Hello all you helpful folks,

My wife and I will be arriving at Dublin Airport and visiting in Cork. I know, when at the airport, it might be easier to catch a plane to Cork, but we like trains. Can anyone tell us what train station is closest; Connolly or Heuston station by taxi from the airport and what would be the approximate cost of the cab ride?

Thanks

All trains to Cork leave from Hueston station. My Rick Steves Ireland guidebook gives an estimate of E25 for a taxi from the airport to downtown Dublin. Hueston station is west of downtown and on the south side of the Liffey River. I'm guessing that taxi fare from the airport to Hueston might be comparable.

Not sure about the taxi fare to the station, but Heuston is the correct station for southern bound trains.

I just want to warn you that Irish trains are a massive disapointment when compared to trains elsewhere in Western Europe (the last experience I had (four years ago, Dublin to Galway) was not much better than the non-tourist train from Cairo to a remote town in the south actually). So please don't build your hopes up too much, unless there has been some spectacular improvement over the past few years.

Therefore, don't ignore the flights to Cork; at least check them out. And DON'T consider the buses

If you are arriving on a transatlantic flight, most going stop at both Dublin and Shannon (in Limerick). Generally, Dublin is the first stop (not always) and Shannon the second. Fares is often the same regardless of whether you choose Shannon or Cork. You could rent a car in Shannon and drive to Cork - its a nice drive and you could stop off for the night along the way.

You could also take the Airlink bus #748 from the airport to Hueston (one stop at the central bus station). Buses depart every 30 minutes and the trip takes approximately 45 minutes. Buy a one-day family Rambler pass for E8.50 which will pay for both of you.

Thesaltbox, I've enjoyed travelling by train in Ireland. I went from Heuston station to Cork once and the scenery is beautiful. When there is a 1st class carriage I go 1st class as I don't have to worry about my luggage and it is a little more comfortable. The Dublin - Cork train had 1st class, I don't know if they still do. Good luck, Joan

i'm from ireland and this is what i would do.
1. don't get a taxi. it will cost a deal more than 25 euro
2.i'd get the aircoach from the airport into the city centre (line of blue coaches outside departures) it's 7 euro per person and is much more comfortable and quicker than the airlink buses.
3. Get off on O'Connell St. and go round the corner to Abbey St. and get a Luas (trams) to Hueston station. It's about 2.50 per person and you'll be in Hueston in about 10-15 minutes where u can get your train to Cork.

whats been said about the trains is true though. Not very classy at all. U might try www.irishrail.ie to check your train times and if there's a first class section. might be advisable to do this and buy your ticket online. at certain times (such as weekends and sporting events) those trains can be very busy with only standing room available.
Enjoy

I'm also from Ireland and would recommend the Airlink that goes to Heuston rather than getting an aircoach and then a Luas - you will have luggage with you so changing transport is more hassle than it's worth. Also, the Airlink would be quicker and cheaper!!

The Irish government has spent hundreds of millions of euros on buying new trains recently and many of them run on the Dublin-Cork route.

Thanks to all for the information on travel from Dublin Airport to the Cork Train. I'll make a sincere effort to post something about our 15 days in Erin.

Charlie

Please get back to us, Saltbox ,and have a great trip. Joan

I agree with Cailin but I would add that the Airlink Buses have ample luggage racks on the lower level (turn right as you get on). They make a stop at BusAras (Dublin's main bus station). Some terminate there (ask the driver) and others (#748, for example) continue on to Heuston station.