Travel options for GAA fans as Kerry face Donegal in the All Ireland Football final
The weekend gone saw Tipperary take home the All Ireland Hurling title following a huge upset against Cork, with the Rebels scoring just two points in the second half of the game — having been six points up at half time.
Liam McCarthy headed back to Semple Stadium with the final score of the 2025 hurling final 3-27 to 1-18. Now, all eyes are on Kerry and Donegal with Jack O'Connor's Munster men looking to pick up their first All Ireland since 2022, while Donegal will be hoping to put an end to a more than ten year drought, having not taken the Sam Maguire up the country since 2014. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Now, all eyes are on Kerry and Donegal with Jack O'Connor's Munster men looking to pick up their first All Ireland since 2022, while Donegal will be hoping to put an end to a more than ten year drought, having not taken the Sam Maguire up the country since 2014.
With train services booked up for those heading to the Dublin for the football final, many will be looking for alternative travel options for the big day.
There is always the option to drive to the capital, though road-users should be advised of car parks booking up early on the day. One All Ireland Senior final down, and one more left — this weekend The Kingdom take on The Forgotten County in the All Ireland Senior Football Championships. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
On Tuesday, Irish Rail added two further train services from Kerry to Dublin and back, with a spokesperson confirming to Extra.ie that they were sold out in eight minutes.
Those travelling via train to the capital for the football are reminded that tickets need to be pre-booked, and tickets purchased at stations on the day will not be valid for sold-out services.
Irish Rail reiterated that 'no alcohol is permitted on any train service.'
They added: 'Saturday trains are also busy from Kerry, as are return trains on Monday, with a number of these trains sold out. Pre-booking is therefore also essential for these trains.' Those travelling via train to the capital are reminded that tickets need to be pre-booked tickets, and tickets purchased at stations on the day will not be valid for sold-out services. Pic: Nicola_K_Photos/Shutterstock
All Tralee to Dublin Heuston services are fully booked up until 2.50pm on Sunday, while all services from Heuston to Tralee are booked from 5pm onwards on Sunday evening.
Kerry fans also have the option to use bus with Dublin Coach offering options from Tralee and Killarney, and confirming that seats have been added for both services but are 'booking faster than Davide Clifford on a solo run.'
Services from Tralee depart at 5.30am; 8.30am getting fans into the capital for 10am and 1pm respectively, while those travelling from Killarney have services at 4.30am; 6.30am; 7.30am and 9.30am.
These would get you into Dublin for 9am; 11am; 12pm and 2pm, respectively.
Return services to Tralee that are available are the 6.15pm; 8.15pm and 11.15pm services, while fans heading back to Killarney have the 7.15pm and 9.15pm services.
The only train option for Donegal fans is to get the train from Sligo, though all services to Dublin and back on the day (for those heading to and from the match) are sold out. Fortunately, Expressway have a number of services from Donegal's Abbey Hotel to Busaras in Dublin that would suit anyone still looking to get to the football final via public transport. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Fortunately, Expressway have a number of services from Donegal's Abbey Hotel to Busaras in Dublin that would suit anyone still looking to travel via public transport.
Fans can catch the 5.30am bus, though the 7am and 8.30am are sold out.
Other options that could suit are a second 8.30am service and a 10am service.
For the return leg, no services are sold out as of yet, with buses leaving Dublin for Donegal at 6.30pm; 10pm; 9.30pm and 11pm.
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