My boyfriend and I will be in Ireland and the UK in late August. We plan on taking the train on Monday, August 18th from Dublin to Tullamore (his favorite whiskey so we are going to the distillery) then continue on the train to Galway. After a couple nights in Galway we are headed up to Belfast on Wed. August 20th. It appears that we will have to go back in to Dublin, switch train stations and then head up to Belfast. There doesn't seem to be any direct - or better - route.
First question - are these train tickets something we should book ahead of time or can we just get them the day of? We can find schedules on the Irish Rail website but it won't display a cost.
Second, is that accurate about having to switch stations to get from Galway to Belfast?
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Hi,
Looks like a great trip! Galway is especially brilliant! There is no line between Galway and Belfast - so Dublin is the way you would have to go through.
Online prices on irishrail.ie are usually the best value train prices. Purchasing in the station will be that bit more expensive.
Just a little point when you're heading for Belfast, although the train is probably a little more comfortable, taking the bus will give you more options, and might be that bit cheaper too. There is Bus Éireann and City Link (2 bus companies) which go from Galway to either Dublin or Dublin Airport. If you go to Dublin Airport that means you have two bus companies to choose from to Belfast (Bus Éireann and Aircoach). By taking the train from Galway to Dublin, you will arrive in Heuston Train Station in Dublin, and have to make your way to Connolly Train Station where the Belfast trains depart from! So I would suggest two buses - Bus Éireann might do one thru ticket. You're also not tied down to selecting a specific departure time as you would have to on the train.
Hope that helps somewhat!