North and Southbound DART and Commuter services are currently delayed up to 20 minutes due to a earler signal fault at Merrion Gates Level Crossing but these are expected to ease.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Signal fault between Portarlington & Geashill has been rectified.

15.35 Heuston to Galway service is operating with a 35 minute delay.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to engineering works between Drogheda and Dundalk, the following service alterations will take place;

Saturday 25th May

• 23:30 hrs Pearse - Dundalk will operate to Drogheda only with an onward bus transfer to Dundalk. 

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience these alterations cause for our customers.

DART services are suspended between Bray and Greystones due to a recurring signal fault.

Dublin Bus are honouring rail tickets

Rosslare Intercity and Gorey Commuter services are operating, but are subject to delays

This website will be updated as further information is made available.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Green ribbons will be distributed at the following stations during May:

• Connolly
• Cork
• Dundalk
• Galway
• Heuston
• Killarney
• Limerick
• Waterford
• Westport

The ribbons are free of charge and will not be associated with any fundraising activity. 

For more information on Green Ribbon Month and mental health support services, please log onto www.greenribbon.ie or www.seechange.ie 

Customers travelling over the May Bank Holiday Weekend are advised to check times before travelling, through the journey planner above or go to our timetable section.

Bus Transfers between Cork & Mallow

Please note bus transfers will be in operation between Cork and Mallow over the bank holiday weekend to facilitate necessary maintenance and improvement works to Monard Viaduct. For more information go to Monard Improvement Works.

On the evening of Sunday 12th May, the 19.00hrs and 21.00hrs Dublin to Cork services and 19.15hrs Tralee to Cork service will operate through to Cork, without the need for a bus transfer.

Bus Transfers between Cork & Mallow from 3rd - 12th May 2013

To facilitate necessary maintenance and improvement works to Monard Viaduct, the line between Cork and Mallow will be closed from the evening of Friday 3rd May to Sunday 12th May inclusive, with bus transfers operating.

Full service arrangements are now available from our journey planner above. 

Customers should note:

- Bus transfers for Kerry and Dublin services departing Cork will leave 25 minutes earlier than the scheduled train departure time to ensure a timely connection with services departing Mallow to Dublin and Kerry. Mallow to Dublin and Kerry services will operate to a normal schedule.

- For the duration of the works car parking will be free at Mallow.

- Normal Commuter services will operate between Cobh/Midleton and Cork during this time.

- Full services will resume on Monday 13th May.

Works on the structure will include the addition of reinforced concrete slab on existing masonry slab on the bridge. It will also facilitate the removal of a speed restriction over the bridge.

Works have been scheduled at this time to ensure they are completed ahead of the busy summer tourist period.

Bus Transfers between Dublin Heuston & Portlaoise on the 11th & 12th May 2013

Due to engineering works between Cherryville junction and Portarlington, the following Cork/Kerry - Dublin Heuston service alterations will also take place;

Saturday 11th

• 20:20hrs Cork - Dublin Heuston will operate with a bus transfer from Cork to Mallow with an onward train connection to Portlaoise only and a second bus transfer to Dublin Heuston.
• 21:00hrs Dublin Heuston - Cork will be a bus transfer to Portlaoise with an onward train connection to Mallow and a second bus transfer to Cork.

Sunday 12th

• 08:30hrs Dublin Heuston - Tralee will be a bus transfer to Portlaoise with an onward train connection to Tralee (Customers changing at Mallow will be transferred to Cork by bus). 

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience these arrangements cause for our customers.

Voting was conducted through a questionnaire at stations and email poll, with almost 15,000 people voting as part of the competition.

Customers were asked to rate their station under the following criteria;

• Customer Information,
• Station Appearance,
• Staff Helpfulness and
• Staff Appearance.

The Finalists have been divided into regional categories (listed below). A secret shopper has visited all the shortlisted stations and the winners and runners up in each category will be chosen from a combination of customer voting and secret shopper results.

Leinster

• Arklow
• Athy
• Carlow

Connacht

• Ballinasloe
• Boyle
• Westport
• Castlebar

Munster

• Banteer
• Glounthaune
• Killarney

DART

• Sandymount
• Pearse
• Malahide

Commuter

• Adamstown
• Coolmine
• Donabate

The Awards will be presented at a ceremony at Iarnród Éireann’s training centre in Inchicore during June.

The Iarnród Éireann Best Station Awards reward excellence in customer facilities, cleanliness, innovation and customer service in the country’s 142 railway stations.

Delays of 45 to 60 minutes can be expected to Galway & Westport services at present due to a fault at Ashfield Level Crossing.

This website will be updated as further information is made available.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

This website will be updated as further information is made available.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar was at Pearse Station on Tuesday 9th April to officially open the new entrance to the station, which brings customers directly from the station through the Trinity Bio Sciences Building and directly onto Pearse Street.

The new entrance and upgrading of the station was funded by the National Transport Authority and has many customer benefits including:

• Provided a second entrance directly into the Trinity Bio Sciences Building and access onto Pearse Street.

• Provided new lifts and escalators.

• The upgrade has made provision for more commercial units within the station.

• Provision of 11 new ticket validation gates & 4 new ticket vending machines.

• Provision of Bicycle parking facilities for 20 bikes on northbound platform.

• Full accessibility for persons with reduced mobility.

• Allow for growth in passenger numbers into the future.

Speaking at the opening Minister Varadkar said: “This is an important project for passengers because Pearse Station is Iarnród Éireann’s busiest commuter station. As we can see today the results are impressive. It’s a good example of how the Government is prioritising public transport at a time of limited resources, by prioritising projects which encourage more people to take the sustainable option.”

Pearse Station is Iarnród Éireann’s busiest commuter station with 7 million passenger journeys through the station in 2012 the station serves DART, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services as well as Rosslare Intercity services.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive David Franks said of the new station facility “Pearse Station is the busiest station on our network, and the work completed on the new East Entrance ensures that we can provide better facilities for existing customers, and cater for growth into the future. We are delighted also to be able to serve Trinity Bio Sciences Building directly, improving access to public transport for those who use this building, as well as opening Pearse Station directly onto Pearse Street.”

The new entrance to the station will be open from 07.00hrs to 19.30hrs daily from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 09.00hrs to 18.00hrs, and is in addition to the main entrance on Westland Row.

The Road Safety Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission have launched ‘Safety at Level Crossings’ a new public awareness campaign aimed at making road users aware of the correct behaviour at railway crossings and the dangers posed by their misuse.

As part of the campaign a new information booklet, ‘Safety at Level Crossings’, and 30 second radio ad has been produced to provide guidance to road users.

Speaking on the new campaign Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said: ‘Tragically there have been four fatalities at level crossings since 2007. Road users should always be conscious of the dangers posed by level crossings. The State also has a duty to raise awareness of the risks, so I’m very pleased to see the RSA, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission joining forces for this life-saving campaign’.

“These rules are there to save lives. Your own actions at a level crossing can have a significant impact on your own welfare, and the lives of others. Something as simple as leaving a gate open at an unattended crossing can have disastrous consequences for anyone who follows.”

Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said: “From 2002 to 2011 there have been 21 collisions between trains and users of crossings and this new awareness campaign will provide clear advice on how to behave correctly and safely. In addition to the new booklet and radio ad I’m pleased to say that the section of the Rules of the Road dealing with level crossings and railway bridges has now been updated in conjunction with Iarnód Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission.”

Mr Brett added: “This campaign highlights to road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers the dangers posed by level crossings and the steps they should take to stay safe when using them. It is up to each and every one of us to share our roads safely and I welcome this joint initiative with Iarnód Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission as another step towards making Irish roads the safest in Europe.”

Speaking at the launch, David Franks, Chief Executive of Iarnód Éireann said: “Between 2009 and June 2012 there have been 96 Category 1 ‘near misses’. This refers to incidents where the train driver made an emergency brake application in response to a hazard. It is vital that road users understand that they must approach a level crossing with care and then slow down and be prepared to stop. Some people may not realise that you must obey the signs and roadway markings at a level crossing. It is highly dangerous to zigzag around the barriers of a crossing or stop on the railway tracks. “

Mr Franks added, “In addition to our most serious incidents there have been 241 cases where a vehicle has been in collision with a level crossing and 86 reports of an obstruction on a crossing. However this is below the European average for such incidents. Iarnód Éireann does not want anyone to be injured, or killed, at a level crossing and I would urge all road users to take a look at the new guidelines and keep themselves, other road users and Iarnród Éireann customers and staff safe at all times”.

Commenting on the new campaign and guidelines, Railway Safety Commissioner Gerald Beesley, stated “I strongly welcome the launch of the guidelines which is timely and necessary. In particular I hope that this campaign highlights to all road users the dangers posed due to carelessness at railway level crossings especially those that are unattended. Unattended railway level crossings are a high risk area and practically all the documented ‘near misses’ occurred at these types of crossings.”

Mr Beesley added, “I would urge people to remember that you must shut and fasten the gates at level crossings after you. We have had 20 incidents of a train striking a gate as a result of them being left open by a road user which creates a dangerous situation for both road users and railway staff. This carelessness could create a treacherous situation that has tragic consequences and is easily avoidable by following these safe and simple guidelines.”

The ‘Safety at Level Crossings’ campaign includes the publication of the new information booklet which will be available for download from the websites of the Road Safety Authority, Iarnód Éireann and the Railway Safety Commission. In addition a new 30 second radio ad will air on national and local radio from Monday 8th April. The ad urges motorists to take extra care at level crossings, in particular those that are unattended.

More information on safety at level crossings is available in the safety section of this website . You can also view level crossing locations on the network in this map .

Limerick city is a hive of activity on Saturdays with the award winning Milk market in full swing and lots of other attractions to take in such as the Limerick City Art Gallery, the Hunt museum and the People’s park as well as the vibrant city shopping district.

Leave the car at home, forget about costly parking charges and take advantage of the free WiFi onboard to surf the net whilst you travel in comfort.

The shuttle bus will connect in with the arrival and departing train services in the morning and evening,  customers are advised to check train times before travelling, through the journey planner above or go to our timetable section. 

Any updates will be posted on this website

Mayo and Roscommon residents going home for the weekend will benefit from the extension of the 17.10 Heuston to Athlone service onwards to Westport, serving all stations between Athlone and Westport.

Customers travelling to Westport now have the choice of five services on Fridays – 07.35, 12.45, 14.45, 17.10 and 18.15. Customers can reserve seats above.

Normal signalling has resumed at Ballybrophy services returning to normal subject to delays

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Both stations will be “greened” as part of the national celebrations this St Patrick’s weekend, with the beautiful 19th century facades joining buildings and landmarks in Ireland and around the world in marking our national holiday.

Iarnród Éireann, together with Bus Éireann is also launching a new ticket targeted at tourists in Ireland throughout the year of The Gathering.

Beginning on St Patrick’s Day 17th March, until the end of the year, Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann will jointly sell The Gathering Travel Ticket, offering:

- 3 days of unlimited travel across Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services for just €99

- 7 days of unlimited travel across Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services for just €199

The Gathering Travel Ticket enables holders to have unlimited travel across Bus Éireann's 300 city, town to town and inter-city routes, and Iarnród Éireann’s Intercity, DART and Commuter services in the Republic of Ireland for three days or seven days.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD said of the new ticket “This unlimited travel offer should encourage visitors in 2013 to see a bit more of the country than they would otherwise. I have asked our tourism agencies to make information on this offer available through tourism offices and internationally, as I’m certain that visitors will be interested.”

The Gathering bus and rail travel tickets from Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann are available to purchase from ticket desks at main bus and rail stations nationwide from March 17th until the end of 2013. The tickets must be used by December 31st 2013. One child can travel for free with each holder of a Gathering Travel Ticket.

St Patrick’s weekend rail services

Iarnród Éireann expects up to 150,000 people to travel across Intercity services this weekend. Customers are advised to book online above and to check train times on Sunday and Monday when there will be some changes to the schedule.

Changes to services over the weekend include:

Friday 15th March: an additional service will operate from Dublin to Westport. The 17.10 Heuston to Athlone service is extended to Westport, serving all stations between Athlone and Westport.

Saturday 16th March: A normal schedule will operate.

Sunday 17th March: On DART and Commuter, a Sunday service will operate, but with extra trains before and after the parade. For crowd control reasons, Tara Street Station will be closed until 16.00hrs. Intercity services will operate to a revised Sunday schedule, and customers are advised to check times before travelling.

Monday 18th March: On DART and Commuter, a Sunday service will operate. Intercity services will operate to a revised schedule on all routes, and customers are advised to check times before travelling.

This website will be updated as further information is made available.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann advise customers to book online 7 or more days in advance to avail of the lowest fares.

Fixtures are as follows;

Saturday 16th March- National Leagues

• Football, Cork Vs Donegal, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, Throw-In, 17:00hrs
• Hurling, Cork Vs Clare, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, Throw-In, 19:00hrs
• Football, Mayo Vs Kildare, McHale Park, Castlebar, Throw-In, 19:00hrs
• Hurling, Dublin Vs Limerick,  Croke Park, Dublin, Throw-In, 17:15hrs
• Football, Dublin Vs Tyrone, Croke Park, Dublin, Throw-In, 19:00hrs
• Football, Kerry Vs Down, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, Throw-In, 19:00hrs

Sunday 17th March - All Ireland Senior Club Finals, Croke Park

• Hurling, Kilcormac Killoughey (Offaly) Vs St. Thomas (Galway), Throw-In, 14:00hrshrs
• Football, Ballymun Kickhams (Dublin) Vs St. Bridgids (Roscommon), Throw-In, 15:45hrs

Monday 18th March - National Hurling League

• Hurling, Kilkenny Vs Waterford, Nolan Park, Kilkenny, Throw-In, 14:00hrs
• Hurling, Galway Vs Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, Galway, Throw-In, 14:00hrs

Customers travelling over the St. Patrick's Bank Holiday weekend are advised to check times before travelling, through the journey planner above or go to our timetable section.

The new service will benefit customers in the West and North West of Ireland in particular, providing them with a cost effective alternative when compared with a road based shipping. Coupled with this, the customer also reduces their carbon footprint.

The trains are planned to meet DFDS sailing schedules from Waterford Port to Rotterdam, which allows for onward delivery into Europe. Customers can now load in the West of Ireland on Tuesday morning and deliver in Holland on Thursday pm/Friday am. Rotterdam also provides access to DFDS sailings to Norway, and rail connections to Italy, allowing for a rail-sea-rail connection from Ballina to Milan.

DFDS will utilise a significant amount of available rail wagons , but have left scope to develop the service further by introducing new customers, both internal Irish traffic and import / export traffic.

This is an important addition to the DFDS services in Ireland, and perfect business for rail freight from Iarnród Éireann’s point of view, covering a longer distance, guaranteed volumes and direct port access. It will see freight volumes increase from 91 million tonne kilometres in 2012 to 105 million tonne kilometres approx in 2013.

Once again, Pop-up book shops will be in place in Heuston and Connolly Stations from 4th - 10th March, giving our customers a great opportunity to share and find great reading material for their daily commute, while contributing to services for people with intellectual disability.

So if you’re passing through either station this week, why not donate your unwanted second hand books to volunteers at the shops, take a browse and buy a book to help support St. Michael’s House services.

For more details on the campaign why not log onto http://www.bringabookbuyabook.ie/ 

Upcoming Fixtures are as follows;

May

• 3rd - Connacht Vs Glasgow, Sportsground, Galway, K.O. 19:45hrs
• 3rd - Leinster Vs Ospreys, RDS, Dublin, K.O. 19:45hrs
• 3rd - Ulster Vs Newport, Ravenhill, Belfast, K.O. 19:45hrs

Iarnród Éireann advise customers to book online 7 or more days in advance to avail of the lowest fares. Supporters travelling to the RDS by DART can purchase their tickets on the day of travel.

The following service alterations will take place;

Friday 22nd

• 18:00hrs Limerick - Galway - Customers will have to change in Athenry onto the 20:24hrs Athenry - Galway service
• 19:45hrs Limerick - Galway - Customers will have to change in Athenry onto the 21:31hrs Athenry - Galway service 

The following services will operate with bus transfers;

Saturday 23rd

• All services to/from Galway - Bus transfers will operate between Galway and Athenry.  Bus transfers departing Galway will operate 20mins in advance of normal train departure times.

Sunday 24th

• 08:00hrs Dublin Heuston - Galway will have bus transfers Athenry to Galway
• 08:05hrs Galway - Dublin Heuston - advanced to 07:45hrs
• 08:30hrs Galway - Limerick - advanced to 08:10hrs
• 11:00hrs Galway - Dublin - advanced to 10:40hrs
• All other services to/from Galway will operate as normal

Customers who are travelling over these dates are advised to check the journey planner above or go to our timetable section for the time of your service.

Iarnród Éireann would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to offer Thurles Sarsfields supporters a special return fare of €10 per adult and €6 per child. These fares are only available when booked online and there is limited availability so don't miss out and book now.

We would just like to wish both teams the very best of luck in their quest to reach the final.

Lansdowne Station has now reopened. Normal service at the station has resumed.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any incovenience caused.

Connacht play Zebre in their final fixture of this years Heineken Cup on Friday 18th at the Sportsground in Galway, kicking-off at 20:00hrs. They may have nothing left to play for in this competition but they are sure to give their supporters something to shout about on the night.

Munster play Racing Metro 92 in their final pool 1 fixture on Sunday 20th at Thomond Park, Limerick, kicking-off at 12:45hrs. This is a must win fixture and Munster will be hoping for the extra bonus point in order to qualify for the quarter finals as one of the best runners-up.

Iarnrod Eireann offer the perfect transport solution with departures from Heuston station Dublin at 08.30hrs and 10.00hrs while the first train from Cork departs at 08.20 arriving into Limerick of 09.48hrs. 

Thomond Park is a short distance from Colbert station, Limerick and the train is an ideal way for supporters to travel and soak up the atmosphere this match has to offer. Bus Éireann provide a shuttle service from the city centre to Thomond Park before all big matches.

Following public consultation with our customers and approval by the NTA Our new rail schedule is now available  to book online and downloadable printed timetables are now available to view 

While customers should check all times on all routes, major changes in the new schedule include:

-       Journey time improvements: faster journey times on all Intercity routes to and from Heuston averaging 10-15 minutes, but by up to 25 minutes in some cases. 

-       Additional trains: additional services will be provided  for a number of routes and stations, including Dublin/Galway, Dublin/Westport, and a major increase in frequency for commuters between Dublin and Monasterevin, Portarlington and Portlaoise 

-       Service withdrawals: while the vast majority of services are protected, some will be withdrawn due to low demand.  These include: 

• one train each way on Dublin/Waterford
• one service from Limerick via Nenagh to Dublin
• one Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh service each way
• one Limerick to Galway train each way
• one Limerick Junction to Waterford service each way
• an afternoon Dublin to Limerick service;
• one Dublin to Sligo service each way, as well as an evening Longford to Dublin service
• a small number of off-peak commuter services

-       Improved connections: there will be improved connections between Galway and Cork/Kerry with the extension of some Galway to Limerick trains to Limerick Junction

-       Departure time changes: while all departure times should be checked, major changes include the change to most departure times from Cork to Dublin to 20 past the hour, and a number of changes on Galway and Westport routes

Route by route details of major changes are as follows – these are major changes, but all customers are advised to check times before the new timetable takes effect:

Dublin-Galway

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Galway services of between 5 and 25 minutes.  Thirteen of eighteen services will operate with journey times of between 2 hours 10 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes.

-       Extra service in each direction to increase weekday frequency from eight to nine each way. Extra trains will operate 18.30hrs Heuston to Galway and 19.15hrs Galway to Heuston

-       Changes in departure times. A number of significant departure time changes are being proposed, and customers are advised to check all times as part of the public consultation process

Dublin-Westport/Ballina

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to all Dublin-Westport services of between 5 and 20 minutes.

-       One new service (09.45 Westport-Dublin: connection from Ballina at 09.35) brings frequency from Westport to Dublin from four to five daily

-       Departure time changes, which together with the additional service will give greater flexibility to customers, particularly tourists

Dublin-Cork

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Cork services of between 5 and 20 minutes. 

-       This will mean a total of 21 out of 28 services on the route daily will be delivered in 2 hours 30 mins to 2 hours 35 mins, with all services 2 hours 45 mins or less. 

-       05.05 Cork to Dublin will no longer operate, the current 06:15 service will be brought forward to 06:00 arriving in Heuston at 08:30.

-       An additional service will operate from Cork to Dublin at 19.20

-       Most services from Cork to Dublin will depart at 20 minutes past the hour instead of 30 minutes past the hour.  The exception to this will be departures from Cork at 06.00, 07.00 and 08.00.  This is to facilitate the improved journey times, and ensure connections from Kerry and Limerick can continue to be efficient.

Dublin-Tralee

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Tralee services of between 8 and 15 minutes.

-       The 05.15 Tralee to Cork will now depart at 04.55 on Mondays, and 05.55 on Tuesdays to Fridays

-       Additional direct service from Tralee to Dublin on Sunday at 11.50

Dublin-Limerick

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Limerick services of up to 17 minutes, with a best journey time of 1 hour 59 minutes.

-       13.40 Dublin to Limerick will no longer operate, but Limerick/Dublin services (including connections at Limerick Junction) will remain the most frequent Intercity service with 16 services each way daily

Dublin-Waterford

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to all Dublin-Waterford services of between 5 and 18 minutes. Journey times will range from 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, depending on number of stops.

-       09.10 Dublin to Waterford and 16.50 Waterford to Dublin will no longer operate, Dublin/Waterford route will operate with seven trains each way daily

Heuston-Kildare-Portlaoise

Major changes on this route include:

-       Portlaoise commuter service: commuters from Portlaoise, Portarlington and Monasterevin will see a major increase in frequency of services as a number of Dublin/Kildare services are extended to operate Dublin/Portlaoise. These are:

• Portlaoise: currently 18 trains each way daily, will increase to 28 trains Dublin to Portlaoise, 30 trains Portlaoise to Dublin
• Portarlington: currently 19 trains from Dublin, 23 trains to Dublin; will increase to 30 trains from Dublin, 33 trains to Dublin
• Monasterevin: currently 10 trains from Dublin, 5 trains to Dublin, will increase to 18 each way

-       Minor changes to off-peak schedules to a number of other stations

Cork commuter lines (Mallow, Cobh, Midleton)

Major changes on this route include:

-       A new 06.15hrs Midleton to Cork service, to connect to the 07.00hrs Cork to Dublin

-       Two additional Mallow service 

Limerick-Galway

Major changes on this route include:

-       Journey time improvements to most Limerick-Galway services of between 4 and 11 minutes. 

-       Improved connections between Galway and Cork, with the extension of some Galway/Limerick services to and from Limerick Junction.  This will enable customers to travel between Galway and Cork with one change at Limerick Junction

-       One service in each direction will be cancelled: 11.55 Limerick to Galway and 12.10 Galway to Limerick.

Limerick-Ballybrophy via Nenagh

Major changes on this route include:

-       05.05 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh will no longer operate

-       The 16.05 Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh service and 18.20 Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh services will no longer operate

Limerick Junction to Waterford

Major changes on this route include:

-       11.40 Waterford to Limerick Junction and 13.55 Limerick Junction to Waterford will no longer operate

-       A number of significant departure time changes to other services

DART

Unchanged, apart from minor departure and arrival time changes.

Drogheda/Dundalk Commuter

Unchanged, apart from minor departure and arrival time changes, and the following off-peak service cancellation:

-       09.44 Connolly to Balbriggan (Mon-Fri) [09.40 on Saturdays]

-       10.50 Balbriggan to Connolly (Mon-Sat)

M3 Parkway:

-      Off-peak M3 Parkway train services will operate to/from Clonsilla, changing to/from Maynooth/Dublin trains at Clonsilla, for more efficient, cost effective operation.

-      A later final service from the city centre to M3 Parkway (change at Clonsilla), departing the city at 23:17hrs from Connolly

Sligo/Dublin

-      Sligo/Dublin services will be reduced from 8 to 7 each way daily, through the amalgamation of two off-peak services experiencing low demand. The 07.05 and 09.05 Dublin to Sligo will be amalgamated to form an 08.05 service; and the 17.00 and 19.00 from Sligo to Dublin will be amalgamated to form an 18.00 service.

-       The evening 17.35hrs Bray to Longford service (departs Connolly at 18.18hrs) will operate from Bray to Maynooth only.  Customers for stations beyond Maynooth can avail of the 18.05hrs departure from Connolly.  The 21.05hrs Longford to Connolly is withdrawn.

While these are the most significant changes, Iarnród Éireann encourages all customers to review theschedules as minor departure time changes and changes to stops on individual journeys are included on many services.

Iarnród Éireann apolgises for any inconvenience caused

Services will operate at 16:25, 17:25, 18:25 & 19:25 only

Maynooth line services will operate as normal

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused

The quest has begun for this year’s Iarnród Éireann Best Station and competition will be as tough as ever this year as customers will directly rate stations in the race to take the coveted title!

The format for the Best Station Awards will see awards decided by  online voting  and voting at stations by customers at 142 stations around the network. Customers will be asked to rate their station between 1 – 5, 5 being the highest grade, under the following criteria:

• Staff helpfulness
• Customer information
• Station presentation
• Staff appearance

Vote now for your station!

All entrants will be entered into a draw to win one of 5 luxury weekend weekends courtesy of Select Hotels of Ireland, with Iarnród Éireann also providing the train travel to and from the 5 great destinations.

DART Commuters will be receive a questionnaire at stations and all those that complete and return it will be in with a chance to win free DART travel for a year.

The Best Station Awards will be presented later this year and awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Best Intercity Station Leinster
• Best Intercity Station Munster
• Best Intercity Station Connaught
• Best DART/Commuter Station
• Community Award
• Overall Best Station

Iarnród Éireann is encouraging customers to send in their ratings: both for excellence in service and standards, and in areas where customers wish to see improvements.

The process will be as follows:

1. Following the closing date for public ratings, a shortlist of stations in each geographic region will be drawn up, based exclusively on the public ratings.

2. An independent market research company will undertake “mystery shopper” exercises at all shortlisted stations to assess stations on a detailed basis.

3. Nominations for each geographic award category will be announced, based on a combination of public ratings and the mystery shopper exercise.

4. The winners, including overall national winner, will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused. 

Iarnród Éireann offer the perfect transport solution as Thomond Park is a short distance from Colbert station, Limerick and the train is an ideal way for supporters to travel and soak up the atmosphere this match has to offer. Bus Éireann provide a shuttle service from the city centre to Thomond Park before all big matches.

So what are you waiting for book above NOW!

Make sure to book in advance to catch the best prices online and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions.

While you should check times before travelling on any route over the Christmas season, customers are advised to note in particular the following:

24th December (Christmas Eve): Most services will terminate by 21.00hrs approx. A Saturday service operates across DART and Dublin commuter.

25th-26th December (Christmas Day & St Stephen's Day): There are no rail services across DART, Commuter and Intercity on these days.

27th-29th December: Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions

30th December: Sunday service

31st December 2012 (New Year's Eve): Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions - services terminate by 21.00hrs approx on all routes

1st January 2013 (New Year's Day): Public holiday - Sunday service on Cork commuter, Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter. Reduced weekday service on many Intercity routes, reduced Sunday service on Dublin/Belfast

2nd January 2013: Normal schedules resume

REMEMBER: Please check the exact times for your journey before travelling on all routes.

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Lines are now reopen between Waterford and Kilkenny, and between Waterford & Carrick on Suir following flooding at Waerford Station.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

• Bayside
• Booterstown
• Bray
• Clontarf Road
• Dalkey
• Killester
• Malahide
• Portmarnock
• Sutton

Please note car parks at some other DART stations are not owned by Iarnród Éireann and are not included in this offer.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any incovenience caused. 

Service delays through Kildare remain up to 60mins due to an earlier mechanical fault on a Freight train.

16.50 Waterford/Heuston will operate as a bus transfer to Kilkenny & train onwards to Heuston.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

DART services  are resuming between Howth and Howth Junction following earlier request by Gardaí. 

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any incovenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

This section offers customers complete transparency on our punctuality & reliability statistics throughout the year so that you can 'track' our performance.

Visit on a Saturday

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to offer customers the opportunity to book their rail tickets between Limerick and Galway and all stations in between for Saturdays throughout the Christmas market.

Customers can select to travel up on the 09:35, 11:55 or 14:15 out of Limerick and have the flexibility to return from Galway on any service they wish that day. Book Now!

Connacht V Munster, Sportsground, Galway

Munster take on Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway on Saturday 22nd December with K.O. at 17:15. Getting there has never been easier by rail as the ground is a short walk from Ceannt station, Galway.

Extra Service on Saturdays

An additional service will operate between Galway & Limerick on Saturdays. This service will depart Galway at 19:40 and serve all stations to Limerick.

Free Car Parking

Customers wishing to travel to the Christmas market can enjoy free car parking in Athenry, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort stations every day up until Monday 24th December. 

Iarnód Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

A draft copy of our new proposed timetable for all services operating to and from Heuston Station and on regional lines, is available by clicking on the link below

Draft 2013 Heuston Timetable (1MB PDF)

 We would like to hear your thoughts – whether the proposed schedule is something you welcome or would not support, or whether there are changes not included you would like to see.

Iarnród Éireann will endeavour to implement customers' suggestions where possible. Suggested alterations which cannot be implemented at this timetable change will be retained in a database for consideration at future timetable reviews.

All feedback received will be acknowledged by an automated e-mail reply. The implementation date for this proposed new timetable will be announced at a later date on www.irishrail.ie

The draft schedule contains timetables for services operating to and from Heuston Station, and on regional lines, i.e.

• Dublin-Galway

• Dublin-Westport/Ballina

• Dublin-Cork

• Dublin/Cork-Tralee

• Dublin-Limerick

• Dublin-Waterford

• Dublin-Kildare-Portlaoise

• Cork commuter lines (Mallow, Cobh, Midleton)

• Limerick-Ennis-Athenry-Galway

• Limerick-Ballybrophy via Nenagh

• Limerick Junction to Waterford

Provide draft timetable feedback

Services operating through Connolly, including DART, were available for customer comment earlier this Autumn and we thank you for all the suggestions and comments you submitted during that consultation period.

Heuston and regional routes

Major changes to Heuston and regional routes include

- Journey time improvements: faster journey times on all Intercity routes to and from Heuston averaging 10-15 minutes, but by up to 25 minutes in some cases.

- Additional trains: additional trains are proposed for a number of routes and stations, including Dublin/Galway, Dublin/Westport, and a major increase in frequency for commuters between Dublin and Monasterevin, Portarlington and Portlaoise

- Service cancellations: while the vast majority of services are protected, some trains are proposed to be cancelled due to low demand. These include one train each way on Dublin/Waterford; a service from Limerick via Nenagh to Dublin; one Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh service each way; one Limerick to Galway train each way; one Limerick Junction to Waterford service each way; an afternoon Dublin to Limerick service; and a small number of off-peak commuter services

- Improved connections: there will be improved connections between Galway and Cork/Kerry with the extension of some Galway to Limerick trains to Limerick Junction

- Departure time changes: while all departure times should be checked, major changes include the change to most departure times from Cork to Dublin to 20 past the hour, and a number of changes on Galway and Westport routes

Route by route details of major changes

Dublin-Galway

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Galway services of between 5 and 25 minutes. Thirteen of eighteen services will operate with journey times of between 2 hours 10 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes.

- Extra service in each direction to increase weekday frequency from eight to nine each way. Extra trains will operate 18.30hrs Heuston to Galway and 19.15hrs Galway to Heuston

- Changes in departure times. A number of significant departure time changes are being proposed, and customers are advised to check all times as part of the public consultation process

Dublin-Westport/Ballina

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to all Dublin-Westport services of between 5 and 20 minutes.

- One new service (09.45 Westport-Dublin: connection from Ballina at 09.35) brings frequency from Westport to Dublin from four to five daily

- Departure time changes, which together with the additional service will give greater flexibility to customers, particularly tourists

Dublin-Cork

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Cork services of between 5 and 20 minutes.

- This will mean a total of 21 out of 28 services on the route daily will be delivered in 2 hours 30 mins to 2 hours 35 mins, with all services 2 hours 45 mins or less.

- 05.05 Cork to Dublin will no longer operate, the current 06:15 service will be brought forward to 06:00 arriving in Heuston at 08:30.

- An additional service will operate from Cork to Dublin at 19.20

- Most services from Cork to Dublin will depart at 20 minutes past the hour instead of 30 minutes past the hour. The exception to this will be departures from Cork at 06.00, 07.00 and 08.00. This is to facilitate the improved journey times, and ensure connections from Kerry and Limerick can continue to be efficient.

Dublin/Cork-Tralee

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Tralee services of between 8 and 15 minutes.

- The 05.15 Tralee to Cork will depart at 05.55, connecting to the 07.00 Cork to Dublin service at Mallow

- Additional direct service from Tralee to Dublin on Sunday at 11.50

Dublin-Limerick

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to most Dublin-Limerick services of up to 17 minutes, with a best journey time of 1 hour 59 minutes.

- 13.40 Dublin to Limerick will no longer operate, but Limerick/Dublin services (including connections at Limerick Junction) will remain the most frequent Intercity service with 16 services each way daily

Dublin-Waterford

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to all Dublin-Waterford services of between 5 and 18 minutes. Journey times will range from 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes, depending on number of stops.

- 09.10 Dublin to Waterford and 16.25 Waterford to Dublin will no longer operate, Dublin/Waterford route will operate with seven trains each way daily

Dublin-Kildare-Portlaoise

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Commuters from Portlaoise, Portarlington and Monasterevin will see a major increase in frequency of services as a number of Dublin/Kildare services are extended to operate Dublin/Portlaoise. These are:

o Portlaoise: currently 18 trains each way daily, will increase to 28 trains Dublin to Portlaoise, 30 trains Portlaoise to Dublin

o Portarlington: currently 19 trains from Dublin, 23 trains to Dublin; will increase to 30 trains from Dublin, 33 trains to Dublin

o Monasterevin: currently 10 trains from Dublin, 5 trains to Dublin, will increase to 18 each way

- Minor changes to schedules to a number of other stations

Cork commuter lines (Mallow, Cobh, Midleton)

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- A new 06.15hrs Midleton to Cork service, to connect to the 07.00hrs Cork to Dublin

- A later final service from Cork to Mallow at 23.00hrs

Limerick-Galway

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- Journey time improvements to most Limerick-Galway services of between 4 and 11 minutes.

- Improved connections between Galway and Cork/Kerry, with the extension of some Galway/Limerick services to and from Limerick Junction. This will enable customers to travel between Galway and Cork with one change at Limerick Junction

- One service in each direction will no longer operate: 11.55 Limerick to Galway and 12.10 Galway to Limerick.

Limerick-Ballybrophy via Nenagh

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- 05.05 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh will no longer operate

- The 16.05 Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh service and 18.20 Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh services will no longer operate

Limerick Junction to Waterford

Major changes proposed on this route include:

- 11.40 Waterford to Limerick Junction and 13.55 Limerick Junction to Waterford will no longer operate

- A number of significant departure time changes to other services

While these are the most significant changes, Iarnród Éireann encourages all customers to review the draft schedules as minor departure time changes and changes to stops on individual journeys are included on many services. Please provide your feedback below with specfic reference to your route timetable:

Feedback

Due to Bridge Renewal works on the Rosslare line between Wexford and Rosslare Europort from Tuesday 4th to Friday 7th December, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 25 to 35 minute delay may occur.

Tuesday 4th December

18.38 Connolly to Rosslare Europort will operate to Wexford only.  Bus transfers will operate from Wexford to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

Wednesday 5th December

All services in both directions will have bus transfers between Wexford and Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Europort and Wexford.

Thursday 6th December

All services in both directions will have bus transfers between Wexford and Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Europort and Wexford.

Friday 7th December

05.35 Rosslare Europort to Connolly will be bus transfers from Rosslare Europort to Rosslare Strand and Wexford and by train from Wexford to Connolly.

07.20 Rosslare Europort to Connolly will be bus transfers from Rosslare Europort to Rosslare Strand and Wexford and by train from Wexford to Connolly.

 Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

In particular, customers are advised to heed the Irish Payment Services Organisation’s safecard advice to always cover the PIN pad when entering your PIN number to prevent criminals from seeing the PIN number.  Customers should also alert station staff if they see anything suspicious at ticket vending machines.

Iarnród Éireann alerted Gardaí to this issue following a staff member observing a group behaving suspiciously at Booterstown Station.  CCTV footage has been supplied to Gardaí to assist in investigating the matter.

The company has briefed station staff on what to look out for, to check ticket vending machines regularly, and on actions to take if they find skimming equipment on ticket vending machines.

For further information on how to protect your card, log onto www.safecard.ie

"Dumb Ways to Die" is an animated collection of seemingly random Darwin Award winning activities, that brings you its core message towards the end.

Warning - you may end up humming this tune for days!

Click here for more information on staying safe in and around railway lines - whether you're a passenger, a member of the public, or a motorist or other user of a level crossing.

There are some knock delays but these are expected to ease shortly.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The NTA approved the increases for Iarnród Éireann on the basis that “having considered all of the respective costs and revenues and relevant changes therein, that the determined increases are warranted in order that a sufficient level of service can continue to be provided.

The fare changes represent an appropriate balance between a contribution on the part of the operator in continuing to increase efficiency and reduce costs, and the implementation of increased fares, both being important elements that contribute towards maintaining the integrity of the network of public transport services.”

On average, single, return and season tickets for adults, children and students will increase by an average of 3% for Intercity and long-distance commuter journeys (41km and above), and by an average of 10% for DART and shorter-distance commuter journeys (40km and below). Full details of the fare determinations for season tickets and for single and return tickets are available at:

http://www.nationaltransport.ie/public-transport-services/fares/fares-determinations

Iarnród Éireann will continue to provide a range of heavily discounted online fares through www.irishrail.ie significantly below these regulated fares, as well as student, family fare and other promotions throughout the year. By using Leapcard customers can also save on cash fares.Furthermore, commuters who purchase monthly or annual season tickets through their employer via the Taxsaver scheme receive tax relief of up to 52% on the cost of their season tickets.

We are working to rectify this and this website will be updated as soon as further information is made available.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The easiest way to travel directly to Aviva Stadium is to take the DART. The line actually runs under the West stand of the stadium and stops at Lansdowne Road Station itself.

Make sure you book 3 or more days in advance to catch the best prices

Customers please note the following;

• Grand Canal Dock Station will be closed for 50 minutes after the match, this closure is a crowd control safety requirement for events taking place at the Aviva Stadium
• A regular DART service will operate to and from Lansdowne Road DART Station.
• Extra Capacity will be provided before and after the match.
• Avoid queues, travel early and buy return tickets.

On Friday 26th October, the 05.35 and 07.20 Rosslare Europort to Connolly services will be substituted by buses.  All other services on this route, in both directions, will operate normally.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

To get you to the start line on time, the following additional DARTs will operate:

07.05hrs Greystones/Connolly, serving all stations to Connolly, arriving Pearse 07.53hrs

07.24hrs Malahide/Pearse, serving all stations to Pearse, arriving Pearse 07.54hrs

07.30hrs Howth/Pearse, serving all stations to Pearse, arriving Pearse 07.59hrs

This year Ennis Fashion Week is delighted to partner with the Irish cancer society in promoting awareness of their Get the girls campaign for Action Breast Cancer. 

Getting to the Ennis Fashion Week has never been easier with our fantastic €14.99 each way fares between Dublin Heuston and Ennis when booked 3 or more days in advance. BOOK ABOVE NOW and make sure you catch the best prices online.

These works will result in some service and platform alterations for Maynooth, M3 Parkway and Sligo services, as trains will operate via the Canal End railway line during this time.  For the duration of these works Drumcondra Station will remain closed as a result.  The dates of works have been chosen to coincide with the mid-term break for schools and colleges, to minimise impact on commuters.

Service and platform alterations are as follows:

Maynooth line

Services will operate as normal except for a small number of services between Tuesday 30^th October and Friday 2^nd November operating to/from Docklands Station instead of Connolly/Pearse. These are:

• 06.20 Maynooth-Pearse, 07.45 Maynooth-Connolly, 16.55 Maynooth-Connolly and 18.20 Maynooth-Pearse services will operate to Docklands Station instead,
• 07.12 Connolly-Maynooth will operate as a 07.13 Docklands-Maynooth,
• 15.55 Pearse-Maynooth will operate as a 16.08 Docklands-Maynooth,
• 18.10 Connolly-Maynooth will operate as a 18.12 Docklands-Maynooth.

M3 Parkway

All M3 Parkway services will operate to and from Docklands station during this time including weekend services.

Also on Sunday 28th October:

09.10 Pearse to M3 Parkway is deferred to 09.18

10.13 Pearse to M3 Parkway is deferred to 10.20

11.12 Pearse to M3 Parkway is deferred to 11.20.

Sligo/Longford services

All Sligo and Longford services will operate to and from Platform 7 in Connolly.

On Sunday 28th October the 09.00 Sligo to Connolly service is deferred to 09.30. 

In addition, from Tuesday 30^th October to Friday 2^nd November only the 09.05 Connolly to Sligo service will be amalgamated with the 09.10 Pearse-Maynooth service, operating from Pearse and serving all stations to Maynooth (except Drumcondra), and arriving in Sligo at the slightly later time of 12.33hrs.

Drumcondra Station

Drumcondra Station will remain closed throughout these works.

Iarnród Éireann is working to ensure that the level of disruption to our customers is kept to an absolute minimum. The decision was taken to undertake these works during the schools’ mid-term break when services are generally quieter.   We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works. 

Planned Bridge Works between Wexford and Rosslare for Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th October - now postponed.  Normal services will operate.

Iarnród Éireann apologies for any incovenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The easiest way to travel directly to Aviva Stadium is to take the DART. The line actually runs under the West stand of the stadium and stops at Lansdowne Road Station itself.

Iarnród Éireann have decided to defer the 21:00hrs Dublin Heuston to Cork service to 21:30hrs to accommodate supporters travelling back home after the match.

Make sure you book 3 or more days in advance to catch the best prices

Customers please note the following;

• Grand Canal Dock Station will be closed between 20.00hrs and 21.15hrs. Passengers travelling home by DART should depart from Lansdowne Road DART Station.
• A regular DART service will operate to and from Lansdowne Road DART Station.
• Extra Capacity will be provided before and after the match.
• Avoid queues, travel early and buy return tickets.

Full DART and Commuter services are operating, but with delays.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to the commissioning of a new Level Crossing at Carrontubber, which is in the Claremorris/Manulla Junction section of the network, all services on the Westport /Ballina to Dublin line and return may be subject to delays of up to 30-35 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Secure lockers are available to rent for a year for €75 (plus a €25 security deposit, which is refunded at the end of the year). These new lockers provide a secure location for commuters to stow their bikes, before taking the train to work, school or college. Bike owners can relax in the knowledge that their bikes are locked away in a secure, dry location that also benefits from CCTV.

Bike Lockers are available at the following locations, with the number of lockers at each:

Booterstown (10)

Dalkey (10)

Dun Laoghaire (6)

Sutton (10)

Howth Junction (10)

Leixlip Confey (5)

Leixlip Louisa Bridge (10)

Maynooth (15)

Castleknock (12)

Coolmine (12)

Dunboyne (12)

M3 Parkway (12)

Connolly (10)

For more information on how to obtain a locker, visit www.bikelocker.ie

You can also get further information on facilities for bicycles at stations and on trains.

The easiest way to travel to Aviva Stadium is by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). The line runs under the West stand of Aviva Stadium and stops at Lansdowne Road Station (directly beside Aviva Stadium).  Extra DART train services will operate on Game day. It takes under 8 minutes to travel to Lansdowne Road Station (Aviva Stadium stop) from the City Centre stations, Connolly or Pearse.

Information on DART Fares & Maps

Getting Around Dublin

DART is one of the quickest ways to get you around the City linking Dublin’s North to South City via the scenic route of Dublin Bay.  There are so many interesting places you can enjoy along the way from historic towns and villages to picturesque harbours and also beautiful coastal scenery. Much of the 33 miles of line especially south of Dublin city runs along the coast and the scenic views make the trip a popular choice for tourists.

Railtours Ireland, in association with Iarnród Éireann, are delighted to offer visitors to Dublin the chance to see a great portion of Ireland that they would not ordinarily be able to experience comfortably in a couple of days, for more information go to Railtours Ireland!

Over the rest of the summer, we'll have regular updates with ideas for family days out by rail across the country.

This week, Days Out by Rail is back in the capital for the biggest festival of the summer - Tall Ships Dublin.

Have a look at our full range of family fare offers to help you plan your trips this summer, across the country.

Keep checking Railway Lines as we have more great travel ideas to come!

Iarnród Éireann, together with Bus Éireann is launching a new ticket targeted at tourists in Ireland throughout the year of The Gathering.

The Gathering Travel Ticket enables holders to have unlimited travel across Bus Éireann's 300 city, town to town and inter-city routes, and Iarnród Éireann’s Intercity, DART and Commuter services in the Republic of Ireland for three days or seven days.

• 3 consecutive days of unlimited travel for just €99*
• 7 consecutive days of unlimited travel for just €199*

*Prices shown are standard class adult fares. Tickets are available from main rail and bus stations nationwide and must be used by December 31st 2013. One child can travel for free with each holder of a Gathering Travel Ticket.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD said of the new ticket “This unlimited travel offer should encourage visitors in 2013 to see a bit more of the country than they would otherwise. I have asked our tourism agencies to make information on this offer available through tourism offices and internationally, as I’m certain that visitors will be interested.”

For more information on how you can be part of 'The Gathering', go to www.thegatheringireland.com/home.aspx

Iarnród Éireann is proud to be supporting The Gathering Ireland 2013.

Demand is expected to be high, customers are advised to travel early and to purchase a return ticket to avoid queues.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience causes.

Agriculture was originally the Shows’ main focus, but this has broadened considerably over the years to adapt to Irelands changing culture, with entertainment, food, crafts, lifestyle, pets corner, fun etc, the order of the day.

Take the train to the Tullamore Show and avail of our fantastic web seat sale fares when booked 3 or more days in advance. There is a free feeder bus service operating from Tullamore station, with the first bus departing at 09:30hrs and operating every 30mins after that. The last bus leaves the show to go back to the station at 18:30hrs.

For more information on the Tullamore show, go to www.tullamoreshow.com/

Iarnród Éireann have some great offers for supporters travelling to the match with our fantastic web seat sale offering fares from €14.99 each way from Dublin to Limerick when booked 3 or more days in advance. You can also bring the family on a day out by rail with our great family ticket offer of €39 return from Cork to Limerick or €79 return from Dublin to Limerick. So bring the family along to see some of the many stars on display.

Match tickets are available from Ticketmaster from €10.

Iarnród Éireann apologies for any inconvenience caused.

As of 18.10hrs, delays of up to 30 minutes were occurring on DART and Commuter services.  However, these will now ease.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann is pleased to announce extra services for race goers on Wednesday and Thursday, as follows;

Wednesday 1st August -

• Athlone to Galway - Departing Athlone at 10:35hrs serving Ballinaloe(10:51hrs), Woodlawn(11:02hrs), Attymon(11:10hrs), Athenry(11:30hrs) and arriving in Galway at 11:45hrs.
• Galway to Dublin - Departing Galway at 20:20hrs serving Athenry(20:38hrs), Attymon(20:46hrs), Woodlawn(20:53hrs), Ballinasloe(21:03hrs), Athlone(21:24hrs), Clara(21:42hrs), Tullamore(21:51hrs), Portarlington(22:12hrs) and arriving in Dublin Heuston at 22:55hrs.
• Galway to Limerick - Departing Galway at 20:45hrs serving Athenry(21:01hrs), Craughwell(21:18hrs), Ardrahan(21:29hrs), Gort(21:44hrs), Ennis(22:15hrs), Sixemilebridge(22:31hrs) and arriving in Limerick at 22:53hrs.

Thursday 2nd August -

• Athlone to Galway - Departing Athlone at 09:30hrs serving Ballinaloe(09:45hrs), Woodlawn(10:02hrs), Attymon(10:10hrs), Athenry(10:19hrs) and arriving in Galway at 10:35hrs.
• Galway to Dublin - Departing Galway at 19:25hrs serving Athenry(19:39hrs), Attymon(19:48hrs), Woodlawn(19:56hrs), Ballinasloe(20:10hrs), Athlone(20:29hrs), Clara(20:50hrs), Tullamore(21:00hrs), Portarlington(21:24hrs) and arriving in Dublin Heuston at 22:05hrs.
• Galway to Limerick - Departing Galway at 19:35hrs serving Athenry(19:49hrs), Craughwell(20:01hrs), Ardrahan(20:11hrs), Gort(20:23hrs), Ennis(21:15hrs), change in Ennis for Sixemilebridge(21:32hrs) and arriving in Limerick at 21:55hrs.

Getting to the races has never been easier with our fantastic web seat sale offering rail fares from Dublin to Galway for as little as €14.99 each way when you book 3 or more days in advance. We will take you to the heart of Galway city centre, racegoers will be able to avail of a shuttle bus service from Galway city centre to Galway racecourse on race days. Get a few furlongs ahead and BOOK ABOVE now!!!

For more information on all the galway races has to offer go to www.galwayraces.com

This promises to be a very tough and exciting game, Kildare are the favourites but Limerick could cause an upset so we are calling all Limerick fans to get out and support your county!!! 

Online fares from as low as €9.99* each way are available before and after the match for supporters travelling from Limerick, Charleville or Limerick Junction. There is limited availibility so BOOK ABOVE and avoid disappointment.

*These fares are only available on www.irishrail.ie or by calling our customer information centre on 1850 366 222 (Mon-Fri 09:00hrs-17:00hrs).

Getting to Flavours of Fingal is easiest by train. Newbridge House & Farm is a short and pleasant walk from Donabate Railway Station. A shuttle bus service will also operate between Donabate Station and Newbridge House & Farm, so you don't have to worry about parking or have the stress of driving.

Take the family for €10* return. This promises to be a great day out for all the family and Flavours of Fingal are giving all Irish Rail customers get a 25% discount on presentation of their valid rail ticket.

Thanks to our friends at Flavours of Fingal we have 5 family tickets  to give away.  ENTER NOW to be in with a chance to win!!!

For more information on all the Flavours of Fingal has to offer go to http://www.flavoursoffingal.ie/

*€10 family day return ticket entitles 2 Adults and up to 4 children to travel on DART/Commuter services out as far as Balbriggan/Maynooth/Kilcoole/M3 parkway (children aged between 3-15yrs old, children under 3 travel free).

An extra service will operate from Westport to Roscommon in connection with the Senior Football Championship Connacht Final, Mayo V Sligo game in Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon on Sunday 15th July.

This service will leave Westport at 09.50 serving Castlebar, Manulla Junction, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis and Roscommon.

The return service will leave Roscommon at 16.25.

There is limited availibility on these services so BOOK ABOVE NOW to avoid disappointment.

Already operating on services on the 67 carriages of the Dublin-Cork fleet since last year, the service has proven a huge hit with rail customers on the route. The equipping of the new 234-carriage Intercity railcar fleet, by Irish company FleetConnect, means that every Intercity route on the network now has free WiFi, covering:

- Dublin-Cork

- Dublin-Sligo

- Dublin-Westport

- Dublin-Galway

- Dublin-Limerick

- Dublin/Cork-Kerry

- Dublin-Waterford

- Dublin-Rosslare

One of the great benefits of rail travel is that you can use your travelling time productively, for work or leisure, and free wi-fi for customers will only add to this. Customers can use their smartphones, media devices, tablets, laptops and more while on their journey. Customers on the Intercity railcar fleet, which are now equipped with free wifi, also have plug sockets at every seat, so they can charge their devices as they travel for maximum convenience.

Iarnród Éireann is also planning to introduce wi-fi on the DART and Commuter fleet during the summer of 2012, with the support of the National Transport Authority. Furthermore, the company is working with Translink to equip the Belfast Enterprise train with wi-fi by the end of 2012.

This will make the Iarnród Éireann fleet one of the most wi-fi connected fleets in Europe, and is the latest phase in service improvements from the rail company.

Services are operated by the newest Intercity fleet in Europe, giving high standards of comfort on board.

Technology

Irish company FleetConnect has been chosen by Iarnród Éireann to provide broadband Wi-Fi services to its passengers on the Intercity railcar fleet, having already equipped the Dublin/Cork fleet. FleetConnect and its technology partner, Sweden-based Icomera AB, were selected to supply a complete internet access solution based on the market-leading Icomera X6 Mobile Access and Applications Router. The system is already installed on trains in the UK, Europe and North America.

FleetConnect and Icomera will be working with Iarnród Éireann to equip their trains with its industry-leading on-train broadband solution, which uses its patented SureWAN™ technology to seamlessly switch between and aggregate multiple mobile data networks to ensure always-on broadband connectivity in every carriage, for passengers, crew and onboard systems as the train moves through its journey.

Connecting to Free WiFi on Iarnród Éireann Intercity services

Connection to the system is easy, with on-screen assistance for customers on board. Simply turn on your laptop, connect to 'IRISHRAIL- WIFI' and open your internet brower.

Customers who encounter any problems can call the WiFi Support team on 0818 333 388 (Monday-Friday 06.00 - 23.00) or email support@fleetconnect.ie

The Festival has contributed hugely to placing Galway firmly on the map as both a key cultural centre for the arts and cultural tourism destination. In addition the Festival has founded and acted as a seedbed for a number of well known and established arts organisations in Galway.

Getting to the festival in Galway is easiest by train,  all festival activities are within walking distance of Ceannt railway station, so you don't have to worry about parking or have the stress of driving, don't forget to book 3 or more days in advance to catch the best prices online!!!

For more information on all the festival has to offer go to http://www.galwayartsfestival.com/

Planned track works between Connolly Station and Maynooth on Sunday Morning 15th July 2012 have now been deferred

09.05 Connolly to Sligo will now operate as a train from Connolly to Maynooth, but will not depart Maynooth until 10.00 as advertised

09.00 Sligo to Connolly service is deferred to 09.30. This time will remain the same

 All Maynooth and M3 Parkway services will operate as per the timetable

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

• Saturday 7^th July - Swedish Hou.se Mafia who are supported by Snoop Dogg, Tinie Tempah, Calvin Harris, and The Original Rudeboys. (Doors open at 16:00hrs).
• Sunday 8^th July - Snow Patrol and Florence & the Machine. (Doors open at 15:00hrs).

It’s easy to get to the concert site by train. If you are travelling by train from the South, West or Kildare line, the closest train station to the Phoenix Park is Heuston Station. If you are travelling by DART or train from the North or South East change at Connolly Station for the Maynooth line. Ashtown Station is the closest station on the Maynooth line to the Phoenix Park.

Book early to Catch the Best Prices Online and to avoid disappointment.

For concert tickets go to http://www.ticketmaster.ie/

Due to the commissioning of a Level Crossing in the Mallow to Banteer section of the network from Monday 2nd July to Friday 6th July, all services from Heuston to Cork and return may be delayed by 10 - 15 minutes.

The following services may also be delayed by 10 - 15 minutes:

07.20 Tralee to Heuston
17.05 Heuston to Tralee

06.30, 09.00 and 21.05 Cork to Tralee
05.10, 17.15 and 19.15 Tralee to Cork

11.30, 13.30, 15.35 and 17.25 Mallow to Tralee
 09.15, 11.15, 13.15 and 15.15 Tralee to Mallow

 Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Special Train will depart Cobh Station at midnight on Saturday, 30^th June and Sunday, 1^st July 2012 and serve Rushbrooke, Carrigaloe, Glounthaune and Little Island Stations en route to Kent Station, Cork (arriving at 00.25hrs).

Concert goers can travel to Cobh on any train and return on the special train returning from Cobh to Cork at midnight - after the concert in Cuskinny. Adult return rail fares are only €7.00 per person.

Creating Shows, who are organising this event, are also laying on a shuttle bus service to and from Cobh Station and Cuskinny especially for the Concert (bus fare €3.00 return).

For more information on the Island Jam Music Festival, go to  http://theislandjam.com/

Last week on Love Live Music Day (21st June) we hosted a special performance by White Collar Boy onboard the 11:10hrs service from Heuston to Kilkenny.

If you weren't one of the lucky ticket winners, see a video of this unique gig here!

Thanks to White Collar Boy, Love Live Music and all who were on board for making it such a great event.

Due to Track works between Lisburn and Belfast on Sunday 1st July, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 15-35 minute delay may occur to Belfast, Northern Commuter and DART services.

Connolly to Belfast Central

10.00, 13.00, 16.00, 18.00 and 19.00 Connolly to Belfast Central will be a train from Connolly to Lisburn only.  Customers for Belfast should change at Newry for bus transfers to Belfast.

Belfast Central to Connolly

10.00, 13.00,15.00,16.00 and 19.00 Belfast Central to Connolly will be bus transfers from Belfast to Newry connecting with the Lisburn-Newry-Dublin Trains.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The waiting is over - we're ready to announce the winners of 100 free group trips on Iarnród Éireann as part of our new community initiative, The Journey’s On Us.

We want to thank over 700 organisations from right across the community, voluntary and sporting sectors who applied. The winners were chosen with the help of Volunteers Centres Ireland and The Wheel.

The winners are from diverse backgrounds, spread geographically across the country including: Choirs, Girl Guides and Scouts, Active Retirement Groups, GAA Clubs, ICA Groups, Men’s Sheds and St. Vincent De Paul amongst many others.

We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the Journey’s on us from voluntary organisations across the country; we hope that the winners will enjoy their trip. It’s our way of saying thank you for all the great work you do in the community.

We want to thank also the 600 groups who were unsuccessful, all worthy causes, and we regret not being able to provide travel for these groups.

Under the initiative, 100 groups of up to 50 people per group will receive a free return group travel journey from Iarnród Éireann, across any of the company’s services. The travel facilities will be ideal in particular for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.

The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1, which is supporting The Journeys on Us, will travel with some of the successful groups this summer, so be ready for the call from Derek, Brenda or Aonghus! 

So, the Winners are……

Munster

Lissycasey Athletic club

Kings Island Garda Youth Diversion Project, Limerick

San Joseph children’s Respite Service, Limerick

Holy Trinity Abbey Choir, Limerick

Waterford Women’s Centre

Lixnaw Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, Kerry

Duhallow Choral Society, Cork

Cork Stroke Support Group

Down Syndrome, Kerry

West Cork Table Tennis Association

St. Vincent De Paul Tuckey Street, Cork

Lattin Cullen GAA Club, Tipperary

Irish girl Guides, Douglas

Cashel Girl Guides

Spring Grove Residents Association, Limerick

Shanagarry I.C.A., Cork

Irish Red Cross, Portlaw Branch

Dungarvan Men’s Shed

Big brother Big Sister Cork

Cobh Youth Services

Ruan Music Group and Summer Camp, Ennis

WYTEC – Waterford Youth Training & Educational Centre

Vision for Vasilivichi, Waterford

Torc/St. Mary’s Girl Guides, Kerry

Leinster (excluding Dublin)

Maynooth Students St. Vincent de Paul

St. Patrick’s Special School, Enniscorthy

Meath East Community Association

Bray Cancer Support Centre

Adorable Mum, Maynooth

FDYS Coolcotts Afterschool Project, Wexford

Stradbally Youth Centre

Leap Gardai Youth Diversion Project, Longford

Holy Angel’s Day Care Centre, Carlow

Kildare Volunteer Centre

Midland Simon Community, Athlone

Sensational Kids, Kildare

Teen Spirit, Kildare

Togher Macra na Feirme

Kilcoole Womens Group,

Mná an Mhuilinn, Mullingar

Aontas Ogra Youth Club, Athy

Kilkenny Arch Club, Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR) Organisation

Crosskeys Women’s Group

CGI Clonard

Sarsfield Square Residents Association

Tagoat Foroige Youth Club

Clonard Ladies/Girls Football Club

Lismullen I.C.A.

Retired Active Men’s Social RAMS Organisation

Dublin

The National Print Museum Volunteers

Friday Beavers Sea Scouts, Malahide

Donaghmede Estate Residents Association

Saint James Brass and Reed Band, Inchicore

North Dublin Befriending Service

Plurabelle Paddlers, Sandymount

Tyrrelstown Cricket Club

Fingallians G.A.A. Club

St. Audoens National School

Ballyroan Girl Guide Unit

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Raheny Unit

Ballyroan Brownie Unit

Our Lady Immaculate Senior School, Darndale

Middle Ballyfermot Summer Project

Dublin Community Growers

Bawnogue Women’s Development Group

Dublin Bears

Finglas Youth Resource Centre

Clondalkin Youth Service/Catholic Youth Care.

Children’s Hospitals Ireland Parent & Patient Support

Depaul Ireland

GROW in Ireland

Speisialta Special Needs Club

DeafHear.ie

SEASON Shuttles (Special Olympics Club)

ECO-UNESCO, Whitechurch Green Initiative & Green Team

CLG Na Fianna GAA Club

St Marks Environment and Garden Group

DEBRA Ireland

Crosscare Refugee Service

Snowflakes Autism Support, Donabate

Connacht/Ulster

Mervue Ladies club

The Maple Youth Centre, Ballilnrobe

BirdWatch, Mayo

Friends of the Children of Chernobyl Organisation, Sligo

Galway Speeders, Disability Sports Organisation

Support & Integration Centre, Mayo Down Syndrome Association

Sligo Men’s Shed

Páistí Glas, Letterfrack

Ballina 5th Mayo Scouting Unit

Youth Work Ireland, Roscommon

Oranmore/Maree GAA

Kiltimagh Foroige Club

Belleek Brownie Guides

Roscam Brownie Guide Pack/Ard Doughiska

3rd Monaghan Scout Group

Well done all, and enjoy the journey, on us!

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to Bridge replacement works at Oola, Limerick, Bus Substitutions will be in place between Limerick and Limerick Junction from 09.30 Monday 20th August to midnight Thursday 23rd August 2012.

During this phase, bus transfers will be in operation between Limerick and Thurles in each direction.

A temporary timetable is posted below and will be in operation with earlier departures via Thurles from Limerick to Dublin, Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

Dublin - Limerick - Ennis Temporary Timetable - Phase 2

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this essential work may cause.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to the commissioning of Carrontubber Level Crossing from Monday 11th June to Friday 15th June, all services between Heuston and Westport/Ballina may be delayed by 30 - 35 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Gary O'Reilly, who won a competition on our website for this trip, together with his sidekick Garry Kenna are travelling by train to Poznan, and will report throughout the tournament on the craic, the atmosphere of their journey and the matches themselves.

It's the next best thing to being there, so be sure to keep an eye on their blog throughout June.

Due to Track Works between Charleville and Mallow on  Saturday 16th June, the following arrangements will apply:

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Junction only.  Customers for Mallow and Cork will be transferred by road from Thurles.

22.53 Limerick Junction to Limerick service may be delayed by 5 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

The station plays a key role in the life of the Co Wicklow commuter town and victory is all the more sweet as the winner was chosen by Iarnród Éireann customers. Arklow came out on top in the four criteria of the text and email poll which were: Staff helpfulness, Staff appearance, station appearance and customer information.  

Regional winners

Arklow also collected the title of Best Leinster Station, beating off competition from Kilkenny and Dundalk stations.

In Connacht, Ballinasloe emerged victorious, with Station Manager, Peter Caulfield leading the team to collect the award.  Claremorris and Boyle Stations were highly commended in the West.

Munster saw Killarney taking the top title, following on from their overall best station title for the last two years. Catherine Cahill was proud to pick up the award.  Glounthaune and Thurles stations were highly commended by customers.

The Best DART station for 2012 was Clongriffin Station, beating Raheny and Sandycove/Glasthule. Fergus Murray and Paul Finnegan collected the award for Clongriffin.

M3 Parkway was named Best Commuter Station for the first time, pipping Donabate and Skerries to the post to the award.  Arthur Candlish and Luke Doyle were there to pick up the award.

Customer Service Award

In addition to regional winners a special award was presented at today’s ceremony.  Connolly collected the special crystal steam locomotive trophy for Best Customer Service.  As a busy DART, Commuter and Intercity station in Dublin city centre Connolly provides customer care of the highest standards.  Customers recognised this in the text and web voting.  Station Manager Eddie Halpin was joined by his team and regular customer Jane McDermott to collect the Award.

Well done to all the stations which collected the award, the many stations which narrowly missed out, and to our customers for helping us choose this year’s winners.

Iarnród Éireann proudly supports Say No To Ageism Week, 4^th-8^th June.

This initiative has been developed by The Equality Authority with the support of many partners including The Health Service Executive, the Office for Older People, transport companies and older people's organisations.

Its aim is to raise public awareness about ageism and to promote and support practical actions for 'age friendly' service provision in key sectors. It is a particularly relevant response by the Equality Authority in this European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.

For a free booklet and more information please contact The Equality Authority on LoCall 1890 245 545, log on www.equality.ie or follow the campaign on Facebook

Parkbytext technical difficulty has been rectified, normal parking procedures have resumed at all pay and display car parks across the network

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused

Iarnród Éireann wishes to advise customers that work will commence on 21^st May for a period of approx. 6 weeks to replace the lifts at Clontarf Road station.  Persons requiring assistance should contact Clontarf Road Station on 01 8880203.

Also, work will commence on Wednesday 6th June for a period of approx. 6 weeks to replace the Southbound lift at Tara Street Station.  Persons requiring assistance should contact Tara Street Station on 01 7032596.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

Rates for parking are:

- €1.50 per hour

- €8.00 per 24 hours

Customers can also pay using Parkbytext for €7.00 per 24 hours.  The Parkbytext code for Heuston Station is 1278.  The Parkbytext customer helpline is 0818 444999 and more information on how to use the service is available at www.parkbytext.ie

Customers paying cash should ensure that a valid pay ticket is clearly displayed in their car window for the full duration of parking.  Pay car parking applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

So what are you waiting for, take the family on a day trip by DART and enjoy the sunshine.

Due to Track Works at Drogheda Station on Saturday 26th May, the 23.30 Pearse to Dundalk service will operate to Balbriggan only.  Bus transfers will operate from Balbriggan to Gormanston, Laytown, Drogheda and Dundalk. 

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

To facilitate an emergency exercise at Nenagh on Tuesday 29th May, the 10.05 service from Ballybrophy to Limerick will operate to Nenagh only with bus transfers from Nenagh to Limerick.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Due to works between Portlaoise and Thurles between 18.30 Saturday and 13.30 on Sunday, 12th-13th May, there will be bus transfers between Portlaoise and Thurles on the following services:

SATURDAY 12^th May 2012.

17.30, 18.30 and 20.30hrs Cork to Heuston services

18.00, 19.00 and 21.00hrs Heuston to Cork services

Also, 17.25 Heuston to Limerick service will operate to Ballybrophy only.  There is no service to Templemore, Thurles or Limerick on this train,  customers for these locations should travel on the 18.00 Heuston to Cork service.

SUNDAY 13^th May

8.25 Heuston to Tralee/Cork, 10.00 Heuston to Cork services.

11.25 Heuston to Limerick service.

8.35 and 10.35hrs Limerick to Heuston services.

8.30 and 10.30hrs Cork to Heuston services.

On Sunday 13th May, the 12.00 Heuston to Cork will depart at 12.30hrs, and the 12.35hrs Limerick to Heuston service will be delayed in Thurles for 20 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our Journey Planner

The station closed at 21:30hrs last evening due to a power outage, but full power has now been restored

Services may be subject to minor delays

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused

There was torrential rain in the Greater Dublin area on the evening in question, with flooding occurring in many areas around the city.

In relation to the flooding at the Dodder Bridge, Iarnród Éireann commissioned the study to establish the factors leading to the flooding at the bridge, particularly as considerable scour damage to the bridge occurred during the flood event which led to the subsequent closure of the rail line for eleven days, and as there was local concern that scaffolding on the bridge for maintenance purposes may have exacerbated flooding in the area.

Fluvio R&D Limited, led by Professor Eamonn McKeogh, Professor of Hydrology at University College Cork, were commissioned to complete the study, which involved a hydrology study, a computer-based model and a laboratory-based physical model. Modelling included simulating the flooding which would have occurred and performance of the bridge with and without the scaffolding being present, amongst other modelling.

The study has found:

- The flooding in the area was caused by the high flood flow of the River Dodder

- The scaffolding and build-up of debris at the River Dodder Bridge did not exacerbate flooding in the area

- A build-up of debris would have occurred without the scaffolding being present due to the low soffit level of the bridge

- The scaffolding and debris led to greater scour damage in the vicinity of the bridge abutment, and the flow of water which this allowed actually served to reduce flood levels in the area

Click here to download a full copy of the Fluvio R&D report.

Saturday 19th May

23.30 Pearse to Dundalk will operate to Balbriggan only. Bus transfers will operate between Balbriggan and Dundalk

Sunday 20th May

10.00 Connolly to Belfast Central will be bus transfers from Connolly to Drogheda and Dundalk and by train from Dundalk to Belfast.

10.00 Belfast Central to Connolly will operate to Dundalk only.  Bus transfers will operate from Dundalk to Drogheda and Connolly.

08.05, 08.55, 10.45 and 11.46 Drogheda to Pearse services will be bus transfers from Drogheda and Laytown to Connolly.  Gormanston Station will be closed.

09.15 and 11.18 Pearse to Drogheda services will operate to Balbriggan only.  Bus transfers will operate from Balbriggan to Laytown and Drogheda.

09.20 Dundalk to Pearse service will be bus transfers from Dundalk, Drogheda and Laytown to Connolly. Gormanston Station will be closed.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

The initiative, entitled “The Journey’s On Us”, will provide up to €200,000 worth of group travel to organisations in the sector who apply for the scheme in 2012.

Under the initiative, 100 groups of up to 50 people per group will receive a free return group travel journey from Iarnród Éireann, across any of the company’s services. The travel facilities will be ideal in particular for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.

Further information and terms and conditions are available at www.irishrail.ie/journeys

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Dick Fearn said of the initiative “the role of the railway is to connect communities. Through this exciting new initiative, we will help those who do most to bring communities together, and we anticipate to a strong response from groups in this sector from around the country. We want to hear of the excellent work being done, and how this new initiative can help that work.”

The initiative is also being supported by The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

Line has now reopened between Dundalk & Drogheda following earlier disruption on the line due a mechanical fault on a track maintenance machine.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Due to track works between Tipperary and Clonmel the following services will have part bus substitutions:

06.40 and 11.40hrs service from Waterford to Limerick Junction will operate to Clonmel only.  Bus transfers will operate from Clonmel to Limerick Junction.

08.55 and 13.55hrs service from Limerick Junction to Waterford will be bus transfers from Limerick Junction to Clonmel and by train from Clonmel to Waterford.

Iarnród Éireann regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Special service CANCELLED (Cork/Thurles/Cork).  Please book regular services.

Please note the 17.00 Heuston to Cork service (Thurles 18.20) will call additionally at Charleville and the

18.00 Heuston to Cork service (Thurles 19.20) will call additionally at Charleville.

To search our journey planner and to book services please click here

Kerry V Mayo - Throw In 14.00 Hrs.

Cork V Down - Throw in 16.00 Hrs.

In connection with the above fixture the following extra service will operate:

12.20 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

18.25 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

We have compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to make it easy for you to understand what to expect with 3-D Secure.

LAST UPDATED: 13th April 2012

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Internet Explorer - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving an 'Internet Explorer cannot display this webpage' at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Internet Explorer options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Internet Explorer (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Internet Explorer, press “Tools” > select “Internet options” > select “Advanced” tab
• Scroll down towards the bottom and ensure “Use TLS 1.0” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Firefox - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'the connection was interrupted' error message at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Firefox options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Firefox (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Firefox, press “Options” > select “Advanced” tab
• Press the “Encryption” sub-tab and ensure “Use TLS 1.0” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Opera - what's happening?

A. A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'Could not connect to proxy server' at the verification stage.

This maybe because of a setting in your Opera options (it should be enabled by default but maybe inadvertently disabled on some computers).

Please follow these instructions if using Opera (ensure you are using the latest version):

• In Opera, press “Tools” > select “Preferences”
• Press the “Advanced” tab and select "Security" to the left
• Press "Security Protocols" and ensure “Enable TLS 1” is ticked, then press OK
• Close the browser, reopen it and start from www.irishrail.ie again

Q. NEW - I am using Google Chrome - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?

A. To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only.  We will continue monitoring this and bring you any updates for Chrome if necessary.

If you would like to use Google Chrome as your preferred browser, it can be downloaded free from www.google.com/chrome

Q. NEW - I am using Safari - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?

A. To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only.  We will continue monitoring this and bring you any updates for Safari if necessary.

• What is 3D Secure?
• How does it work?
• Who developed 3D Secure?
• Why was 3D Secure developed?
• Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?
• Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?
• Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?
• I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• Do I need to update my credit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?
• I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?
• I purchase online using a company credit / purchasing card, how does it affect me?
• I purchase online using a prepaid debit card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?
• Is 3D Secure free?
• Do I need special software for 3D Secure?
• Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?
• I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?
• What password should I select?
• I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?
• Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?
• I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?
• How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?
• What cards does irishrail.ie accept online?
• What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?
• What will I expect to see?
• How do different cards behave?

Q. What is 3D Secure?

A. 3D Secure is a protocol used as an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions. This is achieved by adding another authentication step for online payments; a password.

Q. How does it work?

A. If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page.  You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Who developed 3D Secure?

A. It was developed by Visa and named “Verified by Visa”.  MasterCard then developed a service based on the same protocol called “MasterCard® SecureCode™”.

Q. Why was 3D Secure developed?

A. It was developed to improve the security of Internet payments by offering an extra layer of security to customers before making a purchase online.  This involves selecting a password.  This ensures your credit card cannot be used fraudulently as only you will know the associated password.

Q. Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?

A. '3D Secure' stands for "3 Domain Secure" as there are 3 parties involved in the online payment process:  irishrail.ie, our Bank, and Visa or MasterCard.

Q. Why is Iarnród Éireann adopting 3D Secure now?

A. At Iarnród Éireann, we want our customers to purchase tickets and services on our website confidentially and securely.  By adding this extra step to the purchasing process, you can now be satisfied that your purchases on irishrail.ie are made by you and you alone.

Q. Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?

A. All your previous purchases through irishrail.ie have been secure and there is nothing to worry about.  This additional step simply removes the possibility of someone else using your card fraudulently.  Irishrail.ie has always used the strongest security standards and will continue to do so.

Q. I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?

A. If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected to your issuing credit card’s secure website where you must verify some personal details and select a password. This is integrated into our checkout page.  You must never disclose this password to anyone – this is how you guarantee your card is secure. Do not write your password down anywhere.

Q. Do I need to update my credit / debit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?

A. No, your existing card can be used.

Q. I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?

A. Your Laser card can be used once it is a Maestro card. Laser (Maestro) cards are processed through the “MasterCard® SecureCode™” element of 3D Secure. If you have a Visa debit card, it is processed through the “Verified by Visa” programme. Laser only cards are not accepted.

Q. I purchase online using a company credit / purchasing card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?

A. Yes, as company credit or purchasing cards are not personalised, the 3D Secure check will complete automatically without seeking a 3D Secure password verification.

Q. I purchase online using a prepaid debit card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?

A. Yes, as prepaid debit cards are not associated to a specific person the 3D Secure check will complete automatically without seeking a 3D Secure password verification. However. you may be required to register your prepaid debit card before using it, please see back of card or accompanying information in order to register.

Q. Is 3D Secure free?

A. Yes, 3D Secure is a free service provided by Visa and MasterCard.

Q. Do I need special software for 3D Secure?

A. No, 3D Secure will operate in your web browser as a webpage – you will not need to download any additional software or plugins.

Q. Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?

A. The 3D Secure authentication process is smoothly integrated into our online checkout process and will usually only add a few seconds to the normal transaction time. We believe this is a small price to pay for increased protection for our customers.

Q. I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?

A. If you have purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before, you will be asked to submit your chosen password during the purchasing process. You will be familiar with the process.

Q. What password should I select?

A. The password you decide to use should be chosen in such a way that nobody else can guess it. A secure password is ideally

• A minimum of 8 characters (preferably longer) in length
• A mixture of letters, numbers and characters
• Never use a dictionary word or anything which might be associated with you (eg. birthdays, pet names etc.)
• You should select a password that only you can memorise – do not write it down anywhere
• Do not select a password that is the same as your irishrail.ie account.

Q. I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?

A. If you can’t remember your 3D Secure password you need to contact your bank or in the 3D Secure section there will be an option to select "Forgotten Password" or "Retrieve Password".  Follow the instructions provided.

We don’t save your 3D Secure password on any Iarnród Éireann computer system; when you selected your password this was saved only on your bank’s computer system.

Iarnród Éireann will never contact a customer to ask for your 3D Secure password and we cannot help you retrieve forgotten 3D Secure passwords.

Q. Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?

A. If you have been unsuccessful in making a payment through 3D Secure please contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?

A. Unfortunately not. Instead you will need to contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00, Monday to Friday) to make your payment over the phone.

Q. How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?

A. For further details on 3D Secure you need to contact your issuing bank or the following websites:

• Verified by Visa - Information and Activation
• Verified by Visa - Demonstration of using Verified by Visa (Flash plugin Required)
• MasterCard SecureCode – Explanation, Sign up & Demonstration

Q. What cards does irishrail.ie accept online?

A. MasterCard, VISA and Laser (Maestro) cards are accepted. Laser only cards are not accepted.

Q. What does my bank or card provider say about 3D Secure?

• Bank of Ireland
• AIB
• Ulster Bank
• Permanent TSB
• National Irish Bank (NIB)

Q. What will I expect to see?

A. On the payment details page, you enter your credit or debit card details as normal, select where you will collect your tickets, and press the “Place Order Now” button as below:

On the next page, card verification will begin. Read the supporting text and then press the green “Continue” button to start the communication process with your bank to validate your card. This will happen to the right of this text. In this panel, any details you enter is through a direct secure link with your bank. Irishrail.ie has no control over what the bank will ask you, and we do not record any information you enter into this panel.

Here’s an example of a Visa card starting the verification process:

Here’s an example of a MasterCard starting the verification process:

Here’s an example of a Laser (Maestro) card starting the verification process:

In all cases, when you press the green "Continue" button, the bank's 3D Secure interface will load to the right hand side.

To give you an idea of what to expect in the right hand panel, here’s an example of a Bank of Ireland interface using a Visa card:

Here’s an example of an AIB interface using a MasterCard:

Please note that depending on your card issuer and bank, different security questions may be asked.  Irishrail.ie have no control over what is displayed in the bank's credit card interface - just follow the instructions onscreen.

Q. How do different cards behave?

A. Scenario 1 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer hasn’t implemented 3D Secure, you will continue your payment transaction as normal;

Scenario 2a - MASTERCARD: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure before, you may have 3 attempts to skip the 3D Secure process – on the fourth attempt you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password;

Scenario 2b - VISA: If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure, you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password – there are no options to bypass;

Scenario 2c – LASER (MAESTRO): If your bank has implemented 3D Secure but you have not registered for 3D Secure, you must complete the transaction through the 3D Secure process by registering a 3D Secure password;

• When registering for the first time, you must first verify you are the cardholder by answering some security questions as chosen by your bank (eg. your mother’s maiden name, your credit card limit, your CCV number, your expiry date amongst other potential questions);

• If successful, you select a 3D Secure password, a password reminder hint and a personal greeting;

• If unsuccessful, you must ring your card issuing bank (depending on your card issuer, you may have three attempts to enter your password);

• The personal greeting gives you confidence you are visiting a trusted site the next time you complete a 3D Secure transaction on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure enabled website.

Scenario 3 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer has implemented 3D Secure and you have previously registered a 3D Secure password (on irishrail.ie or any other 3D Secure website), you have to insert your 3D Secure password to complete the transaction. You will see your personal greeting that you previously set (eg. Welcome back John) to reassure you that you are on a trusted 3D Secure page. If you cannot remember your password, there is a password reset facility. Depending on the card issuer, you may have three attempts to insert your correct password.

Extra Trains on Cork/Cobh line Throughout the Week From Monday 9th April until Sunday 15th April 2012

Take the train to events and commemorations planned in Cobh for the 100th Anniversary of the RMS Titanic calling to Cobh in 1912.

As well as scheduled services, extra trains will be laid on each day fromMonday 9th to Sunday 15th April, including a late night Train Service to and from Cobh to accommodate people wishing to travel to Cobh to attend the Titanic Centenary Concert "An Irish Connection".  The last train from Cobh to Cork each evening, Monday 9th to Sunday 15th April will be at midnight.  Full service details are available via our timetable search.

Full information on Titanic 110 Cobh events are available at www.titanic100.ie

Plus, to win tickets to An Irish Connection on Friday 13th April, plus your rail travel, read about the history of Titanic and Cobh at our new blog and enter the competition to win!

Due to Track works between Connolly Station and Clonsilla on Sunday morning 8th April, the following arrangements will apply:

08.40 Pearse Station to Maynooth is cancelled.

09.10 Pearse Station to M3 Parkway is cancelled.

09.05 Connolly Station to Sligo is deferred to 09.40.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

DART Services will be suspended between Howth and Howth Junction/Donaghmede on Easter Sunday 8th and Easter Monday 9th April due to resignalling works.

 Customers travelling to and from Howth, Sutton and Bayside can avail of Dublin Bus services 31 and 31B as Dublin Bus will honour valid rail tickets to and from these destinations on these dates.  Customers are advised to change to Dublin Bus in the city centre or at Raheny.

All other DART services will operate normally.  Please note a Sunday service operates on Easter Monday, 9th April.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

20.10 Heuston to Carlow will operate to Athy only.  Bus transfers will operate from Athy to Carlow.

21.35 Carlow to Heuston will be bus transfers from Carlow to Athy and by train from Athy to Heuston. Buses will leave Carlow at 21.35hrs and train will leave Athy at 22.00.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Due to Track Works at Drogheda Station on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April, the following arrangements will apply:

Saturday 31st March

23.30 Pearse to Dundalk service will operate to Balbriggan only.  Bus transfers will operate from Balbriggan to Gormonston, Laytown, Drogheda and Dundalk.

Please note a 20 - 25 minute delay may occur.

Sunday 1st April

09.15 Pearse to Drogheda may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

10.00 Connolly to Belfast may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

08.05 Drogheda to Pearse may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

08.55 Drogheda to Pearse may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

09.20 Dundalk to Pearse may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

10.45 Drogheda to Pearse may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Take the train to the Heineken Cup Quarter Final between Munster and Ulster in Thomond Park, Limerick, on Sunday 8^th April.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of train services at 08.30 and 10.30hrs returning from Limerick to Cork (change at Limerick Junction) at 16.55hrs, 18.00hrs and 19.00hrs.

Supporters travelling from Dublin can travel on the 08.25hrs or 10.00hrs services from Heuston and choose from direct services back to Dublin at 16.35hrs or 18.35hrs

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie

Due to Track Works between Birdhill and Roscrea on  Monday 26th to Friday 30th March, the 10.05 service from Ballybrophy to Limerick will be substituted by buses.

Iarnród Éireann regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Due to fire damage to a buildings adjacent to the Red Line Luas tracks on Benburb Street, please note there is no tram service between Heuston Station - Connolly Station and The Point. 

Luas tickets are valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of this service disruption. *Please note that Dublin Bus have increased services on routes 90 and 145. These buses will serve Connolly, Custom House Quay( the Customs House stop operates till 7pm, post 7pm use Aaron Quay) and Tara Street Train Station.

For the latest information go to the Luas website or follow Luas on Twitter.

Take the train to the Pro 12 league match between Munster and Leinster in Thomond Park, Limerick, on Saturday 31^st March.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of services at 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30hrs returning from Limerick at 22.20hrs. 

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie.

A new morning direct Intercity rail service from Nenagh and Roscrea amongst others to Dublin has commenced.

The new service is one of a number of changes which benefits rail customers from the Nenagh branch line, serving Castleconnell, Birdhill, Nenagh, Roscrea and Cloughjordan. There are also improvements to Limerick/Dublin services and Kildare commuter services as a result, following approval of changes by the National Transport Authority.

The new service and service changes are (REVISED SCHEDULE, FROM TUES 20TH MARCH):

- New 05.05 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh service (Mon-Fri), serving Castleconnell (05.25), Birdhill (05.34), Nenagh (06.04), Cloughjordan (06.23) and Roscrea (06.43) arriving in Dublin Heuston at 08.33.

- The new 05.05 Limerick to Dublin via Nenagh service will also serve Ballybrophy (07.09), Portlaoise (07.25), Monasterevan (07.39), Kildare (07.49), Newbridge (07.56), Sallins (08.04), Hazelhatch (08.13) and Adamstown (08.18), giving a morning commuter servicefor these towns.

- In addition, the 07.25 Portlaoise to Dublin is advanced to 07.16, serving Sallins, Hazelhatch and Adamstown

- New direct 13.40 Heuston to Limerick service daily (Mon to Sat) serving Portlaoise (14.39), Thurles (15.08) and arriving in Limerick at 15.50.

- Nenagh branch customers will now connect off the 17.05 Heuston to Tralee service in the evenings at Ballybrophy (departs Ballybrophy 18.20), replacing the existing connection off the 17.25 Heuston to Limerick service

- A new additional evening connection will be provided for Nenagh branch customers off the 18.00 Heuston to Cork service at Ballybrophy (departs Ballybrophy at 19.15)

- The existing 16.45 Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh service will be rescheduled to depart at 16.05, arriving at Ballybrophy at 18.00, and connecting with the 18.16 Ballybrophy to Dublin Heuston service.

- The existing 17.45 Limerick to Nenagh commuter service will now be rescheduled to depart at 17.05 from Limerick to Nenagh, and will continue to Cloughjordan and Ballybrophy also.

- The existing 10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh will now arrive in Limerick at 11.59, and the 12.00 Limerick to Limerick Junction will now depart at 12.02, to allow a connection between these two trains.

The service changes will increase connections between Dublin and Nenagh from two each way currently to four Nenagh to Dublin connections and three Dublin to Nenagh connections daily.

Fares for customers travelling from Nenagh and Roscrea to Dublin are:

Nenagh-Dublin

Adult Single: €25.50

Adult Day Return: €26.00

Adult Open Return: €33.00

Student Single: €17.50

Student Open Return: €25.00

Child fares: 50% of adult fare rounded down to nearest 50c

Roscrea-Dublin

Adult Single: €24.00

Adult Day Return: €24.50

Adult Open Return: €32.00

Student Single: €14.50

Student Open Return: €20.90

Child fares: 50% of adult fare rounded down to nearest 50c

Full details of the new schedule are available via our timetable search.

Due to track works between Connolly and Clonsilla on Sunday 25th March, the following arrangements will apply:

08.40 Pearse to Maynooth is cancelled.

09.10 Pearse to M3 Parkway is cancelled.

09.05 Connolly to Sligo is deferred to 09.40.

Iarnród Éireann aplogises for any inconvenience this may cause.

InterCity

Click here for a PDF of St. Patrick's Rail Timetable

Click here to search our Journey Planner

Great  Family Fares - 

This weekend why not take the Family away for a day trip.  Iarnród Éireann has great family fares that make for a great day out.   The family tickets which are available from your local booking office cover two adults and up to four kids, and kids under 5 go free!  These fares are available seven days a week with no restrictions.

Galway to Dublin €73.50 Day Return

Athlone to Dublin €57.50 Day Return

Limerick to Dublin €82.50 Day Return

Cork to Dublin €100 Day Return

Dundalk to Dublin €41.50 Day Return

For more great family fares check out our Intercity Fares.

So this weekend check out the parade, the zoo or visit the grandparents without any of the stress of car travel.  Its easy by train.

St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday 17th March

DART
A Sunday service will operate.DART special trains will operate before and after the parade. (Please note Tara Street DART station will be closed until 16:00hrs - trains will operate through the city centre, but will not stop at Tara Street during this time.)

Commuter
A Sunday service will operate to and from Maynooth with some additional special trains before and after the Festival Parade.

A Sunday service will operate to and from Drogheda/Dundalk
Note:
09:15hrs Pearse/Drogheda will commence from Connolly at 09:38hrs
20:15hrs Pearse/Dundalk will operate to Drogheda only

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter services on St. Patricks Day.

Bank Holiday, Monday 19th March

DART and Commuter

A Sunday service will operate.

Full details of St. Patrick's weekend services

With our great value fares you'd be mad not to take the train!

• DART or Commuter Family tickets from only €15.70.  Family tickets allow up to 1-2 adults and 1-4 children unlimited travel for a day within the Short Hop Zone.
• Single fares start from as little as €1.50 using a Leap Card.
• Avoid the queues, travel early and buy pre-paid tickets. All tickets can be purchased in advance from any Iarnród Éireann booking office.

St Patrick’s Festival Events

• St. Patrick’s Festival Céilí - Friday 16th March, 16:30hrs-19:30hrs St. Stephen’s Green
• DublinSwell - Words & Voices from the City of Literature - Friday 16th March, 19:30hrs, Convention Centre Dublin
• St. Patrick’s Festival Parade - Saturday 17th March, 12:00hrs-14:00hrs, Starting at Parnell Square
• St. Patrick’s Festival Big Day Out - Sunday 18th, 12:00hrs - 18:00hrs, Merrion Square
• St. Patrick’s Festival Treasure Hunt  - Monday 19th March, Registration City Hall, 10:00hrs - 13:00hrshrs
• PLUS Childrens Literary Adventure at Connolly Station on Monday 19th March, 11:00hrs!
• City at Play Funfairs - 16th - 20th March, Merrion Square, Wolfe Tone Square & Custom House Quay.

Visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie for further details on all events and activities taking place.

Because of the large numbers of people expected to travel over the  St. Patrick’s Festival, some services may experience delays.

At 08.09hrs this morning, after the DART driver had entered the driver’s cab of the 08.00hrs Greystones to Malahide DART service, the detonators in the driver’s kit bag exploded. The driver was injured. There were no other injuries.

The train was taken out of service at Bray as there was damage to the cab, and to allow for investigation of the incident. The emergency services attended the scene, and the driver was treated in hospital for his injuries, which includes assessment of impact of the incident on his hearing, and stitches to his hand.

Detonators are used in railway operations as part of the safety regime, and are placed on railway lines by drivers and other staff, and detonated by the pressure of a train passing over them, emitting a loud bang which serves to alert drivers to specific issues.

Iarnród Éireann is offering a special fare of €1.50 for all tickets (including family tickets) on all services between Cork and Cobh all day.

A special marquee will be erected on the quayside adjacent to the station which will feature a farmers’ market, a display by Cobh and District Photography Club, childrens entertainers and performances from local artists including: Actor Nathan Slattery, Default Daves and the Carbary GAA Rangers as well as many more.

The event will run from 12:00hrs to 16:00hrs on Saturday 10th March. Drop in to the marquee and experience this fun day for all the family.

Local tourist attractions are also taking part, with Fota Wildlife Park offering a special admission price of €1 for children and €2 for adults all day on 10th March. The Titanic Experience Cobh is also offering a 20% discount to all visitors.

The Cork- Cobh line is a busy commuter service that sees 46 services a day operate.

Hurling - Dublin V Tipperary, Throw In 17.00hrs.
Football - Dublin V Donegal, Throw In 19.00hrs.

In connection with the above fixtures, the following extra services will operate:

15.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

17.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

20.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

21.30 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Pro 12 league match between Munster and Leinster in Thomond Park, Limerick, on Saturday 31^st March.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of services at 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 and 16.30hrs returning from Limerick at 22.20hrs. 

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie.

Railway Lines is the new blog from irishrail.ie - covering a range of topics, and looking for your feedback.

Today's new post marks 40 years of InterRail with a chance to win a free InterRail pass.

• DART or Commuter Family tickets from only €15.70.  Family tickets allow up to 1-2 adults and 1-4 children unlimited travel for a day within the Short Hop Zone.
• Single fares start from as little as €1.50 using a Leap Card.

Service Arrangements

Please note the following:

DART Arrangements

Extra DART services will operate before and after the match.

After the match, Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 20:30hrs to 22:30hrs. Customers travelling home by DART should depart from Lansdowne Road station.

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter services from 16:00hrs to 21:00hrs.

Commuter Arrangements

22:12hrs Pearse to Maynooth service is deferred to 22:23hrs with a connection from Clonsilla to M3 Parkway at 22:57hrs arriving at M3 Parkway at 23:10hrs.

22:00hrs M3 Parkway to Connolly service will operate to Clonsilla only. Customers for Connolly should transfer onto the 22:20hrs Clonsilla to Pearse service.

Aviva Stadium Directions

Get the DART to Lansdowne Road.

Strategy up to 2030 presented at rail seminar

Airport link to national network recommended

A major report into the future strategy for the national rail network has recommended that improvements in speeds and capacity on Intercity lines be prioritised.

The AECOM/Goodbody Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review is being presented at Rail Vision 2030, a seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland in Dublin today (Wednesday 22nd February).

The report, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann, also envisages longer-term electrification of key sections of the network on sustainability grounds, and calls for connections for Dublin Airport to be progressed – initially via a major M50 Park and Ride station, with a spur from the existing DART line to the Airport to follow. While focused on the national network, the report also endorsed key elements of the Dublin rail strategy, including DART Underground, and the extension of the DART network to Commuter lines in the Greater Dublin area.

Download the Executive summary of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 1 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

Download part 2 of Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review.

The key findings of the report include:

- The national Intercity and commuter network has a key role to play in promoting economic development

- The need to ensure that the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure on an ongoing basis is safeguarded, to avoid the asset being ‘run down’ over time

- Investment in track to give journey time improvements of up to 30 minutes on key Intercity routes, including Dublin to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Waterford, resulting in journey times of 2 hours from Dublin/Cork; 1 hour 45 minutes Dublin/Galway, and under 2 hours for other major cities

- Increases in service frequency on selected routes, with additional capacity through double-tracking the line from Portarlington to Athlone

- Development of a Dublin (M50) Parkway Station on the route into Heuston, allowing customers to the west and south of the city to connect to Intercity rail services, and providing an Airport to Dublin Parkway bus shuttle

- Subsequent development of Airport rail link from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport, to link the national rail network to the country’s gateway airport, in line with European Union strategic goals

- Longer-term, electrification of key routes including Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Galway, enabling Galway and Cork to Dublin Airport rail services via Dublin city and DART Underground

- A number of potential new regional rail lines are evaluated, with only Athenry to Tuam currently envisaged a candidate for further consideration

- Rail freight to continue to operate on a commercial basis, with an Exchequer grant aid facility to enterprises and Iarnród Éireann to support new freight projects with a clear economic return, supported by cost-benefit analysis

- Restructuring and simplification of Intercity fare structures (this process has been commenced in this month’s Intercity fare review, approved by the National Transport Authority

Reviewing the report, Dick Fearn stated “It is clear from the outcome of the report that rail must remain a core element of our national transport strategy, and can continue to develop its role. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that, even in the current environment, normal maintenance and renewal of infrastructure must take place, and to that end we welcome the confirmation that this is being maintained within the reduced Exchequer capital programme.

The AECOM/Goodbody report charts a course to ensure that rail can play a strong and economically sustainable role in meeting the transport needs of our communities into the future. It sets priorities and challenges for all stakeholders involved in or with an interest in delivering transport solutions in Ireland, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to chart a vision for our future network.”

For a live feed of, and to comment on, the Rail Vision 2030 seminar on the future of rail transport in Ireland (Weds 22nd February 08.30-11.30), please go to our new blog, Railway Lines.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

A special return fare of €17.00 per adult and €8.50 per child will apply.

Rail tickets can be purchased from Heuston station booking office or ticket machines on the day.

Due to Track Works between Birdhill and Roscrea on Saturday 25th February, the following arrangemens will apply:

16.45 Limerick to Ballybrophy service will be substituted by buses.

10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick service will be substituted by buses.

18.54 Ballybrophy to Limerick service will be substituted by buses.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause. 

ESB ecars is partnering with Iarnród Éireann to deliver an electric car charging service at  station car parks nationwide. Public transport hubs are an ideal location for charge points as electric car drivers can charge their car while they are parked there. The 30 charge points have been installed in the following station locations:

Drogheda, Newbridge, Sligo, Thurles and Kildare.  

ESB ecars is also rolling out public charge points in city centre car parks, shopping centres, Luas car parks, leisure facilities and tourist attractions. To date more than 550 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations, commercial premises and in homes across Ireland. ESB ecars is also providing FREE home charge points to the first 2,000 purchasers of electric cars.

St. Michael’s House are asking volunteers to contribute second hand books from home and purchase donated books from their peers at a cost of €2.00 per book. This can be set up in a staff common area/classroom over a morning/evening for just one day or for the entire week. This campaign is in association with World Book Day on 1^st March.

Iarnród Éireann is delighted to support St. Michael’s House in the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. Bookstores will be in place in Connolly and Heuston Stations, giving our customers a great opportunity to share and find great reading material for their daily commute, while contributing to services for people with intellectual disability. So if you’re passing through either station, why not take a browse, buy a book and help support St. Michael’s House services.

These essential funds will support Early Services, children with  intellectual disabilities. Early Services is the first point of contact for families and provides support for children and their families up to school-going age. Funds raised in 2012 will support the following areas: Clinical, Educational and Parent Training Supports.

For more details and to register log onto www.bringabookbuyabook.ie 

Further Upcoming Events

Carols for Commuters 2012

Our Carols for Commuters Campaign is set to continue this Christmas 2012 and we’re already looking for volunteers to help raise essential funds.  If you are a member of a Choir, Band or even a soloist and would like to donate some time to perform in Heuston or Connolly Stations this Christmas, please contact:

Fundraising Office

St. Michael's House

Ballymun Rd

Ballymun

Dublin 9

T:01 8840200.

W:www.smh.ie  

E:fundraising@smh.ie  

To learn more about St.Michael’s House, log onto www.smh.ie or why not 'Like' their Facebook page. 

While these issues are now rectified, customers who were unable to pay for their parking as a result earlier today will not be liable to be clamped.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Due to Track Works at Pearse Station on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February, the following Drogheda Commuter trains will operate to Connolly only:

Saturday 11th February

08.00 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

Sunday 12th February

08.55 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

17.45 Drogheda to Pearse will operate to Connolly only.

19.10 Pearse to Drogheda will commence from Connolly at 19.17.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

In connection with this fixture a special train will operate as follows:

09.00 Claremorris to Dublin Heuston
19.20 Dublin Heuston to Claremorris

The line between Athy and Carlow has reopened following an earlier incident on the line, which was attended by the emergency services.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The line has now been cleared and the trains are continuing their journeys.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Ireland V Wales six Nations Rugby International in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 5th February.  Kick off at 15.00hrs.  Direct train services from Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Wexford  and Waterford to Dublin.

A special train will depart Rossslare Europort at 09.05hrs, arriving Dublin Connolly at 12.04hrs.

A special train will depart Cork at 09.30hrs, arriving Dublin Heuston at 12.10hrs.  An extra train is also scheduled to return from Dublin Heuston to Cork at 20.00hrs arriving Cork Kent Station at 22.45hrs.

A special train will depart Galway at 10.05hrs. serving Athenry at 10.19hrs, Ballinasloe at 10.48hrs, Athlone at 11.06hrs, Tullamore at 11.31hrs arriving Dublin  Heuston at 12.45hrs.
Return trains to Galway depart Dublin Heuston at 18.45hrs and 20.30hrs.

Book online at www.irishrail.ie.

Tickets also available from local train stations.

Additional DART services will also operate before and after the match.

Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 16.00hrs to 18.00hrs on this day, Sunday 5th February.  Trains will not call at Grand Canal Dock during this time.

Bicycles will not be carried on DART or Commuter Services from 11.30 to 17.30hrs.

Heineken Cup Rugby, Connacht V Harlequins, Fri 20th Jan. - The Sports Ground, Galway.  KO 20.00 Hrs.

In connection with the above fixture on Friday 20th January, the 22.15 Galway to Athlone service is deferred to 22.30 hrs.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Due to track works between Killarney and Tralee from Tuesday 31st January to Thursday 2nd  February and Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th February, the following alterations will apply:

09.00 Cork to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

11.30 Mallow to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.  Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

13.30 Mallow to Tralee - will operate to Killarney only.  Bus transfers will operate from Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee.

11.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Tralee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 11.15 and train will depart Killarney at 11.57.

13.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Tralee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 13.15.  Train will depart Killarney at 13.57.

15.15 Tralee to Mallow - will be bus transfers from Traleee to Farranfore and Killarney and by train from Killarney to Mallow.  Buses will depart Tralee at 15.15.  Train will depart Killarney at 15.57.

Iarnród Éireann regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Take the train to the Heineken Cup match between Munster and Castres in Thomond Park Limerick on Saturday 14^th January.

Supporters travelling from Cork have a choice of services at 09.30, 10.30, 11.30 or 12.30hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.10hrs.

Supporters travelling from Dublin can travel on trains at 09.00, 10.00, 11.00 or 12.00hrs returning from Limerick at 18.55hrs or 20.55hrs.

Early booking advised on www.irishrail.ie   

These increases follow from the reduction in funds available to subsidise public transport announced in the Budget.

The new Leap Card (a smartcard card which will operate across all public transport providers) will give commuters and travellers an option to pay lower fares. The Leap card is now available.

The Authority has approved increases for Iarnród Éireann averaging 6% on DART and 6.7% on Commuter services. A significant discount on cash fares will continue to be available for customers using the new Leap Card. This discount ranges between 16% and 19% for single fares.

The following fare types will increase from 4th January 2012:

Dublin DART Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single, Day Return, 3 Day and 7 Day tickets together with all Weekly and Monthly fares.

• Schoolchild Single and Return tickets.

• Some Adult, Child, Schoolchild and Scholar epurse fares on Smartcards will be increased. Epurse fares apply to both the IE Smartcard and the Leap Card, but will be in all cases lower than cash fares.

• Rail/Luas and Rail/Bus/Luas fares will also be adjusted from this date.

Cork/Cobh Commuter Fares

• Adult and Child Single & Day Returns and Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares.

Commuter Season Tickets

• Adult, Student and Child Weekly and Monthly fares will increase in all zones.

• Annual Tickets and Monthly Season Tickets issued under the Taxsaver scheme will be increased from Thursday 1st March 2012. Rail/Bus Tickets

• Fares increases to combined Bus and Rail tickets in the Dublin and Cork Commuter areas and Medium, Long and Giant Hop tickets will take place in February 2012.

Example of some fare increases from 4th January 2012

Intercity fares will be subject to a separate decision by the National Transport Authority, and any increase in these will be advised in due course.

For further information on the fare increases approval, please consult the NTA Website.

As part of this station improvement programme we would like to invite you to answer a quick survey in relation to Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Tralee and Rosslare.

We will analyse the results to benchmark against previous surveys carried out to see how we are doing.

Many Thanks

Iarnród Éireann

Docklands Station will reopen for this evening rail services and M3 Parkway to Docklands services will operate as normal.

Iarnród Éireann aopologises for any inconvenience this earlier disruption may have caused.

Iarnród Éireann has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant a Railway Order – the equivalent of planning permission – for the construction of DART Underground. (Full An Bord Pleanála decision)

DART Underground will be the single most important piece of infrastructure in the state to ensure a modal shift from private to public transport, and free future generations from urban gridlock in the Greater Dublin area. It also links all rail modes - DART, Commuter, Intercity, Luas and proposed Metro - to form an integrated cohesive transport network.

The DART Underground rail line, which will run from Docklands to Inchicore, would increase the capacity of the Greater Dublin area's rail service to 100 million passenger journeys per annum, from a passenger total of 30 million passenger journeys annually today.

The project also has the strongest economic benefit of any transport scheme included in the Transport 21 programme.

Although construction of the project has been deferred due to the reduced availability of capital funding, the Government has stated that it will be reviewed in 2015 for the next capital investment programme. This ensures that Iarnród Éireann will be in a position to develop the line should funding be provided. The completion of the Railway Order process and granting of the Order will ensure that the project can be speedily resumed.

DART Underground is not a stand-alone project but is the vital link in a wider package of measures, including:

• electrification of the lines to extend the DART to Balbriggan, Maynooth and Hazelhatch

• signaling and track capacity enhancements to allow more trains to run more frequently

• significant expansion of the fleet and train depot facilities. All of these works will pave the way for the completed DART Underground to fill in the crucial final link that will release the full potential of this expanded and improved rail network into and out of Dublin.

Go to the DART Underground section for more information.

The awards recognise those members of staff who provide the highest level of service to our customers.

Our winners were:

Station staff Customer Service award:
Seán Tobin, Tullamore

On-board staff Customer Service award:
Happymore Karigomba, Heuston

Customer Relations staff Customer Service award:
Colm Gargan, Connolly

OVERALL Customer Service Staff Member of the Year:
Stephen McCabe, Pearse

Click here for a PDF version of the Christmas Timetable

Click here for a PDF version of the New Years Timetable

Or go to our homepage and search our Journey Planner

Please check your times before travelling on Intercity, DART and Commuter, as there are schedule alterations throughout this time on each day.

However, customers are advised to note in particular the following:

24th December (Christmas Eve): Most services will terminate by 21.00hrs approx. A Saturday service operates across DART and Dublin commuter.

25th-26th December (Christmas Day & St Stephen's Day): There are no rail services across DART, Commuter and Intercity on these days.

27th December: Public holiday - Saturday service on Cork commuter (from 08.00hrs), Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter

28th-30th December: Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions

31st December 2011 (New Year's Eve): Weekday service on Cork commuter and Saturday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions - services terminate by 21.00hrs approx on all routes

1st January 2012 (New Year's Day): Public holiday - Sunday service on Cork commuter, Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter. Reduced Sunday service on many Intercity routes.

2nd January 2012: Public holiday - Saturday service on Cork commuter, Sunday service on DART / Dublin commuter with some revisions

3rd January 2012: Normal schedules resume

REMEMBER: Please check the exact times for your journey before travelling on all routes.

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Munster V Scarlets, Thomond Park, Sunday 18th December, K.O. 12.45.

Improved Sunday connections have been organised between Cork and Limerick for supporters heading by train to this Sundays match in Thomond Park.

The 08.30hrs. Cork to Limerick service will now arrive into Limerick at the earlier time of 10.10hrs. while an extra return service to Cork has been arranged for 16.00hrs. in addition to the regular return times of 16.55 and 19.00hrs.

Docklands Station has reopened. Normal M3 Parkway/Docklands services are resuming following earlier signal fault at Glasnevin Junction.

Maynooth and Longford services are also operating normally.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for any inconvenience caused by this earlier disruption to services.

Leap Card

Leap Card, the new integrated ticket for public transport in the Greater Dublin area, has arrived! Leap Card is the hassle free way to pay for public transport around Dublin.

A Leap Card is a reusable plastic smart card that can be used instead of paper tickets to pay-as-you-go for transport in Dublin. Time based tickets (e.g. a weekly or monthly ticket) will be made available on Leap Cards in the near future.

Advantages of Leap Card

• It saves you money

You pay less with a Leap card than when you pay for single fares with cash, so you'll save yourself money.

• It's flexible

You can jump on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail services around Dublin when it suits you, without having to plan your journey or buy a specific ticket in advance.

• It's convenient

No more rooting around your pockets for the right change. Just pay the appropriate fare with the Travel Credit on your Leap Card!

• It's quicker

No more queuing at ticket machines for single tickets on Luas, DART and commuter rail. With the Leap Card you just Top-Up with Travel Credit and go whenever you like.

• It's safe

You can register your Leap Card online, so if it's lost or stolen, no one else can use it. Once you register, you can also see your card history and buy Travel Credit online.

Where can I buy a Leap Card?

Go to Leapcard.ie!

How do I use a Leap Card?

Leap Card use contactless technology. Customers hold their cards against the validators to ‘Touch-On’. Validators are located:

• Buses - at the entrance to the bus on the right hand side, and at the driver’s cab.
• Luas - on the platform.
• DART and Commuter Rail - at entry and exit points of stations, and on some platforms.

Don't forget to Touch-On before starting your journey to make sure your card is valid for travel. If you don’t Touch-On, you may be prosecuted for fare evasion.

When travelling on a bus, there is no requirement to Touch-Off. However, don't forget to Touch-Off at the end of your journey when travelling on DART and Commuter Rail or Luas so that the correct fare will be charged.

Failure to Touch-Off will result in the maximum fare being charged to your card.

I have an existing Rail Only epurse Smart Card, how do I get a Leap Card?

Customers with a current Rail Only epurse Smart Card, run down the balance on the card and apply on-line @ www.leapcard.ie

Input current rail epurse Smart Card number and complete contact details and you will be sent a Leap Card.

For full information, go to www.leapcard.ie

While machine charges for daily and weekly parking will increase, customers can ensure that the price of parking is unchanged by switching to ParkByText where there will be no increase.

Monthly charges will effectively be reduced for all customers, with the validity of the €30 monthly rate for machine or ParkByText customers extended from 28 days to 31 days for no extra charge.

Full details of new rates from 12th December 2011 are:

*Full list of stations below

The revised charges mean that, as well as being a more convenient way of paying for parking, ParkByText is now the cheapest way also, with no increase on current rates.

The monthly charge now sees customers’ parking rates reduced to less than €1 per day for all payment methods.

Customers can also open a ParkByText account, with added benefits including:

- Shorter and simpler payment process (An account holder is only required to send a short text message to complete payment whereas an unregistered user needs to send a similar text message followed by providing their credit card details to a voicemail phone number)

- Account holders have the option to receive text messages and/or emails with updates on special parking offers and system enhancements

- Account holders can select a free option of automatic top up to their account balance ensuring that they always have funds set aside for their parking charges

A 50 cent monthly account maintenance charge applies to customers choosing this option.

Further details are available at www.parkbytext.ie

How to use Parkbytext:

Parkbytext is a Cashless Payment System for use with mobile and smart phones. This has recently been introduced at all stations with paid car parks.

It gives customers an option to pay for their parking without having to carry cash, attend at a machine or display a ticket on their car windscreen.

Once payment has been made using parkbytext, the central system is updated to take account of this and the car park management company will then know who has paid for their parking.

Parkbytext offers two options.  One is as an account holder and the other is a pay as you go option. An account holder would have been pre-registered at www.parkbytext.ie.

To parkbytext as an account holder simply text: 

• PARK(location code)(duration) to 51155.
• All Location codes are displayed on car park signage nationwide.
• Duration can be day (D), week (W) or month (M).

For example, to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 D to 51155 to park for one day at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station)

OR

• PARK 0858 W to 51155, to park for one week at location 0858 (i.e. Dalkey train station).

Account holders may also pay for parking by calling 0818 444 999. Visit www.parkbytext.ie to open an account.

To initiate parking session if not an account holder text:

• PARK(location code)(car registration) to 51155.

For example to park at Dalkey Station text:

• PARK 0858 07D72973 to 51155. 
• You will then receive an information text with further instructions to your mobile phone.

For full FAQs, benefits of opening and account, and Terms and Conditions visit www.parkbytext.ie or contact info@parkbytext.ie.

*List of stations for daily, weekly and monthly charges detailed:

Track Works due to take between Hazelhatch and Sallins on Monday 12th December have now been CANCELLED.

The 23.10hrs. service from Heuston to Kildare will now operate as normal.

 In an aim to raise essential funds for the charity, Christmas Choirs and collection points will be in Heuston and Connolly stations during December.

 Barbara Wiseman, Chief Fundraiser for St. Michael’s House commented: “We are delighted that Iarnród Éireann has chosen us as their charity for 2011/2012. It is great to have the support of a large national organisation like Iarnród Éireann. At St. Michael’s House, we provide community based services provided for people with intellectual disability. We hope with the support of Iarnród Éireann for 2011/2012, we can maintain and build on these services.”

St Michael's House is a community-based voluntary organisation. Founded by parents in 1955, the organisation has grown to become one of the largest providers of services to people with an intellectual disability in Ireland. Today St Michael’s House provides a range of specialised services to over 1,450 children and adults with a learning disability and their families through 160 community based centres in the greater Dublin area.

For further information: Log on to the St. Michael’s House website , or why not 'like' their Facebook page.

A curtailed Enterprise service, between Dublin and Dundalk only, will operate as follows:

Dublin-Dundalk: 07.35, 13.20, 16.50, 19.00

Dundalk-Dublin: 08.02, 11.48, 17.20, 21.23

The 06.45 Newry-Dublin-Bray service will start from Dundalk at 07.10.  The 18.40 Connolly to Dundalk is amalgamated with the 19.00 service, and will depart at 19.00.  All other non-Enterprise Dundalk commuter services will operate to a normal schedule.

Enterprise services cancelled which will affect customers between Dublin and Dundalk are:

From Dublin: 09.35, 11.00, 15.20, 20.50

From Dundalk: 09.10, 13.48, 15.20, 19.20

Customers who had made reservations to travel on Dublin-Belfast services on Wednesday have been contacted to arrange refunds.  Customers with any queries can contact 1850 366222.

Iarnród Éireann apologises for the inconvenience caused.

The awards, involving eight major railway companies from across the UK and Ireland, are aimed at raising standards in stations in all participating companies, through sharing best practice in customer focus and station facilities.  The awards were presented in the Cobh Heritage Centre, Co Cork yesterday evening.

The eight participating companies were:

-      Mersey Rail                                  - First Great Western

-      First Transpennine Express           - Arriva Trains Wales

-      Metro Tyne Wear                          - Iarnród Éireann

-      Translink NI Railways                   - London Overground

In addition to Overall Best Station, Heuston also picked up the Best Major Station Award.  Connolly Station in Dublin also collected the Best Large Station prize, ahead of Belfast’s Central Station.

The full roll of honour was:

Best Metro Station

Highly Commended: Hampstead Heath, London Overground

Winner: Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Small Station

Highly Commended: Hoylake, MerseyRail

Winner: Barnstaple, First Great Western

Best Medium Station

Highly Commended: Stalybridge, Transpennine Express

Winner: Bridgend, Arriva Train Wales

Best Large Station

Highly Commended: Belfast Central, Translink  NI Railways.

Winner: Connolly Station, Iarnród Éireann.

Best Major Station

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

Best Innovation Award

Liverpool South Parkway, MerseyRail

Best Customer Service – Going the Extra Mile

Bridgend, Arriva Trains Wales

Overall Best Station Award 2011

Winner: Heuston Station, Iarnród Éireann

This first phase sees changes including:
- a new design to make the website easier to use and navigate, and easier for you to find information
- a new system making it easier for us to update changing information quickly
- a new journey planner with multiple benefits such as:
   o visible pricing per service with your timetable search
   o better journey information
   o timetable customisation – build your own timetables to print or download (coming Dec/Jan)
   o latest accessibility standards for the visually impaired (currently being tested for accessibility issues)
   o improved real-time service information
   o mobile device friendly (coming early 2012)
- improved station information with links to Google Streetview and live train information
- improved special offers and rail rewards features

With any website change, it’s only through heavy usage that it can be fully tested, so if you encounter any difficulties with the new design (and we sincerely hope you don’t!) or have any feedback, please let us know by e-mailing us at online@irishrail.ie

We’re also working on further changes to the website which will be delivered later. The main change is to carry out a back-end redesign of our web booking system

Our current web booking system, while it has grown in use significantly, does have problems which must be addressed, which regular customers will be familiar with. Our redesign will:
- Ensure it can cope better at times of high demand
- Allow you to manage your booking online, including cancellations and amendments
- Have better customer service tools to give you information or process refunds automatically

These changes will be delivered to you in 2012/2013.

You will also see other smaller changes along the way.  We hope that you find all of these improvements of benefit, and be sure to let us know what you think!

State Coaches No. 351 and No. 5408 are elegant coaches which transported Heads of State and foreign dignitaries over the past century, No.351 from 1906 up to the early 1970s, and No. 5408 from the 1970s to the 2000s.

Those who have travelled on the coaches include: King Edward VII, President Mary McAleese, President Eamon DeValera, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, President Dwight D Eisenhower of USA and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

As No 5408 is now joining No 351 in “retirement”, and is being presented to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), President McAleese will be the last Irish President to have travelled in a State Coach.

Iarnród Éireann and the RPSI have created a special exhibition of photographs and mementos of the State Coaches and members of the RPSI will be on hand to provide guided tours of the Coaches throughout the October Bank Holiday weekend.

See the fine features and magnificent craftsmanship onboard, including Connemara marble and Waterford Crystal, and discover a rich slice of Irish railway heritage.

Admission to the exhibition will cost €2 for adults and children are free. A commemorative brochure will also be available. All proceeds will go to the RPSI.

The Exhibition will open to the public on:

Friday 28th October, 16.00hrs-19.00hrs

Saturday 29th Sunday 30th and Monday 31st October, 10.00hrs-17.00hrs

Free wi-fi is now installed all 67 carriages on the CAF Intercity fleet on the Dublin-Cork route, with further expansion to Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter to follow.

Dublin-Cork

This will mean that free Wi-Fi is available for Dublin-Cork customers on the following trains:

Mondays to Thursdays: All trains in both directions except 08.00 and 09.00 Heuston to Cork, and 11.30 and 12.30 Cork to Heuston (which are operated by Intercity railcars, see below for Wi-Fi plans)

Fridays to Sundays: All trains in both directions

The contract to equip the Dublin-Cork fleet and provide customer with broadband wi-fi was awarded to Irish company FleetConnect, based in Dublin.

Connection to the system is easy, with on-screen assistance for customers on board. Simply turn on your laptop, connect to 'IRISHRAIL- WIFI' and open your internet brower.

If you encounter any problems, just call the WiFi Support team on 01-8809600 (Monday-Friday 06.00 - 23.00) or email support@fleetconnect.ie .

Other routes

In addition, we’re planning further expansion of Wi-Fi to other services.

By the end of 2012, we aim to have Wi-Fi available on the following fleets:

- Intercity railcars (operates Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford & Rosslare; plus Cork-Tralee

- DART & Commuter

- Dublin/Belfast Enterprise

The introduction of Wi-Fi on Intercity railcars, DART and Commuter is being supported by the National Transport Authority. Iarnród Éireann and Translink are working jointly to introduce Wi-Fi on Dublin/Belfast Enterprise services.

With the proliferation of internet-ready Smartphones and tablet PCs, today’s rail passengers will be able to stay connected with friends, family and work colleagues, and they can be productive, informed and entertained during their journey.

But, come October, it’s a problem that this and every other railway has to face, and as the railway’s least favourite ‘season’ is underway, we thought it would be helpful for customers to explain how exactly ‘a few leaves’ can cause hundreds of tonnes of train to be delayed.

When leaves fall on to the line, particularly in damp or wet weather, the rolling action of passing wheels compresses them, causing a greasy ‘mulch’ to cover the rail.

This mulch is to rails what ice is to roads. It reduces the adhesion, or ‘co-efficient of friction’ to use the technical term, between wheel and rail. Acceleration must be reduced to prevent slipping, and braking distances extended. If you’re a regular customer, you can probably sense the wheel “slipping” on a train if you’re travelling through an area that’s affected. This is why minor delays are more prevalent at this time of year, particularly in the early morning and early evening.

The leaf mulch can also affect the operation of track circuits. Iarnród Éireann has machinery to address this problem, which operates overnight on key sections of the network, spreading “Sandite” on the line. However, this can only reduce the impact of leaf mulch rather than eliminate it. The mulch is Teflon-like, and even hand-scrubbing could not remove it. We’re not alone in this, as this article shows: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_rail

The number of weeks this can continue for varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. However, we will continue to work throughout the period affected to minimise delays on services, and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

08.53hrs Connolly to Greystones service is cancelled.

9.00hrs Bray to Howth service is deferred to 9.20hrs.

Iarnród Éireann apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Iarnród Éireann advises passengers that the following special service arrangements will be in place for the Ireland V Armenia Soccer International on Tuesday 11th October, at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Intercity Services

22.05hrs Heuston to Cork - Please note: Passengers for Limerick can connect with a 23.48hrs Limerick Junction to Limerick special service.

22.30hrs Heuston to Galway. This train will also serve Portarlington, Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe and Athenry Station.

Commuter Services

21.10hrs Dublin Pearse to Maynooth is deferred to 21.15hrs

21.42hrs Clonsilla to M3 Parkway is deferred to 21.47hrs

Extra capacity will be provided due to expected heaving loadings before and after the match, however some delays may occur from 17.00hrs.

Please note: Grand Canal Dock station will be closed from 20.00hrs to 21.45hrs.  The carriage of bicycles will not be permitted from 15.00hrs.

Customers are advised to travel early and buy return tickets to avoid queues.  Tickets can be purchased in advance from any Iarnród Éireann booking office.

Schedule Revisions to Connolly, Intercity and Commuter services and DART services will come into operation from Sunday 25^th September 2011. These schedule revisions can be viewed at here  or through our journey planner. The revisions have been made following a period of consultation with customers. The draft revisions were posted on our website and customers were invited to email in their comments and suggestions, many of which were taken onboard.

Customers are advised to check www.irishrail.ie or contact your local station before travelling on or before 25^th September 2011 as departure and arrival times may have changed.

These schedule revisions have been sanctioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The company undertook the consultation over the past fortnight via customer comment cards at the station and the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.  The decision to review the name followed feedback from customers about the existing name.  While it was named Phoenix Park as it was built to facilitate the development on the old Phoenix Park racecourse site, feedback had been received that the name caused confusion for those visiting the public amenity that is Phoenix Park, which  is some distance away.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said “we received a wide range of responses from customers to the proposal.  There was an almost universal view that the Phoenix Park name was unsuitable, and most suggestions for a new name were a variation on Navan Road.  Navan Road Parkway reflects the fact that there is a 100-space car park at the station, which will allow commuters from a wider catchment area to drive to the station and escape road congestion at that point.”

The company will implement the name change over the coming weeks, in station signage, route maps, automated announcements and timetables.

The station opened in January 2008 on the Maynooth-Dublin commuter line, between Castleknock and Ashtown Stations.  It is served by 40 trains in each direction to and from the city.

06.45 Killarney to Mallow. Customers can then transfer to 07.40 service from Mallow to Heuston.

07.15 Tralee to Mallow is extended to Dublin Heuston

07.00 Tralee to Dublin Heuston.

18.50 Dublin Heuston to Tralee.

Please note the 18.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork is deferred to 18.15.

Further Intercity service details to follow.


Commuter Services

11.55 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly

19.20 Dublin Connolly to Drogheda

11.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

12.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

14.10 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

17.18 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

17.30 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

11.05, 12.05, 13.05, 14.05 and 15.05 will additionally call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly Station.

17.10 and 18.10 Connolly to M3 Parkway will additionally call at Drumcondra, Broombridge, Ashtown, Phoenix Park, Castleknock, Coolmine and M3 Parkway.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after the match, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 11.00 to 19.00 hrs.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Limerick Junction and Charleville on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Charleville, Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 20.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Thurles only with Bus Transfers from Thurles to Mallow and Cork.  Limerick and Limerick Junction customers should transfer at Thurles onto a second train from Thurles (Dep. 22.40) to Limerick (via Limerick Junction).

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be Bus Transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston. Buses will depart Cork at 20.30.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.10.

20.10 Limerick to Limerick Junction is advanced to 19.20 and extended to Thurles serving Limerick Junction.

20.57 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 20.40.

20.55 Limerick to Limerick Junction is deferred to 21.00 and extended to Thurles (via Limerick Junction).

22.53 Limerick Junction to Limerick will operate from Thurles serving Limerick Junction.  Train will depart Thurles at 22.40.

Sunday 11th September

08.30 Cork to Dublin will be bus Transfers from Cork, Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and by train from Thurles to Heuston.  Buses will depart Cork at 08.30. Train will depart Limerick Junction at 09.40 and Thurles at 10.10.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Due to Track Works between Drogheda and Dundalk on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September, the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 20-30 minute delay may occur.

Saturday 10th September

20.05 Belfast to Dublin Connolly will operate to Dundalk only.  Bus transfers will operate from Dundalk to Drogheda.  A second train will operate from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly.

20.50 Dublin Connolly to Belfast will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.  A second train will operate from Dundalk to Belfast.

23.20 Dublin Connolly to Dundalk will operate to Drogheda only.  Bus transfers will operate from Drogheda to Dundalk.

22.05 Drogheda to Dublin Connolly is deferred to 22.12.

Sunday 11th September

09.20 Dundalk to Pearse Station will be bus transfers from Dundalk to Drogheda and by train from Drogheda to Pearse.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.



Due to track works between Lisburn and Belfast on Sunday 11th September the following arrangements will apply:

Please note a 15-20 minute delay may occur.

Sunday 11th September

Connolly to Belfast Central

10.00, 13.00, 16.00, 18.00 and 19.00 Connolly to Belfast Central will be a train from Connolly to Lisburn only.  Customers for Belfast should change at Newry for bus transfers to Belfast.

Belfast Central to Connolly

10.00, 13.00,15.00,16.00 and 19.00 Belfast Central to Connolly will be bus transfers from Belfast to Newry connecting with the Lisburn-Newry-Dublin Trains.

Iarnród Éireann regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Click here to search our journey planner.

To subscribe to our eNewsletter click here.

Meet the Managers at Galway and Heuston Stations


<sup>Meet the Managers, Galway Station.
The next of these meetings will take place at Galway Station on Tuesday 13th September 2011. Members of the management team will be available to meet customers on the afternoon of Tuesday 13th September between 07.00am and 09.00am at Galway Station Concourse.

Meet the Managers, Heuston Station.
The next meeting will take place at Heuston Station on Wednesday 14th September from 16.30 to 18.00.  Members of the management team will be available to meet customers at Heuston Station Concourse.</sup>Over the coming months the Iarnród Éireann management team will be continuing its programme of face to face meetings with customers.

Customers are invited to come along and discuss issues of interest or concern to them.

10.05 Ballybrophy to Limerick will be bus transfers from Ballybrophy to Roscrea, Cloughjordan, Nenagh, Birdhill, Castleconnell and Limerick.

Each week, we'll update you with the latest information on events, festivals, sporting fixtures and more

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check our homepage for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

What's on this week - Updated 17th October.

Why not take the train to Belfast for the Festival, to Wexford for a night at Opera, to Galway for the Races or Waterford for Arts or take the family on DART southside for the Puppet Festival.

The Ulster Bank Festival at Queen's, Belfast, 14th to 30th October
The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival is the largest Arts festival in Ireland, hosting a range of events covering eight different genres, drama, dance, family, classical music, world music, talks, visual arts and films.  Events are programmed to take place across the city in almost forty different venues and will showcase talents such as Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Elvis Costello, James Vincent McMorrow and much more.

Enterprise services operate to and from Connolly Station to Belfast. Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

International Puppet Festival, Wicklow & Dublin 21st to 30th October
The International Puppet Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a wide and exciting range of performances from across the world, joined by some of the best Irish puppeteers to provide some evocative and memorable entertainment for Irish audiences. Shows take place in venues in Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, Bray and in Dublin City Centre.

Check our timetable to view DART and Commuter service arrangements.

The Wexford Opera Festival, 21st October to 5th November.
The Wexford Opera Festival has been running since 1951, playing a central role in the cultural life of Ireland, in the world of Opera and Arts internationally. From small and humble beginnings it has achieved world-wide success and critical acclaim by demonstrating passion, innovation and a willingness to lead audiences and artists into neglected territories to explore the rich vein of operatic work worldwide.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Waterford Imagine Arts Festival 21st to 30th October
The Imagine Arts festival includes theatre, music, literature, comedy, visual arts, dance and film. Imagine also has children's events and aims to be both innovative and fun.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Waterford

Galway Races - Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October.
The October Race Meeing at Galway Races has alway proven to be a favourite by all and it is a fantastic weekend of great racing and great craic!  Children under 14 have free admission during the weekend.

Rail services operate to and from Galway and race goers can also avail of a Racegoers will be able to avail of a shuttle bus service from Galway City Centre to Galway Racecourse.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements to and from Galway.

Coming Up:

Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork, 28th to 31st October
Guinness Jazz Festival is Ireland's biggest jazz event and attracts musicians and music fans alike to the city each year. The event, which has been held annually since 1978 and promises to be one of the biggest ever.

Hourly rail operate to and from Dublin to Cork.  Please note: some service alterations will be in place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

ToyShow Experience, Convention Centre, Dublin, 4th to 6th November
The ToyShow Experience is a brand new event for children of all ages, (and of course their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, minders or anyone wishing to bring out their inner child!)

The Convention Centre is situated in the heart of Dublin's Docklands and is a 10 minute walk or Red Line Luas from DART and Commuter services in Connolly.  Intercity travellers can also connect with the Luas on arrival at Heuston.

Check our timetable to view service arrangements.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions.

If you have an event you would like highlighted here, email us at twitter@irishrail.ie

Subscribe to our eNewsletter

 A draft copy of our new proposed timetable for services operating through Connolly Station and Dublin City Centre is available here and we would like to hear your thoughts – whether the proposed schedule is something you welcome or would not support, or whether there are changes not included you would like to see.

 Iarnród Éireann will endeavour to implement customers' suggestions where possible. Suggested alterations which cannot be implemented at this timetable change will be retained in a database for consideration at future timetable reviews.

All feedback received will be acknowledged by an automated e-mail reply. The implementation date for this proposed new timetable will be announced at a later date on www.irishrail.ie

The draft schedule contains timetables for services operating through Connolly Station and Dublin City Centre, i.e.

• Dublin-Rosslare
• Dublin-Sligo
• Dublin-Belfast
• Maynooth/Longford/M3 Parkway Commuter
• Drogheda/Dundalk Commuter
• DART

IMPORTANT NOTE (10th June 2011)

 The original draft version did not list Clongriffin as a stop on the 18:15 Pearse to Drogheda service. This stop was ommitted erroneously and this error has now been corrected. For clarification, our proposals do include Clongriffin as a stop on this service, now listed in the draft schedules. We apologise for any concern arising from this.

Services operating to & from Heuston Station and Southern & Western regional services were available for customer comment from 07/01/2011 to 04/02/2011 and we thank you for all the suggestions and comments you submitted during that consultation period.

This timetable commenced on Sunday 8th May 2011 and incorporates a range of customer comments received during that period.

Draft Connolly & Dublin City Centre routes are available here.

While we encourage all customers to check their relevant schedules in full, as minor changes may impact on your own journey, the most significant changes in these draft schedules are detailed below:

Maynooth / M3 Parkway / Longford Commuter:

 · Monday to Friday off–peak M3 Parkway services will now operate hourly to/from Dublin Connolly Station serving all stations in both directions.

 · Weekend M3 Parkway services will now operate hourly to/from Dublin Pearse Station serving all stations in both directions.

 · Some existing non-stop weekday M3 Parkway services will now call at all stations to/from Docklands.

 · Maynooth service will now be hourly at off–peak on weekdays and all day on weekends.

 · New early morning Sunday services at 08.40 hrs Dublin Pearse / Maynooth and 09.40 hrs return.

Sligo InterCity:

 · No changes

Northern Commuter (Drogheda / Dundalk):

 · Changes to stopping patterns on a number of morning services into Dublin in an attempt to improve journey times.

 · Also changes in departure times on a number of services in both directions, please check draft timetable for full details.

 · 05.40 hrs Dundalk / Dublin Connolly service is extended to Dublin Pearse and will now depart Dundalk at 05.45 hrs but with existing arrival time in Dublin Connolly resulting in a faster journey time of 5 minutes to Dublin Connolly.

 · 07.00 hrs Dundalk / Dublin Connolly will now have an arrival in Dublin Connolly of 08.18 hrs, a 10 minute faster journey time.

 · Updated 11.35 Drogheda-Pearse will be cancelled.

 · Many services will now operate non-stop between Malahide and Dublin Connolly and vice versa to improve journey times.

 · Existing Monday to Friday 20.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Drogheda service will now operate at 20.44 hrs Dublin Pearse / Drogheda and serve Howth Junction and all stations from Portmarnock to Drogheda.

 · New early morning Sunday service at 08.05 hrs Drogheda / Dublin Pearse.

 Belfast Enterprise:

· No changes

Rosslare InterCity / South East Commuter Services:

· 05.35 hrs Rosslare Europort / Enniscorthy and 06.23 hrs Enniscorthy / Dundalk services will be combined to form a 05.35 hrs Rosslare Europort / Dundalk service on Mondays to Saturdays.

· 06.25 Enniscorthy / Rosslare Europort is cancelled.

· 07.50 hrs Rosslare Europort / Dublin Connolly will be advanced to 07.20 hrs and operate 30 minutes earlier throughout. Providing a better connection off the morning ferry arrivals into Rosslare Europort and also an earlier arrival time in Dublin.

· 07.32 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort will now depart at 09.40 hrs from Connolly.

· 12.05 hrs Dublin Connolly / Arklow and 14.35 Arklow / Dublin Pearse are cancelled.

· 13.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort is deferred to 13.36 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire to give a faster journey time.

· 16.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Wexford is deferred to 16.37 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire and now extended through to Rosslare Europort. Providing faster journey time to the South East and also a new service to Rosslare Europort with connections into the evening ferry sailings to Wales and France.

· 18.30 hrs Dublin Connolly / Rosslare Europort is deferred to 18.38 hrs with existing times from Dun Laoghaire to give a faster journey time.

· 19.30 hrs Wexford / Dublin Connolly service is cancelled.

DART:

· Changes to a number of services to & from Howth and Malahide throughout the day on Mondays to Saturdays, please check draft timetable for full details. This is intended to balance services to provide a more balanced DART service to and from Howth and Malahide at a half-hourly service frequency to Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Malahide.

· Changes in departure times on a number of services, please check draft timetable for full details.

Saturdays - Southbound

23.21 Bray/Greystones is cancelled
22.30 Malahide/Greystones will operate to Bray only
23.05 Malahide/Greystones will operate to Bray only

A limited shuttle bus service will operate.

Saturdays - Northbound

23.10 Greystones/Connolly is advanced  to 23.00

Sundays - Northbound

09.20 Greystones/Malahide will commence from Bray at 09.30

A limited shuttle bus service will operate.

09.50 Greystones/Howth is deferred to 09.55

Iarnród Éireann apologise for any inconvenience caused

All above schedule alterations are included in our journey planner 

For printed timetables and permanent Timetable alterations please click here

**Galway
After the concert on the 18th June only a train will depart Dublin Heuston at 00:50hrs the morning of the 19th for Galway serving serving Portarlington, Tullamaore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway.

Customers are advised to book early as there is limited availability on the return services.


Please note when booking to put in the next day date for your return date.  For example if you are going to the 

• Take That concert on the 18th June select the 19th June for your return date.  
• Take That concert on the 19th June select the 20th June for your return date.

Book Now

Prices shown exclude transaction and credit card fees. 

Commuter services - Saturday 18th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway.

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05, 19.05 and 20.05 M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Commuter services - Sunday 19th June

The following special commuter trains will operate:

16.50 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

18.25 Maynooth to Dublin Connolly

22.50 Dublin Connolly to Maynooth

23.00 Dublin Connolly to M3 Parkway

The following services will call at additional stops as follows:

16.05, 17.05, 18.05 and 19.05  M3 Parkway to Connolly will call at Coolmine, Castleknock, Phoenix Park, Ashtown, Broombridge, Drumcondra and Connolly.

Due to expected heavy loadings before and after both concerts, DART, Belfast Enterprise, Sligo and Rosslare Intercity, Maynooth and Northern Commuter services may be delayed by 15 - 25 minutes from 17.00 hrs. to 24.00 hrs.

There's a fantastic range of events taking place, so why not take the train to enjoy these great family days out!

Special offers include:

• Day returns from a range of stations around Leinster are available from €15 at weekends. 

• Hop on a DART or Commuter train to visit the Dublin event: regular return tickets, or a family unlimited day travel for just €14.70

For more information, visit the Street Performance World Championships website or follow them on twitter!

Details of the approval are available by clicking here.

Be it Intercity, DART or Commuter, make sure to take the train, and check www.irishrail.ie for our range of discount offers for rail travel.

Keep watching for the latest events, and always check www.irishrail.ie for our latest offers and promotions

Friday 28th October, 2011 Dublin to Cork Services

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Saturday 29th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

07.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

08.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

09.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

11.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.05 Heuston to Tralee is CANCELLED.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

21.00 Heuston to Cork will be substituted by bus transfers.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

06.15 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

09.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

11.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

20.30 Cork to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers.

Mallow - Tralee

11.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 12.00 hrs.

13.30 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 14.00 hrs.

15.35 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 16.05 hrs.

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.00 hrs.

Sunday 30th October, 2011  

Dublin to Cork/ Tralee Services

08.25 Heuston to Tralee will be bus transfers from Heuston to Mallow and by train (Dept. 11.25 hrs) from Mallow to Tralee.

10.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

12.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

13.45 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow and Charleville to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

15.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

16.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

17.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

18.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

19.00 Heuston to Cork is CANCELLED.

19.05 Heuston to Tralee will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Charleville, Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.  Passengers for Tralee will be transferred by road from Thurles to Mallow and join a second train at Mallow (Dept. 21.50 hrs).

21.00 Heuston to Cork will operate to Limerick Jctn. only with bus transfers for Mallow and Cork passengers from Thurles.

Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

08.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

10.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

12.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

13.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

14.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

15.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

16.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

17.50 Tralee to Heuston will operate to Mallow only, bus transfers from Mallow to Thurles and second train from Thurles to Dublin.

18.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork, Charleville and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

19.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Mallow - Tralee

17.25 Mallow to Tralee is deferred to 18.05 hrs.

17.15 Tralee to Cork is CANCELLED.

Monday 31st October, 2011 Cork/ Tralee to Dublin Service

05.05 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

06.15 Cork to Heuston is CANCELLED.

07.20 Tralee to Heuston is deferred to 08.00 hrs and will operate to Mallow only and connect with 09.30 Cork to Heuston.

07.30 Cork to Heuston will be bus transfers from Cork and Mallow to Thurles and train from Thurles to Dublin.

Customers who have already booked travel on services affected by the bridge renewal works should note the following:

Your ticket is valid for the relevant revised service.  We will give you a full refund on the affected journey if you wish to cancel.

To cancel your reservation please email info@irishrail.ie or call 1850 366 222 (01 836 6222) between 09.00-18.00 Monday to Friday. 

If you wish to travel on an alternative service please note your ticket will be valid on all alternative services for that day.

Please check our Journey planner for full schedule information.  Please note train services WILL OPERATE between Mallow and Cork during these times.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.