Later this year (October) Mrs. Trion and I are taking a trip across the pond. Our plan is to spend some time in London and then head over to the Dublin area. As Mrs. Trion HATES to fly we are looking into taking the train from England to Ireland. According to the BritRail website, it can be done (apparently there is a ferry to take you over the water).
Has anyone ever taken this trip? Any advice you can give us will be much appreciated.
Hi Trion,
Yes, it can be done. The train is from London to Hollihead, in Wales, and from there the ferry to Dublin.
When you’re In dublin, let me know if you would like a guided tour (at least to the pubs anyway 
Thanks John. I suspected that you’d be the one to answer.
The Hollihead to Dublin route is the one we’re looking at. Actually, we’ll probably be stopping outside of Dublin in Dun Laoghaire.
Have you ever taken this trip yourself? Is there anything and out of towner should keep in mind?
We just may take you up on the tour. I’ll discuss it with the Mrs.
Depending on when you’re travelling, and on the exact route you take, you may need to keep an eye out for…
Rail strikes - unlikely but possible. There haven’t been any for a while, and they usually only affect single regions rather than inter-city routes. Underground problems are always around in London, though.
Maintenance - according to Railtrack (who maintain British railways), most of the trains to Dublin Ferryport go from London Euston. Euston is undergoing major renovations this summer, so I’d leave that little bit earlier to get there…
According to Railtrack the journey takes about 7.5 to 8 hours, with about 2 hours of that on the ferry from Holyhead. Take some sea-sickness pills…the Irish Sea can get a bit choppy…
Wait up, try this (from Railtrack’s website):
Might be worth giving them a ring first.
Matt - We’ll definitely keep an eye out for maintenance and rail strikes. As for the lenght of the trip, it OK with me. I like train rides and I’ve never been sea-sick before.
The 800 number is a big help. Thanks a lot!
Trion - Mrs. Milo and I are talking about doing ** the exact same trip** next late spring/early summer!
I hope this thread gets plumped up with all sorts of cool things to do in England/Ireland, off the beaten tourist path. Then I’ll just print it up and stow it for our trip.
For general touristy destinations in Britain (sorry, I’ve never been to Eire), try these as a starter…
Edinburgh - in my opinion the most beautiful city in Britain, although avoid in August. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival leaves the city jammed, prices sky-high, and tourist con-traps everywhere.
Arundel - for those picturesque town cravings. Castle, river valley, tea-shops, pubs, antiques. Lotsa tourists, but it’s small and therefore not as bad as London.
London - well, get a guidebook or email me when you get there.
North Wales / Scottish Highlands - if you’re ever in the mood for inaccessible, moody, dramatic mountains.
Cool beans Milo. New ideas for things to do are always welcome. And if I learn any helpful hints on my trip I’ll let you know.