Train Sligo to Dublin: Timetable, Fares & Schedule

The first train from Sligo pulls out at 05:40 — early, but doable if you plan ahead. Irish Rail operates the Sligo–Dublin Connolly route with roughly 7–8 departures daily, and the official timetable updates for travel from 14th December 2025. Whether you’re commuting, visiting family on the north coast, or heading to the capital for the day, this guide covers timetables, fares, and everything you need to know before boarding.

Operator: Irish Rail · Start Station: Sligo Mac Diarmada · End Station: Dublin Connolly · Adult Single Fare: €13.55 – €16.40 · Adult Day Return: €15.90 – €17.75

Train Sligo to Dublin Timetable

Irish Rail publishes the official Dublin Connolly–Sligo timetable as a downloadable PDF (615KB), valid from 14th December 2025. The route runs daily with stops at key stations including Ballymote, Collooney, Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon, Dromod, Longford, Edgeworthstown, Mullingar, Enfield, and Kilcock before arriving at Dublin Connolly.

Dublin Connolly – Sligo Timetable Download

The official PDF timetable covers the full weekly schedule. Irish Rail also offers an accessible version for users who need alternative formats. Passengers can check intermediate stop times — for example, trains may pass Kilcock around 11:33 and Maynooth around 11:40 depending on the service.

The upshot for travelers is clear: Irish Rail remains the sole operator on this route, and its official site is the authoritative source for the most current schedule. Passengers should download the PDF before their trip to avoid relying on potentially outdated third-party data.

Weekly Schedule Overview

Trains run approximately every 4 hours throughout the day, with 7–8 departures total. Ballymote station — a key intermediate stop — is open for all services and staffed Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:00.

Train Sligo to Dublin Schedule

The daily schedule starts early: the first train departs Sligo at 05:40, with the last service leaving at 19:05. Most aggregators confirm 7–8 daily connections, though one source reports up to 38 possible combinations (likely including connections or different fare types).

Today’s Trains

For today’s specific departure times, Irish Rail’s website provides live schedule data. Third-party aggregators like Rome2Rio and Rail Ninja also compile current times — useful if Irish Rail’s site is slow. The route uses Intercity-class trains, which offer comfortable seating for the roughly 3-hour journey.

Tomorrow’s Trains

Tomorrow’s schedule follows the same daily pattern unless engineering works or seasonal adjustments apply. The new timetable taking effect 14th December 2025 may shift exact departure times, so cross-reference the official PDF for travel from that date onward.

Commuters who need reliable arrival times at Dublin Connolly should build in buffer time, especially during the transition to the December 2025 timetable. The 3-hour journey places you in the city centre, not Heuston Station on the southside.

Train Sligo to Dublin Price

Fares on the Sligo–Dublin route follow Irish Rail’s official fare grid, with prices varying by ticket type and fare letter. The route falls under the Dublin–Sligo fare zone, with letter codes (like “F”) determining the base price.

Fares Chart

The web fare of €14.79 for adults is competitive — online booking through Irish Rail’s website offers the lowest standard fares. Third-party sites sometimes list higher prices (€18–€27), so booking direct typically saves money.

Ticket Types

Irish Rail offers several ticket categories: Single (one-way), Day Return (same-day round trip), and Open Return (flexible return within 30 days). Web fares require online booking and may apply specific travel-date restrictions. Student and Family tickets offer additional savings for eligible passengers.

Train Timetable Sligo to Dublin PDF

Irish Rail provides a downloadable official timetable for the Dublin Connolly–Sligo route. The PDF is accessible from the timetables section of the Irish Rail website and covers all weekly services.

Official PDF Download

The timetable PDF (615KB) contains the full weekly schedule showing departure and arrival times at all stations along the route. It is valid from 14th December 2025, so travelers should ensure they download the current version for travel from that date.

For passengers who want to compare rail travel against driving, the 3-hour train journey costs less in total than fuel and tolls combined, and eliminates parking stress entirely in Dublin city centre.

Accessible Version

Irish Rail’s website also offers accessible timetable versions for passengers with visual impairments or other accessibility needs. Route maps and station-specific information are available alongside the standard PDF.

Train Sligo to Dublin Route

The Sligo–Dublin route runs from Sligo Mac Diarmada Station through ten intermediate stops before reaching Dublin Connolly Station. The line follows the Dublin–Sligo Intercity corridor, with double-track sections as far as Maynooth.

Route Map

The route covers approximately 217 km of rail track, starting in Sligo town and heading south through County Roscommon (Ballymote, Collooney, Boyle) into County Leitrim (Carrick-on-Shannon, Dromod), then through Longford, Westmeath, and Meath (Mullingar, Enfield, Kilcock) before entering County Kildare and arriving at Dublin Connolly on the northside of Dublin city.

Key Stops

• Ballymote — staffed Mon–Fri 07:00–16:00, open for all services
• Carrick-on-Shannon — major intermediate hub
• Mullingar — key stop for County Westmeath
• Kilcock — connects to County Kildare
• Dublin Connolly — terminus, with Luas Red Line connection to city centre

The line’s average speed is approximately 66 km/h, making the journey competitive with road travel for the 202 km Sligo–Dublin road distance.

How to Book and Travel

Booking the Sligo–Dublin train is straightforward — Irish Rail offers multiple channels, with online booking providing the best fares. Here is how to navigate the process.

Step 1: Check the Timetable

Before booking, confirm your travel date on Irish Rail’s timetable page or download the official PDF. If your travel falls on or after 14th December 2025, use the updated schedule.

Step 2: Choose Your Ticket Type

Select Single, Day Return, or Open Return based on your plans. If you need same-day flexibility, the Day Return at €15.90 is economical. For flexible returns within 30 days, the Open Return at €21.90 suits travelers with uncertain schedules.

Step 3: Book Online for the Lowest Fares

Irish Rail’s website offers web fares starting at €14.79 for an adult single. Book early to secure this rate — web fares can sell out for popular times. Child web fares are €8.70, making family travel more affordable.

Step 4: Arrive at Sligo Mac Diarmada Station

Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Sligo Mac Diarmada Station has basic facilities; for assistance or accessibility needs, contact Irish Rail in advance. Ballymote is the first staffed stop if you need help en route.

Step 5: Arriving at Dublin Connolly

Dublin Connolly sits on the northside of Dublin city with direct Luas Red Line access to O’Connell Street and Heuston Station. Dublin Bus services also connect Connolly to wider city destinations. Add €1.40 (single) or €2.70 (return) to your ticket for Luas or Dublin Bus connection.

The implication for travelers without a car is significant: Irish Rail’s direct Sligo–Dublin service removes the need to coordinate connections or negotiate city parking.

Related reading: Citylink Dublin Airport to Galway bus · Houses for rent in Dublin

Rail enthusiasts traveling through Ireland can compare this Sligo route with the Dublin to Galway train timetable for insights into similar direct services to the west coast.

Frequently asked questions