Rail customers must book in advance on day of Papal visit

IARNRÓD Éireann has advised customers that there will be no access to trains on August 26 without prior reservation.

The rail company has told those attending World Meeting of Families events, including the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, August 26, to be aware that advance booking of intercity train travel is mandatory for this event.

There are also limited services from Westport, Ballina and Athlone to Claremorris for the Knock Shrine event on August 26, including a bus transfer to/from Knock.

The company is stressing that intercity train tickets will not be available for sale on the day and that there will be no access for anyone to intercity trains who does not have a ticket or reservation.

This applies to regular services, and extra trains which will operate from/to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Rosslare and Waterford.

Customers can book travel at www.irishrail.ie or (018) 366222.

For existing ticket holders, including free travel pass holders and season ticket holders, a reservation is essential for travel on Sunday, August 26. Reservations for this date are free of charge, and can also be booked at www.irishrail.ie.

Those travelling by rail should also note:

Public transport services including rail will get you to and from events faster, and bring you closer, with major cordons in place for private cars

Please take account of the walking distance from your station to the Papal Cross, and allow time for this walk when choosing your train times

Customers must travel on the train they book – due to high demand, there is no flexibility to change to other services.

Trains will have unallocated seating. Please take any available seat on your train

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said: “We are looking forward to playing a major role in bringing customers to and from the World Meeting of Families events. The Phoenix Park Mass is the largest single event the country has hosted since Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, and the need for customers to book Intercity travel in advance will ensure that all can travel to and from the event in comfort.”