IRELAND - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 314

Ireland's high-speed trains are modeled after the futuristic TGV-style Eurostar
trains and aptly dubbed “the trains of the future.” The Enterprise is one of the high-
tech trains that connects Dublin with Belfast in Northern Ireland. The air-condi-
tioned carriages include digital displays and satellite route maps.
First class is referred to as “super-standard,” and second class is known as
“standard.” First-class rail pass holders are entitled to travel in super-standard
coaches without payment of supplements. First-class coaches are equipped with
reclining seats, audio entertainment, wi-fi, and power ports to charge your devices.
A facsimile service is provided, as are “Silver Service” meals served at the seats.
Standard-class coaches include a “family room” at one end of the car for those
with children. Light meals are available from the mobile food-service cart and the
buffet (pronounced “buffey” in Ireland) area of the coach.
Some trains operate with standard-class (second-class) coaches only. Standard-
class seats are not reservable for individuals, only groups (no seat reservations
on bank holidays or weekends). You are required to show your ticket (or rail pass)
when entering the train platforms in Irish rail stations, so have it handy.
Food and beverages are served by Irish Rail's own catering service. The service
varies according to the type of train. Full-service restaurant cars are hauled on
main-line routes, but most catering consists of buffet cars or snack-bar service.
Food carts are used on some routes. When traveling on a train hauling a restaurant
car, super-standard passengers are provided with in-seat catering. In buffet cars
you can obtain hot food, but trains equipped with snack-bar service offer only sand-
wiches and other prepared food. You may take your own food and beverages
aboard. Take some candy treats with you—it's a good way to get acquainted with
other passengers.
Eurail passes and Eurail Select Passes are accepted for rail travel in the Re-
public of Ireland, but not in Northern Ireland. Eurail bonuses include:
• 30 percent discount on Irish Ferries crossing Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff
(France) February through December. Advance booking recommended.
• 30 percent discount on Stena Line crossings, to and from Ireland. Advance
booking recommended.
• 30 percent discount on Irish Ferries Line crossings, to and from Ireland. Ad-
vance booking recommended.
• 25 percent discount on Norfolkline Irish Sea Line crossings, to and from Ireland.
Advance booking recommended.
• 10 percent discount on HINI hostels in Ireland