Irish Rail confirmed multiple train cancellations and timetable modifications across several routes for the weekend of October 17 and 18, 2026. Passengers are advised to verify travel plans ahead due to engineering works affecting services between Limerick, Galway, Dublin, and Sligo.
Limerick to Dublin and Limerick Junction Service Disruptions
Engineering works between Limerick and Limerick Junction will alter Saturday and Sunday services significantly. On Saturday, the 5.25am train from Limerick to Dublin Heuston is cancelled. The 6.10am Limerick to Limerick Junction route will be served by a replacement bus departing Limerick at 6am. The 6.40am Limerick to Heuston service requires passengers to take a bus from Limerick at
6.25am to Limerick Junction, connecting with the 7.09am train onward to Dublin. Bus transfers also affect the 7.45am and 8.55am departures from Limerick to Heuston. The 9.03am Limerick to Limerick Junction service is cancelled entirely. On Sunday, the 8.25am, 10.25am, and 12.25pm Limerick to Dublin Heuston trains will be replaced by buses connecting with onward trains at Limerick Junction.
Disruption on Limerick to Galway and Ennis Routes
Saturday services between Limerick, Ennis, and Galway operate with partial bus replacements. The 5.55am Limerick to Galway train runs with a bus replacing the segment between Limerick and Ennis, connecting to the 6.49am Ennis to Galway train. The 9.20am Limerick to
Galway service also requires a bus transfer to connect with the 10am train from Ennis. Additional bus replacements affect Limerick to Ennis services, including transfers at Sixmilebridge. On Sunday, the 9am and 12.28pm Limerick to Galway trains have similar bus replacement arrangements. The 5.52pm Galway to Limerick train on Sunday travels by rail to Ennis, with passengers completing the journey by replacement bus to Limerick.
Sligo Route Cancellations and Bus Transfers
Engineering works between Dromod and Sligo lead to cancellations and bus replacements on Saturday evening. The 4.05pm Dublin Connolly to Sligo service and the 5.05pm Sligo to Connolly train are cancelled. The 5.05pm and 7.32pm
Connolly to Sligo trains operate by rail only to Dromod, where passengers transfer to buses serving Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, Ballymote, Collooney, and Sligo. The 7.05pm Sligo to Connolly route involves a bus departure at 6.35pm from Sligo connecting with the 8.07pm train from Dromod.
Cause of Disruptions and Future Plans
These cancellations and timetable changes are the result of planned engineering works carried out by Irish Rail as part of its ongoing railway network improvement program. Further disruptions are anticipated during the October bank holiday weekend from October 24 to 26, affecting Limerick services and DART routes among others.
Passengers are expected to experience additional travel time
due to bus replacement segments and amended train departure schedules across affected routes.
Irish Rail advises customers to check travel arrangements in advance and allow extra time for journeys during these weekends.
