Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Ireland train system: first class??

Search

Ireland train system: first class??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:43 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ireland train system: first class??

Can anyone tell me if it is worth the price to upgrade to first class on the trains in Ireland. I will be traveling from Dublin to Killarney which is 3 hours , and I can reserve a seat in standard class. Just wondering if it is a significant level of comfort to upgrade.
Thanks!
ljmartin2801 is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 01:26 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This has been asked before and the general consensus is NO.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 01:46 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,637
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
agreed
bilboburgler is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 07:00 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you both!
ljmartin2801 is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 07:46 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Have not been on Irish trains in a while but there is always a signficant difference between classes on trains - first-class bigger seats and fewer in each train car and usually lots of empty seats - 2nd class of course more crowded - there is a significant difference in level of comfort as folks would not pay extra for it.

I'm sure tha 2nd class will get you there but first class always always always in the zillions of European trains I have ridden is alway always significantly more comfy - first-class tickets can be discounted to - what is the price difference for that trip you found?


To see the general differences between first and second class on European trains check these sources: www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 07:58 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Irish trains have changed a lot in recent years. I doubt Rick Steves has Ever been on an Irish train, Seat 61 sells tickets so commission is king and never heard of the other crowd.

Perhaps next time you are on one of our trains Palen you could do a review?
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 09:42 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If there were NO difference between the classes then why have two classes and why do folks pay more for first class - IME there is always anywhere fewer folks riding in first class and that to me is a perk - I can pt my bags on an adjoining seat, spread out my stuff, etc.

I'm not recently familiar with Irish trains but I would think that would be one case.

tony - are the seats bigger in 1st class - there must be differences between the two - even if they are not significant what are they - I suggest fewer folks riding in first is the difference which to me at least would ber significant but of course one would have to weigh it against the cost differential. Again I have not take Irish trains in say 10 years but every rail system I've been on it Europe have similar difference in classes and IMO they are significant but that does not mean that 2nd class can be just dandy too.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 10:33 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From Irish rails web site http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-ti...class-travel-1

There are 2 services where you have better option seating which might justify paying extra, Cork and Belfast routes.

Other routes they call premier which means you get free wifi and plug sockets Killarney has this option part of the journey on trains which require a change at Mallow or on the few direct route options.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 10:35 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry should have added that Irish trains have Standard Class rather than using the term 2nd class which sort of imply's inferiority like many trains in the UK.
Tony2phones is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2015, 08:16 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you Tony2phones, I think premier class would be nice from their description, but for almost double the cost I'll stick with standard seat (reserved) since it's not that long a trip: more money for Guiness!
ljmartin2801 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
suzsailor
Europe
5
May 25th, 2015 12:42 PM
CarolineF
Europe
26
Apr 12th, 2015 09:51 AM
justshootme
Europe
3
Aug 9th, 2010 02:19 AM
ebi1978
Europe
10
May 25th, 2005 03:34 PM
James_P
Europe
5
Feb 27th, 2004 07:48 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -