European Railroad Discussion > Trip on Irish Rail

In late May we traveled from Dublin to Belfast for a day trip.  About four weeks earlier we had made a reservation on Irish Rail.  Our Rick Steeves Ireland guide book directed us to the Dublin Connolly station.  Dublin was easily walkable, and tram line serves the station.  After arriving at the station, we printed out our tickets at the ticket kiosk.  Many 1000s of commuters were streaming through the station at 8 a.m.  We boarded our Enterprise train: EMD diesel, power car, four-five coaches and a food car.  Dublin - Belfast is about 125 miles and almost three hours.  
1) EMD diesel at head end
2) EMD diesel cab
3) Enterprise logo 

I guess they use the Enterprise logos to mark these trains from any local service and because they are supported by both countries (Ireland and Northern ireland).  

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4) our coach
5) cafe
6) cafe scene

Gateman checked our tickets as we boarded.  Aboard the train a conductor punched our tickets.  Because we had reserved seats, our name appeared above our seats on a small electronic sign, designating it as a reserved seat.  I found this quite helpful.  People knew which seats were open.  Cafe was open at departure and serving breakfast.  A cook was in the kitchen cooking!  For about 15 miles we operated along the Irish Sea coast.  

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