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).
- Route Map
- Republic of Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Scenic Routes
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
- Domestic routes
- International routes
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
Interrail Global Pass
Explore up to 33 countries in Europe by train.
Youth, senior and family discounts available.
Prices from € 212
Tips and tricks for Ireland
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.
Get inspired
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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.
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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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7 National Holidays In Europe To Experience Celebrate these national holidays the next time you’re touring Europe by train with Interrail. We love a good party, and here are 7 of our favourite reasons to have fun.
Change of currency
You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.