Northern Ireland Railways

Advantages: Fares are reasonable with frequent promotions, staff are generally helpful, all trains have disabled access (despite their age).
Disadvantages: Frequent delays, old and dirty trains, some stations lack basic facilities.

...know from countless experience that Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) wouldn't have me at my destination in the time their timetable would have me believe. And sure enough the journey was not without its problems for that particular night I ended up not on a train, but in a taxi and remarkably I managed to get home before the train had even reached my station. The whole episode began when I reached the platform and the porter asked where I was travelling. ...
...and has sole responsibility for Northern Ireland Railways. This includes everything from trains, to stations, track and signalling. It was formed in 1995 after a government review aimed at promoting the use of public transport. In general it adopts an approach of integrating buses and trains so that most parts of Northern Ireland are accessible by one or both. I'll not bore you with all the nitty gritty details but the most important thing to note ... Read review

Advantages: Cheap for students, avoids traffic
Disadvantages: slow, lateness.

...I have become acquainted to Northern Ireland Railways. Well, what can I say? I could tell you that it’s a wonderful service, that the trains are always on time etc. but I doubt that many of you would believe me, and you would be right! Northern Ireland Railways is part of a public transport company, "Translink". There are 5 main lines operating out of Central Station in Belfast. There is the Londonderry Line, The Portadown Line, The Bangor ...
...last, but certainly not least the Larne Line - notoriously bad, well known for being delayed. At the moment, both Central Station and Bangor stations are being renovated. Hopefully this will mean greater improved services for everyone, or at the very least, somewhere warm to sit while you wait on your late train. I take the Larne Line. As a student it costs me £4.20 return every day to Belfast. Students are only entitled to this if they have a International ... Read review

Advantages: Friendly staff
Disadvantages: Where shall I start?

...This can be reflected in Northern Ireland by NIR. I get the train every day to university because I cannot afford a car but the service offered by NIR does encourage you to start thinking about saving those pennies. My local stop is only about ten minutes away from my house and it is a hole. Fair enough, it is not the main stop in my town (it lies on the outskirts) but I do expect some kind of decent stop. It is a brick shelter which gives very ...
...is filthy, smelly with lots of graffitti. The graffitti is constantly painted over only to be graffitted on again...the result being one big mess. As we are all standding huddled as close together as possible for protection from the wind and rain, the announcer system booms out that there will be a delay of about six minutes. Everyone sighs, but whats new. It frequently happens. The train comes and, gee, surprise, surprise, it is backed to bursting ... Read review

Advantages: No traffic jams
Disadvantages: late, smelly, draughty, crowded

Northern Ireland railways are a good idea in theory. The train's a good idea for those travelling outside Belfast into the city, as it's more relaxing (in theory) and there's no traffic jams to worry about. If only it was that simple..... NIR are well known for their lack of reliability in Northern Ireland. It's rare that the trains run on time, and because the stock is so old, they're very prone to breaking down. I have also heard the usual excuses, ...
...within the rail network in Northern Ireland for £4. There are also similar rates available during the summer months. There are also good offers on certain routes, but they change frequently. They also offer half price rail travel for those on Job seeker’s allowance, so long as you have a card provided free of charge from the social security office. Staff in general are very helpful, however, I have found a few very rude staff, especially in ... Read review

Advantages: Trains, ticket prices, friendly staff, efficient service - need I go on
Disadvantages: Could have more lines and a catering trolley on board trains

...company who operates under the Northern Ireland Transport umbrella company, called Translink, has gone from strength to strength as they are truly providing a great 21st Century transport service; although a consistent stream of future investment is still needed to expand the network further. Let's look at some statistics: In the past five years, expecially with the introduction of new trains, passenger numbers have increased by as much as 60 percent ...
...if the railway lines in Northern Ireland were to expand again into once used territory - i.e. Armagh, Comber and Co. Tyrone, however, it is only a matter of time before this happens. Now we have local government, our local politicians are recognising the need for major transport development in the future. However, N I Railways must ensure that for the short term anyhow (the next 7 to 10 years), that they keep all existing lines and assets, and develop ... Read review

Advantages: Student Discounts
Disadvantages: Late...Late....Late

...In Northern Ireland,If you don't have your own transport then you must turn to the public transport provided by Translink transport company. Translink owns Ulsterbus, Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Citybus. So, as a person who uses public transport regularly....using all of these avenues I have a lot of experience to be able to make a comment! Because of this monopoly of the transport service Translink can be as late, as rude and deliver the worst service possible and we cannot do anything. The Buses don't run regularly enough and they tend to be very expensive for what you recieve. Their cramped conditions don't promise a comfortable journey and too often I have found that the air conditioning system is broken and I spend an hour in front of a hairdryer. I have travelled on the continent and I often wonder what tourists think... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lots to do. Loads of pubs
Disadvantages: Bad reputation.

...and Northern Ireland Railways services and timetables, go to www.translink.co.uk. The current price for a single, adult trip on Citybus is £1, and the buses are generally of a good standard. *** Pubs and Eating Out *** Over the last few years, lots of small cafes and restaurants have opened up as the citizens of Belfast become “posher” and more cultured (i.e. they raise their little finger whilst swigging Guinness). Whether you’re a posh restaurant type of person, or someone who’s happy sitting in a pub scoffing pub grub, you’ll find plenty of places in the city centre, and along the Golden Mile towards the university offering quality food. As you may guess, the Golden Mile is a stretch of road that runs from the city centre towards the University and is filled with pubs, cafes and restaurants. The most social area of Belfast... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: culture, entertainment, pubs
Disadvantages: trains

...) is a top school in N.Ireland. The overall school system has been criticised heavily in the recent past but it is still one of the best around. Inst. is also a landmark in Belfast and is very well built. Other major schools in the province are Ballyclare High School (my home from home.) and Belfast high School. Both are top grammar schools that achieve high grades year on year. J - Joke (NIR) Northern Ireland Railways are not renowned for being a good company or even a medium one but they try and have massive plans for expansion and renovation of trains. K - Knockagh and Surrounding Area A bit vague and not the most famous landmark in the world but nevertheless, a good place to go. I live only a few miles form Knockagh and would highly recommend it to anyone who is visiting the country. It is situated between Newtownabbey and Carrick... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful