In 2004, passenger traffic on Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), the national rail network, amounted to a total of 34,550 journeys (1,581,698km). The extensive service provided by Iarnród Éireann connects Dublin’s two main train stations with all major cities in Ireland. Euston Station (01 703 3299), a 20 minute walk to the west of the city centre, serves Cork, Tralee, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Westport, Kildare and Clonmel. Connelly Station (01 703 2358), north-east of Busáras, offers regular trains to Silgo, Belfast, Rosslare, Longford and Arklow. While not all InterCity routes are as efficient as they could be, the Dublin to Belfast service is exemplary – fast, reliable, comfortable and, with a day return costing in the region of €36.50, it is also affordable. Contact Iarnród Éireann (1850 366 222) directly for any type of rail information, from fares to timetables, or refer to their website: www.irishrail.ie.

Most stations provide left-luggage locker facilities and ATMs. Bikes can be taken onboard on most mainline routes for a small fee.