Hi - I am looking to take the train from Dublin to Killarney with my 80 year old mother. There seem to be a few train options, is one train better than another? Or should I beware of any particular train service? I am looking for something scenic and comfortable for my mother. Thank you!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
463 posts
I'm not aware of any "options" other than travel time. Iarnód Éireann (irishrail.ie) is the train service provider in Ireland. The website is very easy to use, and you can book ahead to save some money on your tickets. I don't recall how far ahead you can book, maybe 60 or 90 days?
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3008 posts
Yeah - there's only one company in Ireland Irish Rail. The train journey is pretty straightforward: about 3.5 hours with a change at Mallow.
There are also 2 daily flights per day between Dublin and the Kerry airport near Killarney, but that wouldn't be convenient unless you're already at the airport. There's also Express bus service but I think those originate from the airport too, so your better option appears to be the train.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8131 posts
There is very, very little difference in the train types. All are pretty much as good as each other.
The daytime trains which are change at Mallow are the Cork bound trains (the Premier service in the Republic) changing into a railcar at Mallow. The evening through train from Dublin is a railcar throughout, so that avoids the change.
So the evening through train at 5.05 pm might be the best for your mother (if it's a time of year when it is still light by 8.20pm when the train reaches Killarney.
That through train (only) also has Premier Class (effectively 1st class).
The other trains have City Gold (a fractionally less type of 1st class) as far as Mallow.
The long distance railcars are very nice in Ireland, but no longer convey catering. When they were introduced they had a buffet and restaurant car for sit down meals.
Now only the Cork trains have catering, as a trolley service. No meals even on them now.
Buses- there is a Dublin Coach #300 which originates in Dublin- runs every 2 hours.