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Are ireland Euraio passes valid in Northern Ireland?

  • November 5, 2023
  • 6 replies
  • 178 views

The InterRail website https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/one-country-pass/ireland seems unclear as to whether Ireland passes are valid in Northern Ireland. It sttes 'The Emerald Isle is a small island of dazzling contrasts with its own soundtrack, from lively Dublin bars to rugged rocks, impressive mountain ranges, and kissing stones. Visit Belfast, Blarney, Limerick, and Waterford.'

The Belfast reference clearly implies cross-border validity. However, further down it states '

Can I cross the border?​

Not with this Pass, as it’s all about exploring one country from top to bottom. Want to cross the border? Go for a Global Pass.'

When you click 'Learn More’, it  gives the example: 'The Pass is valid for travel only in Spain and cannot be used to travel from the Netherlands to Spain'.

 

The island of Ireland has two countries in it-the Republic of Ireland and the UK in the form of Northern Ireland. Yet the reference to Belfast above suggests that the pass is valid in both parts of the island.

 

Can anyone clarify the position?

Best answer by ralderton

Eurail splits it up geographically, rather than politically. So Great Britain (England/ Wales/ Scotland) is one ‘country’ for pass purposes, and Ireland (Republic of Ireland/ Northern Ireland) is another.

So you’ll be able to travel in Northern Ireland with an Ireland pass. The border you can’t cross is the Irish Sea!

6 replies

  • Author
  • Rail rookie
  • November 5, 2023

Apologies. Not sure what happened to the thread title. It should read ‘Are Eurail Ireland passes valid in Northern Ireland’?


ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • Answer
  • November 5, 2023

Eurail splits it up geographically, rather than politically. So Great Britain (England/ Wales/ Scotland) is one ‘country’ for pass purposes, and Ireland (Republic of Ireland/ Northern Ireland) is another.

So you’ll be able to travel in Northern Ireland with an Ireland pass. The border you can’t cross is the Irish Sea!


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  • Full steam ahead
  • November 5, 2023

Just want to add : Irish train tickets are very cheap. I don't think a pass would be good value, unless maybe you intend to do all railway lines.

Some examples :

- Dublin - Belfast is 16€ on the day

- Dublin - Cork is 32€ (21€ advance tickets)

- Dublin - Galway is 16€

In Northern Ireland a day pass valid on trains and Ulster buses cost 16.50£.


  • Author
  • Rail rookie
  • November 5, 2023

Thanks. That’s helpful. It’s just curious/confusing then that Eurail refers to borders, rather han setting that out.


ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • November 5, 2023

Yes it’s not very clear, or obvious.

Perhaps one of the Eurail staff - if they’re reading this! - could clarify it on the product page. This question comes up a lot


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  • Railly clever
  • November 5, 2023

@Sarah W Can you please look if a clarification in this matter is possible on the website?