[MrJoeSoap]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to book a multi-stage journey online with Irish Rail? I've used the website a fair bit and can't remember ever seeing the option. I'm looking to head Dublin-Thurles on Saturday, then on to Cork on either Saturday evening or Sunday morning, and back to Dublin on Sunday evening from Cork.

As it is, do I have to book three separate times, and pay the transaction fee every time? Or am I missing something?

Thanks,
MJS

[River Song]

Hi MJS,

From what I can tell you'd have to book it in 3 separate goes unfortunately.

If you can buy at Heuston the "Dublin - Cork Open Return", I'm wondering would that cover you for the 3 journeys, or would it just do for the Dublin - Thurles / Cork Dublin portion of the journey? Might be worth calling IÉ over it!

M

[MrJoeSoap]

Originally Posted by River Song

Hi MJS,

From what I can tell you'd have to book it in 3 separate goes unfortunately.

If you can buy at Heuston the "Dublin - Cork Open Return", I'm wondering would that cover you for the 3 journeys, or would it just do for the Dublin - Thurles / Cork Dublin portion of the journey? Might be worth calling IÉ over it!

M

I'll give them a shout tomorrow, thanks. Any idea what an open return ticket to Cork might cost me?

[foggy_lad]

You just need to book one open return to Cork, if you travel out to Cork on Saturday you are entitled to a break in journey which you would take in Thurles, You then continue on to Cork on Saturday evening or you can have an overnight stay as long as you continue your journey in the morning on the first available service. You can then use the return from cork to Dublin in the normal manner or you can also take a break in journey on that leg of the trip.

http://www.irishrail.ie/media/ConditionsOfTravel1.pdf

section A. 8.

8. Break of journey
8.1 Except as may be specified in the publications and notices of and applicable
to Iarnród Éireann, the holder of an single ticket may break his or her journey
at intermediate stations on any route for which the ticket is valid within the
period of validity of the ticket.
8.2 Except as may be specified in the publications and notices of and applicable
to Iarnród Éireann, the holder of an return ticket may break his or her journey
at intermediate stations on any route for which the ticket is valid, provided the
journey is completed within the same calendar day, except where the
timetable does not permit, in which latter case the journey must be
completed on the next available service.

[lxflyer]

Originally Posted by MrJoeSoap

I'll give them a shout tomorrow, thanks. Any idea what an open return ticket to Cork might cost me?

An open return costs €77 and can only be purchased at the station.
http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=118&n=197&a=266

You might be better buying three online tickets. If you book today the cost would be:
Dublin - Thurles €17.99
Thurles - Cork €22.99 (Sat) / €12.99 (Sun)
Cork - Dublin € 22.99

That includes booking fees. As the week progresses that will become more expensive.