The Rail System

It's a widely known fact that Britain was a pioneer of rail travel, as it was the first to open a modern railroad back in 1830. But not everyone knows that Ireland was not far behind.

The first railroad in Ireland, the Dublin and Kingstown Railway was just 10 km (6 mi) long and opened only 4 years after the famous Liverpool to Manchester Railway. The project's contractor was William Dargan, known as the founder of the railway in Ireland, as he was involved in the construction of multiple major train lines over the years.

And while the country can't boast the fact that it gave the world the first railroad, it takes exceptional pride in knowing that it built the first dedicated commuter railway!

But Ireland's records in the field or rail travel don't end here! In 1888, half a century later, the Listowel and Ballybunion Railway aka the world's first commercial monorail was officially opened.

​At the beginning of the 20th century, Ireland rail system was at its peak, boasting over 4200 route kilometers (3500 route miles), But during the last hundred years, the role of rail transport reduced immensely, and now only about 1/3 of the network remains in operation.

Nevertheless, don't let this fact fool you. Taking a train in Ireland is still one of the smartest ways to get around the country, as it offers fast travel times, great travel conditions, and simply stunning views.

But Ireland's records in the field or rail travel don't end here! In 1888, half a century later, the Listowel and Ballybunion Railway aka the world's first commercial monorail was officially opened.

​At the beginning of the 20th century, Ireland rail system was at its peak, boasting over 4200 route kilometers (3500 route miles), But during the last hundred years, the role of rail transport reduced immensely, and now only about 1/3 of the network remains in operation.

Nevertheless, don't let this fact fool you. Taking a train in Ireland is still one of the smartest ways to get around the country, as it offers fast travel times, great travel conditions, and simply stunning views.

Iarnród Éireann is the Irish national operator responsible for all railway services in the country. The passenger services provided by the company divide into Intercity, Commuter, and DART. Intercity trains cover long-distance routes. Commuters are trains servicing the suburban areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. And the DART category stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transit (the Irish only electrified heavy-rail service) and it includes trains running along the North-South Route.​

​Together with Northern Ireland Railways, IR operates Irish high-speed train, serving the Dublin - Belfast route.