Do I need to book Irish trains in advance, and when does booking save money?
You do not have to book: Irish Rail trains rarely sell out completely, and station tickets are always there on the day. Book online anyway. Irish Rail sells tickets up to 90 days ahead, its own guidance is that booking online seven or more days in advance gets the cheapest fares, and the low fares on routes such as Dublin to Galway and Dublin to Cork sell first and rise as the train fills. Booking also reserves a seat, which matters on Friday and Sunday services. Cheaper fares carry tighter change and refund terms, so check the fare conditions before paying.
Useful pages: Plan your journey · Public transport in Ireland · Dublin · Belfast · Plan your Ireland itinerary · Dublin and the East in 3 Days · The Grand Tour in 10 Days · The Full Island in 14 Days · Ennis · Galway city · Experiencing the Irish coastline · Guided versus self guided tours · Where to stay · Ready-made itineraries · Coming home · County Galway · Cashel · Northern Ireland · Travel notices
Sources
- Irish Rail: online fares and advance booking, irishrail.ie
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