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!

This has been asked before and the general consensus is NO.

agreed

Thank you both!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!