Irish Rail is the operator of the national railway network of Ireland. Intercity rail passenger services operate between Dublin and Belfast, Sligo, Ballina, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Ennis, Tralee, Cork, Waterford and Rosslare Europort and Iarnród Éireann jointly operates the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service with Northern Ireland Railways. Regional services include the new Limerick to Galway line, Cork commuter network including the new Cork-Midleton line, Limerick Junction to Waterford, and Limerick to Ballybrophy (via Nenagh) services. Small dogs can be carried free of charge in the passenger compartment of services provided they travel on the owners lap. The dog must be kept on a lead at all times unless contained in a basket or in an appropriate container. Small cats can be carried free of charge in the passenger compartment of services provided they travel in a secure carrier on the customer’s lap. Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars with the exception of Guide dogs or Assistance dogs. If a customer objects to the presence of a dog in their carriage, the owner will be requested to move to another part of the train. Accompanied dogs, other than guide dogs or assistance dogs, can only be conveyed on Intercity services in a Guards Van (non-passenger compartment) if available (eg Dublin/Cork and Dublin/Belfast services only).
Taking a pet to a foreign country involves preparation and planning far in advance of your departure date. Requirements for pet travel to a foreign country are set by the destination country. If you are you traveling to another country and bringing along your pet you’ll need to meet the animal health requirements of the country you are visiting.
More information on the Irish Rail pet policy
