Dublin to Belfast - let's boldly go where I've not been before

Share the beautiful ride from Dublin to Belfast. Translink and Irish Rail might not be Star Fleet Command, but they can still launch an Enterprise to boldly go where I've never been before.
This continues my very short tour around Ireland, discovering some of the town and rail routes of this beautiful country.
Departure: Dublin Connolly, Ireland
Destination: Belfast Lanyon Place, Northern Ireland, UK
Distance: 180 km / 112 miles
Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cost: Advance standard adult single €13,99
Date of Travel: September 2022
Joint operators: Irish Rail / Iarnród Éireann and Translink, Northern Ireland
Motive power: Class 201 diesel locomotive. Built: General Motors, Ontario, Canada (1994-1995)

[@aehink143]

Actually might be taking this in a few months when I visit friends in NL, so this should be fun coming from the United States! Loved all the Trek references too!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Hope you have a great trip! Thanks so much for watching and enjoying the puns 👍

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Well having read the comments all I can say is that that video boldy went where no video has before.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well yes indeed. It is as such a puntastic name for a train service, it was surely rude not to give it such honours. 😃

[@colmreilly8779]

There is an escalator just beyond the stairs you came up. Funnily enough, many younger commuters seem totally unaware the stairs you found even exist.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. I did see the escalator, but I was in a hurry to get to the ferry port and I prefer to get the exercise of the stairs! I travel pretty light, so its not like I have heavy cases or anything. Mind you, escalators are great for a smooth rising shot looking out across a concourse, so I don't always avoid them! Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@qwertyTRiG]

​@JohnnyHooverTravels I think Colm is talking about the old entrance to Connoly. There is an escalator there beyond the stairs, and it is certainly true that some people are unaware of that entrance.

[@reggriffiths5769]

Not a Star Trek fan, but I got all the references and puns which I'll treasure and Clingon to for a long time!. I guess with a name like yours, you'll be a sucker for train trips! I do love your delivery and sense of humour, it made made the two and a quarter hour journey seem less than 15 minutes. Nice video, but time for me to phaser out!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for watching and going to the tribble of commenting. I'm just trying to LeForge myself a little corner of the youtube galaxy so hopefully you have subscribed to my growing Federation. I have many more missions available on the channel. 👍

[@janbotimoriggusa7272]

The warp speed joke at 3:45 had me unexpectedly laughing more than I have in the last while, great video, thanks for uploading!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much for watching and laughing! I really appreciate it 👍

[@RailVideosNI]

I travel on the Enterprise all the time and I love it. The trains are lovely to travel on however NIR & Irish Rail are now planning to order new trains which are expected to replace the currently 201 Class & De Dietrich stock around 2026 - 2027. Also catering services are now fully back up and running. Speed restrictions on both sides of the boarder does make the journey seem slow at times especially around Dublin as the Enterprise gets held up a lot by Dart trains thankfully around Belfast NIR normally give the enterprise priority over local trains. NIR's DMU rolling stock are 3000 & 4000 Class units built by caf in Spain. The 3000s date from 2004 & 4000s from 2011. Great video by the way

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the helpful and kind comment. I'm planning on being back in NI in the Autumn, so will be checking out a ride or two on the NIR. Pleased all the catering is now back, as catering really does help create that premium feel.

[@robertbarrett3749]

Let me guess, replace them with plastic light weight uncomfortable loud railcars 🙄 Irish rail are a sham

[@dylanartt]

@Robert Barrett Belfast currently has a new transport hub under construction, and from what I've seen in plans, keep in mind that this is unlikely, they seemed to show an enterprise branded pendolino? It's probably just for example but the possibility is there.

[@sullybully]

I love how this train low-key looks like a TMST

[@ransomzac]

I love how you explain the history of the locations

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for saying that. And thank you so much for watching.👍

[@oscyk]

Amazing trip report! I love the Star Trek gags. As you may have noticed, most of the seats on the De Dietrich coaches are in table formations, you may have better luck with legroom there. The service was once operated by the Great Northern Railway (Ireland), who built many of the stations you pass through and stop at on the Enterprise (namely Gormanston, Lisburn, Dundalk Clarke and Drogheda MacBride, however the depot with the 29000 Class trains is obviously much newer!) In coming years, the Enterprise may be diverted into a new transport hub in Belfast at Weavers Cross. This will be situated near to the busier terminus of Belfast Great Victoria Street. The 201 Class locomotives used have been around for quite a long time, and the generator vans are even older. They are from the previous generation of carriages, known as the MkIII.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Firstly, thank you so much for watching and the kind words. And also thank you for the very helpful clarifications. I'm pleased there's some hope for upgrades with both the terminus at Belfast and the rolling stock.

[@cryzcryz2345]

Amazing journey! Nice views because weather was beautiful. Thank you for this video! 🤗

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is particularly beautiful just North of Dublin by the coast there 👍

[@IrishTransportGuy]

Brilliant video! I have to say, these are some of the best trip reports from over here that I've seen! Many people butcher pronunciations but I've noticed you seem to be quite good at our baffling place names, so thank you very much for that! 😅

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh that is so kind. Thank you so very much! ❤️

[@IrishTransportGuy]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels You're most welcome!

[@dgattenb]

we went on that from belfast to dublin. in the early 90s it was called the freedom train .. very nice

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes back then we were all hoping for a long peace. In general, i think we got our wish, thanks to some brave politicians on all sides. Thank you for watching 👍

[@DART25]

Great video! Very informative

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for saying so! 😀

[@Midlandstransporthub]

Brilliant video and exactly what I needed! Liked and subscribed

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much. Glad to be of service! Lots more on the channel if you like that sort of thing, although a lot less puns in the other videos. 😉

[@Midlandstransporthub]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels haha I'll be sure to check out your other videos

[@irishgar]

Fantastic video, thanks so much for posting. Thankfully no Star Trek puns. Live long and prosper!!! 🖖 😂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, to include Star Trek puns would have been terribly crass. I think one or two may have crept into the script inadvertently, but I'm sure nobody noticed 😉

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Beautiful scenery

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it was lovely. Thanks for watching 👍

[@libbylai2805]

Nice video, its exactly my travelling plan from holyhead to dublin , belast , and then scotland . you give very detail informations about the transpostation, thankyou~

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are very welcome. Thank you very much for watching, and I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I did! 👍

[@lisainbookland]

Loved all the puns 😂 lovely video as always! I really must get this up to Belfast sometime, I’ve never been.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I really need to go back to Belfast too, as I was in the city for only a few minutes before I caught the ferry on to Cairnryan. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@angelenroute]

Happy to be a new subscriber to your excellent channel! I'm not a Trekkie, but as a lover of puns, I really appreciated all the great laughs along the way!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you so much, you are very kind. Lots more on the channel to catch up on. If you like a challenge there is a playlist with every journey in chronological order 😃

[@SepticPeg]

Lovely video, went up to Belfast a few days ago and it was dark going and coming back.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No problem, thank you for watching 👍 Oh... and now you know what it looks like in the light 😉

[@SebaZero]

This is the only review where someone clarifies about the open border.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Just hope I got the facts right! I did look them up on gov.uk so I'm hopeful 😀 Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@jbishop7194]

Great job, John! Kelley and I watched it this morning. We both very much enjoyed the Star Trek puns 😂 You're doing a great job with these informative and witty travel videos. 💚

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks mate! Really appreciate that 💚

[@Greenwillow]

I went on the Enterprise a few years ago for work reasons. What I remember of it was that it was an enjoyable trip. Having never been up North in my life, l knew the minute I seen the Union Jack on peoples houses that I had crossed the border. I was only in Belfast for a day, but would of liked to have seen more. Enjoyed your video. Thank you

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

As I say in the video, I was only in Belfast for about 30min, so like you, I definitely need to go back someday. Thanks very much for watching and commenting 👍

[@AndrewG1989]

Very nice journey. I would like to visit Belfast and Dublin.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I didn't really spend any time in either on this trip, although I've been to Dublin a number of times and always had a good time. As I was rushing to the ferry, Belfast will have to wait until another trip for me too.

[@AndrewG1989]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Ok. 👍

[@Therealprinceofcobh]

It’s pronounced like the name Lewis not Lu As

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. I shall do that next time I'm making a vid in Dublin. 👍 And thank you for watching 👍

[@colinriley123]

A welcome surprise and good fun.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

thanks Colin! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

WellDone Love this journey d sunny weather helps shud be advertised more

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, that southern section by the water really is pretty. The journey just needs to be a bit quicker! Thanks for watching 👍

[@declanrussell2232]

Nice video. I’ve done Balbriggan to Dublin when visiting a pal of mine (I’m from London). You really need to do the Derry to Colraine line for the pure beauty.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm planning to go back to Ireland in 2023 and this is one of the lines on my list too.

[@SilverSamurai12]

Great video and not disappointed with the Star Trek jokes. Just sad Mr. Spock hasn't made a cameo. Also, footy pitch at 6:51 has an amazing view!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. That really is a pitch with a view. Thought it was worth doing something a bit different for the holidays 😁

[@switzerlandch4986]

Monday video? What a pleasant surprise

[@mjj5276]

I love taking the Enterprise to trips in Dublin. The track needs updated as much as the engines but it's still my preferred mode of transport heading south with a Guinness.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great to hear that you enjoy using the service on a regular basis, despite the obvious shortcomings. Trains are the best for kicking back and savouring a drink or two as the countryside rolls by. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@dairesweeney419]

Hi Jonny, more to do with the Ireland-UK free travel area than bexity stuff, great vid !!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. 👍

[@raymondgravelle3931]

I haven't travelled on the Enterprise. Very informative. But I would like my train too be a little slower. I tende to like my trains long and slow!!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Then you'll probably enjoy next week's journey- over 7 hours from Prague, across the Czech Republic and into Slovakia! Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@AtoZbyLocalBus]

I really liked your jokes through out the video, also I see you know some of the history of Connolly station. The fact you talked about the old stairs into the station, but you did not mention that where the Luas stop is, that there used to be a ramp up to the enterance of Connolly station. That was flaten to make away for the Luas stop. Also there was one make mistake in the video, you refered to the Malahide Estuary as a Lagoon, there is a river that flows into on the west side of the Estuary.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind comments especially liking the jokes! My kids do not agree with you btw! I apologise for not fitting into the voiceover about the ramp where the LUAS now is, and yes I agree that Malahide is an estuary and not a lagoon. My mistake there for sure. Indeed I just had another look at Google maps and the road by the estuary is called "Estuary Road". Oh well. I'll try and do better research next time. Honestly, I'm really happy to be picked up on things like this as that's the only way I'll get better! Best wishes and thanks for watching. 👍

[@arwelp]

Ah! Thank you for reminding me about the ramp - I remember that buses ran from there to the ferry terminal in Dun Laoghaire in the time between when the rail line to the old ferry terminal was disconnected (when they had to lower the track at Dun Laoghaire station to fit the power cables under the bridge), and the start of DART operations. I think my first visit to Ireland was only a month or two after the boat trains stopped.

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Great fun - yes, even the puns!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

😁

[@qwertyTRiG]

For some reason, the bus on that route requires that you cross the border. It's pickup only till you cross the border, and then set down only. However, the train runs as a normal train service and you can travel between Dublin and Drogheda, or between Newry and Portadown.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Interesting difference. Thanks for watching 👍

[@MGinSF]

I'm enjoyinig your videos here in Ireland. Just to clarify, it's the Republic of Ireland, not the Irish Republic. We're particular about that, at least I am 🙂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Pedants are very welcome here. "The Republic of Ireland" it shall be next time I do another trip but can't do anything about the ones already released 🤷‍♂️. Thank you for pointing that out and thank you for watching 👍

[@conorcrowley6256]

​@@JohnnyHooverTravelshonestly unless you're specifically distinguishing it from Northern Ireland in the same sentance. The preferred term(and the official name of the country) is just Ireland. Terms like "Irish Republic"/"Republic of Ireland" are a British government invention.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@conorcrowley6256 thanks for the additional comment. I think this stuff is important/interesting so thanks for raising it. As a result I actually thought "Ah OK, so what does the country call itself on the official list of members of the UN?". And its no surprise to you that it just says "Ireland". I can't do anything about previous videos that I've already recorded and edited, but I will call the country Ireland from now on, as you say, except when I need to distinguish it from the province of NI.

[@eugenedonaghy1]

The Enterprise service will have a new terminus at Belfast Grand Central when its constructed in 2024 still being built

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I look forward to visiting when it is completed. Thanks for letting me know 👍

[@binflynn1]

I love the pronunciation of Drogheda lolol good video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Was I close? Thanks very much for watching and commenting 👍

[@binflynn1]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels what I do is Google it and it will speak a pronunciation to you although they are somewhat similar to yourself , yes I found you last night watched a few found them interesting so I am now a subscriber, keep up the good work 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@binflynn1 thank you. I shall try my best!

[@Squareheed]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Its 'Drockeda'

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Squareheed thank you. And thank you for watching too. 👍

[@greywolf4330]

Decent video. I feel the author has an aversion to escalators as the arrival at both Connolly and Lanyon Place avoided the route the vast majority of passengers take up the escalator 😊 so the impression given was a little awry. Overall a good review video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, I'll happily accept the "overall a good review video" score! You are quite right, this reviewer does indeed always gravitate to the stairs in stations, hotels and pretty much everywhere I go. I'm just doing a little bit extra to keep fit really... Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@greywolf4330]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I actually watched the Dublin to Cork video first and it was very interesting 😁 and was typing a request for the Enterprise when I wondered if you'd already done one and if course you had 👍 The 16:50 Enterprise out of Connolly is my usual and it's very busy forcing me to always go Enterprise Plus class... Must go and watch you other offerings now, Thank you!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@greywolf4330 thanks again for more kind words. I have playlists. there's one which is "all videos in chronological order", good to drop in somewhere and follow me in the order I took the trips. But also one just for Ireland videos if that's your special interest. Thanks again for finding me on KZbin 👍

[@paulmcmullan8498]

Just for your trek ...Spock actually was on one of the enterprise trains..and said it's the first time he had been on an enterprise that actually moved..

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

hahahaha!! Brilliant! Thanks for sharing that! And thank you so much for watching. 👍

[@spottingnorth]

Great Video! What equipment did you use? :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! 👍 I use a GoPro 8 with a media mod and also a GoPro 9

[@NickyDF]

Hello there - thank you for the video, it’s very informative. I tried booking the ticket online - but it shows that somewhere towards north, train stop and you have to jump into a bus to continue going to Belfast, is that right?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It might be correct for the date you choose if there are engineering works. There are tickets for next week that are a direct train like the one i travelled on. You must ask Irish rail directly. Thanks for watching 👍

[@qwertyTRiG]

The new station being built in Belfast necessitates major engineering works. So on some days there are bus transfers from Newry.

[@Luce306]

I went to Belfast by first class and I got free orange juice and I paid for my breakfast for 12 euros i think I enjoy it I did it recently when they brought back the catering service after three years without catering

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. It would have been nice to enjoy the catering. I'm pleased you got a nice breakfast! Thanks for watching another video 👍

[@Luce306]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels indeed your welcome

[@jonhigginson4096]

It’ll be better once the enterprise docks at the new grand central station, Lanyon Place seems right out on a limb.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Agreed it is a bit off the centre and its also a bit cramped to be a terminus station of what is essentially both railway's flagship service. Thanks for watching

[@davidpryle3935]

I would say the common travel area (U.K, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) has more to do with providing an open border for passengers, than the Northern Ireland protocol. The common travel area predates the EEC/EU by many years. Different story for freight, of course.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I believe you are right. I suppose what I was clumsily saying was that whilst UK borders with other EU countries have tightened post-Brexit, with UK/Ireland we have agreed to continue the common travel area. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Another lesson for me to check my facts a bit more carefully and also take more care with the commentary 👍

[@Greenwillow]

I took the Enterprise a few years ago for work reasons. Having never been up north in my life I found the trip a pleasure( not the work part) The one thing that stood out for me was realising I was in the North as soon as I seen the Union Jack flags on peoples houses as the train went by. Would like to have seen more of Belfast but it was only a day trip.😉😅

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Greenwillow yes, I hear Belfast is lovely. I already have a trip to NI planned for October

[@EURAMBLER]

no Christmas tree 😢 when have you recorded this video?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was September, so yes, no tree 🌲

[@shutup2751]

10:24 i see what you did there lol

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. I did, didn't I 😂

[@mjj5276]

I love taking the Enterprise, comfy, leg room ya can have a drink and a toilet when required.😀

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yep. I really enjoyed it too. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@nicolaramoso3286]

Isn't that common to have toilets in regular trains in Ireland?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@nicolaramoso3286 yes. There are toilets on the trains.

[@mjj5276]

@@nicolaramoso3286 Yeah but I was comparing it to the other option of coach to/ from Dublin.

[@nicolaramoso3286]

@@mjj5276 oh I see that makes sense

[@frcdanoob9537]

11:10 when you said the train does fell slow, 90mph is not its top speed. its top speed is 102mph, the only downside to this is it has to go 90 - 100mph in NI because of speed limits, it might be the same in the republic

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the extra information. And thanks too for watching 👍

[@jimcrawford5039]

The Enterprise train began after WW2, way before Star Trek!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Maybe the idea for the name slipped back in time through a wormhole in space... 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134]

The food service wasn't suspended due to covid it is just beacuse the y vary between different times of trains

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah. Thank you so much for that clarification. My apologies for that inaccuracy. And thank you for watching too!

[@stephenconnolly2582]

Not true my friend. Irish rail staff were let go during the pandemic including catering staff, catering staff on selected routes (most profitable) are slowly starting back but the initial suspension was due to the pandemic 👍

[@nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134]

Stephen connoly check translink catering times for enterprise

[@stephenconnolly2582]

@@nirailwaystrainspooterbelf3134 its a joint partnership between the two companies. I'm not doubting you you could be correct but I assumed that they were all under the one partnership. I'm actually taking the 12.00 dublin to Belfast today

[@Lner1922]

@@stephenconnolly2582 Catering on all IE trains is currently non existant. Unfortunatly the catering co who ran the service pulled out last year and left IE high and dry. IE are currently trying to replace them how long this takes remains to be seen The only catering on Belfast trains is on those operated by NIR

[@SejoVarghesereadytowork]

I am staying in belfast and planing to visit dublin, I am an indian citizen with BRP card, whether i can travel to dublin with BRP card ?? or need Irish visa ?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Not sure you should be asking my advice. Check UK and Ireland govt websites.

[@PS-ru2ov]

you need a visa

[@jagathfernando6433]

👍🏼😁💚

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@nornironnomad]

I want to travel on this train soon, but it's slower and more expensive than the bus 🚌 😫

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That I can believe. Worth it though for the experience if you like riding on trains like I do! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@frazerco]

I usually get the bus up and enterprise home. Dublin coach (Green Bus) was great as had a toilet. Aircoach (Blue Bus) I know doesn't and am not sure about the X1.

[@frazerco]

Always treat myself to the Enterprise on the way home from Belfast to Dublin. As you have mentioned, if you book in advance, the fare is reduced.

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Or even boldly

[@Buildbeautiful]

Dublin Heuston in the west of central Dublin is bigger than connolly station as Ireland has no real big cities and no rail link to Britian or mainland europe then its train stations do not have to be big enjoyed the video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed Heuston is a lovely station and, as you say, they are big enough for their purpose. But it is sad that the exterior of Connolly doesn't lead into an impressive space. But I will admit that is the nature of where it has had to be built. I have some more videos from my trip to Ireland for you to enjoy and others from around the UK and Europe... with more to come. So "stay tuned" Thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@arwelp]

I haven’t been to Ireland since about 6 months before Covid, but Connolly Station in its current form is much nicer than it was when I first went there in 1982, just before the DART started running - CIÉ (the predecessor of IÉ) had a habit of painting everything (including the trains and Dublin buses) in black and orange, and Connolly was a very dark and depressing place!

[@tomwalsh2244]

Actually only thr trains were Black and Tan and only between 1966 and the end of the Mark 2 carriages in 2010. From 1990 (when arrows were introduced) the train's liverys changed as new models were introduced and old ones phased out. Only 2 types of buses were ever orange and not the same oranges as the trains, the leyland Atlanteans and the VanHools introduced in 1974. The rest went from navy and cream in the 60s to the Dublin bus green in the 80s as did the aforementioned VanHools and Atlanteans. You may have been in Ireland before the pandemic but the only black and orange trains you've seen since about 2006 are the old arrows as a throwback to previous times. And buses have not been orange since the 80s. So your statement is inaccurate.

[@arwelp]

@@tomwalsh2244 Yup, as I said, it was 1982…

[@Caambrinus]

Not DRAW-duh, Johnny. It's DROH-heduh. Not BALL -Briggin, but Bahl -BRIGG-in. And the -TH at the end of 'Meath' is as in the word 'the'.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that. I usually try to record in station or on train announcements but I messed up here. Next time I'm in Ireland I will try harder. Hope it didn't detract too much. Thank you for watching 👍

[@Caambrinus]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Just a FYI. Irish names, even in their anglicised versions, are full of traps. You might also cover the line from Belfast to Derry/Portrush? Oh, and I like your puns, too.

[@Kulla1berg]

Favourite in reply When I was first time in Belfast and was on my way down to Dublin Airport did they recommended me to take the bus as IRA very often called the police and told them that there was a bomb at the train, this was just some months before the bomb in Omagh Time is changing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. I'm pleased those days are behind us, and I hope they never return 🤞 Best wishes 👍

[@EURAMBLER]

everytime when I was planning to do that I just drove instead 🙃

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well that's fair enough if you live there and have a car! But worth doing one return journey just for the experience. Honestly, if I did it again, I'd see if the ticket allowed a break of journey at Dundalk just so I could spend an hour or two at the station.

[@EURAMBLER]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I'll try to do that next year 👍🚄

[@Irish-Transport-Photography]

Great video, but one thing very important its pronounced Loo-ihs, not Loo-ahs

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. Others have commented the same. I promise to get it right when I return to Ireland later this year. Thank you for the kind comment. I really appreciate it 👍

[@gerryward9627]

For an international service, having travelled throughout Europe by train, the Enterprise is one of the slowest. Thankfully the scenery is good. Boring train journey.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. The scenery is good, but I agree that it needs upgraded trackwork even ahead of upgraded trains. The journey time must be cut.

[@lastwalkaroundmirrorlake]

Enterprise has slowest bloody train I've ever travelled on at around 2hr 45m to travel just over 100miles between two big cities in Ireland. The last few times I travelled on it the engine broke down and the previous time it overheated so that resulted in a delay and we travelled on a regular NI Railways train. The carriages and service is in need of a complete overhaul it is decades behind London and the Home Counties.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Sadly I think there is much truth in what you say. I've watched other KZbin trip reports where travellers suffered exactly what you describe. It is a real shame that Dublin and Belfast cannot enjoy a service that even comes close to, say, Bristol to London. Thank you very much for both watching and commenting 😀

[@lastwalkaroundmirrorlake]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thanks for the reply. Also in England if the service falls below a certain standard consistently the franchise is taken off the holder and awarded to someone else. In Northern Ireland NI Railways is the only rail operator and part of Translink which is state owned. There is no competition, even the bus service has no competition except Aircoach which takes even longer than the train well over 3 hours, it's a complete joke.

[@latorregolf]

@@lastwalkaroundmirrorlake Drive.

[@lastwalkaroundmirrorlake]

@@latorregolf I can but some people don't have car and rely on the train. They should be able to expect a bit of investment and decent travel times between two major cities.

[@Jake-jr2zh]

Travelling by train in the UK. I experienced serious delays in the Month of October. Delays were due to LEAVES on the tracks. Seriously is leaves on the tracks in October an unusual thing in Autumm 😂😂😂

[@kennethtierney7835]

No soap in the toilet. Inexcusable!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Tbf have you ever seen anyone wash their hands on Star Trek?

[@Ceiteach.O.Duibhir]

2:13 the Irish republic consists of the entire island. NI doesn't exist only the north of ireland, which is all 9 Irish counties in the Ulster Province

[@qwertyTRiG]

Wrong. We had a constitutional ammendment about that. You may dislike the result, but that doesn't mean that it isn't real.

[@andrewhowe555]

Excellent video, really enjoyed this one (though they are all fantastic)….Live long and prosper etc ….🚂🤍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Very nice of you to say those kind words. 👍

[@MrKenhogg]

LOOK AT TRAIN STATION SPELLING

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Did I spell one or more wrongly?

[@Irish-Transport-Photography]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I believe he's referring to 7:05 when you mispelled Gormanstown as Gormanston, either way no problem.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Irish-Transport-Photography Ah. I do dislike making mistakes. So my apologies.👍

[@Irish-Transport-Photography]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels No worries, we all make mistakes, keep up with the great content👍

[@conorbrown792]

It's spelled Gormanston is it not? The army barracks is out there

[@saltybear]

Enough with the Star Trek references already!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I find your comment totally illogical... 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidlally592]

Mm..beware and this does NOT apply to anyone with an Irish or UK passport. Soon the brexit mad UK Govt may require you, if travelling by any means (incl the Enterprise) to NI, to have a visa. The Irish Govt and both Irish and NI Tourism bodies have strongly protested..

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I suppose we will have to wait and see on that one. Thanks for watching the video 👍

[@GeorgeKeenan-bj9gj]

Boro

[@Yu-hx5jo]

dude it doesnt even feel like an "international journey" , maybe because people in the both the sides are the same with the same way of life, 1 island divided along politics. I can't even differentiate what is UK and Ireland here. Same scenery same , same roads wow. I was for some reason expecting some stark views in scenery or maybe buildings but yeah. This kinda feels like a regional/ intercity train.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I think if you do more than have a train ride like me (and the video) then the differences would be more stark. However you must remember that the Republic of Ireland, as a country, is only 100 years old, so the old buildings were all erected when it was part of the state of the United Kingdom, so it would be expected that things look similar. I did not spend long in Northern Ireland this time, but I am returning in October, so maybe I can highlight the differences on my next journey. And, of course, there are many borders in Europe where neither the architecture, language or culture changes. After all, borders are just lines drawn by people and they have been re-drawn many times throughout history. Thank you so much for watching and commenting