My Surprising Trip on The Slow Train to Sligo, with Irish Rail

[@bananabarman]

HI, loved the video. I live in Sligo and can clear a few things up. It is possible to choose your seat on the Irish Rail booking site, you don't have to accept the automatic choice. Secondly, a little known Irish Rail fact is that if you have a valid ticket for an intercity journey, you can break your journey as many times as you like, provided you complete it by the end of the day. It's in their ticket t&c's. Doesn't apply to the Dart or suburban services.

[@qwertyTRiG]

However, the website doesn't tell you which way the train is facing. I believe that in Germany, seat reservation lights are turned off fifteen minutes after leaving the station, so if you don't take your reserved seat, it becomes available to others.

[@mikelovett2389]

@@qwertyTRiG it does in my experience, theres an arrow at the top of the manual seat selection screen

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, many thanks for the info. If I’d have known about the break in journey, I’d have done things differently perhaps. Now I DO know about it, I’ll definitely build that into my future plans. Appreciate it 😊👍

[@Paul-lf1bq]

What about stations where you need to scan your ticket to get in and out? Do you know if your intercity ticket will allow access?

[@Sandwich4321]

@@Paul-lf1bq you only really need to do that in hueston and Connolly. and yes it should let you get in and out

[@seandoherty6199]

I always enjoy your videos Mark. This one resonates with me, as I used to travel on this line years ago, with my parents. My father came from Ballyshannon in Co Donegal. We used to travel from either Connolly Station (then Amiens St) or Pearse Station (then Westland Row) to Sligo. The train used to arrive at the opposite platform and you would have to walk around to the other platform to exit the station. We would then get the bus from the adjacent bus station to Ballyshannon. In those days the bus would drop you off outside the door! My grandmother's house was on the main Ballyshannon to Sligo Road. The train consisted of corridor coaches in those days and had a buffet car. You would see the same staff year after year.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting Sean, I hope you’ll be tuning in this week as you may just get a few more local memories! Cheers 😊👍

[@martinwalsh3228]

Reopening the Western Rail Corridor would connect Sligo with Mayo & Ulster.

[@Dreyno]

The branch at Sligo goes down to the mothballed freight depot. There was also a narrow gauge that continued beyond the freight depot down to the end of the docks. There is a large goods shed and a disused container crane down there. There was also sidings at a timber yard. It’s about a ten minute walk from the terminus.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

And yes Sligo seems an interesting place though I had to leave on this occasion to take a bus. Next time I’ll stay a bit longer 👍

[@Whizzy-jx3qe]

The name of the Station prior to the change to Connolly was Amiens Street Station.

[@Dreyno]

@@Whizzy-jx3qe And Amiens Street didn’t serve Sligo. It was the northbound station. Sligo was served by Broadstone.

[@andyfreeman7441]

Really enjoyed this - great to see the old water towers and station buildings still in place and seemingly well looked after.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Andy, yes I was pleasantly surprised by the stations - really well kept too! 😊👍

[@walterfillingham]

Ironically just watched Johnny Hoover video of his trip on Irish Trains to Westport 😂 always enjoy watching videos of railways in Ireland, really excited by their long term plans and aspirations for their railways throughout the island on both sides of the border. They seem to have a long term island wide plan

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes and I know JH has been travelling extensively around Ireland and will have his own take on the Sligo line in a couple of weeks time. I’m definitely heading back over there too in December 👍

[@MentatOfDune]

Irish Rail/Gov do the west a disservice as the first train gets into Sligo at 10:15am. This makes work, school and college commuting not possible 😢

[@capnskiddies]

@@MentatOfDune Maybe a third train ex Longford, crossing the 0640 in Dromod or Carrick for an arrival around 0810/0830, to form the 0905 SO/CY.

[@Paul-te8mz]

Mark, many thanks for an enjoyable vid. As I understand, trolley service was discontinued on all Irish trains immediately after Covid because it was unviable as no one was travelling. Apparently no commercial venture was prepared to take it on, Iarnrod Eireann the national railway network, franchises this out. Trolley service has since been reintroduced on the Belfast route (as well as dining services) and on Cork services and hopefully will be available soon, on other routes.

[@conceptacasserly1360]

@@Paul-te8mz There's been talk about getting a trolley service back on the Galway route for a year or more now and nothing actually happening. We'll be lucky if they ever reintroduce it 😞.

[@s125ish]

@@conceptacasserly1360sounds similar to Scotrail

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes there’s definitely one on the Cork route, had that a few months ago. I hope they bring it back on other routes but vending machines have been mentioned as an alternative!

[@conceptacasserly1360]

@LetsMakeaTrip That might work in the stations at least but hot drinks are definitely an issue if you're boarding from a rural station in the middle of the countryside. Time will tell!

[@DroneViewsMedia]

I take this train very regularly, it's an absolute nightmare......so damn slow. The issue is simply the track system and waiting for an oncoming train to pass. Boyle is an interesting place, there's a wonderful lakeside park with a castle located in the middle of Lough Key. McDermott Castle is pretty special.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I agree it is slow. I suppose that’s the difference because for tourists like me I wasn’t bothered but if I was a regular user, yep I see your point. If I’m ever in Boyle again, I’ll make sure I have a proper look around. Cheers 😊👍

[@DroneViewsMedia]

@@LetsMakeaTrip It would be quite the walk with you being on foot, but it's a special place. Anyway, back to my editing 👍

[@Timstravels01]

A very enjoyable journey as always and you can’t argue with the price.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Tim, yep Irish Rail prices in my experience have been pretty reasonable overall 😊👍

[@Dreyno]

At Dromod there are actually two station buildings. The Cavan and Leitrim Railway had its own station right beside the mainline station. Collooney was the only small town in Ireland with three railway stations. One on the Midland Great Western (the one you stopped at), one on the Great Southern and Western and one on the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties. The last one has vanished but the second one is in use as a house a short distance south of the current station.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks for the info. I heard Boyle is an interesting place too. I must get a pass at some point so I can visit all these places. Cheers 😊👍

[@michaelbarrettorg]

The junction before the platform going off to the left was a spur to the goods yard. The spur was closed off a few years ago and trains no longer have access to the goods yard. Previously the siding went to the deep water terminal of the port.

[@LaoiseDeBhruin]

Great video! I used to communute on the line & you gave great info i never knew! They used to have a trolley with snacks, sandwiches & tea etc up until covid & they never brought it back. Really miss it!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks a lot. And that’s not he first time covid’s been used as an excuse for not returning things to normal! Shame really.

[@Scaw]

What do you want more food for? Eat your normal meals, they'll do you fine for a few hours.

[@cianpower5205]

@LaoiseDeBhruim the reason they did not bring it back is due to the high numbers travelling, logistic/spacing issues. This is fault of Irish rail who are extremely slow are upgrading trains and adding carriages

[@LaoiseDeBhruin]

@@cianpower5205 Yeah the overcrowding has been a major issue. They used covid as an excuse. Actually travelled on the line yesterday and it was the first time they had 6 carriages instead of the usual 4 for that time slot.

[@Roy-ud1db]

What a video, so entertaining, so interesting. Thank you for sharing and for the dialogue. Class 👌

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@Roy-ud1db cheers for watching 😊👍

[@robertalan3214]

Excellent content as always Mark, I love Ireland, look forward to next one, cheers 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Robert, same here. Hoping to get a few more train journeys in! 👍

[@simplygregsterev]

Enjoyed as my wife and I have a personal connection with Ireland. Always nice to see places we have been too!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

[@AtoZbyLocalBus]

Part of the Cavan an Leitrim railway has been reopened as a Heritage Railway and transport museum, starting at Dromod Railway Station.

[@davidoliver1169]

Hi Mark. Another well produced video. Always a highlight of the KZbin week. Take care.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers David and I appreciate the kind words. Have a great weekend 😂

[@davidrumbelow]

I really enjoy traveling with you. For 34 years i was a rep in grocery businesses and traveled all over our province by car ( Cape Province South Africa)) So when we went to England and Ireland on holiday we didn't have think of public transport except in major cities..Even.the i drove i London, Birmingham and Dublin to name a.few cities. Your videos show me what i missed not using public transport.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks David. I think we’re quite lucky to have an extensive rail network (even after the 60’s). Even living in Shrewsbury I can be at Manchester, Liverpool or Birmingham airports in 1.5 hours. I wish it was cheaper sometimes but hopefully some of my videos can show how to do it on a budget. 👍

[@davidrumbelow]

@LetsMakeaTrip Have a look at the mega city area of Cape Town. Atlantis in the north. Cape Point in the South and Gordon's Bay in the East . Stellennbosch is on our North Eastern boundary. I stay in Fish Hoek . I will still be in the city boundary an our later of the traffic flows freely

[@wesleytill1629]

Another great trip... and report Mark. You have wet my appetite for doing something similar next year. I look forward to your next video. Thank you. 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Wesley, I definitely recommend this trip and next week I’ll be moving on for leg 3.

[@emf3652]

Love all your interesting bits of general info you intersperse into the journey.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@emf3652 glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

[@robinharrison3907]

Great Journey 👍👍Always find travelling on a train so relaxing 🥳🥳

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Robin. It can be relaxing yes (it can also be extremely stressful in my experience 😂)

[@horsehollerer]

So much great railway architecture to gorp at. Cheers! Btw, I think the bike series is a great idea.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers HH. Yes a different angle for the channel but no less relevant. I’ve never tried it myself with a bike so I’m sure it’ll be entertaining 😊

[@christianmorris8065]

There used to be a tea, coffee, snacks and drinks (including alcohol) trolley until 2020 but, you know …

[@nigelmurphy6761]

Thats back up and running now about a year or two or so I heard.

[@siogbeagbideach]

@@nigelmurphy6761 I think only on Dub-Cork and Dub-Belfast Enterprise

[@jamesmcelhinney4355]

Great video

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks James 😊👍

[@owainsutton4865]

I've taken my bike on Northlink to Shetland: it's dead simple. Check-in with vehicles, wait to be escorted through to the far end of the ship, crew make sure the bike is lashed securely to ship fixings (which is definitely needed on that route!) The far end, you're the very first ones to disembark, so don't get delayed by the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Mark

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul, appreciate the comment and the watch as always mate 😊👍

[@johnmehaffey9953]

It’s my hope to travel on every line of Irish rail, hopefully start next year, biggest bugbear is the cost of hotels in Ireland if you’re travelling by rail you are pretty much having to stay in city centre hotels and they are costly, (make a silly noise to show it is what it is and suck it up) here’s hoping not hopping that would be difficult 😊

[@kenhughes5642]

Great film as usual. Well done.xx

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Ken and thanks for leaving a comment 😊👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

Enjoyed the video, Irish Railways are interesting and have some lovely scenic journeys.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, I totally agree. I’m definitely going to do more of them. Tralee next 👍

[@fitzg002]

Very nice video, hoping to try this soon. Can't wait to see your trip to Tralee!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks. I’m over here in December so it’ll be out sometime early in the new year hopefully 😊👍

[@-DC-]

Fab Channel you are an absolute natural at this Mark 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks DC, appreciate the comment mate 😊👍

[@GlasgowReports]

Very reasonable price. I have always found rail travel in Ireland to be great value - fully flexible ticket on the Enterprise to Belfast being only €15.99 being a prime example of that! Great video too.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. Yes I agree, very pleased with the price of rail travel in Ireland. 👍

[@KT-ut9zg]

Definitley would like to see more about bringing bikes!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@KT-ut9zg I’ll see what I can do 😊👍

[@petersp63]

much less of a grumpy chops this time LOL Great Video Thank you

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, I’m certainly not getting the same amount of hate in the comments!

[@sandiandgregh]

Well done as usual. That seems to be a good price for that length of journey. Fingers crossed, we have done well over the years travelling by bus and train in Ireland.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers guys. The trains are certainly fairly priced in my experience. I will be back 😊👍

[@MaureenKelly-p8d]

Very enjoyable and relaxing video, thank you 🙏

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thank you Maureen 😊

[@stephenhyland4256]

The branch line at Mullingar was formerly the main Dublin to Galway line until the 70s when most of the services were moved to Hueston station

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I saw that on the map. Looked quite an extensive network at one time.

[@TheEastAnglianSpotter]

Excellent video mark those trains look comfortable

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep a perfectly comfortable ride this one. 😊👍

[@WingsWheelsMore]

You’ll like, or have already enjoyed, the proposed Tralee trip, especially the in and out the same way stop at Killarney station. I don’t know how you’re getting to Tralee but I took the only Ryanair flight within Ireland from Dublin to Kerry, made my way onwards from that airport and caught the train back. Tip to anyone flying into Kerry, don’t trust the bus timetable from the airport itself, better to walk the 1km to the main road for the more frequent services.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate. I keep forgetting about that Dublin to Kerry flight. Tbh, it’s easier for me to fly from BHX - over to Cork this time. Main reason for Cork is the Premier Inn and Quinlans Fish Restaurant! I’m looking forward to it immensely.

[@geraldadley6605]

I know this line well. In 1955 I took the train with my family from Westland Row, now Pearse to Dromod. We then took the narrow gauge line to Fenagh. This line closed in the late 1950s. The steam train to Dromod from Dublin took about 4 hours. The line has been seriously modernised in the intervening years. Brilliant video. Thanks a lot.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Gerald and thanks for the comment. Good to read your recollection and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 😊👍

[@strongbow310]

Good to see you again Steve marsh great videos

[@James-Power82]

Excellent video Mark, the branch just before Sligo goes to the Quay. Of note, Video 125 did a cab ride along the Sligo line a fair few years ago too. Deffo worth watching if you ever get the chance 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers James, I’ll give that a watch. Thanks for the comment mate, appreciated 😊👍

[@terrycrossley4918]

Enjoyed seeing the line again , Mark. I thought you might have included a reference to the Ballina branch and the quirky platform junction for it shortly before Sligo. I found the return journey long and tedious when I did it mostly due to the slow average speed. But that is unavoidable given the single track portion of the line.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’m always likely to miss a few things in a 20 min video Terry but thanks for adding the info anyway. I enjoyed it immensely and definitely doing a few more. Heading to Tralee in December so if there’s anything I ought to be looking out for on that line, drop me an email and I’ll be sure to include it 😊👍

[@steeviebops]

You're thinking of the Westport line there.

[@enricomonti156]

I did travel to Tralee last year by a direct train from Cork (although most trains actually terminate at Mallow) and the section of the line that passes through Killarney National Park is absolutely impressive. Tralee Casement Station is also line. I had some great train experiences in Ireland this year including the line you just travelled on, only in the section between Mullingar and Longford. Most of the branch line you saw in Mullingar is now the Mullingar-Athlone greenway, of which I walked 11 km and has still actual railway tracks on it

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’m flying into Cork so I presume it’s a train out to Mallow and then over to Tralee. I have been to Tralee before when I used to hitch around Ireland. Just as a way of getting out to the Dingle peninsula really 👍

[@enricomonti156]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I went to Tralee to see a friend of mine who lives there. It is a lovely town indeed, and I also went to the Dingle peninsula as well. I would also recommend you visit the seaside cliff village of Ballybunnion, from where the first Transatlantic radio signal was sent. Also, if you happen on that side but during the spring-summer, you can visit the Lartigue Monorail Museum in Listowel. The volunteers rebuilt parts of that monorail which once connected Listowel to Ballybunnion

[@scottishtrainspotter7209]

I'll be heading off to visit Dublin next year, Love Dublin when I was last there.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I do like Dublin. Definitely take a look at the Premier Inns, they’re pretty cheap out of season. 👍

[@msjacksshipsadventures8382]

On Holiday in Ireland tried out all the trains I say very lovely

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I agree and I’ll be doing a few more soon too 👍

[@Andypanda19733]

Great trip enjoyed it 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Andy, thanks for watching 😊👍

[@Robert-G4PYR]

Another excellent video. Thanks….

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Robert 😊👍

[@Agentt4777]

Boyle is my hometown and while it’s great for visitors, there’s not a lot to do here. Most younger people leave and work in the larger towns or move abroad. I came back in 2006 after a stint in the UK. A fantastic little town to grow up in with a huge sense of community.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

If I get some kind of rail pass, the idea would be to stop off at all these interesting places. Definitely a consideration next time I’m over there for a while. Cheers 😊👍

[@paulbennett8516]

Hi Mark another great video interesting part of the world

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul, yep never been to Sligo before. Should’ve stayed longer tbh.

[@wjp555]

Yes very interested in seeing cycle facilities being reviewed on your travels.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I will be a complete novice with the bike on trains thing but I’ll certainly give it a go. 👍

[@daigriffiths399]

You mean the escalators were actually working? Daaaamn!!!! (Frequent Newry-Dublin traveller here).

[@patrickkeating7074]

Just another whinging pome, clear up your own S.H. first....

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I am afraid so Dai! 😂

[@simondavey7787]

Ireland does seem to have some fascinating railway journies. I'm curious as to where your bus journey takes you!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon. Tune in next week for the next instalment! 😊👍

[@baseballfan99]

It’s certainly a sedately pace but plenty of time to look at the scenery and I agree the price is very good. I find it ironic that my job has me talking to people all over Ireland, I live in England, and dispatching drivers to them so I am very familiar with the geography yet I have never been there. I have been to a bit of Northern Ireland but that is all.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Both Ireland and Northern Ireland are fantastic scenery-wise I think. Loads to explore and maybe not the most extensive rail network these days but interesting nonetheless. I’m certainly going to do a few more lines (and buses). 😊👍

[@glenfowler87]

Yes would like to see you take a bike on the train

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ll certainly give it a go. How hard can it be! 😊

[@yyyfffff33333]

If the trains not busy then no problem moving around ! The problem I notice with seat reservations is how many people under 30 don't know how they work ! Not forgetting Americans on holiday in Europe .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, good point 👍

[@jacquelineross5453]

GOOD VIDEO, THANK YOU👏😁

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Jacqueline 😊

[@tibsthefox]

Nice video. The table seats do actually have conventional plugs too under the table, albeit they are a little bit fiddly to reach

[@andywillis2650]

Good video Mark, i'm with you on seat reservations. Hope you've recovered from your cold ?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Nope, still got it Andy. 3 months now, just waiting for a referral!

[@andywillis2650]

@LetsMakeaTrip hope you get sorted soon Mark ! 👍

[@mfitzy100]

I think you may have missed Edgeworthstown station between Mullingar and Longford 😊

[@BenRyanPhoto]

Nice video, it would be great to hear information during the video at the time you are purchasing the ticket with regards to ticket prices on your trip.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ticket price detailed near the end Ben. Purchased about 1 month before the trip iirc. Cheers 👍

[@johnmc3862]

Good man!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John 😊👍

[@barrybennett2544]

That was really helpful as I'm thinking about going to the music festival in Sligo next year and that'd be the ideal way to get there from Dublin (Ryanair from Leeds Bradford then that train ) Also I think you should try doing some bike videos 🚲

[@pattralee]

If you can get a flight to Knock (Ireland West) Airport it would be easier with the regular Bus Eireann services from there.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Barry. Yep that would be easily done as would Pat’s suggestion from Knock. I think the bus from the airport should be reasonably frequent as it’s the 64 service from Galway 👍

[@jonathandavis6800]

There was 3 stations in collooney one for the Dublin line one for the line to claremoris and the SLNCR line to enniskillen

[@irishmark2180]

great video, if you wanna see some country sites id head towards co kerry, the kerry mountains the views from there are great you will love it there, thank you for a great video of ireland,

[@irishmark2180]

you will love tralee ive been there many of times nice town

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Mark. I have been to Kerry back in my ‘hitchhiking around Ireland’ days. They were some great times. Got over to Skellig Michael once - that place is awesome! So many good memories, I always enjoy going back 😊👍

[@irishmark2180]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I lived in a village called listowel and I had ballybunion seaside 10 Mins away from my cottage I’ve got there. Kerry is a fantastic place to be in.

[@Letsgobyland]

nice one! Also tried some trains in Ireland. Was good😉

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers, I have a few more to do yet too 👍

[@simonboulton4490]

I believe your on a CAF unit which were part of the up grading of the Irish rail stock .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon, I’m finding myself mainly on these units atm, yes. Tralee next so I’ll be interested to see if that’s the same 👍

[@qwertyTRiG]

I don't know about the Sligo line, but on the Galway & Westport line all the bike spaces have been completely changed. They've removed that rack and instead made a much larger vestibule with folding seats and a strap to keep bikes in place. The table seats also have full sockets. They're just hidden under the table. Also, there's additional luggage space where there are two seats back to back

[@Sandwich4321]

pretty sure a lot of the trains with those new carriages still have the old bike racks there too

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@Sandwich4321 Yeah. I've since seen that.

[@JohnResalb]

No, just sit in any seat but be prepared to have to move if it should turn out someone shows up who's got a reservation for the seat you've moved to. However, I have a good tip - reservations are usually unnecessary in stopping trains (unless it's a commuter direction in the rush hour). Fast trains are a different matter and you don't see as much.

[@qwertyTRiG]

In the Irish Rail system, if you buy a ticket online you *must* get a reserved seat on a specific train. If you buy a ticket at the station you have no seat reservation and can travel on any train. Online tickets are usually cheaper.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, I think that’s a perfectly sensible approach.

[@dawezer]

Dont worry about not sitting in reserved seats, youre still taking up the same amount of seats and someone will definitely sit in it once they see its empty!

[@dawezer]

There is also conventional plugs under the tables, im guessing you just didn't spot it!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers, I totally agree tbh. The displays should have ‘reserved from/to’ on them really. That would help.

[@dawezer]

@@LetsMakeaTrip they do say reserved from before you arrive at a station and they dissapear after the station is passed

[@simonkenny3497]

Nice trip that Mark. Leisurely if anything, but at least you can take the scenery in. Is it me,or is it that travelling in Ireland seems to be a lot more leisurely than here in G.B. ?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I think it can be perceived as such. But there are many similar branch lines in the UK like the Cambrian Coast I guess. I enjoy them tbh but then again I’m not usually in any kind of rush. Cheers mate 😊👍

[@ken_murphy]

It's a bit of a luck of the draw as to whether the reservation facilities on Irish Rail trains works. I've often chosen a reserved seat on the Wexford-Dublin train only to find that none of the signs showing the reservation names are working. Even when it does work, people never seem to respect the fact that the seat is reserved and sit there anyway. And then act all shocked when you ask them to move lol.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Seems a bit random, there were names on some, numbers on others. What you really need is ‘reserved from/to’ so that everyone knows.

[@ken_murphy]

@@LetsMakeaTrip When you select a reserved seat it gives you the option of showing either your name or your ticket number on the display. Not sure which it defaults to.

[@qwertyTRiG]

​@LetsMakeaTrip It will say "reserved from X" if it is. And then, at X, will switch to either a name or a number, whichever the person selected. And yes, the Athlone-Westport service seems particularly bad for non-working reservations.

[@BenRyanPhoto]

Nice video, it would be great to hear information during the video with regards to ticket prices on your trip.

[@AymanTravelTransport]

This type of journey (long distance but slow line speeds stopping in many places) would be called Interregional (IR) in many European countries, particularly in Switzerland.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I agree. Good comment 👍

[@Carolinemortimer-x2g]

There was a catering trolley on this train but because of covit and there are trying to get it again sligo is lovely place to stay I lived in Dublin now live in letterkney

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I think that was probably the case for a few of these trolley services. I hope they return but I think the vending machines might be cheaper to install unfortunately.

[@pattralee]

Tralee is my hometown. Farranfore (Kerry) Airport has Ryanair flights to Dublin, London Stansted & Luton, & Manchester if that helps you getting over from or back to the UK without having double back.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Pat. I’m flying in to Cork this time as I have a hotel booked there and plan will be just to go out to Mallow then change there. Just hoping that works out ok. Should do 👍

[@bobtheman19]

Sligo train station was mined and set alight during the Irish civil war there is still shrapnel/bullet holes in the walls if you look closely a decision was made many years ago to leave it like that I agree with it very atmospheric.The branch line right before the station goes to Sligo port

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Oh I wish I’d have known that before getting there Bob, love stuff like that! I didn’t have long in Sligo this time but I will go back at some point. Sounds an interesting place. 👍

[@29brendus]

The junction at Sligo goes to Sligo Quay, still in use mainly for wood shipments.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ah thanks mate - great info 😊👍

[@shanegilmartin6779]

Sligo Quay closed over 10 yrs now..track to the Quay in Sligo only used as a siding to store trains overnight

[@29brendus]

@@shanegilmartin6779 Thanks for the update, but I thought I saw a wood shipment there 2 years ago? Must have been falling asleep.

[@irechopshop]

The line on the left just before Sligo stn is now a sliding but used to go to goods loading

[@DermotMcG]

Just got to your surprise at their being a socket at the airline-style seats. Did you know, there are also similar sockets under the table on the seat you were at?

[@DermotMcG]

By the way, the branch line as you were arriving into the Sligo station is for traffic to the docks. There's a working docks in Sligo, which handles fuel, timber, coal and scrap metal. I don't know if the train still runs down there, but it certainly used to in my childhood (1970s/80s).

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Dermot, yep I’ll look out for those next time 👍

[@kevincallaghan3212]

Hi history points there was always a bar and trolly service for years on sligo_dub line they stopped few years back pre covid times and the roof at station was glass see through when intact...

[@martinbyrne5626]

There has been massive underinvestment in rail infrastructure in favour of motorways over the last decades. Hopefully that changes and we can step into the 21st century with fast electrified rail connecting our major towns and cities.

[@davidrumbelow]

A place you might like to explore sometime in the future. Island of st Helena, mid Atlantic Ocean.... no trains yet

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’d love to David. Just need to start earning a bit more money first!!

[@fitmovesireland]

Nice video.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate 😊👍

[@gavindonnelly1605]

Really enjoyed the Dub-Sligo report. Being a Dub myself, have never done the Sligo rail trip . Will be now!! Thanks.👍👍👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Gavin. Always good to hear that someone’s going to have a go after watching a vid. Enjoy mate 😊👍

[@squareinsquare2078]

As a regular commuter on Irish trains, they're awful. 2 bike spaces, for the whole train (they do have a new carriage for bikes but have posters saying no bikes in them during rush hour, which makes them useless in reality). They crawl along at 45 kph at times, sometimes they stop in the middle of nowhere. They are clean and generally on time though.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I’ve found them reasonably good so far. Agree they’re slow but as a ‘tourist’ I’m not usually in a rush. I may take my bike over to a Ireland and see how I get on. Not in rush hour though by the sounds of it!

[@steeviebops]

Sligo did have a roof but it was destroyed during the civil war in the 1920s and never rebuilt.

[@seanlyons7565]

17:34 they used to be glass canopy’s…… very Victorian and pretty(Georgian wire style panes) but as time went on and they cracked or broke they never got replaced until eventually they were removed to what you can see now

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Sean. I did wonder and it’s a shame they weren’t replaced but I guess it would cost a whole load of money these days!

[@Chadleyization]

Lough Owel is pronounced like Lock Ooowel, not Lock O-wel just FYI.

[@Paul-lf1bq]

A conductor told me that you don’t buy a ticket for a seat on the train just a place on the train. If someone is sitting in your booked seat, tough. So you can sit pretty much anywhere.

[@trevormegson7583]

Please take your bike on a train. I'd love to take mine on one but it looks such a faff that it's put me off. Would be great to see your experience and observations. Would be need to remove the Pannier bags during transit etc.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It might well be a faff Trevor tbh, I don’t know. I am quite keen to find out though and it’d save me walking to the station for once!

[@kenpercival]

You missed Edgeworthstown station and its old building!

[@martinryan2370]

I actually did cork to Sligo this year in one day and returned To Dublin and train. To thurles The problem there is no trolley service That track goes from Sligo to claremorris to join the the west coast line closed in the 70s But will be reopened I. The next 5/7 years

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Martin. I hope you’re right with that line re-opening. I really enjoyed this trip and I’m coming back for more later in the year. Tralee next 👍

[@timbounds7190]

Didn't like the most exciting trip in the world! Not terribly fast either! But at €17, I guess no-ones going to complain that much!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It’s certainly not fast but I knew that and was really surprised by the variation in the stations and the scenery (Lough Owel for example). Really enjoyed it 😊👍

[@CarlTebbutt]

Reserving a seat is generally free so unless you are paying the privilege or indeed it is busy so you have a guaranteed seat, i see no issue sitting elsewhere.

[@aindriasobaoighill1591]

Good marks, Mark! I take the 11.05 quite often myself - free: I have an Old Age Pensioner's free travel pass. A catering trolley, on this route, fell foul of Covid, and hasn't been replaced; but over priced cardboard sandwiches are no loss, really! The tea and coffee were OK, though. Thanks for the detailed information.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated 😊👍

[@damianwalls1262]

I think you asked about the enterprise Belfast Dublin thing I did it recently and have to do it next week. Not impressed. To put it mildly.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That doesn’t sound great. I wasn’t impressed a couple of years ago. Doesn’t sound like much has improved then.

[@ericdunn555]

Good man yourself, Mark. Super video; loved every minute of it - even your mispronunciations were quite endearing (Maynooth = minnoof, btw). Go raibh maith agat.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Eric. I have a go with the pronunciation but yep, usually fail dismally. Maybooth btw, I heard the announcements on the train and it sounded like ‘munnoot’ so I thought, I’ll pronounce it like that too and everyone will be impressed! Obviously didn’t work 😂

[@twozerouk]

Did this trip in the late seventies in 1930's rolling stock and I seem to recall it took about five hours! The guard at the time told me the slow speed was due to worn out track. I suppose the hand outs from the EU brought about improvements. Surprised to be told the Irish gauge is approx 5' 2".

[@NedNew]

1600mm is the Irish Rail Gauge to be exact, not sure what that would be in old measurements.

[@twozerouk]

@@NedNew 5 feet 2 inches I think.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

5 hours is quite some mph average!! Bet it was a fantastic train though - totally atmospheric 😊👍

[@twozerouk]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yes the old trains were more comfortable and as you say the scenery is great. The station platform hasn’t changed at all!