The better half of my ancestors immigrated to this country from Ireland. I have never been there. But I would like to visit it and amongst other things ride the intercity trains, i.e. Dublin to Cork, Dublin to Belfast, etc. I plan to stay in Dublin, but I am open to other suggestions. I don't want to have to rent a car.
I would appreciate any advice from anyone who has been to Ireland, e.g. best time of the year to go, traveling on Irish rail, etc.
Passenger rail service in the Irish Republic is somewhat limited. Dublin has two stations,Heuston and Connolly. Heuston is the station for Cork. There is good service between Dublin and Cork. Some but not all trains offer first class service. Most Irish trains are standard class which translates to spartan but functional travel. There is no sleeping car service in the Irish Republic.
If you are planning a trip to Britain also, fly into Dublin from London, I would not recommend using the ferry from Fishguard Wales.I am a bit leary about traveling to Northern Ireland still; the Irish Republic has plenty to see.I would get a good travel book like something from Fodors and see what you really want to see then check out an Irish Rail timetable or Thomas Cook European timetable.
I found that Irish Rail crews are very friendly and like railfans. You will like Ireland and they like Americans. The food and the hotels are pretty good. I think June is the best month. April and May are pretty overcast.
Very much a Dublin based system, with cross country connections limited. Also due to a bridge collapse north of Dublin no through service between Dublin and Belfast.
Am sure Irish commentators will say more.
As far as I know the afore mentioned bridge on the Dublin to Belfast line has already been repaired and through trains reinstated. Irish railways are broad gauge ones.
Hi, I suggest you go the the Irish Rail website, www.irishrail.ie .
This will give you the basic functional information.
If you're going to base yourself in Dublin, then day trips to Cork, Belfast etc are quite possible as most major intercity journeys are under three hours each way.
It's your call but I wouldn't be put off from visiting Belfast. Not the worlds most beautiful city but the people are good (although you may need a trasnslator to understand them!).
Best time of year in Ireland? We do get "weather" here! I would say May or September.
Cheers,
Glover
While this shouldn't be a travelogue website if you do make it to Belfast try the Crown Liquor Saloon (http://www.crownbar.com/), one of the relatively few pubs owned by the largest UK conservation society the National Trust. Very near Gt Victoria St Station.
Interpreters definitely needed - think Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley, and then swallow half the words. My you Dublin's not that easy either.
On the transport front do try the new tram system in Dublin. Apparently very good and very busy.
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