IE Iarnrod Eireann/Irish Rail (Ireland)

Having travelled extensively in Ireland, Iarnod Eirann operate a mix of short haul services around Dublin (known as the Dart), outer suburban services marketed under the name 'Arrow' and main line services from Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Cork, Waterford and Rosslare. Cross border services to Belfast are run jointly with Northern Ireland Railways under the name 'Enterprise'. Local services operate out of Cork and Limerick, ...
...and those from Cork by a mix of 'Arrow', and older hauled coaches. Although old, they are reasonably clean inside, and being steam heated are delightfully atmouspheric. However, its something of a case of enjoy them whilst you can as more 'Arrows' are on order, which may bring slightly more frequent services, at the expense of less luggage space, and less legroom. The trains in general are reliable, dont suffer the cancellation problem which afflicts ... more

Having travelled extensively in Ireland, Iarnod Eirann operate a mix of short haul services around Dublin (known as the Dart), outer suburban services marketed under the name 'Arrow' and main line services from Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Cork, Waterford and Rosslare. Cross border services to Belfast are run jointly with Northern Ireland Railways under the name 'Enterprise'. Local services operate out of Cork and Limerick, those out of Limerick being formed of 'Arrow' type stock, and those from Cork by a mix of 'Arrow', and older hauled coaches. Although old, they are reasonably clean inside, and being steam heated are delightfully atmouspheric. However, its something of a case of enjoy them whilst you can as more 'Arrows' are on order, which may bring slightly more frequent services, at the expense of less luggage space, and less legroom. The trains in general are reliable, dont suffer the cancellation problem which afflicts those on the UK mainland, and are generally a reasonable length for the number of passengers travelling. Although frequencies are maybe not that good, formations of seven to twelve coaches are far more suitable than the British 'Voyager' stock. There are no on board reservations, to get a seat, turn up early and join the queue! Apart from on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings the trains arent normally that busy though, and in any case, extra trains run at these times. These are often formed from older coaches which also appear to cater for sporting events, and other occasions when extra seats are required. Clearly a lesson for many UK train operating companies to take on board?

Bearing in mind the head of population, the train services are adequate, although service levels of between three and five trains a day on most routes can't really be described as frequent. However, all main line trains convey a buffet, a trolley, and both first and second class accommodation. The trains dont stop that frequently on their journeys meaning they are reasonably fast, although Heuston Station in Dublin is some way out of the city centre which is inconvenient, although buses are provided.

The suburban services are formed of new-ish railcar stock, although substitutions of older coaches occurs either at busy times, or when availability of newer stock plummets. The inner suburban 'Dart' is fast, frequent, and electrically powered. Something of a victim of its own success, overcrowding has meant extensive infrastructure improvements have become required to allow longer formations to operate.

Although absolutely not perfect, Iarnod Eirann generally provides a comfortable travelling environment with fare structures being relatively simple, and consisting of single or return tickets, with midweek travel or day returns being discounted. Excellent runabout tickets (without a morning peak travel restriction) are available for those who wish to travel more extensively, starting from a five days in fifteen format.

So whilst I wouldnt recommend trying to join a train on a Friday evening five minutes before departure from Dublin, Iarnod Eirann generally provide a good comfortable level of service which many other train operating companies would do well to emulate.  

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