Extended schedules run Thursday-Saturday through December, plus New Year’s Eve, with onboard security
Iarnród Éireann has introduced extended late-night train services for the Christmas period, operating over the next three weekends plus New Year’s Eve to accommodate seasonal festivities and night-time travel demand.
The enhanced schedules cover DART services within Dublin and commuter routes to Maynooth, Dundalk, and Kildare, with security personnel aboard all late-night trains to ensure passenger safety.
Service Schedule
Late-night trains will operate Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights through the Christmas period. Additional times include:
Howth Line:
- 00:30 and 01:30 from Pearse serving all stations to Howth
Greystones Line:
- 00:35 and 01:35 from Connolly serving all stations to Greystones
Dundalk Line:
- 00:40 and 01:40 from Pearse serving Tara Street, Connolly, and all stations from Howth Junction to Dundalk
Maynooth Line:
- 00:27 and 02:10 from Pearse serving all stations to Maynooth
Kildare Line:
- 23:55 and 01:58 from Pearse serving all stations to Drumcondra, and all stations from Park West to Kildare
New Year’s Eve Services
Special late-night services will operate after New Year’s festivities in Dublin city center, running approximately one hour later than pre-Christmas late-night schedules to accommodate revelers celebrating the new year.
Booking Information
Full timetable details are available on the Irish Rail website and mobile app. Irish Rail reminded passengers that journeys departing after midnight will display on the journey planner under the following day’s date.
Normal fare rates apply to all late-night services—no premium pricing for extended hours.
Safety Measures
The presence of security personnel on all late-night trains addresses safety concerns that can accompany increased alcohol consumption during holiday celebrations. The measure aims to ensure comfortable, secure travel for all passengers using extended services.
Seasonal Context
The enhanced schedules support Dublin’s night-time economy during the busy Christmas shopping and celebration period, providing alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing services. With taxi drivers currently engaged in disputes with Uber and staging periodic protests, the additional train capacity offers welcome alternatives for late-night travelers.
The services also align with Ireland’s efforts to promote public transportation over private vehicles, reducing drunk driving risks during the holiday season when social gatherings and alcohol consumption increase.
The extended hours represent significant operational investment by Irish Rail, requiring additional staff scheduling for drivers, station personnel, security officers, and maintenance teams to support services well beyond normal operating hours.