Rail Transport in Northern Ireland - Northern Ireland Rail Transport History - A

Rail Transport in Northern Ireland - A

Rail transport in Ireland (InterCity, commuter and freight) is provided by Northern Ireland Railways in Northern Ireland and by Iarnród Éireann in the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland has suburban routes from Belfast and two main InterCity lines, to Derry and cross-border to Dublin. Most routes in the Republic radiate from Dublin.

Airports are not all rail-connected, although Belfast City Airport and Kerry Airport are within walking distance of a railway station.

Both the Belfast International (Aldergrove) and City of Derry Airport are near railway lines but not connected. Ports are marked, although few remain rail-connected. Dublin Port, Larne Harbour, Belview Port and Rosslare Europort are ports that are still connected.

Ireland's only light rail service, named Luas, is in Dublin. No metro lines currently exist in Ireland, but there is a planned MetroLink line which would serve Dublin.

Ireland Rail Transport History

The first railway in Ireland opened in 1834. At its peak in 1920, Ireland had 5,600 km (3,480 mi) of railway, now only about half of this remains. A large area around the border has no rail service.

Ireland's first light rail line was opened on 30 June 2004.

Rail Transport in Ireland Operation

Ireland Major Operators: Iarnród Éireann & NIR
Ireland Ridership:
50 million (Republic of Ireland, 2019)
15 million (Northern Ireland, 2017)
Ireland System Length Total: 2,733 km (1,698 mi)
Ireland Electrified Lines: 53 km (33 mi)
Ireland Freight Only Lines: 362 km (225 mi)
Ireland MainTrack Gauge: 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in)
Ireland Electrification:
1500 V DC DART in Dublin
Ireland No. Stations: 147

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