a valid passport.

Currency changes too: the Republic uses the euro, Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling. Most large Belfast businesses accept euros and vice versa in border areas, but do not count on it.

Scenic rail journeys worth making

Irish Rail is not primarily a scenic railway network, but several sections offer genuinely beautiful views:

• The Dublin–Wexford–Rosslare line hugs the Wicklow coast for long stretches south of Bray — arguably the most scenic section of the national network.
• The Dublin–Sligo line passes the shores of Lough Owel and through the Irish midlands into Connacht.
• The Limerick Junction–Waterford line is a cross-country oddity — slow, quiet and scenic — passing through south Tipperary.

Connecting by ferry to the UK and France

Ireland's main ferry ports with rail connections are Rosslare Europort (served by Irish Rail from Dublin Connolly) and Dublin Port (served by the DART to Dublin city centre, with taxis or the 53 bus to the port). Ferries from Rosslare serve Cherbourg and Roscoff (France) with Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries, as well as Fishguard and Pembroke (Wales). Dublin serves Holyhead (Wales) and Liverpool (England).

For travellers arriving in Ireland by sea as part of a wider European journey, the Rosslare–French ferry route is a practical way to continue to or from the continent without flying.

Practical tips for travelling Ireland by train

• Buy tickets early online for the best fares, especially Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Galway.
• Allow time at Dublin's two main stations — they are not connected by rail and require a taxi, bus or Luas tram transfer between them.
• Trains in Ireland generally do not require a reservation — just buy a ticket and board. Enterprise cross-border services recommend advance booking.
• Seat reservations are not standard on most Irish Rail services. Peak Friday afternoon and Sunday evening trains from Cork or Galway can be very busy — travel earlier in the day if you can.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a train from Dublin to Galway?

Yes. Irish Rail runs direct and connecting services from Dublin Heuston to Galway, taking around 2h15 to 2h30. Some require a change at Athlone. Advance tickets are cheaper than walk-up fares.

Does Interrail cover travel in Ireland?

Yes, Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on Irish Rail services. Ireland is not in the Schengen Area, so the rail network is treated as a separate island; ferries between Ireland and the UK or mainland Europe are not included in the basic pass but can sometimes be added.

Is there a train from Dublin to Belfast?

Yes. The Enterprise service runs between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Grand Central in about 2 hours 15 minutes, operated jointly by Irish Rail and Translink. A valid passport or travel document is needed as the journey crosses an international border (Republic of Ireland to the UK).

Can I reach the Wild Atlantic Way by train?

Partially. Galway, Westport and Ballina are accessible by train. Most of the Wild Atlantic Way itself — particularly Connemara, Donegal and the Dingle Peninsula — requires a bus or hire car to explore.