Is Dublin to Rosslare the most scenic Irish rail journey? Join me to find out!

Yet another InterCity Class 22000, but this time it is definitely not about the train. The line from Dublin to Greystones is rightly renowned as one of the prettiest in Ireland as the train skirts Dublin Bay and then hugs the Irish Sea. But actually pretty much ALL of the journey down to Rosslare Europort is beautiful. Once we swing away from the coast the countryside of County Wickow and County Wexford, with hills, rivers, estuaries and coastline, delivers what I think is the all-round most scenic ride I've ever had in Ireland.
Come and join me as I continue to explore the towns and rail routes of this beautiful country.
Departure: Dublin Connolly, Ireland
Destination: Rosslare Europort, Ireland
Distance: 166 km / 103 miles
Duration: 3 hrs 8 mins
Cost: Standard tickets only. Price depends on flexibility of the ticket
Adult single - Low (€7,49 / £6.40). SemiFlex (€12,75 / £10.95). FullFlex (€13,75 / £11.80)
Date of Travel: April 2023
Operator: Irish Rail / Iarnród Éireann
Motive power: Class 22000 diesel multiple unit. (Rotem, S Korea 2007-2012)
Thank you for watching, liking and commenting. I do appreciate your engagement in the busy world of KZbin.

[@qwertyTRiG]

I find that table seats always line up well with the windows on these trains. Some of the airline seats do, but many don't. So I almost always book a table seat, even when travelling alone.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Sounds like a good plan! Amazing how many people think/complain about window alignment and yet many modern interiors do not provide it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@thebigpicture-elpanorama]

Great video mate. Wicklow is known as "The Garden of Ireland" As the train passed along the quays in Wexford town, you would have passed the Statue of Commodore John Barry, He was the founder of the U. S Navy, and he was from Wexford. Also Wexford was home for John F Kennedy , both sets of his grandparents were from Wexford.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah yes. With the current US President's recent trip I think we are all reminded of the strong link between Ireland and the USA. Whilst I was in Cork I rode out to Cobh and the museum there helped further my limited knowledge of Irish history and the way they were "making the crossing in possibly unseaworthy boats" escaping tyranny and poverty very much like what happens today. I will edit up a short video of the ride to Cobh in the coming weeks. Thanks again for watching and commenting. It is much appreciated 👍

[@martinbreen7392]

Great report on my local line! It was even more magical in the days when the Rosslare train station was down on the harbour wall.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That would have been cool, but yeah, I'm still well happy with the journey. I really enjoyed making this one! 👍

[@vicsams4431]

Rosslare Harbour Pier station (as opposed to Rosslare Harbour Mainland, that predates Rosslare Europort station) was along the curving breakwater, as you say. Sadly it closed 1988/89.

[@treborsirrah7916]

Hi Johnny why would you want to rush past those lovely views 😊,Wicklow is called the garden of Ireland.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I really enjoyed the ride. Certainly for a tourist like me, the slower the better through Wicklow! Thanks for watching 👍

[@АлександрХазанчук]

I really enjoyed the video, great views indeed! Sadly, I heard the might make this service terminate at Greystones in excnhage for the extension of DART to Wicklow and increased train frequency

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@АлександрХазанчук if they get nice new DART trains and they are regular, i wouldn't mind changing 🤷‍♂️ But those old DART trains are dire...

[@coldphinger]

Nice video, just a wee shame you didn't research the names a bit more or it would be nigh on perfect, for one of my favourite train journeys. Howth is pronounced Hoeth (not How th), Avonmore isn't pronounced as the district in UK, it's AHvonmore, Avoca = AhVoeCa, Enniscorthy is EnniScorthy (not Ennis corthy). But apart from that, perfect...😉 Also suggestion for anyone else is taking the journey for the first time (from Dublin), if the train isn't too busy, jump into a seat the other side (to OP) at Greystones (06:47) until Wicklow. The beach side is straight, flat and boring. But on the other side you have the Wicklow Mountains National Park, absolutely beautiful. The bit from Rosslare Strand to Enniscorthy on the early morning (05:40am) service if you catch the dawn is absolutely stunning. As is Dublin Bay to Greystones coming the other way. Catch sunset through Rathrdrum to Arklow bit also as you follow the Avoca is charming......

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@coldphinger ah dammit! Hopefully i will get it better next time i return to ireland. Thanks so much for the kind words, the information and especially for watching 👍

[@jackmchammocklashing224]

Did you know that in Sunderland NE England "hoy le ammer ower" is Japanese for please pass the hammer (Nissan car factory)

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Now that's what I call scenic! Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No problem. As you can tell from the "excitable bunny" introduction I really loved that ride! 👍

[@TheEpicAppleEater01]

As someone who has lived on various parts of this line, it is great to see that you enjoyed it and shared it with fellow railfans. I have some interesting points. At certain points the service does not trail a DART and can be ten minutes quicker Connolly Greystones, and tickets are valid on both on this leg. There is a brand new midnight service that runs after the DART have finished service. Sometimes I have seen them use the ageing green commuter sets in place of the IE Class 22000 which can be miserable. Thank you for the video!

[@TheEpicAppleEater01]

Oh, and Rosslare Europort is interestingly owned and operated by Irish Rail. There is a lot of development works there as a consequence of a requirement for border infastructure post-Brexit and also sustainability goals.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

I might consider travelling down from Manchester to Pembroke or Fishguard by coach or by rail and use the train from Rosslare to Dublin Connolly

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes, midnight might be quicker, but I suspect the views won't be as good! Thank you so much for watching and for the very comprehensive comments. Much appreciated ❤️

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@michaeljohndennis2231 that would be fun/wacky route from Manc to Dublin! Just had a look on TrainLine and the 05:11 from Piccadilly gets you into Rosslare at 1730, so still plenty of time to connect to a northbound train for Dublin. If you could get the €7,49 adv fare to Dublin, then the rail/sail is showing at a super cheap £46.70 Helluva long day mind you! Thanks for watching 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh, and I can confirm in next week's vid I continue the journey from Rosslare to Fishguard with Stena on a Sail/Rail ticket

[@dinty66]

Pearse ( Westland Row )was the terminus osf 1st commuter line built in 1834 & was only connected to Connoll in 1903 via the Loop Line !!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that. 1834 is very early indeed.

[@joshuaW5621]

It was actually connected in 1892.

[@dinty66]

@@joshuaW5621 You are probably correct ! I thought that it was 1903 when 2nd line across the Northside was built !

[@lindseyrea9237]

Done that journey several times by car. My brother and his family live inland from Bray and his wife's family have 2 "huts' on the sea front at Rosslare beach. You can see the Europort from the front of the hut. It is certainly a very scenic journey.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it really is the nicest one I've done in Ireland so far. Thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@robinparkes9]

My favourite part of the line is skirting Killiney Bay with the view of Bray Head, Little Sugar Loaf and Sugar Loaf hills. I have been as far as Wexford by train but my favourite town is Arklow. I have the Video 125 DVD of Rosslare to Dublin.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, i loved all of that too! Thanks for watching 👍

[@vicsams4431]

Good video choice. I have that !

[@oscyk]

Thanks for showcasing my line! I'm from Gorey and not that many reviewers come down here.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are welcome. It is a wonderful line! Thank you for watching 👍

[@joshuaW5621]

You guys in Gorey have a lovely shopping district.

[@ampersand.]

Your filming is always so good - you always give us enough time to drink in a particular scene without bouncing around rapidly like a startled squirrel. Fave bit? All of the journey really! Thanks once again.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for being so nice. It is tricky to get the pacing of the edit right, so I'm very pleased that you think I've managed that. In the end, I think the only thing you can do on KZbin is to try to make a video you would like to watch yourself. I suppose I'm slowly landing on my preferred style...

[@louisehoran5328]

My little train friend and I have enjoyed this video immensely! We’re familiar with some of the stops - it might be time to make the journey ourselves. Great pace of presentation and variety of info - kept me & little one engaged.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That's lovely of you to say. Especially noting the pace, as I do try to get that right in the edit, and I appreciate you mentioning it. Definitely think you should be introducing the little one to the delights of train travel as early and as often as possible 😁 Thank you both 👍

[@saubhiksom]

I am going to Ireland next week. I will surely ride this train. Thanks a lot. Following your videos recently. They are very very informative and useful.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, nice of you to say so. And thanks too for watching 👍

[@grahamwalls9379]

Been down to most of the places in the video . But mainly by road . But whatever means you travel by . Ireland is such a beautiful land . Enjoyed the video . And look forward to seeing many more from there .

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

There's a whole Ireland playlist of my trips around Ireland. I have really enjoyed my times there and plan to return to see even more in the future. I'm quite happy to sway the trains for busses to get to the more remote areas too. Thanks for watching 👍 kzbin.info/aero/PLXk1cIVnitGbSpUAMdhzoGGFOBg-tpLlP&si=rh1PjM4TNLz-CFBd

[@andrewcook3475]

I travelled this line in the early 1990s, on a special steam train organised by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. The train was hauled by LMS/NCC 2-6-4 loco No. 4.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That must have been a wonderful experience! Thanks for watching 👍

[@chrismckee5569]

Lived in Rosslare Harbour (ran the An Oige youth hostel) in the 80s and my parents regularly caught the train down from Dublin to spend the weekend. Dad loved train travel and passed it on to my sister and me, and early last year I took the train from Dublin to Belfast, then ferry to Stranraer to see her. Beautiful trip.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks so much for sharing your memories, I'm pleased my video sparked them! It really is a lovely line. Thank you too for watching 👍

[@Rasher1974]

Thank you for a very informative journey

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching 👍

[@gerardwalsh2369]

Really enjoyed this virtual journey and will make plans to enjoy my free travel and take this Magical Mystery Tour.....being that I have never done it before.....Well presented.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is very much worth the trip. And thank you so much for watching.

[@insitetoursirelandltd.5795]

Lovely easygoing journey Johnny. I'll be enjoying it soon!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I hope it is a lovely day for you to enjoy the views. Best wishes for your travel and thanks so much for watching 👍

[@carlsheil1458]

Very good video love the Rosslare line.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind comment and also thanks for watching! 👍

[@Timstravels01]

That was a joy to watch. Beautiful scenery and an enjoyable and informative voiceover.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim! Much appreciated. "Enjoyable and informative voiceover" made me wonder if you'd watched a version where I was dubbed out! 😂

[@daviddoyle5291]

Born and reared in Bray married a Wexford Lady and spent most of my life in beautiful Wexford, will be returning soon to spent the remainder of my life in Wexford can't wait.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great! It is a lovely part of the world. I hope the video helped to rekindle all the fond memories. And it's wonderful to hear someone who is going to live somewhere they love 👍

[@gerarddeegan1164]

Fantastic train journey😊🚃🚅🚄🚞🚂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is! Thanks 👍

[@TheWorldofGood79]

Very enjoyable video, although short I love the train journey from Belfast to Bangor & from Belfast to Whitehead, both with wonderful views of Belfast Lough.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm up in NI later in the year, and hope I have time to tick off at least one of those. The view from the ferry coming out through the lough was wonderful so I'd certainly like to taste the view from the land. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@vicsams4431]

Alas Bleach Green Junction to Larne Harbour is the only bit I never did. My wife and I, and 250 punters, flew to Dublin for a steam special to Larne. The organiser, gave us two pieces of bad news, the night before the tour. One, there has been a landslide at Whitehead blocking the line, so we won't be going to Larne. Two, the steam loco is stuck on the wrong side of the landslide so we won't be getting her either !

[@Lner1922]

This is the slowest line in Ireland, a legacy left by 19th centuary builders. Over the years IE and predecessors have spent millions of € keeping the sea from swallowing the bit between Greystones and Wicklow. As well a major relocation had to be built between Bray and Greystones between the wars as part of the line collapsed into the sea. You can eer an abandoned tunnel from the train.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that extra information. As ever, we love these picturesque lines without sometimes appreciating the graft put in to keep them running. So thanks for that. And thanks also for watching 👍

[@karhukivi]

The car ferry to Cherbourg takes four hours from Dublin port to just off Wexford. The rail route is certainly scenic - it would have stayed along the coast but the line was routed through Avoca to be used for transporting ore from the Avoca Mines.

[@dinty66]

Look to the right & the bird sanctuaries & the mountains !!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I need to travel again to look out of the other windows! 👍

[@robinparkes9]

I have travelled that line as far as Wexford. My favourite spot is at Killiney Bay where you can see Bray Head, Sugar Loaf and Little Sugar Loaf. There is no finer sight and I live only a mile from the line from Belfast to Derry and my halt is ten miles from Belfast. Michael Portillo considers the line from Coleraine to Derry to be one of the most scenic in these islands. Maybe so but give me the line from Dublin to Rosslare any day.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha - well I will soon be in a position to argue that one with Mr Portillo if we ever bump into each other, as I'm off to northern Ireland in October and plan to ride that section of line myself. Thanks for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@fionakierton1231]

Really enjoyed that!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! And thanks for watching 👍

[@peripheralvisions]

You mention the engineers and navvies while passing through the cliff tunnels between Bray and Greystones. The engineer responsible was none other than Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Thanks for the video. You passed by my house. 🤚

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That is most interesting and thank you so much for for adding that! Brunel certainly got about. You have a very lovely place to live and with trains going by as well. 😃 Thank you so much for watching and adding this comment 👍

[@andrewboland1062]

Loved this, I just watched your Dublin-Cork and Waterford-Dublin Journeys, I love Wexford and haven't haven't there in over a decade, I've always loved to go on the Dublin-Rosslare Train I'm glad I got to watch this one too, amazing footage

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, you are very kind. I have various playlists including one of all my journeys in Ireland, but I do encourage you to have a look at them all (I would, wouldn't I) as there's now around 80 vids on the channel from UK, Ireland, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain. thank you for finding me on KZbin 👍

[@lalpinto2659]

Thanks. Very infomative.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching 👍

[@Driver2616]

If you travelled on that train journey to Rosslare in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, you wouldn’t have seen a nice cobble locked quay side in Wexford Town. Back then, your train would have been running over an old wooden framed quay structure, much closer to the waters edge.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that. Sounds really interesting, and a bit worrying. But it reflects how things that look permanent are in fact a lot more modern than you think. Thanks for that and thanks for watching 👍

[@Andrewjg_89]

I definitely would like to go to the Republic of Ireland and to explore everything what Ireland has to offer including by train. 🤩

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it's great! And the bus network is excellent for getting to all the non-rail destinations 👍

[@vicsams4431]

You really don't need a car. You can sightsee by train. And eat and drink on your journey.

[@killianlpc]

Great vid, yes it is a nice pleasant line to travel on. Interestingly as you came through Dun Laoghaire its a shame the ferries were all moved to Dublin Port as when you arrived in Dun Laoghaire you could literally walk off the boat and straight up Marine Road into a pub in a minute or so. Dublin Port is a horrible soulless wasteland of a place. As well as that when the train used to arrive in Rosslare Harbour it was right next to the boat, now the directed the tracks away from the Harbour. Everything changes at not for the better sometimes. Great vid again, good watch.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I like someone who's verdict on how good a port is based on how quick you can disembark and get to the pub! And yes, Dublin port isn't really very exciting, although the bus connection into the city seems ok. And yes, in Friday's video I take the long miserable walk to the passenger terminal at Rosslare... not the nicest walk for sure. Thank you for watching and for the kind comments 👍

[@vicsams4431]

@killiamipc I agree.

[@Notitoforget]

As always a very entertaining and informative video. Thoroughly enjoyed it . Will be doing it soon. Cheers

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Excellent! I hope you get as good weather for it as I did! Thanks for watching 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

Good journey, nice views,

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great views indeed! Thanks for watching 👍

[@oisinbutler]

I have only taken the dart from bray to Dun Laoghaire, but it was a brilliant experience, would put this journey up there with cork-cobh, or Coleraine-Derry(another two journeys in which I would recommend)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! Well I have already done the trip to Cobh and will edit that up pretty soon (probably as a Monday bonus) and yes, I'm going to Derry for Halloween, so plan to take a ride during the day along that line to Coleraine and Belfast too. So hopefully I will have completed your recommendations during 2023! Thank you so much for watching.

[@oisinbutler]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels thanks, can't wait for the vlogs

[@joeryan1153]

You mention the line from Waterford to Rosslare Strand. At present there is no service however the line is currently being examined in hte All Island Rail Strategy Review and there is a strong possiblity that it will see service restoration in the near future

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

when I went for a walk at Waterford, I did see some Hi-Vis workers walking the line on the other side of the river from where I was too. Maybe they'll bring it back. I suppose we can but hope. I did have a look on Google and there does seem to still be all or most of the infrastructure in place, although no doubt there will need to be extensive repairs and maintenance needed to return it to service. thanks so much for watching.

[@vicsams4431]

I do hope so. It seems odd that they closed the busiest section. Rosslare Waterford had two or three trains per day, while Waterford Limerick only had one. There was also substantial sugar beet traffic in season from Bridgeton and Wellington Bridge. I appreciate the cost of the Barrow Bridge is the main drain on costs, but if IE have to maintain it as a listed structure, it makes sense to keep it for its designed purpose.

[@desmondayres7973]

Enjoyed the beautiful counry side of Ireland. Also enjoyed the bit of Arklow where my wife was born

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for watching 👍

[@markmacken1]

This was an amazing video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You are most welcome. And thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@dinty66]

Even when you quit the mountains go inland for a few miles between Arklow & Enniscorthy before you hit the Slaney Valley it is a gorgeous line !!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is!

[@RoddyJenkins]

Thanks Johnny for another great video, and also evoking memories for me; it’s been a while since I last travelled this route (1990s) when the route was operated by the old push-pull loco hauled sets. Incidentally, Bray Head is a good location for a Ride Out, WalkBack; Irish broadcaster RTÉ has uploaded a video here on KZbin of this. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Roddy. I'll look out for that walking video. Thanks for the tip! 👍

[@dinty66]

Enniscorthy down to Wexford can be the most mystical part of the journey !!!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. I must say I loved it all! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

The views are good on the train but some stations the views are even better from my experience from Ireland (Was only there last week). Killiney for example I was gobsmacked to see the epic view of that area. Ireland is a wonderful place, brilliant video Johnny.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Simon. I saw you were in Ireland and hoped that you would be having as good a time as i did.i will definitely be returning again. 👍

[@vicsams4431]

Easy question ! The Dublin Rosslare is definitely the most scenic railway in Ireland. I have done the route many times, starting with MetroVick A Class 001 locos. Also 071, 121, 141 and 181 locos. Many highlights, crossing the River Liffey in Dublin, Dublin Bay with views to the Hill of Howth, the climb to Bray Head (Bray to Greystones), the coastal run to Wicklow, the mountains, the River Slaney, and the street running along Wexford Quay.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

absolutely agree. I've not yet done them all, but I think it will be very hard to beat!

[@trainsinireland5063]

Fantastic Journey you Filmed Johnny!😃.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. I hope I did the beauty of the journey at least a little justice. Thank you for watching 👍

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

I walked the Wicklow way! Amazing trail. Beautiful surroundings thinking of take this train ride!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was fantastic! Highly recommend it. And from Rosslare you can get to uk or Europe on the ferry. There's also a walking greenway on the old railway between Waterford and Cork. You can see it on Google. Best wishes for all your travels 👍

[@ryankenyon5010]

I've seen Ireland by car and bicycle, but train is on my bucket list. Love your channel! Subscribed.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, that's very kind of you. Yes. Do go around Ireland on the trains. They aren't super-quick, but I've really enjoyed the journeys and the views. 👍

[@jamesjkeyes2005]

I'm on that train now and am loving it.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Enjoy! Hope it's a lovely day in Ireland today! 👍

[@jamesjkeyes2005]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels It's a bit cloudy but the Wicklow and Wexford views will be impressive

[@matthewjshow6563]

Well done, Sir. Cheers.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

And cheers to you too 👍

[@done-ahhh578]

It's actually really sad when it's become though. I remember the line when it was an 071 loco hauling 7 MK2 coaches, had good service onboard via restaurant coach. Also it was timetable to meet ferries directly and stopped right beside the ferry port building. It's a shadow of what it was.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

You know you could make that comment about every rail/ferry link I've travelled in the last year. Rosslare, Fishguard, Holyhead, Stranraer all had timed boat trains, but no longer. I know there's actually good operational reasons for this, but, like you, I am still saddened about the change. Nevertheless, it was still a wonderful journey, and I hoped you enjoyed at least that! Thank you for watching and commenting 👍

[@done-ahhh578]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Loved the video. It was really good. Always brings back memories. Oh I think there should be a legal mandate for trains to meet the ferrys on these routes. Much better for the environment to sail rail.

[@vicsams4431]

@done-ahhh578. You are clearly very intelligent ! I agree with both your comments. 071s are my favourite Irish locos. But I first did this line with MetroVick A Class 001s and 141s.

[@geraldwalsh6489]

Beautiful video Johnny with excellent commentary. Not familiar with East coast of Ireland,so found it intriguing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I can agree with you about the intrigue. I was looking forward to seeing what it was like myself on this trip and I was pleasantly surprised. I can definitely recommend it. Thank you very much for the kind words 👍

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

Yes

[@cryzcryz2345]

Beautiful and slow journey. This is what I like! Could you also tell us about the places where you stay overnight? What hotel, B&B or guesthouse and how much did it cost and do you recommend this place. Thank you 🤗

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

At Rosslare I stayed at St Martins guest house. It was excellent and I would highly recommend it. The cost was £67 for ensuite, room only.

[@cryzcryz2345]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels thank you. Could you tell us where you stayed in each video? Do you book the hotel overnight or much earlier?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I book as far in advance as I can. Because I don't like the anxiety of not knowing where I will be staying!

[@colinriley123]

Certainly very scenic and very enjoyable. I have never been on a railway in Ireland, but have watched videos. Best in Ireland ? I will have to refresh my memory and watch some videos of the route along the northern coast to Londonderry, and then post my verdict.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Def the best I've travelled on to date. But yes, lots of people talk about the Belfast-Derry line. I'm actually in Derry for Halloween this year so plan to make a vid of that line whilst we are there.

[@shutup2751]

*derry

[@telemachus53]

Mmmm...estuaries! My favourites are Barmouth and Arnside though there must be hundreds that I haven't seen.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Obvs I agree about Barmouth as I was there on the channel very recently. Arnside looks worth investigating. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@davidlally592]

Mm 2 quick comments re the excellent vid on this IE service and line: (1) tho there is, on the line, a closed Avoca station, the nearest rail station to that town (famous for BBCs "Ballykissangel") is now Rathdrum- but check local bus connections; (2) sadly the old rail/ sail/rail thru fares are not available anymore. One may still travel rail/ sail from anywhere in GB to any of the Irish ports but on arrival, one then has to purchase (in Euros for Rosslare) the local rail fare. The same applies going the other way: ie no longer any thru rail fares from (say) Galway to Grantham or (say) Derry to Derby. The diff currencies in Ireland (Euros in the Republic) may be a factor here but the same problem applies re via NIR to anywhere in GB (even tho there, the UK£ applies on both sides).

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is a shame there isn't a rail/sail/rail option for onward travel, but even so, I think it is a great deal for the UK leg of the "rail" - at least Irish trains are not generally so punishingly expensive as they are in the UK! Thank you so much for watching and commenting - it is really appreciated

[@thalissonvoinski9032]

What a great journey!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it really was! Thanks for watching 👍

[@GeorgeKeenan-bj9gj]

You can also do that on the dart

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@GeorgeKeenan-bj9gj Yes, but only as far as Greystones. Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@j1mg1100]

Apert from some of your pronuncations of places, a very nice ride. Passed places I visited when I was a young lad.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. I do try to get pronunciations right, but I'm only a dumb English guy, so I do apologise for the mistakes. With station names, I try to record bits of the journey when the train loudspeakers are reeling off the stopping points, so I get a good clue there. but for other places I just have to do the best I can. One trick I found has been to put the place name into KZbin and see if there's a local news report about it where they say the word. Hopefully my mistakes didn't detract too much from the enjoyment. This is a pedant-friendly channel and so please pick me up on any mistakes in past or future videos. I can't improve if I'm unaware of my mistakes 👍

[@j1mg1100]

Didn't mean to cause aproblem and there is no need for an apology. Even I have been known to get some wrong and I was born in Dublin. No they didn't detract at all. In fact the journey reminded me of when I was a young lad. One of the stations is just around the corner from where I was born and lived until my family emigrated to England, and it was good to see how it has changed since I lived there. Some of the sea side places you mentioned were where me and the family would go at weekends so the memories flooded back. Keep up the good work.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

Aside from the high speed rail tunnel, as a spin-off from HS2, between Holyhead and Dublin North Wall, they really need to reinstate the ferry between Liverpool old port (not Birkenhead) to Dun Laoire as onward travel options for foot passengers at North Wall are very limited, as opposed to the DART from Dun Laoire - my nearest mainline Station is Manchester Victoria and I hate going on SailRail from Platform 13 at Manchester Piccadilly, changing at Chester for the connection to Holyhead

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I'm not sure I agree. I reckon the train to Holyhead would be quicker than chugging in a ferry on the longer route from Liverpool- also Holyhead has a station right by the ferry whilst Liv Lime Street is not at the port. I found the transfer from Dublin Port to Connolly to be ok on the bus. Though I accept, not as neat as a DART every 10 mins. It's a shame the LUAS doesn't reach into the port in Dublin. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I'll be releasing the vid of the Rosslare-Fishguard ferry next Friday

[@arwelp]

@@JohnnyHooverTravelsun Laoghaire was an enormously useful port for foot passengers - you just had to cross a small road to get from the new ferry terminal to the side entrance of the railway station. Did you notice at Dun Laoghaire (5:20) that the entrances to the platform buildings are a few feet above the actual platform? That’s because when the DART was electrified in 1981/2 they had to physically lower the track and platforms in order to get the overhead power lines under the bridges - this lowering was also why they had to disconnect the branch to the old ferry pier, too - they’d only just started running buses between the ferry and Connolly about a month or two before my first visit to Ireland in 1982.

[@stephenhyland4256]

The ferry to Dun Laoghaire was pulled due to low passenger numbers. Its a shame but I can't see it coming back. There were rumours another company might take it over but its over 8 years since it last run.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@arwelp thanks. That's very interesting 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@stephenhyland4256 yes. I don't think reinstatement is likely. Things move on and ports require more space and different loading, so the investment would probably be huge.

[@MrNewrossman]

Just a note if you want to make a full day take the dart and get off where you like and catch the main train at Greystones as end of the dart services. Dalkey & Killiney are on sandy coast great walks, Greystones has a stunning Marina 15m walk along rocky coast to it and Enniscorthy is a medieval town but Darn hilly, San Fan comes to mind ;)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I have seen a number of the walks along the line/coast around Bray and Greystones. Time was not on my side this time, but I'd love to see more of that lovely coastline. Thank you for watching and also adding some very helpful extra knowledge 👍

[@MrNewrossman]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Yes there's a cliff walk around bray head to Greystone's not for the non hiker but some of the views are amazing

[@Grangeburn]

That was a lovely train journey from Dublin. I am looking at using the Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry as part of a journey from Glasgow to France. (I know there are easier ways to do it.) The train journeys you have videod are an ideal connection: the Enterprise from Belfast, then onwards to Rosslare. I would be taking my Brompton with me to cycle when in France. I had used Google Street Maps to determine the whereabouts of Rosslare Europort Station and I recognised exactly where you were walking and the road up the hill from the ferry port. Modern technology, eh?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That sounds (to me anyway) like a very sensible route indeed. If you have to overnight at Rosslare, then Saint Martins, just above the Europort, is where I stayed and it was really comfortable and welcoming. I'd give it 5stars. I hope you have a great time. Thanks for watching the videos 👍

[@ryanoconnor5528]

Great video

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! And thanks for watching 👍

[@Joker-yw9hl]

Stunning route

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching 👍

[@everyone06]

Croke Park is the biggest stadium in Ireland. As for 23/24 season Croke Park will be the second biggest stadium in Europe as Nou Camp closed for renovation. Croke Park is not a soccer/rugby stadium but has hosted games during Lansdowne Road redevlopment during the mid 00's as it passed a vote by the GAA members by 2/3 majority.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. I was impressed how big the GAA stadiums are. Next time, I'd love to go to a game of hurling. Thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@davidpryle3935]

The comparison of the size of Croke park with other European stadiums is not valid, as Croke Park is not an all seater stadium. Anyway why mention Croke Park, the train in this video didn’t go anywhere near it.

[@wideawake914]

Check out how large some of the university stadiums are in the USA and the parking surrounding them. Lock hard, lock hard, will I rob oh sorry mind your car mister.

[@gerarddeegan1164]

Have you tried dublin to sligo another great train journey😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No, not yet. But it is on the list for the next trip to Ireland. Though I will probably be going to other countries beforehand. Thanks for the recommendation and thank you for watching 👍

[@naoised7638]

really relaxing video.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. It was a really relaxing ride too! Thanks for watching 👍

[@hiworldstephensonultranate290]

Glad U did this I haf recommended it to another utuber last yr. Good News Travels Too! ++

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you very much indeed . Yes, it is a wonderful route, worth recommending to everyone! 👍

[@lynxmyster]

Very good video. Makes me want to take the journey just for fun! You didn't mention if the train has a food & drink carriage or services. This is Ireland, after all, so very likely it doesn't have those kind of services unfortunately. BYOF&D and have a picnic woth a view. Thank you.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

There wasn't any food and drink provision on the train I caught. I do know that IE are reintroducing trolley service on a lot of routes, but I have seen the menu is not extensive so BYOF&D may still be the order of the day. Thank you for watching and for the kind comment 👍

[@Salty3439]

Yes!

[@jeromekearney2587]

The closed line between Rossleare and Waterford is getty reopened soon for passengers/ freight.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for that. Yes, the big recent report has it opening, so I do hope it happens.

[@joshuaW5621]

I hope they reopen more lines around the country. It was really stupid of CIÉ and Irish Rail to close these railway lines and rip them up.

[@shaneryan9076]

its been recommended to reopen in the report, not confirmed to be reopened but hopefully

[@vicsams4431]

That is very good news, if true. Rosslare Waterford used to have two or three trains per day, with Waterford Limerick only having one train. Always thought it odd the more popular bit was the bit that closed. I suspect the cost of maintaining the Barrow Bridge influences their decision adversely. Shame.

[@Kulla1berg]

I was surprised it was so beautiful The ferry we saw at the end didn’t that go to Wales? Surprised that the average speed was so slow I am excited where you go next, could it be something in Wales?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Good guess! Next week's video is of the crossing to Fishguard and the one after that is the pretty scenic ride from Fishguard to Cardiff. Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidlally592]

Mm the line speed is due to the twist and turns of the rail line.

[@leonardgebhart2064]

Well done…. Thanks so much for!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

watching! 👍

[@Irishtransportspotter]

Some reasons why it takes so long is because it travels behind the DART as far as Greystones. Another reason is because parts of the line are single line.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. Yes, others have said the same. And thank you so much for watching and commenting 👍

[@Berliner-2020]

There's also just the fact that the line speeds aren't great, especially once you get past Greystones.

[@joshuaW5621]

I’ve suggested doubling the track and increasing the speed on certain parts of the line.

[@sandiandgregh]

Wow! That was a beautiful journey. One stunning scene after another. Have you ever taken the train in NI from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry via the Antrim coast? We haven't (yet!) but we've heard the part of the trip from Coleraine to Derry is quite something.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No, I haven't. But I will be there for Halloween this year, so will give the line a go whilst we are there. Derry has the biggest Halloween celebrations in Europe so we thought we'd pop over and take part!

[@sandiandgregh]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels fantastic! I'll look forward to see that video in the autumn.

[@robinparkes9]

The trip from Coleraine to Derry is in the county of Derry. The only part of the line from Belfast to Derry that follows the Antrim coast is from Belfast to Whitehouse. A distance of four miles.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@robinparkes9 thanks for the clarification 👍

[@vicsams4431]

@peonycottageboutique4154. Yes Coleraine to Derry / Londonderry is very scenic, but for me is the silver medal winner, as Dublin Rosslare is far longer, and more varied.

[@Bbq7272]

I rode the IE train not DART from Dun Laoghaire to Dublin which is permitted. Great journey

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it really is a lovely run. Thanks for watching 👍

[@vicsams4431]

The Up Arklow as British bashers called the 08.03 off Dun Laoghaire. A diesel unit now, but I recall her as a 141 loco and steam heat Cravens coaches.

[@davidparks6637]

I enjoyed that video and it is without doubt the most scenic route in the country. May I ask what device you used to shoot the video? Thanks.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@davidparks6637 i use GoPro. Currently a Hero9 Black. Thanks for watching 👍

[@sunnyd8585]

The line from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry might give the line from Dublin to Rosslare Europort a bit of competition in terms of beauty. I do not know which line is more scenic.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I'm off there in October- so I shall get a chance to have enjoyed both! Thank you for watching and for the comment 👍

[@vicsams4431]

I agree the line Coleraine to Derry / Londonderry is very scenic, but for me it is too short. Hence I would place it in second place. But a silver medal winner is still an achievement.

[@keefykinsall]

Isn't it refreshing to see trains that run on time with great scenery thrown in and no strike or overcrowding and decent prices where did it all go wrong in Britain ?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Tbf Irish commenters have also bemoaned the state of Irish railways too. Wrt UK railways. You kinda get what you voted for. No negotiations with staff and longterm chronic underfunding will give you strikes and overcrowding. 🤷‍♂️

[@cianbrennan4477]

The Wexford train is fairly often dramatically overcrowded, it’s just mostly commuters. Lots of the line is also single track, making it super vulnerable to problems on the line, and there’s 5 or so level crossings on the double tracked bit in Dublin. It’s very much not a poster child for better railways.

[@snifferdog]

Sadly, our railway network was gutted in the mid-twentieth century (think Lord Beeching on steroids and then some). There are vast swathes of the country no longer covered by rail. Even then, the rail services to parts of the country aren't as comprehensive as we'd like them to be. There are often problems with overcrowding, and there is still no catering on many inter-city routes.

[@joshuaW5621]

This is the nearest line to where I live. I travel on the DART everyday.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

...and thanks for watching too! 👍

[@briankealy2703]

The train was unusually quiet - normally the 16.33 would be full from Dublin Connolly

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Then I count myself very lucky. It was a lovely ride. One of my favourites of the year! Thanks for watching along 👍

[@goldiefish72]

There was a time, when the Rosslare train terminated at the ferry terminal, now passengers face a 1km walk to the ferry, even though the line still runs all the way. Makes no sense.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Tell me about it. I had that walk on a blustery morning the next day to get my ferry. Very inhospitable indeed... Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@garrytuohy9267]

I have only been as far a Bray on one of those accursed DART trains, but I did enjoy those views.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I did have a short ride on a DART shortly before this ride and it wasn't a great experience! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@PaulLangan]

What guest house do you recommend at Rosslare near the ferry? great educational video.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I stayed at Saint Martins and it was excellent maps.app.goo.gl/x2vBvEUQwuzTwnnM8?g_st=ic Thanks for watching 👍

[@marc21091]

There are only four trains a day from Dublin to Wicklow, Arklow, Enniscorthy and Wexford and just three a day through to Rosslare (where the rail-sea terminal opened in 1986 has been closed and a shelter-less 'halt' built for 3-car trains some way from where the ferries berth). The line is not only slow but too infrequent to be useful for most users. And one reason for slowness is that there is nowhere for these trains to overtake the all-stations DART suburban trains to Bray and Greystones. So the Wexford trains have to follow a DART train while it calls at all stations. Until there is an overtaking section somewhere the obvious service - hourly to Wexford - cannot be considered.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It is such a lovely line, but I agree that the crawl to Greystones and Rosslare's very unfriendly station isn't great for regular travellers Thanks for watching 👍

[@joshuaW5621]

I’ve spoken to an Irish Rail employee and they said they have to go slow incase people are crossing over the line, which is kinda dumb to me.

[@briankealy2703]

There are 4 trains a day on weekdays to/from Rosslare plus extra trains as far as Gorey including a new late evening return trip

[@joshuaW5621]

@@briankealy2703 not sure if you meant Wexford, but the train to Gorey is a commuter.

[@briankealy2703]

@@joshuaW5621 in effect the last train to Rosslare is also a commuter working the second morning train all the way to Dundalk

[@transportlegendshorts]

Ah Cool

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! 👍

[@saubhiksom]

Hi Johnny! Can you please suggest me an easy and cheap way to go to from Bantry (I can start very early in the morning) to cliff of Moher and return to Dublin airport by next day 5 am in the morning?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No I can't, sorry. Not made any of those journeys. I suggest you look at Irish buses and Irish rail websites and also maybe just start putting the journey into google maps? Have a great trip 👍

[@saubhiksom]

Thanks I will check so.

[@garryellison]

@@saubhiksom The trip you want to make wont be possible on public transport , there are no trains to Moher and you will have to use buses from Bantry which are slow an stop everywhere .

[@ElmoBHD]

Car hire

[@joshuaW5621]

I’ve suggest reopening the old railway line to Bantry, and from what I’ve heard they might be working with Redco if it happens. Don’t know if this means it will be a separate railway company and not Irish Rail.

[@Peadar06]

I would say the train from Belfast to Derry is more scenic

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@Peadar06 i plan to ride that one on the channel in the future! Happy to be proved wrong 😀 Thanks for watching this one 👍

[@Zwei-Rosen]

You forgot the Schloss Lichtenstein - Wuerttemberg's Version of Neuschwanstein. Located 50 km south east of Stuttgart in the southwest. And farther west, in the upper Rhine Valley, 30 km south of Strasbourg, lies with the Hohkoenigsbourg a very special case, for certain reasons: lying in the Alsace, it was over centuries changing its Nationality between Germany and France. During Alsace's last German episode 1871 and 1919, Kaiser Wilhelm II himself ordered and payed for the reconstruction of the Hohkönigsburg. And appointed the master architect expert on medieval castles for the project. The reconstruction was outstanding in the use of technology in that time and the result is being praised in unison by historians, architects and preservationists in nowadays' France - regardless of the fact that the Kaiser's era of Alsace isn't remembered very pleasantly in France...

[@noelduffy1206]

The sun coming up...ya....

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Metaphorically, yes. The trip was in the afternoon, so pedantically, it was going down 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ryancarroll3957]

Most scenic and slowest. It also slows the whole dart line down its maddening

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes that is true, but i still loved it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@ryancarroll3957]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels this route and the Derry Belfast route are the ones for the best coastal views Check the Derry line out sometime

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@ryancarroll3957 thanks. Yes i plan to 👍

[@davidparks6637]

You have that back to front, the blasted DART line has wrecked the inter-city service to Rosslare and to Belfast in the opposite direction.

[@shutup2751]

was there a snack trolley on that service ?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No, there wasn't. Thanks for watching another btw 👍

[@wt4csm]

Enniscorthy is so grim, lol.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I couldn't possibly comment. Thanks very much for watching 👍

[@joyceurzada924]

Can you get off at any stop and resume your trip the next day

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I don't think so. I think you would need separate tickets. You would have to check with Irish Rail on that one. Thanks for watching 👍

[@darrenaitcheson795]

The answer is no. The line between Coleraine and Derry beats it.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Righto. I'd better ride that one too then! I'm hoping to ride it in 2024 👍

[@vicsams4431]

I disagree. Coleraine to Derry comes a close second ! Silver medal winner. (Alas, too short. You get off the train too soon.) I did the line to Derry on the ITG's Yankee Explorer tour with a pair of 121s. Tour also featured, 111 + 112, 208 + 209, and Hunslet 102. Amazing NIR gave us every available locomotive (113 was undergoing maintenance). There are two good videos of the tour on KZbin which might be of interest to you. Search Yankee Explorer.

[@KYT13]

The way he pronounced drogheda… *edit and howth…

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha yes! Other's have said too. My apologies. Nevertheless, thank you for watching through my pronunciations 👍

[@gx2music]

No worries mate. Great video! Sure is one of the most scenic train ride in Ireland. Highly recommend it. Avonmore is pronounced “Ah Von More” ( short A ) Howth is “Ho - th” ( short o ) Be thankful you didn’t pass through Graiguenamanagh or Kilmacanogue 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@richardshiggins704]

Difficult to appreciate at 300km/h !

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

True. But iwouldn't it be great if Irish train could be a bit faster. Up to 140/160/200 km/h in more places! Thank you for watching and commenting 👍