Irish Rail in ‘plan ahead’ alert over ‘busy weekend’ with train tickets sold out and seaside spot services cancelled

TRAIN passengers are being urged to “plan ahead” as bosses are expecting a busy weekend – with seats sold out and some seaside services cancelled.

Irish Rail has said that there are some changes to its most in-demand services ahead of a GAA-filled weekend.

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DART services are suspended on Saturday between two stations[/caption]

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Irish Rail have given major travel updates ahead of a busy GAA weekend[/caption]

Croke Park will host the All-Ireland Football Championship, which will see Meath face off against Donegal.

And on Saturday, Kerry will take on Tyrone in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Kildare will play against Limerick in the Tailteann Cup final in Croke Park.

With such a packed weekend, rail services are set to be brimming with passengers.

Irish Rail said that customers should book tickets in advance to avoid missing out.

And they advised that some services have already sold out.

They asked that all passengers have their ticket ready for inspection before boarding to avoid delays.

On Saturday, multiple services will be serving Dublin and the surrounding counties.

There will be a 9.43 service from Newbridge to Heuston, a 10.45 train from Dundalk to Connolly, serving Drogheda, Laytown, Gormanston, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock, Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede, and an 11.10 service from Newbridge to Heuston, serving Sallins.

There will also be a 12.20 Newbridge to Heuston service, an 18.05 service in the opposite direction, and a 19.20 service following the same route.

And at 21.15 there will be a service from Heuston to Limerick.

On Sunday, there is an 11:00 service from Drogheda to Connolly, serving Laytown, Gormanston, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock, Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede.

Train bosses also urged people to stay hydrated during the hot weather this weekend.

Weather experts have predicted highs of 32°C in some areas with multiple counties under yellow weather warnings.

There are water bottle refill stations and drinking fountains available in train stations at Connolly, Pearse, Heuston, Malahide, Dundalk, Athlone, Galway, Tralee and Killarney. 

And a DART service in Dublin used by thousands of commuters has been suspended on Saturday.

The route between Dún Laoghaire and Bray will not operate on July 12.

Train bosses said the reason for the suspension is renewal works.

The DART will only operate between Malahide/ Howth and Dún Laoghaire.

But Dublin Bus and Go Ahead Ireland will accept valid rail passes between the closed stations as an alternative form of travel.

And on the Rosslare Europort line, services will only operate between Rosslare and Bray.

Bus transfers will be in place between Bray and Connolly station.

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Some train tickets have already sold out and people are advised to book in advance[/caption]