Experience Ireland by train with a Britrail + Ireland pass

Ireland is an island west of Great Britain. Most of the island constitutes the sovereign Republic of Ireland. About one sixth of the island, usually referred to as Northern Ireland, is part of the United Kingdom.

The main Irish railway operator is called Irishrail (or Iarnród Éireann in Irish). With a Britrail + Ireland pass, you can travel freely by train across the Republic of Ireland and all of the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland is also part of the Eurail network. If you intend to travel only in the Republic of Ireland, your best choice is the Eurail Ireland pass. If your trip will take you through Ireland and mainland Europe (but not the United Kingdom), buy a Eurail Selectpass. Learn more about the Irish Eurail products at our Eurail site EurailForAll.com (opens in a new window).

The official currency in the Republic of Ireland is the euro. Note that Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling, together with the rest of the UK.

The Republic of Ireland has three major international airports in Dublin, Shannon, and Cork. According to Wikipedia, the route between Dublin and London is the busiest international air route in the world.

Regular ferry services operate between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, the Isle of Man and France.

Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road in all of Ireland and Great Britain. Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometers, while road signs in Northern Ireland are all in miles. There is complete freedom of movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic or Ireland. 

Recommended sights and events in Ireland

All events are described in greater detail in the tourist guides linked to at the end of this section.

• Bundoran in Donegal is a paradise for surfers. You can also play golf, fish, go horseriding and surfboarding.
• In the lunar landscape of the Burren National Park (County Clare) there are over 28 different species of butterflies.
• June 16 is Bloomsday in Dublin, with re-enactments of Ulysses (by James Joyce) and readings throughout the city.
• The Jameson Heritage Centre in Cork lets you discover the history and the magic taste of Irish whiskey. This mystical spirit was improved by monks in the sixth century, and the Jameson brand is now world-famous.
• The Royal Yachting Club of Cork in Crosshaven is famous for being the oldest yacht club in the world. Crosshaven is also close to fine beaches in Fountainstown and Myrtleville.
• There has been a Strawberry festival in Wexford in June/July every year for over forty years now.
• In October, plan to visit the Kinsale Gastronomist Festival.
• The Bunglass Cliffs in Donegal are the highest cliffs in Europe.
• Take the scenic journey alongside Cork Harbour to Cobh where the “Queenstown Story” Heritage Centre is located. The beautiful Victorian railway station and transatlantic terminal was the embarkation point for generations of Irish emigrants to the new world.
• Dunganstown, four miles south of New Ross is the ancestral home of the Kennedy family – including Joe Kennedy, John F. Kennedy (the 35th President of the USA), Robert Kennedy and Massachusetts senator Edward Kennedy whose great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy emigrated to America from here.
• Muckross Gardens and Traditional Farm (Kerry) – learn how farming used to be managed in more traditional times.
• The drive from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway city is regarded by the AA Automobile Association as one of the top 10 coastal drives in Europe.
• The Rose of Tralee is a festival in Kerry which is really very traditional. It takes place in Dingle’s peninsula at the end of August every year.
• King John’s Castle is a 13th century castle in the heart of medieval Limerick that overlooks the majestic river Shannon. Explore 800 years of history.
• Take the Killarney Model Railway in Kerry – miniature trains transport you through model landscapes of all of Europe.
• Go south along the spectacular east coast through the Wicklow Mountains to the viking town of Wexford.
• The Puck Fair, one of the last Celtic festivals of the country, takes place in Killorglin (on the Ring of Kerry) in the middle of August (generally on 10th, 11th, and 12th).
• In Wexford the November Opera Festival is an international event.
• The Ring of Kerry has been voted the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland (read more at www.DoChara.com).

Scenic train rides in the Republic of Ireland

• Dublin to Wexford
• Rosslare to Limerick via Waterford
• Cobh to Mallow
• Westport to Tullamore

Ireland rail passes

Britrail passes for Ireland

To travel freely by train in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, plus the whole United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales), buy a BritRail + Ireland pass. You can buy five or ten travel days within a 30-day period. This pass is also valid on the ferries.

Eurail passes for Ireland

The largest rail network in Europe is called Eurail, and includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Republic of Ireland is part of the Eurail network. If you intend to travel only in Ireland, your best choice is the Eurail Ireland pass. If your trip will take you through Ireland and mainland Europe (but not the United Kingdom), buy a Eurail Selectpass. Learn more about the Irish Eurail products at our Eurail site EurailForAll.com (opens in a new window).

Note that Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, and thus not included in the Eurail network.

Tourist information

Official Republic of Ireland Tourist board
Lonely Planet destination guide for Ireland
Wiki Travel guide for the Republic of Ireland