Rosslare-Waterford

[atob]

Dear Forum

I am visiting Limerick this weekend, and thought a trip via Rosslare, Waterford and Tipperary would be scenic and straightforward to book. First, IE didn't have any online timetables for the line, then it didn't list any through fares beyond Rosslare (because there were no connecting trains). With some work on the internet I found that there is a solitary morning train to Waterford that does meet the overnight ferry at Rosslare, and I intend to be on it, but I'll have to pay the same fare as I would havepaid travelling Intercity via Dublin, which is a bit unfair.
Is your state railway operator winding this line down for closure? These tricks are all classic 'Beeching' techniques we experienced here in England during the 1960s. But it seems ironic when IE is reopening the Western Rail Corridor that could surely be joined to the services in the southwest?
Finally, I am slightly worried that this train won't turn up, so if anyone has any recent information on bus replacement, I would be grateful!
David Henshaw

[Thomas Ralph]

Hi David, welcome to the board.

I think if you get two separate tickets, one from Rosslare to Waterford and another from Waterford to Limerick, it'll come out cheaper. The online system isn't very good at handling tickets via particular routes.

Can't swear to that because I don't have my fare tables handy. You can always ask at the booking office in Rosslare.

We haven't had any indication that the line is slated for closure, but it is very low-traffic as you say.

The service runs pretty much all the time from Rosslare. The connection from Arklow (which leaves at something like 0544) is regularly cancelled, but that shouldn't affect you.

In the event that you don't make the train, Bus Éireann's route 40 (timetable at ) operates six services a day (five on Sundays and bank holidays) from Rosslare Harbour to Waterford, and route 55 links Waterford and Limerick.

[Thomas Ralph]

And now that I say it, it seems that some services last week and one next week are bus replacements from Rosslare to Wellingtonbridge.

[Traincustomer]

Hi David,
Hope you enjoy your trip.I've always found the South Wexford line service reliable and an interesting run. In particular the Barrow Railway Bridge (between Campile and Waterford Plunkett) - the longest railway bridge in Ireland is interesting - Great Island Power Station nearby.The cross-country route to Limerick Junction and onwards to Limerick is probably the only true cross-country rail route in Éire (as opposed to radial routes from Dublin)

If you're travelling from a UK station it's possible to buy a SailRail ticket from there via Fishguard-Rosslare (Stena Line) and on to Limerick via Waterford.

If you're using Bus Éireann you can buy a through ticket Rosslare Harbour to Limerick (even though a change of coach from Service 40 to 55 will be needed at Waterford).This can be bought at the CIÉ desk inside the Terminal (where rail tickets are also sold) or from the driver on the coach for the same price.
Can be bought online too for a 10% discount but email confirmation needs to be printed.
Hope the rail works out well for you.

I share the vision of through services from Galway (ultimately Sligo) to Rosslare.

[PLUMB LOCO]

Another factor to be borne in mind is food - you will find no refreshment trolley on your journey to Limerick. There are vending machines for minerals/crisps/chocolate at Waterford and Limerick Junction. :)

[atob]

Thanks for all the advice. There are now no through fares beyond Rosslare, the IE website suggesting over €40 Euros, for Rosslare-Limerick, but it turned out that was the via Dublin fare, and the Waterford route is actually quite good value at €20 or so. Food wasn't an issue because there was an hour's wait in Waterford! The track beyond to Limerick Junction was dreadful in places, with many speed restrictions, as I had picked up from this forum. But Limerick Junction to Limerick was a great trip - demonstrating what you can do with a well maintained, well signalled single track line.
I would certainly travel that way again, but it's disappointing to see so many obstacles deliberately put in the way of travellers.