Commuting Between Thurles and Dublin: A Week on the Rails

The daily commute between Thurles and Dublin can consume as much as 24 hours of a person’s week, reflecting the realities of life for many rail commuters in Ireland. With plans to significantly enhance train services in the coming years, those traveling this route can expect a major shift in accessibility and convenience.

Commuting has been a part of life for residents of Thurles since the 1990s, when students flocked to Dublin for college. The scene at local train stations like Templemore and Thurles was often chaotic, with students struggling to board already-full trains that originated from cities such as Cork and Limerick. Today, the situation has evolved. While the platforms still buzz with commuters, improvements in train services promise to ease the burden of travel.

Irish Rail has announced plans to double the number of trains between Dublin and Cork during peak times within the next three to five years. According to Michael Power, head of business transformation at Irish Rail, this increased frequency will make towns like Thurles more appealing for those seeking to balance work and life, especially in the age of hybrid working.

Currently, weekday trains from Thurles depart as early as 6:14 am and run until 8:18 am, with travel times to Heuston station ranging from approximately one hour and ten minutes to an hour and a half, depending on stops along the way. Commuters are often faced with early morning chill, and while some may be friendly, the atmosphere typically remains subdued at such early hours.

The journey is not just about the time spent on the train. Many commuters spend around 40 minutes driving to reach the station, adding to the overall commute. The total door-to-door travel time can easily exceed two hours, as illustrated by the experience of regular commuters who have clocked upwards of four hours and 45 minutes on particularly challenging days.

Despite improvements in the reliability and comfort of trains over the years, challenges remain. For instance, some commuters have found themselves sitting on the floor between carriages during peak travel times, while issues with the train intercoms and seat allocation systems persist. Although some of these problems have improved, commuters continue to express a desire for a more seamless travel experience.

The reasons for this lengthy commute vary. Some individuals opt to travel from Thurles to Dublin to escape rising living costs associated with urban life, while others seek better career opportunities. For many, the prospect of improved train services is a welcome development, offering hope for a more manageable commuting experience.

The evolving landscape of rail travel illustrates the importance of effective public transport systems in enhancing the quality of life for those living in commuter towns. As Irish Rail moves forward with its plans, the future of commuting from Thurles to Dublin looks poised for a significant transformation.