For your next family break, why not #forgetthecar in favour of a leisurely train ride where you can sit back, relax and enjoy some quality time together?
You’ll find it far easier to keep yourself and your little lot amused in a comfortable Iarnród Éireann carriage than in a cooped-up car – the kids will welcome not having to talk to the backs of your heads the whole time, you’ll avoid that inevitable backseat boredom and squabbling that sets in – because it won’t on a train!
Check out the video below for a stress-free flavour of a family journey with Iarnród Éireann.
The Kellehers - parents Jan and Sean, and daughters Clara and Emily - enjoyed a chilled-out two-and- a-half hour train ride from Dublin to Galway. There was plenty of laughter and family bonding as they relished the chance to sit together for a game of cards around the table. After choosing a snack from the trolley cart, the girls did some drawing while mum had a wee doze and dad soaked up the scenery flashing past outside.
A smooth rail journey through the Irish countryside grants some essential downtime, the backdrop of lush green fields whizzing by and the soothing hum of the rails brings a sense of physical and mental space that you just don’t get while zooming down a busy motorway. And there’s no need to worry about wasting valuable time on refuelling and refreshment stops with all the amenities on board for you to enjoy on the go.
The many advantages of travelling with Iarnród Éireann include:
- Complimentary wifi
- Trolley service/snack carriage with tea, coffee, newspapers, sandwiches and confectionary
- No risk of getting lost or rows over navigation
- No need to bother about finding parking, traffic congestions, rush hour stress orunexpected traffic diversions
- No awkward toilet breaks or refuelling stoppages
- Plenty of time for reading, chatting, eating and using your devices
- Best of all, you’ll arrive fresh to enjoy all that your destination has to offer.
With the train dropping off at Ceannt Station right in the heart of Galway city, the Kelleher clan were full of energy and in the perfect place to enjoy a day of shopping and sightseeing around Eyre Square and the winding Latin Quarter, watching the buskers, stopping for ice-cream and taking a stroll around Galway Harbour.
Great value family tickets are available from Iarnród Éireann stations nationwide, valid for 1 or 2 adults and up to 4 children - and then it’s all aboard for a great fun day out. Sit back in your seat and let the scenery and the conversation flow. For more information on prices and a full list of destinations available see www.irishrail.ie/trips
