How to Ride the Train from Galway to Dublin
Traveling from the Irish west coast city of Galway to the east coast city of Dublin is a relatively simple activity that can be made more enjoyable by following a few short steps.
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Instructions
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Look at the current timetable posted on the website for the Irish Rail (see link below).
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Select the time that you want to travel from Galway to Dublin.
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Check to see what types of seating are available on the particular train you have chosen. There are several types of seating, including: standard, classic service and first class. Standard seating does not guarantee you a seat. Classic service will allow you to reserve a standard-class seat. First class will allow you to reserve a more comfortable, first-class seat. While these types of seating are available on the Galway to Dublin route, they may not be available on every train to Dublin.
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Purchase tickets before arriving at the train station. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Irish Rail at 011 (+353) 1 836 6222 from inside the U.S., or online at their website (see link below). You can also purchase a rail pass, but remember these passes are often only beneficial if you plan on traveling many miles.
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Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes early, especially if you are traveling during peak hours and you have not purchased a classic- service ticket or first-class ticket.
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Bring some reading material or some music. The trip takes close to three hours, so you will want something to entertain yourself.
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Prepare for the possibility that you will be seated close to others. If you are riding in standard-class during peak, there are often fewer seats than passengers. It is not uncommon for passengers to sit on tables, on the floor if necessary, or in very close proximity to other passengers.
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Tips & Warnings
Classic-service tickets, which allow you to reserve standard seats, must be purchased within two hours of traveling.
Pass the time by visiting with your fellow passengers. Irish people are gregarious and enjoy good conversation.
It is often cheaper to purchase round-trip tickets.
Avoid traveling at peak hours. Trains returning to Dublin at the end of the weekend or on Monday morning are likely to be very busy.
Don't be late or you may end up standing. Seats are taken quickly.
