Ireland's rail network consists primarily of radial lines leading to Dublin and Belfast. There are only a few additional lines in the south. Consequently, it is rather difficult to make round trips by train only. This is why we have to take the bus to our next destination, Galway. It's another beautiful bus ride. #BlankSpots
I am taking Bus 424 to Carraroe, in the west of Galway. The scenery is stunning.
This area is part of the Gaeltacht, where the majority of the inhabitants speak Irish. Most signs are in Irish only. #BlankSpots
We're returning from Galway to Dublin by train, of course. This time, it's a quiet and comfortable journey. It's an Irish Rail Class 22000 again, which apparently operates most Intercity services from Dublin (but not to Cork or Belfast). However, these Intercity trains lack a gastronomic service and even a first-class carriage. Only a few trains in Ireland offer these services. #BlankSpots
Dublin has two tram lines (with some shorter branches each) that form a cross in the city centre. If you need to change between intercity trains, you can take a tram between Dublin Heuston and Connolly stations, as we did. #BlankSpots
Dublin Connolly station is served not only by long-distance trains, but also by suburban trains (#DART : Dublin Area Rapid Transit). These run every 10 minutes along the coast to the Irish Sea, north and south of Dublin. Most of the rolling stock was built in the 1990s. Some of the newer models date from the early 2000s. #BlankSpots
In Dublin city centre, the #DART runs on an elevated line with stops every 600–1,000 metres. In some places, the trains pass apartments that are just two metres away. Sometimes, a commuter or intercity train with fewer stops comes between the DART trains. However, they are no faster than the DART trains, because overtaking is not possible. #BlankSpots
The southern section of the #DART network (with additional Commuter and Intercity trains) follows the coastline to the Irish Sea spectacularly. 😍
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lars' transport world