Irish Rail bring catering trolley back on three train services

Iarnród Éireann says the six-month pilot will help determine the potential viability of catering across the Intercity network

Published 21st Aug 2026, 09:04 BST Irish Rail train and inset photo showing coffee | Local Iarnród Éireann says the six-month pilot will help determine the potential viability of catering across the Intercity network Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

There’s good news for rail passengers as the catering trolley will make a welcome return on selected Galway / Dublin trains from Monday, August 24, as part of a six-month commercial pilot.

The trolley service will initially operate on three Dublin/Galway services in each direction daily, with departure times varying between weekdays and Sundays.

The move has been welcomed by Galway West Deputy John Connolly (FF), who says the service is particularly important for passengers in the event of a medical emergency.

“I have been pursuing this with the Department of Transport as a regular passenger myself,” he said.

“If there had been a medical emergency on board, for example, there wasn't even a bottle of water available. Now there will be refreshments for people using the service.”

Iarnród Éireann says the six-month pilot will help determine the potential viability of catering across the Intercity network.

Read More Galway's Macnas going wild as theatre group marks 40th anniversary Inside Track: No blood on walls after Galway footballers season review Eyre Square Shopping Centre opening new business selling 'well-known brands at low prices' From Monday to Saturday, the trolley will serve trains departing Heuston at 7.35am, 9.25am and 11.30am, and Galway at 11.05am, 1.05pm and 3.05pm.

Sunday services will depart Heuston at 8am, 10.30am and 11.40am, and Galway at 11am, 1.40pm and 3pm.

Irish company Sambos.ie will operate the service commercially without Public Service Obligation funding.

“We know how much our customers value an on-board catering service,” an Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said.

The company said the pilot would help determine the potential for a more extensive commercial catering operation, in consultation with the NTA.