Iarnród Éireann staff are trying to sniff out the owner of an intrepid dog who boarded a commuter train from Co Kildare to Dublin today.

The travel-loving terrier journeyed half an hour from Sallins into Dublin's Heuston Station this morning.

Bemused passengers alerted staff to the ticketless canine on the 08:46 service, prompting Iarnród Éireann to tweet out an appeal.

The hunt for the handsome hound's home took off on social media, with dog lovers giving him the temporary name of Hamish.

However, by Wednesday evening, no one had come forward to claim him.

Iarnród Éireann worker Ted Maher, who also volunteers at animal sanctuary My Lovely Horse Rescue, is looking after Hamish at his home until his owner is found.

"The little fella got on an 8am train in Sallins this morning and he arrived here in Heuston," he said.

"The passengers alerted the members of staff there was a loose dog on the train, so we took him into the office."

Mr Maher said Hamish appeared to be well looked after and had proved himself a perfect passenger.

"Hopefully with all the coverage he's getting we'll find his owner," he said.

"He's a little gentleman, he's as quiet as a mouse, he's a lovely little dog.

"He's missed by somebody hopefully."

In 2010, a cat made headlines when she was issued with a rail card by Iarnród Éireann, after taking a trip on the DART.

The cat was reunited with its owner after her big day out.