Luggage on trains in Ireland

I don't think that you will have a difficulty other than lifting and carrying such large suitcases on and off the trains. There is a luggage area at the end of the train cars and smaller carryons can fit above the seat or between two seats that are positioned back to back.

I just gotta ask, how long is your trip?

And say that I'd be more concerned about getting around in the train stations and on and off the trains in a timely fashion with bags that large which will no doubt also be very heavy. Not to mention getting to and from the train stations when taxis may not be big enough to hold all that luggage.

You do realize that you'll have to schlep it all yourselves?

This is the Ireland section from the Man in Seat 61. There is lots of good information and there are many good pictures to help answer your questions. Note that the 1st class section is no larger or more private than standard class, there are just fewer seats.

I think the trains won't have to be crowded or full for you to have difficulty stowing your luggage.

Full disclosure: I'm one of the many who pack for a week, typically travel for 4 or more weeks and do laundry along the way. For my Ireland trip next year, I'll likely pack a mix & match basic wardrobe with 3 pairs of pants, 4-8 tops, 2 pairs of shoes (one waterproof), a warm jacket and definitely a rain jacket.

I suspect you are not familiar with trains.
You won't be able to each carry 2 pieces this size up into the narrow door (probably with steps) at the same time, so one of you will have to stay with the bags outside the train while the other person carries and stows.

Not sure why you wish to travel 1st class for the 2 hour ride between Belfast and Dublin.

Check out the Man In Seat 61 link offered by the other poster. Deals with all sorts of train travel questions. VERY helpful.

I think it is important to respect the travel styles of others. If they want big bags, let them have them. It 's fine to warn about the challenges of getting on and off trains with large luggage, but I don't think anyone needs a lecture on packing. If they are going first class, why not?

Your question was:

If so, is there a risk of us not having enough space for our luggage if the trains are very full?

There is no guarantee of luggage space, so if its full, its full. Kind of like getting on one of those airport shuttle buses when the luggage rack is full and people are standing in the aisle. But if you're asking whether those particular trains are likely to be full, that's a different question.

There are luggage racks at the end of the cars for larger luggage. If the car is full there may not be room for the luggage and they will not let you block the aisle.

The carry on can probably go on the rack above your seats but not the larger luggage.

And as others have mentioned, you are responsible for your luggage. No porters. And train track numbers are usually announced about 15-20 minutes before departure.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply! Your information has really helped me fill in some gaps in the research I've done on train travel in Ireland.

Thank you scalespaul5! Standard class it will be! Looking forward to visiting your part of the world! :)