Train travel in Ireland: routes, journey times and tips

A train journey in Ireland allows you to connect major cities without driving. From Dublin, the lines reach Galway, Cork, Killarney or Belfast in just a few hours, traveling through the Irish countryside.

The network remains limited in the wilder western regions. Here are the lines you need to know, journey times, and our tips for combining train travel with other modes of transport.

How does train travel work in Ireland?

Two companies share the island. Irish Rail operates the network in the Republic of Ireland. Translink, with NI Railways, then manages the lines in Northern Ireland.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Train travel in Ireland: routes, journey times and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

In Dublin, two main stations coexist. Heuston station serves the west and southwest, while Connolly station serves the north, including Belfast, as well as Sligo and the southeast coast.

On long-distance trains, seat reservations remain optional. However, booking online in advance often results in lower fares.

The main points for a train journey in Ireland

Dublin – Galway

The journey takes approximately two and a half hours from Heuston. Galway then serves as a base for exploring Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher.

Dublin – Cork

Allow just under three hours to reach Cork, the country's second largest city. From there, Kinsale and the south coast are easily accessible.

Dublin – Killarney

Killarney can be reached in just over three hours, sometimes with a change of train. The town is also the ideal starting point for the Ring of Kerry and the national park.

Dublin to Belfast with the Enterprise

The Enterprise connects Dublin Connolly to Belfast in approximately two hours. In December, this route allows you to combine Christmas in Dublin and Belfast market. The service is notably scheduled every hour from Monday to Saturday.

Belfast – Derry, the scenic route

In Northern Ireland, the journey between Belfast and Derry takes just over two hours. It follows the Belfast Lough and then the Foyle estuary. For the best view towards Derry, sit on the right-hand side.

Other destinations

The network also serves Limerick, Kilkenny, Waterford, Westport and Sligo. Around Dublin, the DART finally runs along the coast, from Howth to the south of the bay.

Train travel in Ireland: regions not served

Several major tourist regions, however, are not served. This is particularly the case for Connemara, Donegal, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher.

To discover them, you'll need to supplement your train journey with a bus trip, a day excursion, or a few days of car rental. Our tips for rent a car in Ireland will help you choose the right formula.

A 10-day train travel itinerary in Ireland

• Days 1 to 3: Dublin, with a DART excursion to Howth.
• Days 4 and 5: Galway, then an excursion to Connemara.
• Day 6: Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on a day trip from Galway.
• Days 7 and 8: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, via a connecting train.
• Days 9 and 10: return to Dublin, or extension to Belfast.

This route avoids driving while covering most of the west. To extend your trip, also discover What to see in Northern Ireland.

Our tips for a successful train journey in Ireland

• Buy your tickets online first, they are often cheaper than those sold at the station.
• Next, check the departure station in Dublin: Heuston and Connolly are far apart.
• For Dublin, the Leap card also simplifies journeys on DART, buses and trams.
• From the airport, plan to take a bus: there are no trains that serve it.
• Finally, leave some room for connections to the west, which are less frequent.

Does a train journey in Scotland also appeal to you? Discover our train routes in Scotland. The official website Ireland.com also presents the regions of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to visit Ireland by train?

Partly. The train connects Dublin, Galway, Cork, Killarney and Belfast. Connemara, Donegal and Dingle, however, require a bus, a day trip or a car.

How long does the Dublin to Belfast train journey take?

Approximately two hours with the Enterprise, which runs hourly from Monday to Saturday.

Do you need to book your train ticket in Ireland?

Seat reservations are optional. However, purchasing tickets online in advance often results in lower prices.

Is there a train between Dublin Airport and the city centre?

No. However, buses regularly connect the airport to the city centre.

What is the most beautiful train line in Ireland?

The line between Belfast and Derry, in Northern Ireland, runs along the sea and the Foyle estuary.

Your train journey in Ireland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we create car-free itineraries, combining trains, buses, and guided tours. Another option: our small-group tour of Ireland, An 8-day tour between Dublin, Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. We book the tickets and accommodation near the train stations.

Discover our train journey from Dublin to Connemara, or our essentials for a road trip in Ireland.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip