{"id":3423,"date":"2026-09-17T17:21:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T15:21:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:42:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:42:34","slug":"train-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/train-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Train travel in Ireland: routes, journey times and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

A train journey in Ireland<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does train travel work in Ireland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On long-distance trains, seat reservations remain optional. However, booking online in advance often results in lower fares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main points for a train journey in Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dublin \u2013 Galway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dublin \u2013 Cork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Dublin \u2013 Killarney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dublin to Belfast with the Enterprise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Belfast \u2013 Derry, the scenic route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other destinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Train travel in Ireland: regions not served<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> will help you choose the right formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 10-day train travel itinerary in Ireland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n