Irish Trains
 

I am considering taking the train from Dublin to Cork (where I will be meeting a bicycling tour group). A friend of mine insists that Irish trains are unreliable and that I should fly. He has not been on a train in Ireland, however. I would like to hear from folks who have taken the train in Ireland as to whether it was a good or bad experience. I know that flying is "faster" but when you take into account the airport "downtime" the train seems like a good alternative.

Ireland doesn't make a surrogate religion out of train punctuality as the Swiss do.

Punctuality on this route isn't perfect: only 90% of all Dublin-Cork trains arrive within ten minutes of their scheduled time (http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/home/pd...in_to_Cork.pdf). And the service is sort of OK-ish: Ianrod Eirrean isn't the Singapore Airlines of the railway industry - but it's not the Communist-era Aeroflot either. It's as unmemorable as any short flight on any competent Western airline - though the views from the train window are nicer.

I doubt punctuality on the planes is any better. If you're starting from Dublin airport, I'd say going into town to get the train really isn't worth the hassle. But if you're starting from central Dublin, hiking out to the airport would be utterly dozy when there's a perfectly adequate train.

My guess is that your friend has heard that trains are NOT the way to travel in Ireland. That's mainly because service is so limited and especially on the west you can't get from one city to another without going back to Dublin. It's pretty grim.

But a train from Dublin to Cork? How much more unrealiable than a plane can it be? And unless you are on some absolute time schedule who cares if it's a bit late? I would find it infinitely less stressful and troublesome than transport and plane connections and airport security at both ends.

Its not the Japanese buillet trains over here but its certainly not the cbloody stone age either! Take the train it will be a scenic way to travel without the stress of the airport. The delays are minutes not hours and I myself took the train to Kilkenny last week and nothing special happened just run of the mill trip.

I have used the train services of several dozen countries. The service from Dublin to Cork is actually quite good,as is the one to Belfast. Both of these routes have express services available.

The trains from Dublin to Cork are probably the best in Ireland. They run every two hours and take less than three hours. The trains all have a bar and some do meals. Cork station is within walking distance of the city centre.

I took the train from Dublin to Galway, no problem at all. I love going by train wherever I am because it's a great way to see the countryside. Enjoy :-)

Taking the train from Dublin to Cork is much better than flying. Think of the hassle of getting to Dublin airport, checking-in, waiting around for an hour, getting from Cork airport to the city, etc. The train is much better and a nicer way to travel IMO.

We took the train into Killarney from Millstreet, in April one year. It was a 'slice of life' experience that was worth twenty times what the ticket cost.

Now, I've never ridden on any train, anywhere, in my life (hence the decision to 'try' it), but I would not hesitate to use the Irish train system. Our relatives from the Cork area use the train OFTEN to 'pop up' to Dublin for a day or two of shopping, etc.

Bob

Last year, we rented a castle near Thurles for three weeks. Thurles is midway between Dublin & Limerick, on the rail line - so many of our guests flew into either Shannon or Dublin and then took the train, and we picked them up at the Thurles station. Every one of them got there exactly when they were scheduled to arrive. A few people also took the train up to Dublin for the day, returning the same night. No one had anything but good comments about the experience. I agree with the other posters, flying from Dublin to Cork is more hassle than it's worth.

On some trips I've used only trains and had wonderful trips, no mishaps at all, though got delayed once on a train northbound from Dublin due to a bomb threat a while back.

The Galway-Dublin train, a 3-hour straight shot, I've taken several times agian with no delays. I would happily take the Dublin-Cork trip by train.

It is true to say that the Irish rail system uses older engines and carriages then you might be used to in the States - late 80's, early 90's. However this morning when arriving into Heuston station Dublin on the daily commute (I use the rail system every day), the Dublin Cork train was on platform 4 and it was one of the new, comfy trains that Irish Rail are putting into service at the moment. They plan to have all major routes running on the new trains by June.

So the rail network is reliable, safe and a much nicer way to see the country then by plane!!!

P

i took the train from dublin to cork. actually we were going to rent a car, but i suggested the train. we had no problem! it was a lovely way to see the country, and we stretched out, had a bite, and chatted with a bunch of people.

Irish Rail is scheduled to introduce 67 plush new carriages this week.

They look very nice from the outside!

Loved our trip from Dublin to Belfast with 2 girlfriends last October...I thought the train was nice and clean and very comfortable...the scenery was priceless!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat...
off to Ireland this Sunday but to the West.
Shadow

Loved the trip from Dublin to Cork a few years back. We went 1st class and it was great. I'd go whatever class, as I enjoy trains and find the Irish trains to be fine.

We are planning to take the train from Dublin (Heuston) to Limerick. We arrive at the Dublin airport at 7 a.m. We're wondering how much time we should allow in order to get to the train station on time. I'd like to make a reservation in order to secure first class seats. I know that it takes approximatey 45 minutes to get from the airport to the station. There is a 9:30 a.m. train; I think that sounds too close to our arrival time at the airport. There's another one at 10 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. Any suggestions? (The 10 a.m. has one change which I'd like to avoid.)
I'd appreciate any insight to these travel plans. Thanks!

you should just go to the station and then book and reserve your first-class tickets - i believe there will be virtually no chance you won't be able to get on the train of your choice and you'll get the first convenient one when you arrive rather than having to scurry for your appointed train.

But i guess if you get a fully flexible ticket with reservation you would only lose the reservation fee or could change it. So depends on the conditions of the advanced reservation ducat.

My vote is for the train. You can get up and walk around. Lots of great scenery. No worry about being fogged in. Takes you right to the center of the city.

The new Dublin Cork trains are excellent in my opinion.

They are about the same price as flying but more flexible. There are trains from Dublin to Cork every hour on the hour, and from Cork to Dublin every hour on the half hour. So if you miss a train there is one in no more than 59 minutes time. If you miss a plane you could be waiting hours...