A non-stop train between Dublin and Cork announced
Rail travel in and out of Cork is poised for a groundbreaking transformation, as Iarnród Éireann announces its most significant upgrade in years. A new non-stop train is also the part of upgrade. Commencing next Monday, December 11, commuters can expect faster and more frequent routes connecting Cork to Dublin, Limerick, and other areas around the Rebel County.
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The headline-grabbing revelation is the introduction of a new non-stop train between Cork and Dublin, boasting a record-breaking travel time of just two hours and 14 minutes. This marks a historic milestone in connecting the Republic of Ireland’s two largest cities at unprecedented speeds.
The groundbreaking service will kick off at 6:15 am from Cork, reaching Dublin’s Heuston station by 8:29 am. Commuters now have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to the Luas and navigate into the city centre before the workday officially begins. Meanwhile, the 6 am Dublin Heuston to Cork route ensures that a train from the capital arrives in Cork before 9 am, a first in history.
Benefits of the new routes and the non-stop train
These new routes signify a significant stride in connecting Cork with other major cities across Ireland, facilitating greater flexibility for individuals to live in Cork while working elsewhere, or vice versa. The upgraded timetable also includes more frequent trains between Cork and Mallow, offering an enhanced morning service from Monday to Saturday.
Residents of Mallow, North Cork’s largest town, will now benefit from an early morning non-stop train departing for the city at 7:20 am, with a return service at 7:50 am. This development is a boon for those residing in Mallow who work in Cork, ensuring a convenient commute and timely arrival at the office.
In response to the introduction of the 6 am Dublin to Cork route, an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson expressed confidence in the service’s popularity. With arrivals in Cork before 9 am and in Limerick before 8 am, the service is expected to be particularly attractive to business customers seeking efficient and timely travel options.
This unveiling comes amidst a series of ongoing upgrades to Cork’s rail network, exemplified by the construction of a new platform at Kent station. However, this progress has not been without its bittersweet moments, as last month witnessed the removal of the well-known signal box to make way for a new 220 m long platform.
“Iarnród Éireann with the National Transport Authority will continue to identify opportunities for further service improvements in the context of post-COVID travel patterns,” the spokesperson affirmed. The ongoing investment in the network, fleet, and services aims to deliver a superior travel experience, empowering more individuals to make sustainable travel choices.
As demand approaches and, in some cases, exceeds pre-pandemic levels, these developments underscore a commitment to meeting evolving travel needs and patterns. With these upgrades, Cork’s rail network is set to redefine the landscape of commuter convenience and connectivity across the region.
