Day return rail ticket prices slashed by up to 65%

THOUSANDS of rail passengers are set to enjoy savings of up to 65% on day return tickets as Iarnród Éireann yesterday launched a cut-price sale similar to low-cost airlines.

Tens of thousands of cheap tickets are expected to be sold over coming weeks after the company announced its first-ever online sale.

Rail passengers will be able to avail of heavily discounted rates for day return tickets on all mainline rail services with children travelling at half-price.

For example, adult day return fares on the Dublin-Cork route have been slashed from the standard €56.50 to €just 20 a reduction of over 64%.

The special rate of €20 will also apply on services between the capital and Tralee, Limerick and Ennis.

Day return tickets costing €10 on services to and from Galway, Westport and Sligo will go on sale from next week with the same fare on offer for routes serving Waterford, Rosslare and Belfast available from March 7.

Fares are available in both directions, excluding Belfast, and from all intermediate stations on the route.

Unlike some special offers with airlines, an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said there were no hidden costs such as booking fees or supplementary charges.

Customers can purchase the bargain tickets on the company's website at www.irishrail.ie or by calling 1850-444222.

"This is only the first sale of many where we will sell rail tickets for trains where there is spare capacity at discounted prices for our customers. Already, our Intercity rail fares are amongst the lowest in Europe, and with savings on day return tickets of up to 65% now we are offering better value than ever," said the spokesperson.

To avail of the promotional prices, however, tickets must be bought a minimum of five days in advance of travel.

Tickets will be posted to customers, while they will also be available for collection at major mainline destinations.

Tickets will also be non-refundable and non-changeable will not be available for travel on Fridays or Sundays.

"It is the nature of marketing promotions like this that there are certain restrictions," explained an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson.

The sale prices are set to run until April.