Using Eurail Passes in Ireland

Eurail passes are available only to people who are NOT resident in  Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. In other words more or less anyone who lives outside Europe.

Eurail Ireland Pass

The Ireland pass is valid for 2nd class train travel within the Republic of Ireland on any 5 days in a 1 month (30 day) period.

Prices

• Adult: $195
• Saver (groups of 2+): $165
• Youth (under 26): $149

It is more expensive to buy Eurail passes once you are in Europe – so buy before you travel. Discounts are almost never available. You can buy the Irish Pass online and this is the easiest and cheapest way to do it.

Is it good value?

If you are planning 3 or more return journeys of reasonable distance within Ireland, then yes, it is. However it is worth comparing the cost with other available discounts to determine which is most suitable for you.

If you don’t fancy driving in Ireland, staying in Dublin and taking day trips by train to other locations is a feasible option. You won’t get out into the countryside much (you will see a lot of it from the train!) but many historic and interesting towns and cities in Ireland are on the rail network and are doable as a day trip from Dublin.

Take a look at the approximate fares here for an example of the cost of buying rail tickets when you are already in Ireland as a quick way of estimating the value of an Ireland Pass to you.

Eurail Countries Select Pass

If you are planning to visit other parts of Europe, this pass may be a better choice.

For the purposes of Eurail, Ireland is considered to be a bordering country of France and the Benelux countries (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg). Since the Benelux counties are counted as a single country, buying a three country pass can actually give you a pass that covers all five countries.

Prices

The following is the cost for a card covering five days of travel in any of these countries within a month:

• Adult: $355
• Saver (groups of 2+): $275
• Youth (under 26): $275

Options for more days travel are also available – see here.

Holders of the pass also get a 30% discount on both Stenaline and Irish Ferries services between Ireland and France and Ireland and the UK.

If booking online with Stenaline, use the UK site (linked to above) rather than the Irish one – the fares quoted will be significantly cheaper, by as much as 20-25%, for the exact same journey.

Global Eurail Passes

If you are “doing Europe” by train, this is definitely the pass for you. Valid in 20 European countries, including Ireland, it is very good value for money.

Prices

These prices are for a one month ticket which offers pretty much unlimited train travel throughout Europe in that time, excluding travel in the UK. Tickets for other time periods are also available.

• Adult: $1069
• Saver (groups of 2+): $909
• Youth (under 26): $695

This pass also gives discounted ferry travel, as above.