Belfast–Dublin line

The Dublin-Belfast Line or The Great Northern Main Line (Dublin line by NI Railways and Belfast line by Irish Rail) is a 112-mile (181 km) semi-electrified railway connecting Belfast Grand Central in Northern Ireland to Dublin Connolly in the Republic of Ireland. The key towns and cities of Skerries, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, Portadown, Lurgan, and Lisburn are situated along the line. The Dublin-Belfast Line is the busiest railway route on the island of Ireland, carrying a mixture of intercity rail, regional rail, commuter rail traffic and freight traffic. It is uniquely significant as the only railway line that crosses the Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border.
The construction of the Dublin–Belfast line was undertaken by three separate railway companies:
In 1875, the Dublin and Drogheda Railway and the Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway merged to form the Northern Railway of Ireland. A year later, this entity combined with the Ulster Railway and the Irish North Western Railway, resulting in the creation of the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) (GNRI) in 1876. This consolidation streamlined operations and management across the network.
The partition of Ireland in 1922 meant that the Irish border passed between Goraghwood and Dundalk, causing delays as trains were required to stop at stations on either side of the border for customs examinations. This disruption was eased in 1947 with the opening of facilities for customs checks at Amiens Street station in Dublin and Great Victoria Street station in Belfast though this only helped its recently introduced enterprise Express.
At the same time, the GNRI made its Belfast–Dublin services non-stop with the launch of the Enterprise Express. The GNRI was nationalised by the governments of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in 1953 as the Great Northern Railway Board, but in 1958 this was split between the Ulster Transport Authority and Córas Iompair Éireann. This led to a running down of rail services in Northern Ireland, leaving only some Belfast commuter lines, the northern route to Derry and the link to Dublin. In 1970 the newly formed NI Railways bought new locomotives and rolling stock for the Belfast–Dublin Enterprise service as well as new diesel multiple units for local services.
The Enterprise service is a premier cross-border rail link jointly operated by Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways, connecting Dublin Connolly station in the Republic of Ireland with Belfast Grand Central station in Northern Ireland. As of October 29, 2024, the service operates hourly in each direction from early morning, totalling 15 trains daily from Monday to Saturday, and eight services on Sundays.
The journey covers the full line and takes about two hours, with key stops including Drogheda MacBride, Dundalk Clarke, Newry, and Portadown (Lurgan and Lisburn on Sundays). Onboard amenities feature free Wi-Fi, a dining car, and both standard and Enterprise Plus accommodations, the latter offering more spacious seating and complimentary refreshments.
The Belfast–Newry line (known as the Portadown line by NI Railways) operates from Belfast Grand Central in County Antrim to Newry in County Down, Northern Ireland. The manager for this line is based at Portadown railway station, although the line extends to the border to include the Scarva and Poyntzpass halts and Newry. Newry is on the fringe of the network, being the last stop before the border with the Republic of Ireland. The line follows the route of the northern half of the main Dublin–Belfast line.
NI Railways operates a local service between Belfast Grand Central operating to and from Portadown. Local services are operated with C3K/C4K trains, constructed by CAF, Spain. A less intensive local service operates from Newry, with only four local services a day operating from there.
The Northern Commuter line, operated by Iarnród Éireann, connects Dublin Connolly in County Dublin to Dundalk Clarke in County Louth. Key stations along the route include Malahide, Donabate, and Drogheda MacBride, with the line's management based at Dublin Connolly railway station. Dundalk Clarke is the final stop before reaching the border with Northern Ireland. The line follows the southern half of the Dublin-Belfast Main line.
While most commuter services run between Dublin and Drogheda MacBride, only three morning and one afternoon service originate from Dundalk Clarke. In the reverse direction, one late-morning service travels to Dundalk Clarke, along with five evening to late-night services operating on weekdays. These are operated by 29000 class or the 22000 class.
The Howth Branch line, operated by Iarnród Éireann, extends from Howth Junction & Donaghmede station to Howth station in Fingal, Ireland. This branch serves the coastal village of Howth and is served by Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) trains.
DART services on the Howth Branch operate with high frequency, typically every 10 minutes during peak times on weekdays, providing access between Howth and Dublin city centre.
The Navan Branch, managed by Iarnród Éireann, is a railway line in County Meath, Ireland, primarily used for freight services. This line facilitates the transportation of materials from the Tara Mines, one of Europe's largest zinc and lead mines, located near Navan. Freight trains operate regularly between the mines and Dublin Port.
From Dublin Connolly station to Drogheda, the line is double-track with a singler passing loop at Clongriffin. This section is the busiest, handling intercity trains to Belfast, commuter services (DART and Northern Commuter), and freight traffic to Navan. The double-track configuration, combined with frequent stops for commuter trains, can lead to delays for faster intercity services. North of Drogheda, the line remains double-track with no freight traffic continuing beyond the Navan branch. Drogheda station features a third bay platform used primarily for terminating commuter services from Dublin
At Milepost 59 ½, just north of Dundalk, the ownership and control of the line shift to NI Railways (part of the Translink network), which takes over the operation of the line as it continues north towards Belfast. This boundary marks a significant transition in control with signalling changing from Connolly Signal central to Portadown which controls the line from the Border to Lisburn. The line between Dundalk and Newry is also a double-track configuration, with Dundalk station featuring a third bay platform for terminating services from Dublin, and Newry station having two platforms with no additional tracks.
From Newry to Belfast, the line continues as double-track, with stations like Portadown playing a significant role in the network. Portadown station includes three tracks, facilitating overtaking or terminating services, while Lisburn station primarily serves suburban commuter trains heading into Belfast. As the line leaves Lisburn, signalling changes for a final time to Belfast Lanyon Place Signal Centre, which controls signalling north of Lisburn on the approach to Belfast. Approaching City junction, the infrastructure expands to accommodate the higher density of commuter and intercity services converging on Belfast Grand Central.
The line is only partially electrified:
The Dublin-Belfast train route is serviced by a variety of trains,
The C3K and C4K trains operate from Portadown, Lisburn, and Newry to Belfast Grand Central. Built by CAF, the C3K trains are known for their reliability and comfort, featuring modern amenities for a pleasant journey. However, only certain C3Ks have the necessary signalling equipment to operate cross-border. The newer C4K trains offer increased capacity, ensuring efficient travel within Northern Ireland, but cannot operate across the border. These trains come in sets of 3 or 6 cars.
Additionally, the 29000 Class railcars are used for commuter services from Dundalk and Drogheda to Dublin, providing a journey with seating and power outlets. Only certain 29000 and 22000 Class railcars are equipped with the required signalling systems to operate on both sides of the border, with the 22000 Class railcars designed primarily for intercity journeys but occasionally serving on commuter services as well.
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) network utilizes electric multiple units (EMUs), including the 8100 Class, as well as the 8500, 8510, and 8520 Classes.
The Enterprise service, primarily using Mark 3 carriages built by CAF, offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, and ergonomic seating. The Enterprise trains are locomotive-hauled, though are prone to be. Notably, the C3K and 22000 Class trains also supplement the Enterprise service at certain times, enhancing the overall capacity and flexibility of the Dublin-Belfast corridor.
In 1997, a set of new De Dietrich Stock coaches were purchased jointly by Northern Ireland Railways and Iarnród Éireann to operate a revamped Enterprise service along with the new Class 201 locomotives.
In 2000, the government of the Republic of Ireland developed a National Development Plan, which has seen major investment in infrastructure. Almost the entire railway network, including the Belfast–Dublin line as far as the border, has been upgraded to continuous welded rail, while signalling is controlled using the Centralised Traffic Control system located at Dublin Connolly station.
Translink announced in March 2006 that planning permission was sought from Newry and Mourne District Council to construct a new railway station to the east of the existing station at Newry. Platform improvement and extension is proposed, as are replacement canopies, a track maintenance building and a new 'Park and Ride' facility. Alongside this, a major upgrade is currently taking place to refurbish all the stations on this line with the exception of Bangor, Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street. This project is estimated to cost £7 million.
On Tuesday, 29th October 2024, the new hourly Enterprise train service launched, connecting Belfast Grand Central Station and Dublin's Connolly Station. This development was made possible by €25 million in funding from the Irish government's Shared Island Fund and the Department of Transport. The opening of Belfast Grand Central Station also contributed to this significant expansion. Now, the service operates fifteen times in each direction from Monday to Saturday and eight times each way on Sundays.
The DART North project includes several key upgrades to enhance rail connectivity and service quality. To start, the electrified rail network will extend from Malahide to Drogheda, covering approximately 37 kilometres. This involves installing overhead electrification equipment (OHLE) similar to the current DART network. Additionally, new train stabling facilities and other necessary rail infrastructure improvements at key locations such as Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin, and Howth Junction & Donaghmede Stations will increase the number of trains running and improve service frequency. Accessibility at Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station will receive significant enhancements to improve the overall customer experience. Upgraded signalling systems and telecommunications along the route will ensure safe and efficient train operations. By transitioning from diesel to electric trains, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint and support sustainable development in line with government policies.
In 2027, the Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin will introduce new trains, replacing the existing fleet. Funded by €165 million from the PEACEPLUS Programme, the new trains will reduce journey times to under two hours, improve accessibility, and enhance passenger experience. The eight new trains will be designed for sustainability, supporting net zero carbon emissions goals.
In 2020 the Irish Government confirmed it will be launching a study into an approximately 500 km (310 mi) high-speed railway from Belfast via Dublin to Cork and Limerick, which could cost around €15 billion.
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review proposes several significant developments to enhance rail connectivity across Ireland. Portadown is set to become a major interchange, with plans to restore the railway line from Derry~Londonderry to Portadown, thereby improving connectivity in the northwest region. A new intercity station is proposed for Craigavon, aiming to serve as a key hub in the region and support regional development. A new high-speed spur line from Newry is proposed via Banbridge to Belfast Grand Central. In the Dublin area, the review suggests constructing a spur from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport, providing direct rail access to Ireland's busiest airport. Additionally, there are plans to quadruple track from Clongriffin to Connolly and build a spur between Clongriffin and Drogheda along the M1 to increase capacity and service frequency. These initiatives are part of a broader €37/£32 billion plan to transform the islands rail network by 2050, focusing on electrification, speed enhancements, and expanded services to promote sustainable travel and regional development.
The Dublin–Belfast railway line has been featured in various cultural works, reflecting its significance in connecting two major cities on the island of Ireland. In literature, the line is depicted in novels such as "The Journey Home" by Dermot Bolger, where it symbolizes the protagonist's return to Dublin. The route has also been released as a commercial add on for Microsoft Train Simulator by Making Tracks. It was released in two sections, part one covering Belfast Central (Now Lanyon Place) to Dundalk Clarke, with part two covering the section from Dundalk Clarke to Dublin Tara street. It is set during the 2000s.