Irish railways have long been an important part of the country’s infrastructure. Their success in connecting different parts of the country mean they have become an essential form of transportation for many. Despite being quite reliable and affordable, however, a problem they face is the lack of space for luggage.
As destinations in Ireland are far and touring the countryside through trains might interest tourists, having enough space for luggage can be a prerequisite for a pleasant and stress-free journey. Unfortunately, the country’s railways already have limited seating capacity and as such, many rail passengers have the issue of lugging their baggage around.
Fortunately, as awareness of this problem increases, there are a few positives to consider. For one, Irish railways have responded with some form of storage options available on certain services. Those carrying especially large amounts of luggage might have to make their own arrangements, however.
When it comes to stowing luggage, there are two ways passengers can store the same. The first is under-seat storage. On certain services, some seats have designated storage spaces below or behind them for passengers to store small pieces of luggage. As for bigger items, overhead shelves and storage racks can be found on specific services, too.
Alternatively, passengers can also opt for locker storage. Some Irish rail stations offer locker spaces for passengers to store their luggage. This is particularly useful for long journeys, as passengers can store their belongings for a day or more while they explore or head for their destination. Bear in mind there is usually a fee for this service.
However, it must be noted that certain services may not have locker or overhead storage. As such, passengers might have to check ahead to make sure they know what to expect.
All in all, Irish trains do provide some form of storage options for passengers. Be sure to check beforehand to make sure you make suitable arrangements to store your luggage without compromising the journey experience.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to bringing luggage on Irish railways, there are both pros and cons to consider. The main advantage of having luggage is that passengers need not worry about leaving luggage behind if one is travelling for a long duration. Furthermore, they can also be assured that whatever they have brought is well-protected in terms of safety.
On the downside, the lack of storage space available can be limiting. This means passengers must make their own arrangements when it comes to lugging their bags around or simply get creative with whatever limited storage there is. This can be quite inconvenient especially when travelling with large amounts of luggage.
Key Takeaways
To summarise, it is important to consider the pros and cons of bringing luggage when travelling on Irish trains. With the limited space available for storing items, passengers must make plans ahead of time if they want to ensure a pleasant journey. That said, large amounts of luggage can be a hindrance when taking public transport.
Tips for Storage
When it comes to packing for a journey via Irish rails, here are some tips travellers should keep in mind. Firstly, it is best to only bring what is necessary. This way, it is easier to pack and transport items. Furthermore, be sure to measure the luggage to confirm it is within the limitations of the overhead, under-seat and locker storage.
Secondly, label your bags clearly. This will help to easily identify one’s belongings and keep them safe. It is also wise to lock up valuables to ensure they are secure during transit. Lastly, opt for items that can easily fit into overhead shelves or lockers, such as backpacks or duffel bags.
Security Considerations
In addition to storing belongings during transit, another important factor to consider when travelling with Irish railways is security. Passengers must store their luggage with care and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. It is also wise to be wary of strangers who might be trying to follow one and be mindful of the belongings they have with them.
It is also advisable to store all valuable items in a purse, shoulder bag or belt bag – and keep the straps around your body so it is within view at all times. Furthermore, passengers should stay alert in case of any suspicious activities which could lead to potential thefts.
Travel Insurance
Finally, travelling with Irish railways can be made stress-free with an additional insurance policy. The policy may cover theft or damage to items and can provide some peace of mind should anything happen to one’s belongings during transit. Travellers must thoroughly read policies in order to get more details regarding items protected.
