Is This REALLY a First Class Experience? Dublin to Cork with Irish Rail. 

Now that you mention it Legion, I'm a magnet too! Happens to me on the bus too. I'm too soft looking apparently.

Haha, yes I must work on mine too!!

If I'm not in the humour for a chat with a stranger on public transport, my first line is: "Oh hi, my name is Eric. I bet you didn't guess I have a Multiple Personality Disorder when you started our chat, did you?" Unless they are a Clinical Psychologist or a Consultant Psychiatrist, the conversation usually ends quite abruptly there.

@@signalcabin Yeah me too, seem to attract all the lost souls.

Pfffft really Barry's..... Lyons is the only way

I've been held up on the Waterford line northbound approach into Kildare before the junction with the Cork line several times; seems the Cork trains get priority over the Waterford trains, or am I imagining things (that's been known before)?

Ah great, thanks very much for the info. Makes sense and very much appreciated, cheers.

Commuter trains get priority over longer distance trains?

@@patrickmccutcheon9361 No, not really. It is double track (1 Up, 1 Down) after Kildare (and maybe before), so "Express" services (I use the term "Express" lightly) will have to follow in close order if they catch onto the coat-tails of a commuter/regional service until a passing opportunity is available.

From Portarlington in the morning especially you have commuter services from Portlaoise ahead of Cork services to Heuston plus services off the Galway and Westport line at Portarlington and then Waterford line service's before Kildare. It's only at the four track section from Hazelhatch that you can overtake some of these.

Lol, not sure I could emulate that one!!

@@LetsMakeaTrip Just do what I do and slap on headphones and play some nice soothing tunes. It blocks out all the horribleness. 😉

I didn't realise there was an old and new cabin on the loco-hauled service. It does give me an excuse to go back and try this. I'll definitely be down that way again soon so yep, might well give it a go!

Ah thanks Diana! For some reason I thought it was a ‘first name thing’! It s a decent cuppa tbf, I’ll hunt it down next time I’m in Cork 😊👍

I'm a Lyon's Tea man myself, tbh; remember the cartoon TV advert from 60s/70s on RTÉ - "Lyon's the quality tea"; wouldn't get away with that advert nowadays 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

I remember that actually the black golly men dancing with the umbrella's am I correct, oh memories of happier times.

I researched this a while ago, as my surname is Barry and my family hail from West Cork.

@@LetsMakeaTripBarry is a very common Irish surname. Especially in Cork and the neighbouring counties but it occurs in clusters in other parts as well such as Leitrim, Sligo, Down etc. It is an Anglicisation of several names of both Irish and Norman origin such as Ó Báire, Ó Beargha, DuBarry, de Barra etc.

Thanks. Times have changed somewhat but you can still get that. Try Cardiff to Holyhead/Manchester with TfW - brilliant first class service 👍

Cheers mate. I know, it's like why do they do it! lol

Haha, yes that sounds exactly like me! Cheers Julian 👍

Haha, cheers mate. Yes that would be my luck sitting next to people like that. Or if I was alone in an empty carriage they would come and sit by me! I reckon it’s people’s spacial awareness (or lack of). I don’t subscribe to Planes Trains etc so haven’t seen that vid tbh 😊

​@@LetsMakeaTrip Herself reckons I could start a riot in an empty carriage; she may have a point, tbh 😁😁

That's the sensible approach which unfortunately does not happen in the UK that often although on branch lines or single track lines they will wait. Aberystwyth/Pwheli to Shrewsbury is a good example of that.

Hi they always hold the limerick junction to limerick (sometimes onward to Ennis) as its raison d’etre is it’s a connecting service. I think the timetables are cutely put together so that one connecting service picks up both the ex Dublin and ex cork trains.

Thanks for the kind words mate, much appreciated 😊👍

Yep, like I said, it’s quicker than the bus and the train was pretty smooth overall. If I did it again, I’d try and aim for one of the loco-hauled services. Quite keen on doing some of the lines further west tbh👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip Hi Mark,head to Ballina in the west,always enjoy your videos long time fan,always enjoy my visits to shrewsbury lovely town and of course my mrs home village of wellington,keep up the good work mate

​@@walken1996 but ... But ... BUT: don't you have to get off at the dreaded Manulla Junction to arrive in Ballina

​@@ericdunn555 Yes but it not to bad as the other train is waiting for you at manulla junction

Yes I was happy with the table. I do like those in the airline-style seats tbf and the added bonus I was in one of only a few seats where, for once, no one sat next to me.

Cheers Tim. Irish Rail seem to still be hanging on to the covid excuse though I think catering contracts have been an issue (reading other peoples comments). I'm not that optimistic the kitchen's will ever be used again tbh.

@LetsMakeaTrip Indeed. As I understand it, catering or the lack of it has been a longstanding issue with Irish Rail. It felt the same with Scotrail, and for me, it's still not good.

Limerick Junction is somewhere I will definitely be again as I do want to explore a few more of the line over there 👍

The Phoenix Park Tunnel is used for passenger commuter trains during the week. It was re-opened for passenger services in 2016. It's not operated during the weekends - the reason given is a lack of driver resources. You can't get a train from Heuston through the tunnel. A new station called Heuston West will be opened as part of Dart Plus Southwest. This will be for services from Heuston to Connolly etc. Platform 10 is where the new station will be.

Cheers guys, many thanks for the info on this 😊👍

Ah ok, cheers Stuart, I'll look out for that next time.

Cheers Paul and thanks for the comment.

I know what you mean! Definitely need a break from ‘work-speak’ from time to time!

Wow that sounds amazing Ian! I've yet to travel VY but I know a lot of my creator friends over here on RU-vid have done and they think it's brilliant. Very jealous mate, I will get there one day!

How does it compare to the premium Yorkshire Tea? Been some time since I've done Ireland and then i was on Bewleys coffee.

I reckon it tasted a bit like Yorkshire Tea personally?

Ah go on, go on, go on.

Haha, yep I don’t remember being thanked by the toilet on Amtrak. There again, i wasn’t obliged to leave a tip in Irish Rail!

you have enough to deal with biden...stay put hahahaha

They didn't go bust just finished with the contract.

I'd need to go back to the Enterprise service because when I did it after covid, nothing had changed although (like this train) the facility was there. I hope it has improved tbh.

@@LetsMakeaTrip with how often the enterprise is broken , you might struggle. often replaced with NI Railways Class 3000 3-car set

irish rail also lost freight services in 2000 by an unoffical strike which lasted 12 weeks,when there was a return to work in a short time some of these guys who stood outside the gate got promoted by the company to managerial positions which caused a toxic atmosphere among the work force,elements which exist to this day,because stoppage was unoffical the ones who worked some became pariahs,

Yes Peter, I prefer it over Dublin too and there's a lovely train ride down to Cobh - a very interesting place indeed. Galway is another favourite of mine.

@@LetsMakeaTrip My parents live near Lismore in county Waterford so have travelled a lot within Wexford, Waterford and the east part of county Cork. I have yet to travel the West part of the county of Cork as originally my great great grandfather came from Clonakilty. When I was a child, I went on a road trip with my parents and we visited Limerick and Kilkenny and Dublin. I remember visiting the caves at Mitchelstown too. Normally I fly over to Cork from Heathrow but the next trip I intend to experience the rail and sail and travel through either Pembroke or Fishguard to Rosslare. Hope all is well, take care.

Duly noted, thanks for the info 😊👍

Cheers mate, didn’t realise you lived in Cork. Really like it there. Next time I think I’ll fly in and try a few of the other lines. I’ve done the Cobh one and that’s a lovely little jaunt 👍

Cheers mate, didn’t realise you lived in Cork. Really like it there. Next time I think I’ll fly in and try a few of the other lines. I’ve done the Cobh one and that’s a lovely little jaunt 👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip I did live a few years in Cork before moving to Malta in 2015.

Cheers Bob and thanks for sharing that story Whig I can definitely relate to! That’s the trouble it’s public transport sometimes isn’t it, the public !

​@@LetsMakeaTrip Definitely; public transport would be infinitely more pleasant if only the public transport authorities would stop the public from using public transport services, obvs 😁😁😁

@@ericdunn555 But I want an exception for me, and only me LOL!!

@@bobk4404 🤣🤣🤣 👍

Cheers mate - you've gotta laugh haven't you!

I thought it was shot in Kent station Cork?

@@pcset12 My mistake it was Kent station and Trinity College at the end. Sean Connerys wife had a huge argument with the director because the train was supposed to go no more than 20 mph when Sean was on top of the train from carriage to carriage. She was in the helicopter following and the pilot said we are doing 50.

Interesting, cheers Kevan 😊👍

Cheers David, I agree it is better than driving.

It as a bit random yes! Seems to happen to me quite a lot though. Just an average trip all round really for all the reasons you could see in the vid. Cheers Andy

One of these quirks of the rail system that's worth ticking off. I did that with the Kennington Loop on the London Underground a few years ago. Not sure you can still do it now tbh.

Cheers mate and I agree. Unfortunately the seats are basically standard class offerings on this train.

Haha, yep well the Guinness would be a terrible idea on a train I reckon. Needs to be done properly, in a proper pub but of course when you're in Cork, it must be Beamish (although even that's something to do with Heineken these days sadly!).

You could well be right on this - it certainly looked the case when I was checking fares 👍

You could well be right on this - it certainly looked the case when I was checking fares 👍

it is called globalism

@@shutup2751 That hasn't been my experience from visiting 12-15 countries in the past three or four years.

It’s a bit hit and miss. Transport for Wales first class between Cardiff & Holyhead/Manchester is the best imho.

​@@shutup2751 Nah, it's the EU's fault, innit?

​@@LetsMakeaTrip That's fair.

Platform 10 is where the new Heuston West station is being built as part of the Dart Plus expansion. It will run on new separate double-tracking between Sallins and Heuston West powered via DC 1.5kVA to fit the existing DART network. When the Cork line gets electrified within the next 15 to 20 years it will be on separate 25kVA AC lines.

Thanks for the info guys 👍

Think I will try that Tralee line. I’ve been there before, but I hitched a ride which used to be easy back in the day but yep, the scenery is fantastic in the west!

The seats on the Mark IVs are much more similar to the Enterprise as opposed to the class 22000s, where the only difference is a lamp beside your table and a sticker saying “Premier”. I do find the first class service on the Enterprise much nicer though, with hot food and towels, whereas on the Cork train you just get a trolley that sometimes comes around.

I ALWAYS enjoy my time in Ireland - absolutely love it and I've been there many times. I'm heading back to Dublin in a week's time actually. Not staying long and then at some point in the near future, I'd like to try the west coast lines and maybe a couple of buses. Cheers.

@@LetsMakeaTrip great! Unfortunately the transport links from Dublin Airport to city are far behind many other capital cities in Europe! There is a bus which runs 24 hours a day from the airport called Dublin Coach ( a large green bus which leaves from the far bus stops at half past every hour from over near the church outside terminal one). This is the bus I usually get from Laois to the airport taking two hours bus it stops in every town along the way up through Laois and Kildare and then the Red Cow Luas stop just outside the city! Be interesting to see what you make of that bus journey if you had a chance to review it sometime! There are also some themed bus tours of Dublin (paddy wagon) which could take you to the sights like the cliffs of Moher in Clare and a few ghost bus tours in Dublin City I think but I’m not sure if that’s your thing going on a tour one. Enjoy your trip! Looking forward to more Irish content ☘️

Nobody has ever thanked me for locking the toilet door after I've entered the "smallest room on the train" 🤫🤫

I quite liked it. There seems to be a craze these days to make train toilets a little bit quirky!

Yep, or they'll make horrible coughing, grunting noises or (something that seems to be an increasing trend these days), a cheeky vape! Gotta laugh really, I spend a lot of time on public transport and I don't get on with the general public much at all tbh!!

Cheers William, thanks very much for the info😊👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip Founded around 1900.

Oh I didn’t realise before this vid. I just thought Cork was Beamish and that was about it. Cheers Joe 😊👍

Can you give me an example of this so I can reference it. I’m looking for a Mon - Sat bus between Dublin and Cork that is quicker than 2 hours 39 mins (or the same time). Cheers 😊👍

The 22000 has a much better ride quality than the Mark 4 carriages from CAF and doesn't suffer from periodic sticky brakes to jerk passengers. The max train speed is 161km/h as it is actually 100mph rather than kilometers that are used on the rail lines (but the speed limiter is higher again) . The Premier railcars were bought from Hyundai Rotem as is from the factory. There is no way that Irish Rail will convert these to proper first class 2:1 seating given the crowding and huge demand for InterCity services. If you want proper first class seating the Mark 4 is the way to go - these are also due to be refurbished shortly. A tender went out for new tables, lights and USB charging a while ago. Every InterCity line in the country wants more services and they are slowing maxing out the track infrastructure on all lines as they add extra services every year. Galway and Belfast are the latest to be given additional services in this coming Summer/Autumn - which is unusual in itself, as normally this is only in December when every European country (Ireland included) updates to the new timetable - but we will be having two signficant timetable updates this year. DART Plus will free up more 22000 trains for other lines in the next two to three years. Rosslare would have certainly doubled its frequency with indirect services to Connolly within the next year or two, if not for the media pushback from the usual shower of idiots who don't have a clue, that may have put this in jeopardy. If that doesn't happen they can hold onto their 4 trains a day and the other InterCity lines will hoover up the additional drivers. The real bottleneck is track infrastructure. There should be four lines all the way from Heuston to Portarlingon. 2 lines from Limerick to Colbert, 2 lines from Portarlington to Athlone, 2 lines from Athenry to Galway and finally 2 lines from Kildare to Kilkenny. Connolly to Malahide needs to be four tracked. Needless to say all of this requires huge investment and human resources. Right now Galway Ceannt and Waterford Plunkett stations are all being rebuilt and soon enough Limerick Colbert will follow. Cork is getting a plethora of new sub-urban stations, double-tracking and re-signalling to allow up to 12 trains per hour coming out of Cork Kent. Plus Kent's new through platform should be built. A mini-version of this is happening with Limerick. Then you have Dart Plus West/Southwest and Coastal North all taking up significant investment and planning capacity. Heuston will be getting a new station, Heuston West (the platform 10 referenced here will be part of this) as park of Dart Plus Southwest and it will mean new separate double-tracking from the new Heuston West to Hazelhatch. On top of this you have the line speed being increased to 200km/h on the Cork and Belfast lines. Then of course there is Metrolink that will siphon billions too - but needs to be done. Needless to say things are greatly improving but there is a massive demand being placed not just on finances but on human resources too. And I've mentioned nothing about the additional rail freight services, new station facilities and new lines that are being added for these. As a side-note,1.6m track gauge is a real pain in the arse. There's no automated rail grinding machines for this track gauge. Therefore, the only automated track maintenance is the slow milling machines which go at a very leisurely walking pace. Rail grinders, in comparison, can do 80km/h plus. Not enough alternative tracks and the track gauge is why Irish Rail is not in a position to run later trains as they won't have enough time for maintenance. However, the cost of changing gauge and the absolute nightmare that would be, means we are stuck with 1.6m for the long foreseeable future. We do have a highly reputable Austrian-Swiss company looking after the track infrastructure - but no one can work miracles.

Many thanks for the detailed info on this his and it certainly makes sense in terms of the rather ‘limited’ upgrade on these 22000’s. On balance, I’d probably take the Mk IV service or jut the standard clas seating in these is absolutely fine. Like I said in the video, it’s quicker than the bus! Cheers 😊

First class was always available on trains in ireland

​@@jgcondron Thank you ever so much for that comprehensive infornation; I turned 66 last month, just awaiting the arrival of my bus/train free travel pass, so that info is a Godsend for planning purposes - I'm concerned that I may end up like that young German lad I read about in The Guardian the other day who just lives on trains; no permanent abode, it's cheaper to buy a ~€10,000 First Class Deutsche Bähn annual rail pass than rent a flat anywhere in Germany - pops into a local Hallenbad near a station to undertake daily ablutions. Digital nomad, can work anywhere with a power source.

yeah i never remember the old orange diesel trains on dublin - galway / dublin - rosslare and dublin - sligo ever having first class

I did Google it thanks as the only Grattan I knew was the catalogue company (remember them?). He seems a bit more esteemed than that thankfully.

... while wearing what, if you don't mind me asking?

Lol, yep I've seen that one myself!

Cheers John. I did enjoy Cork. This time I found a fantastic seafood restaurant- Quinlans I think it was. Really nice 👍

​@@LetsMakeaTrip Seafood? In/near Cork? You MUST visit Kinsale next time you are down that way - foodie heaven.

Yes Tony, how long have they been saying that for!?!

Ridiculous that there is no catering worth talking about.

I agree there should be more first class provision. People are clearly quite happy to pay for it.

Hi mate, I’m actually shooting in a LOWER resolution atm! But yes last few vids have been with my DJI Osmo 4 which as a bigger sensor. Lower fps helps with the editing process and there’s not that much noticeable difference imho between 1080p and 4K when it comes to shooting and viewing the kind of content I make. 👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip well, something is definitely different in the most recent video. Had another look at the previous two and they're the same as before. Wonder if there's been a change at YT's end?

Fairly generic aren’t they those lamps!

@@LetsMakeaTrip The only other place I've seen them has done away with them unfortunately.

ah no; gotta be Murphy's, surely.

I went to Quinlans for a superb meal and a couple of Murphys. Beamish is equally as good though in Cork - probably slightly better if I'm being honest.

Both Brewed in Cork , spoilt for Choice !!

Thank you very much - one of my favourite cities!

Yep, sorry about that - hope we didn't offend you too much; nice meal though - hope you enjoyed yours too 😁😁

@@ericdunn555 what was the name of the restaurant again or the guesthouse it was in? Long time ago now so long forgiven!

I've had many good nights in Galway in my backpacking days. Couldn't afford restaurants then but frequented plenty of decent pubs. It always drizzled with rain too!

The more I read these comments, the more I wish I'd have taken the loco-hauled service. I guess it's good to get a different perspective on it but like you said, there's very little difference with the 22000's between standard and first. I wish they'd make their minds up what to do with the catering because I agree, it does add to the experience - even if you have to pay for the food separately. Look at Transport for Wales and their excellent service between Cardiff and Holyhead/Manchester.

I believe so (if you can live with the tinted windows).

Yep, standard class on these in future but maybe I’d still go with first on the Mk4 sets 👍

I do agree that in most cases it's better than the car though I do quite fancy taking a few bus journeys over in Ireland - haven't done that for years. Might head to the west coast next, back to Galway, Kerry Tralee etc. Beautiful round there.

If you look back in the comments, you can find out about Mr Barry (I didn't know either - thought it was a first name!). I think the seats are the same as in standard, with a light, usb and maybe a bit more leg room?

Funny that they then sell first class tickets and in some train sets the seat are bigger with three seats across instead of four. In the old days you could get a cooked breakfast. Post covid it is just a trolley.

As explaining in the video, I was on an Interrail first class ticket which is kind of generic regardless of what specific countries call it. In this case it was ‘Premier’ class (Irish Rail’s words not mine). I get what you’re saying but I’m reviewing a train service. Nothing more, nothing less. 😊

So there is no class system in Ireland ? [must be the only country in the world not to have one ] Maybe the government have made it illegal ?

Yes I got that impression. And standard class plus a hot drink and snack from the trolley (if you need it) works out cheaper anyway.

UK rail is one of the most expensive in Europe. Trains are often cheaper than buses in Ireland. Dublin to Cork is €21.50 if you book a low fare ticket.

You could have done it for less, yes. But unfortunately LNW withdrew their 1st class last year (I think). You can still do London - Birmingham in standard class for cheaper than the standard class ticket between Dublin and Cork.

Yes I think you're right - you just get a table lamp by the sounds of it and maybe a bit more leg room? Definitely the loco-hauled service next time tbh!

Cheers Kevin, tbh I wasn't expecting much scenery-wise because towards the west it is absolutely amazing and I'm definitely planning a trip over to Tralee, Kerry etc. Last time I was on the west coast I went over to Skellig Michael on a small boat - that was a fantastic experience. One I'll never forget!

Something VERY different!!

I know! Lots of things learnt for next time!

I’m trying to imagine what the damage to the level crossings was! I don’t remember seeing anything.😂

I’ll take your word for it Sean. Never had the money for first when I was younger! 😊

lol, yep!

On the 22000 class unfortunately not. As you can see the difference is literally a lamp and a sticker. On the Mark IVs though I find the seats much more comfy, as well as a quieter atmosphere from the less dense seating in first class. First class onboard the Enterprise is fantastic though, with options for hot food served to your table as well as hot towels handed out, not to mention an actual buffet car as opposed to an occasional trolley. You can tell if your service will be a 22000 by the 2+2 seat map instead of 2+1, and it will also be cheaper than the other services.

Cheers guys and yes I agree, next time I do his I’ll seek out the MkIV set - even though it has the tinted windows I think it would be a better experience.

No lounges that I'm aware of. Oh and if you do ask for another tea, make sure you pay for it! lol

Well yes, it was more a 'pointing them out' really. I did assume they'd been left there.

Just some photo ID should suffice Sarah 😊👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip ah ok I'd have to get a citizen card then I have no photo ID lol 👍

Agree and there’s much better in the U.K. too for comparable prices.

@@LetsMakeaTrip Exactly 👍

Cheers Paul, my aim (probably next year now) is to try some of the lines over in the west. I’ve been to that part before but not on the train 👍

@@LetsMakeaTrip If you want some Ireland specific advice or help, feel free to reach out!

Nope, I did have a look on Google Maps though and they do look quite nice. Next time eh.

It’s really not worth the upgrade on the 22000 class. If you want a first class experience you’re better off sticking with services operated by Mark IVs, which have actual first class seats in a 2+1 configuration, although it’s standard class is probably better than the 22000’s first class! Even better though, on the Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast you have an excellent first class with hot breakfast or lunch served to your seat as well as hot towels given out. Actually it’s cheaper than the Cork trains too!

Someone else said they've just installed lights and usb sockets. So not much difference at all.

Try Transport for Wales first class between Cardiff and Holyhead/Manchester. Hopefully that will change your mind.

There are better options I agree. Money?

profit over quality is the motto of this country now