Trains to Dublin on All-Ireland final day sell out as Cork fans scramble for tickets

Iarnród Éireann hopes to put on more trains for fans travelling to the All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipperary on July 20 

Cork supporters celebrating the semi-final victory on Saturday. At the time of writing, seats are still available on the 12.25pm Cork-Dublin train, but it gets into the capital just 30 minutes before the All-Ireland final. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Tickets for several scheduled trains from Cork to Dublin on the day of the All-Ireland Hurling final have already sold out as Corkonians scramble to secure a way to get to the capital for the match against Tipperary.

According to Iarnród Éireann, tickets for the 8.25am service from Cork Kent, which arrives in Dublin Heuston shortly before 11am on Sunday, July 20, are no longer available.

A number of other services on the day are also now sold out:

• 09.20am Mallow to Heuston;
• 10am Cork to Heuston;
• 10.25am Cork to Heuston
• 11am Cork to Heuston;
• 12pm Cork to Heuston.

At time of writing, there are still some seats available aboard the 12.25pm service, although that train gets into the capital just 30 minutes before the All-Ireland final in Croke Park throws in.

Trains out of Dublin heading back to Cork are also at capacity, with the 8.15pm, 8.45pm, and 9.25pm Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent services all fully booked.

However, people hoping to travel up to the capital for the match need not despair just yet. 

🚨GAA Extra Services Update 🚨

To all our lovely passengers (people of Cork 👀😅) asking about extra services for next weekend’s GAA action💥

Right now, our operations team is working hard to confirm additional services, my colleagues and I will post any details ASAP. 🙌 -AD

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) July 6, 2025

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson later told the Irish Examiner that its operations team would be"working from tomorrow to schedule extra services for both Cork and Tipperary supporters, and will let customers know as soon as details of extra services are confirmed". 

"As always for any All-Ireland Final - especially for two rail-connected counties, there will be huge demand, and we will do all we can to operate whatever additional services are possible," the spokesperson added.

Details of these additional services will be posted as soon as possible on the Iarnród Éireann website and its social media accounts.

Rebels' fanzone returns to Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Meanwhile, Cork hurling supporters who aren't travelling to Dublin for the match will have the option of watching the game live at the Rebels' fanzone at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 

Speaking just after Cork secured a spot in the final, Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, confirmed that Cork City Council and Cork GAA are working together to stage a free, family-friendly Rebels' fanzone event at the Páirc on Sunday, July 20. 

This event, he said, would allow supporters unable to travel to Dublin "to come to the home of Cork GAA to watch their heroes play All-Ireland Hurling Championship final".

Further details of the event, including ticket release date, will be confirmed tomorrow, Monday, July 14.

Between now and the big day, Mr Dennehy encouraged the people of Cork to hoist flags and banners in support of the squad. He said: 

We are so proud of our Cork hurlers and the hard work they’ve put in to take us back to an All-Ireland final for what will no doubt be a thrilling match. 

"I know the people of Cork will back their team to the hilt, as they always do. 

"Let’s celebrate our heroes and show our support — hang up your flags and banners, light up your businesses and buildings, and show your Rebel colours — Corcaigh abú!" 

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