Train Travel

The region's main rail stations are in Galway City and Ennis. Trains for Galway and Ennis leave from Dublin's Heuston Station (on different lines). Fares vary depending on time and season; tickets are generally cheaper if purchased online. Trains run to Galway via Athlone, taking about three hours. The cost of an adult one-way ticket from Dublin to Galway is €36.60 (adult same-day return is €40; an adult open return costs €52.10) from the booking office or ticket vending machine (TVM). There is no direct train to Ennis from Dublin. The trip requires transfers at Limerick Junction and Limerick and (including transfers) can take over 4 1/2 hours. .

The Limerick-to-Galway train stops at Sixmilebridge and Ennis in County Clare and Gort, Ardrahan, Craughwell, Athenry, Oranmore in County Galway before arriving at its destination. Limerick Station connects the region to the south, while Galway connects to Dublin. Check out the deeply discounted online fares on Irish Rail's website, which also allows for a free seat reservation. Online tickets go on sale 60 days before the date of travel.

Contacts

Ennis Station. Quin Rd., Ennis, Co. Clare. 065/684–0444; www.irishrail.ie.

Galway Station–Ceannt Railway Station. Eyre Sq., Center, Galway City, Co. Galway. 091/537--581; www.irishrail.ie.

Irish Rail–Iarnod Éireann. Iarnród Éireann HQ, Connolly Station, Amien St., Dublin 1, 01/836--6222; www.irishrail.ie.