5 magical Ireland railway journeys

Vast sandy beaches, soaring cliffs, expansive ocean views – there’s a good reason that travel writer Michael Palin described the Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine train trip as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”. With a travel time of around 40 minutes, it gives you plenty of opportunities to hop off and discover some of the local highlights along the way, including the jaw-droppingly beautiful Benone Strand; and Downhill, where the iconic Mussenden Temple teeters on the edge of a cliff. Picture-perfect beauty.

This journey follows the iconic Causeway Coastal Route, whose highlights include the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Giant’s Causeway and the village of Bushmills, home to the famous Old Bushmills Distillery.

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translink.co.uk

This transit rail line hugs the horse-shoe shape of Dublin Bay from north to south and offers vast panoramas of the coastline. It’s particularly beautiful at full tide, when the water slaps against the chunky granite walls that protect the railway tracks from the sea. Jump on in the city centre and head south for Bray in County Wicklow – along the way you’ll be treated to all kinds of coastal views as it speeds past sailboat-dotted harbours and tiny islands. In the other direction, aim for Howth and its wild and windswept cliff path overlooking the picturesque harbour. Jump back on the Dart from here and you’ll be back in the city centre in around 50 minutes.

There are so many places to get out and explore on the way, but a walk on Dún Laoghaire pier followed by fish and chips at the sea-facing Fish Shack is a particular pleasure.

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irishrail.com

Historically, this was an important railway for the community until it was dismantled. Thanks to local efforts, a small part of the track has been restored for visitors and locals to enjoy.

One of the many beautiful restorations on these tracks is Kilmeadan station. This is where you’ll start your journey and where you can pick up some home-baked treats and refreshments at the Whistlestop Café. You can choose to travel the full 10km to Bilberry station, located just outside Waterford city, or you can stop at the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, where you can happily while away an afternoon exploring.

The carriages were specially built for the Suir Valley Railway and have been partially opened so that you can take in all the sights on the journey. Enjoy the simple beauty of your surroundings: the River Suir, rolling farmlands, the Waterford Greenway, and even glimpses of County Kilkenny across the river.

Starting in Waterford city and stretching all the way to Dungarvan, the 46km Waterford Greenway is an off-road cycling and walking trail that hugs Waterford’s gorgeous coastline.

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wsvrailway.ie

Experience the nostalgia of rail travel in all its glory by jumping on board a fabulous vintage trail hauled by a steam engine. The journey starts in Downpatrick, County Down, and chugs gently along to Inch Abbey, a majestic ruined monastic site on the banks of the River Quoile that once starred in Game of Thrones®. As well as the atmospheric puffs of steam that accompany the trip, the landscape offers exceptional views of the Mourne Mountains, farmland and pastures and abundant wildlife. And although the journey is only 10 minutes – the experience is one to treasure.

Downpatrick is said to be the burial place of St Patrick, and the Saint Patrick Visitor Centre tells the fascinating story of the saint’s life in a compelling multimedia exhibition.

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downrail.co.uk

Lonely Planet describes Cork city as “a thriving metropolis made glorious by location”, and what a location it is. Perched on an island in the middle of the River Lee, the beauty of its surrounds can be best enjoyed on a short rail journey out to the seaside village of Cobh. Make sure you get a window seat to enjoy the phenomenal sweeping views over the Belvelly channel and across the churning Atlantic Ocean. The journey only takes around 23 minutes, but you can make a day of it with stops at Little Island and Fota Island Wildlife Park.

Cobh was the final departure point for the Titanic, and the town’s connection with the “Ship of Dreams” is brilliantly detailed in Titanic Experience Cobh.

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irishrail.com