Iarnród Éireann (IÉ; in English Irish Rail), is the largest passenger railway system in Ireland. Established in 1987, it is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. It runs all internal intercity, suburban and commuter railway services in the Republic of Ireland and it operates the Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast jointly with Northern Ireland Railways. In addition to Iarnród Éireann, Northern Ireland Railways, Bord na Móna operates a 3ft large industrial railway - the latter system is the largest railway system in Ireland - but does not carry passengers, see also rail transport in Ireland.

"four rails"

At the time of its establishment in 1987, Iarnród Éireann referred to itself as Irish Rail, and introduced the four rails IR logo; however, the initials IR were often defaced as IRA on signage. In 1994, the company brought the Irish form of its name and the related initials to the fore, and these remain the corporate branding today. The Irish word iarnród translates literally into English as iron road, or formally railroad.

Iarnrod Eireann's services are divided under two major brands - the InterCity sector which operates the long-distance routes (including the "Enterprise" service run in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways), and DART/Commuter sector which operates routes in the greater Dublin area and Leinster. A separate timetable is published for each sector annually.

Dublin is a large interchange in Ireland's railway system, the three main intercity stations are Connolly Station, Heuston Station, and Pearse Station; Intercity services radiate to/from; Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Galway, Waterford, Rosslare Europort, Sligo, Westport and Ballina. Additional regional services are between Cork - Tralee as well as Limerick - Rosslare Europort.

Iarnród Éireann Loco. No. 215 at Grand Canal Dock DART station, 2001

Commuter services are also mainly radial to/from Dublin: Northern (Dundalk), Western (Maynooth/Longford), South Western (Kildare) and South Eastern (Arklow). Additional commuter services are between Ennis - Limerick, Tralee - Cork as well as Cóbh - Cork. The north-south route is also host to the Dublin Area Rapid Transit, the State's only electrified rail service - apart from the Luas light rail system.

Quality of service varies from route to route. The Enterprise is well regarded, despite problems with punctuality. There have also been ongoing problems with excess power drain on the locomotives, with one or two locomotives overheating and bursting into flames (while in service). Breakdowns are a regular occurance as a result. The Cork - Dublin route, also quite well regarded, was the "premier line" of the Great Southern and Western Railway, one of the biggest pre-Córas Iompair Éireann operators. Journey time and rolling stock is quite good on this route.

See also

• List of Irish companies
• History of rail transport in Ireland
• Transportation in Ireland
• Diesel Locomotives of Ireland

External link

• Official site - English language (http://www.irishrail.ie)
• Official site - Irish language (http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie)