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Train Travel

My name is Bruce Hoffman. My wife and I are planning a 12 day vacation to England and Ireland in May, 2024. We are planning to travel by train in both countries. I have read in your books about purchasing train tickets in advance. How far in advance should I purchase train tickets? Can I travel between Dingle, Cobh, and Waterford in one day?

Also, we are planning to visit some of the attractions mentioned in your books. We currently have reservations for the Harry Potter tour in London. How far in advance should we book other attractions; ie the Beatles Museums in Liverpool, the Titanic Museum in Cobh, or the Waterford Tour?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bruce Hoffman

Posted by
3230 posts

Bruce, this was posted on Rick Steves forum. It sounds like you are trying to reach someone at Rick Steves.
With that said you can travel exclusively by train in England: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains/ and book as early as three months out. Ireland, train travel is less extensive but you can also take the bus: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/ and https://buseireann.ie/.
To get from Dingle to Cobh requires two transfers, one in Tralee and one in Cork taking a minimum of 4h 45m. To get from Cobh to Waterford also requires a change in Cork taking 3h. Long day!

Posted by
4853 posts

Rick and his staff do not offer advice on this site.

For all train matters in the UK, your best resource is The Man in Seat 61. After he's schooled you, you can come back and ask us "civilians" more specific questions.