Irish Rail Luggage
Rules & Travel Guidelines

Train travel in Ireland is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country’s rolling green landscapes, bustling cities, and scenic coastal towns. Whether you’re commuting between Dublin and Cork, journeying to Galway’s cultural heart, or taking the Dublin–Belfast Enterprise, it’s important to understand Irish train luggage rules before you travel. This guide explains what you can bring, how to store it, and practical tips for a smooth journey.

The Iarnród Éireann network, commonly known as Ireland Trains, connects the country’s major cities and regions with efficient and comfortable rail services. Popular journeys include the train from Dublin to Cork, the cultural link between Dublin and Galway, and the cross-border Enterprise service from Dublin to Belfast. Trains also serve destinations such as Limerick, Waterford, and Sligo, making it easy to explore Ireland’s diverse landscapes and historic towns.

First launched in the 1980s in its modern form, the InterCity network was designed to improve long-distance connections across the country. Today, Irish trains provide a smooth, practical, and sustainable way to travel, with onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and food services available on longer routes. Whether you’re travelling for business between Ireland’s main hubs or setting out to discover the Wild Atlantic Way, train travel offers a reliable and scenic alternative to road or air.

Luggage Allowance
and Maximum Sizes

Irish Rail does not impose airline-style strict weight checks, but there is a clear Irish trains luggage limit that every passenger should follow. Generally, travellers may bring:
One large suitcase for the end-carriage racks.
One cabin-sized bag for overhead racks.
A small personal item such as a laptop bag, briefcase, or handbag.
The expectation is that you can carry and stow your luggage independently, and oversized or excessively heavy items may be refused if they obstruct aisles or create safety issues.

<strong style="font-size: 36px;">Luggage Policy </strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 36px;">and Onboard Storage</strong>

Luggage Policy
and Onboard Storage

Keep luggage with you at all times. Irish Rail does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged bags.
Use designated spaces: cabin-sized bags in overhead racks, large cases in luggage racks at carriage ends, and prams or folded buggies in designated areas.
Do not obstruct aisles, doors, or seats with luggage. This ensures safe boarding and disembarking for all passengers.
No luggage on seats: seats must remain free for passengers.
No luggage handling service: staff will not assist with carrying or stowing bags.
For longer routes such as Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Limerick, or Dublin-Belfast, ample storage facilities are provided, so travellers can relax without worrying about limited space.

Onboard Luggage
Placement Options

Overhead racks: For cabin-sized bags, backpacks, and coats.
Carriage-end racks: For larger suitcases. Secure your bag here at the beginning of your journey.
Between-seat spaces: For medium-sized bags or folded items.
Designated buggy/pram spaces: These must remain clear when not in use for safety reasons.

Note: The information in this guide is based on the official Irish Rail website and is provided to help passengers prepare for their journey.

What You Can and
Cannot Bring Onboard

Permitted:

Cabin bags, suitcases, coats, and laptops
Folded prams/buggies
Small pets in carriers or on laps
Assistance dogs
Bicycles (with restrictions)

Not permitted:

Firearms, explosives, corrosives, or dangerous goods
Large motorbikes or scooters with fuel
Poisonous or infectious substances
Items blocking aisles, doors, or exits

First-class passengers on InterCity services enjoy larger seats, quieter carriages, and additional legroom, but luggage allowances remain the same as standard class. The difference lies in the convenience - first-class compartments usually have more available space in racks and less crowding, especially on popular routes such as Dublin-Cork.

Travelling with Bicycles

Cyclists are welcome on Irish trains, though restrictions apply:
InterCity routes: Bicycles must be booked in advance online. Some routes like Dublin–Cork and Dublin–Belfast have separate storage compartments, while others store bicycles within passenger carriages.
DART and Commuter services: Bicycles travel free of charge during off-peak hours (not between 07:00–10:00 and 16:00–19:00 on weekdays).
Fold-up bikes: Allowed on all services at all times if folded and covered.
Size limits: Maximum length 1.8m and width 0.865m, suitable for most touring or road bikes.

Travelling with Pets

Pets are not permitted in restaurant cars, except for assistance animals. If another passenger objects, pet owners may be asked to move to a different carriage. Pets are allowed on Irish trains under certain conditions:
Small dogs and cats: Travel free if carried on the owner’s lap or in a secure container.
Assistance and guide dogs: Permitted without restriction, clearly identifiable with official harnesses or coats.
Other dogs: On InterCity services with guard vans (Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Belfast), dogs can travel muzzled and leashed, or in secure cages. Charges may apply.

Note: Irish Rail does not accept liability for property left on trains or in stations. Items unclaimed after 30 days are considered abandoned. Perishable items are disposed of earlier. If you misplace something, contact Irish Rail’s lost property service as soon as possible.

Overview of Irish Trains

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) operates InterCity, Commuter, and DART services, connecting major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford. International services like the Enterprise link Dublin with Belfast. On all routes, passengers will find a variety of storage options for luggage, making travel both practical and comfortable. Trains typically feature overhead racks, luggage racks at carriage ends, and spaces between seats for smaller bags.

Essential Travel Tips for Luggage on Irish Trains

Book early for bicycles

Use Rail Ninja for advance bookings, especially if connecting Irish services with international trains across Europe.

Arrive early

at major stations like Dublin Heuston, Cork Kent, or Belfast Lanyon Place to secure storage space during busy periods.

Fold prams and buggies

before boarding to save space and comply with storage rules.

Label your luggage

with name and contact details in case it is misplaced.

Understanding luggage on Irish trains helps ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, whether you’re travelling from Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, or Belfast. With generous storage facilities, straightforward rules, and flexibility compared to airlines, Irish Rail makes exploring Ireland both comfortable and practical. Ready to discover the Emerald Isle by rail? Book your tickets today and travel with confidence.

Irish Rail Luggage Rules & Travel Guidelines

Irish Rail Luggage
Rules & Travel Guidelines