View source for Belfast–Dublin line

{{short description|The main intercity railway between Dublin & Belfast}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Dublin-Belfast Main Line
| color                           = 660460
| logo                            = Logo NI Railways.svg
| logo_width                      = 150
| logo_alt                        = Translink NI Railways logo
| logo2                           = Irish Rail Logo.svg
| logo_width2                     = 150
| logo_alt2                       = Irish Rail logo
| image                           = The Enterprise passing through Adelaide.jpg
| image_width                     = 400px
| caption                         = [[Enterprise (train service)|Enterprise]] De Dietrich DVT 9003 at {{stnlnk|Adelaide (Northern Ireland)}}
| other_name                      = The Great Northern Main Line<br/>Dublin Line<br/> Belfast Line
| native_name                     = Stáisiún Uí Chonghaile - Béal Feirste<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/ga-ie/train-timetables/timetables-by-route |title=Train Timetables by Route |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113211758/https://www.irishrail.ie/ga-ie/train-timetables/timetables-by-route |url-status=live }}</ref>
| native_name_lang                = ga
| type                            = [[Commuter rail]]<br />[[Regional rail]]<br />[[Heavy rail]]<br />[[Freight rail]]
| system                          = [[Iarnród Éireann]]<br />[[NI Railways]]
| status                          = Operational
| locale                          = [[Ireland]]
| start                           = [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]]
| end                             = {{stnlnk|Dublin Connolly}}
| connectinglines                 = [[Belfast-Bangor line]]<br/>[[Belfast-Larne line]]<br/>[[Belfast-Derry line|Belfast-Derry~Londonderry line]]<br/>[[Dublin–Rosslare railway line|Dublin-Rosslare line]]<br/>[[Dublin-Sligo railway line|Dublin Sligo line]]<br/>[[Dublin-Cork railway line|Dublin-Cork line]]<br/>[[Luas]]
| formerconnections               = [[Lisburn–Antrim line]]
| stations                        = 34
| routes                          = Dublin Connolly – Belfast Grand Central<br/>Dublin Connolly – Drogheda MacBride/Dundalk Clarke<br/>Belfast Grand Central – Lisburn<br/>Belfast Grand Central – Portadown <br/> Belfast Grand Central – Newry<br />Portadown – Newry (morning only)<br />[[Dublin Area Rapid Transit|DART]] Malahide/Howth – Bray (– Greystones)
| daily_ridership                 = 
| open                            = 1876
| close                           = 
| owner                           = 
| operator                        = [[Iarnród Éireann]]<br />[[NI Railways]]
| character                       = 
| depot                           = [[Adelaide Depot]] (Translink)<br/> Drogheda (Iarnród Éireann) <br/>[[Fairview DART depot]] (Iarnród Éireann)
| stock                           = [[CIE 071 Class|071 Class]]<br/>[[IE 201 Class|201 Class]]<br/>[[CIÉ 8100 Class|8100 Class]]<br />[[IE 8500, 8510 and 8520 Classes|8500 Class<br/>8510 Class<br/>8520 Class]]<br />[[NIR Class 3000|3000 Class]] "C3K"<br />[[NIR Class 4000|4000 Class]] "C4K"<br />[[IE 22000 Class|22000 Class]] "ICR"<br />[[IE 29000 Class|29000 Class]] "CxK"<br />[[Coaching stock of Ireland#De Dietrich (1997–present)|De Dietrich Stock]]
| linelength                      = {{convert|181|km}}
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = [[Double track]]
| gauge                           = {{track gauge|1600mm}} [[Irish gauge]]
| electrification                 = 1,500 V DC [[overhead line]] (south of [[Malahide railway station|Malahide]])
| speed_mph                       = 90
| elevation                       = 
| map                             = {{switcher
| [[File:Dublin-BelfastMainline.png|300px]]<br />([[:commons:Dublin-BelfastMainline.png|Click to expand]])
| Show Main line map
| {{Dublin-Belfast railway line|inline=y}}
| Show Main line route diagram
}}
}}
The '''Dublin-Belfast Line''' or '''The Great Northern Main Line''' ''(Dublin line by NI Railways and Belfast line by Irish Rail)'' is a 112-mile (181 km) semi-electrified railway connecting [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]] in Northern Ireland to [[Connolly station|Dublin Connolly]] in the Republic of Ireland. The key towns and cities of Skerries, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, Portadown, Lurgan, and Lisburn are situated along the line. The Dublin-Belfast Line is the busiest railway route on the island of Ireland, carrying a mixture of intercity rail, regional rail, commuter rail traffic and freight traffic. It is uniquely significant as the only railway line that crosses the Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border.

==History==
=== Early Development ===
The construction of the Dublin–Belfast line was undertaken by three separate railway companies:

* [[Ulster Railway]]: Incorporated in by the Ulster Railway Act 1836, the Ulster Railway began construction in March 1837. By August 1839, It had completed the initial 7-mile stretch between Belfast Station (changing to Belfast Victoria Street, later renamed Belfast Great Victoria Street) and Lisburn. The line progressively extended to Lurgan 1841 and then Portadown by 1842 and further to Clones by 1863. Initially built to a broad gauge, the Ulster Railway later converted to the Irish standard gauge of 5 feet 3 inches to ensure compatibility with other lines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ulster Railway - Graces Guide |url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ulster_Railway |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.gracesguide.co.uk |archive-date=30 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330135950/https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ulster_Railway |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|McCutcheon|1969|p=43}}<ref name="Hajducki8">Hajducki, 1974, map 8</ref>
* [[Dublin and Drogheda Railway]] (D&D): Authorised by Dublin and Drogheda Railway Act 1836 & 1840 established the route between Dublin and Drogheda. Initially the line opened on 24 May 1844 from Drogheda to Dublin Royal Canal later changing to ''Dublin Station (Later Amiens street then Connolly) on the'' 29 November 1844.{{Sfnp|Fullerton|1846|p=131}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steaming into the Future |url=http://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/environment-geography/transport/0-Transport/steaming-into-the-future/ |website=www.askaboutireland.ie |access-date=31 January 2025 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224234101/https://www.askaboutireland.ie/reading-room/environment-geography/transport/0-Transport/steaming-into-the-future/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway]] (D&B Jct): Incorporated in 1845, the Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway aimed to bridge the gap between the D&D at Drogheda and the Ulster Railway at Portadown. The line opened in stages between 1849 and 1853, with the completion of the Boyne Viaduct in 1855 marking the final connection. This connection completed the direct line between Dublin and Belfast.{{Sfnp|McQuillan|2005|p=1}}

=== Amalgamation and Formation of the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) ===
In 1875, the Dublin and Drogheda Railway and the Dublin and Belfast Junction Railway merged to form the Northern Railway of Ireland. A year later, this entity combined with the Ulster Railway and the Irish North Western Railway, resulting in the creation of the [[Great Northern Railway (Ireland)|Great Northern Railway (Ireland) (GNRI)]] in 1876. This consolidation streamlined operations and management across the network.<ref name="Friel">{{cite journal |last=Friel |first=Charles P |title=Railways in Craigavon |url=http://www.geocities.com/craigavonhs/rev/frielrailwayscraig.html |url-status=dead |journal=Journal of the Craigavon Historical Society |volume=2 |issue=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027094054/http://geocities.com/craigavonhs/rev/frielrailwayscraig.html |archive-date=2009-10-27 |access-date=2009-09-01}}</ref> 

The partition of Ireland in 1922 meant that the Irish border passed between [[Goraghwood railway station|Goraghwood]] and [[Dundalk Clarke railway station|Dundalk]], causing delays as trains were required to stop at stations on either side of the border for customs examinations. This disruption was eased in 1947 with the opening of facilities for customs checks at Amiens Street station in Dublin and Great Victoria Street station in Belfast though this only helped its recently introduced enterprise Express.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Democrat |first=Dundalk |date=2017-08-01 |title=The legendary history of the Great Northern Railway in Dundalk |url=https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/262875/the-legendary-history-of-the-great-northern-railway-in-dundalk.html |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.dundalkdemocrat.ie |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831081051/https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/262875/the-legendary-history-of-the-great-northern-railway-in-dundalk.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 

At the same time, the GNRI made its Belfast–Dublin services non-stop with the launch of the ''[[Enterprise (train service)|Enterprise Express]]''. The GNRI was [[Nationalization|nationalised]] by the governments of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in 1953 as the Great Northern Railway Board, but in 1958 this was split between the [[Ulster Transport Authority]] and [[CIÉ|Córas Iompair Éireann]]. This led to a running down of rail services in Northern Ireland, leaving only some Belfast commuter lines, the northern route to [[Derry]] and the link to Dublin. In 1970 the newly formed [[NI Railways]] bought new locomotives and rolling stock for the Belfast–Dublin ''Enterprise'' service as well as new [[diesel multiple units]] for local services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cross Border Archives Project - Online Exhibitions - Great Northern Railway |url=https://www.louthnewryarchives.ie/online-exhibitions/great-northern-railway/index.shtml |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.louthnewryarchives.ie |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211001716/https://www.louthnewryarchives.ie/online-exhibitions/great-northern-railway/index.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Enterprise at 75 (1940s - 1960s) |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/usingourservicesandproducts/ourservices/enterprise/enterprise75/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.translink.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-31 |title=Irish Railway Factsheet: Great Northern Railway (Ireland) |url=https://irrs.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IRRS_Factsheets_GNRI.pdf |website=irrs.ie |access-date=31 January 2025 |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513053224/https://irrs.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IRRS_Factsheets_GNRI.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Services ==
=== Enterprise (Belfast Line/Dublin Line) ===
{{Main|Enterprise (train service)}}

The Enterprise service is a premier cross-border rail link jointly operated by Iarnród Éireann and NI Railways, connecting Dublin Connolly station in the Republic of Ireland with Belfast Grand Central station in Northern Ireland. As of October 29, 2024, the service operates hourly in each direction from early morning, totalling 15 trains daily from Monday to Saturday, and eight services on Sundays.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" />

The journey covers the full line and takes about two hours, with key stops including Drogheda MacBride, Dundalk Clarke, Newry, and Portadown (Lurgan and Lisburn on Sundays). Onboard amenities feature free Wi-Fi, a dining car, and both standard and Enterprise Plus accommodations, the latter offering more spacious seating and complimentary refreshments.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=Iarnród Éireann InterCity Fleet Information |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-fleet/intercity-fleet |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114111013/https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-fleet/intercity-fleet |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Newry Line ===
[[File:Belfast–Newry line.png|thumb|Route of the Belfast–Newry services]]
The '''Belfast–Newry line''' (known as the ''Portadown line'' by NI Railways) operates from [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]] in County Antrim to [[Newry railway station|Newry]] in County Down, [[Northern Ireland]]. The manager for this line is based at [[Portadown railway station]], although the line extends to the border to include the [[Scarva railway station|Scarva]] and [[Poyntzpass railway station|Poyntzpass]] halts and [[Newry railway station|Newry]]. [[Newry]] is on the fringe of the network, being the last stop before the border with the [[Republic of Ireland]]. The line follows the route of the northern half of the main [[Dublin–Belfast line]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-30 |title=Rail services {{!}} nidirect |url=https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rail-services |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.nidirect.gov.uk |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805185558/https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rail-services |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[NI Railways]] operates a local service between [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]] operating to and from [[Portadown]]. Local services are operated with C3K/C4K trains, constructed by [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]], [[Spain]]. A less intensive local service operates from Newry, with only four local services a day operating from there.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-01-31 |title=Portadown Line Translink NIRailways / Portadown Line From Wednesday 01 January 2025 - To Sunday 07 December 2025 |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/timetables?routeHashCode=13b56933d8f201511b65866af51593476b62c2a4484b35d642a7735cd7a34556&transportMode=Train&route=T0&direction=H |website=translink.co.uk}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=Translink signs £50M contract with CAF for supply of 21 new train carriages - Translink |url=http://www.translink.co.uk/Latest-News/-translink-signs-50m-contract-with-caf-for-supply-of-21-new-train-carriages/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924143920/https://www.translink.co.uk/corporate/media/pressnews |archive-date=24 September 2021 |access-date=16 December 2018 |website=www.translink.co.uk}}</ref> 

=== Northern Line ===
The [[Commuter (Iarnród Éireann)|Northern Commuter]] line, operated by Iarnród Éireann, connects [[Connolly station|Dublin Connolly]] in County Dublin to [[Dundalk Clarke railway station|Dundalk Clarke]] in County Louth. Key stations along the route include [[Malahide railway station|Malahide]], [[Donabate railway station|Donabate]], and [[Drogheda MacBride railway station|Drogheda MacBride]], with the line's management based at Dublin Connolly railway station. Dundalk Clarke is the final stop before reaching the border with Northern Ireland. The line follows the southern half of the Dublin-Belfast Main line.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=DART and Commuter Services |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-services/dart-commuter#:~:text=Dublin%20Northern%20Commuter%C2%A0service%20extends%20from%20Dublin's%20Pearse%20Station%20via%20Dublin%20Connolly%20Station%20to%20Dundalk. |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112115934/https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-services/dart-commuter#:~:text=Dublin%20Northern%20Commuter%C2%A0service%20extends%20from%20Dublin's%20Pearse%20Station%20via%20Dublin%20Connolly%20Station%20to%20Dundalk. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":7" />

While most commuter services run between Dublin and Drogheda MacBride, only three morning and one afternoon service originate from Dundalk Clarke. In the reverse direction, one late-morning service travels to Dundalk Clarke, along with five evening to late-night services operating on weekdays. These are operated by 29000 class or the 22000 class.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=Iarnród Éireann Commuter Fleet Information |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-fleet/commuter-fleet |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114184125/https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-fleet/commuter-fleet |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=DART/Commuter Timetable |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/getmedia/a115d38e-ca09-4abc-9f1a-3fa6629346ab/4-_18-_dart_commuter.pdf |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=irishrail.ie}}</ref>

=== Howth Branch ===
The Howth Branch line, operated by [[Iarnród Éireann]], extends from [[Howth Junction & Donaghmede railway station|Howth Junction & Donaghmede]] station to Howth station in Fingal, Ireland. This branch serves the coastal village of Howth and is served by [[Dublin Area Rapid Transit|Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART)]] trains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Optioneering Report: Howth Branch Level Crossings |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/getattachment/732e3802-c6bd-42e9-8015-36ade3162de1/Annex-3-7-Howth-Branch-Level-Crossings.pdf |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=irishrail.ie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Absolute disaster': Irish Rail's proposal for feeder service on Howth Dart line sparks local anger |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2024/09/03/absolute-disaster-irish-rails-proposal-for-feeder-service-on-howth-dart-line-sparks-local-anger/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-01-31 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002140607/https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2024/09/03/absolute-disaster-irish-rails-proposal-for-feeder-service-on-howth-dart-line-sparks-local-anger/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8" /> 

* Howth Junction & Donaghmede: This station serves the areas of Donaghmede and parts of Kilbarrack in Dublin. It is the junction where the line to Howth diverges from the main Belfast–Dublin line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Howth Junction |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=eiretrains.com |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127100425/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=Howth Junction and Donaghmede |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/station/howth-junction-and-donaghmede |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127151506/https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/station/howth-junction-and-donaghmede |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Bayside: Serving the residential area of Bayside.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=Bayside, Sutton Dublin 13 |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/station/bayside |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126203901/https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/station/bayside |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Leary |first=Kim |date=2022-02-21 |title=Train delays for passengers as gardai summoned to Bayside station |url=https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-traffic-live-train-delays-23172005 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Dublin Live |language=en}}</ref>
* Sutton: Serving the suburb of Sutton.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sutton |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20S/Sutton/IrishRailwayStations.html |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=eiretrains.com |language=en |archive-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427163328/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20S/Sutton/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Howth: The terminus of the branch line, serving the village of Howth and its surrounding areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Howth |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth/IrishRailwayStations.html |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=eiretrains.com |language=en |archive-date=30 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930002225/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

DART services on the Howth Branch operate with high frequency, typically every 10 minutes during peak times on weekdays, providing access between Howth and Dublin city centre.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=Amchlár DART/DART Timetable |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/IrishRail/media/Timetable-PDF-s/Connolly-DART-timetables/4-_18-_dart_commuter.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705232253/https://www.irishrail.ie/IrishRail/media/Timetable-PDF-s/Connolly-DART-timetables/4-_18-_dart_commuter.pdf |archive-date=2024-07-05 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Irish Rail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Howth Branch (Dublin and Drogheda Railway) |website=RAILSCOT |url=https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/H/Howth_Branch_Dublin_and_Drogheda_Railway/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113213730/https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/H/Howth_Branch_Dublin_and_Drogheda_Railway/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Howth Junction |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=EireTrains |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127100425/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20H/Howth%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Navan Branch ===
{{Main|Oldcastle branch line}}

The Navan Branch, managed by [[Iarnród Éireann]], is a railway line in County Meath, Ireland, primarily used for freight services. This line facilitates the transportation of materials from the Tara Mines, one of Europe's largest zinc and lead mines, located near Navan. Freight trains operate regularly between the mines and Dublin Port.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2008 |title=Navan station |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20N/Navan/IrishRailwayStations.html |website=EireTrains |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120163401/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20N/Navan/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2008 |title=Navan Junction station |url=http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20N/Navan%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |website=EireTrains |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120163438/http://eiretrains.com/Photo_Gallery/Railway%20Stations%20N/Navan%20Junction/IrishRailwayStations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
=== Track layout ===
From Dublin Connolly station to Drogheda, the line is double-track with a singler passing loop at [[Clongriffin railway station|Clongriffin]]. This section is the busiest, handling intercity trains to Belfast, commuter services (DART and Northern Commuter), and freight traffic to Navan. The double-track configuration, combined with frequent stops for commuter trains, can lead to delays for faster intercity services. North of Drogheda, the line remains double-track with no freight traffic continuing beyond the Navan branch. Drogheda station features a third bay platform used primarily for terminating commuter services from Dublin<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-25 |title=Dublin Airport Rail Connectivity |url=https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/15876-dublin-airport-rail-connectivity/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Railway Modeller |language=en-IE |archive-date=17 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417220127/https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/15876-dublin-airport-rail-connectivity/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-31 |title=8 Reinstatement & Closure of Rail Lines |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/IrishRail/media/Imported/irishrail_28febfinal_part21.pdf |website=irishrail.ie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Rail line from Clongriffin to Dublin Airport would be quick and cheap, committee hears |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/rail-line-from-clongriffin-to-dublin-airport-would-be-quick-and-cheap-committee-hears-1.4821709 |access-date=2025-01-31 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Chapter 4 Description of the Proposed Development (Dart +) |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/S3mvc/media/DART-Coastal-North-Railway-Order/04.2%20EIAR%20Vol%202%20Chapters/EIAR-Vol-2-Chapter-4-Description-of-the-Proposed-Development-D-WP56-ARP-P3-NL-RP-EVUU-000005-P06.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=31 January 2025 |archive-date=9 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809174806/https://www.dartplus.ie/S3mvc/media/DART-Coastal-North-Railway-Order/04.2%20EIAR%20Vol%202%20Chapters/EIAR-Vol-2-Chapter-4-Description-of-the-Proposed-Development-D-WP56-ARP-P3-NL-RP-EVUU-000005-P06.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-11-30 |title=Questions from a passenger!! |url=https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057744601/questions-from-a-passenger |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=boards.ie - Now Ye're Talkin' |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" />{{overcite|date=January 2025}}

At Milepost 59 ½, just north of Dundalk, the ownership and control of the line shift to [[NI Railways]] (part of the Translink network), which takes over the operation of the line as it continues north towards Belfast. This boundary marks a significant transition in control with signalling changing from Connolly Signal central to Portadown which controls the line from the Border to Lisburn. The line between Dundalk and Newry is also a double-track configuration, with Dundalk station featuring a third bay platform for terminating services from Dublin, and Newry station having two platforms with no additional tracks.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2014-04-28 |title=INVESTIGATION REPORT Operating irregularity during Single Line Working between Dundalk and Newry 23rd March 2013 RAIU Report No: R2014 – 002 |url=https://www.raiu.ie/assets/files/pdf/raiur002_operating_irregularity_during_slw_between_dundalk_and_newry_23_march_2013.pdf |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=raiu.ie |archive-date=20 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720031925/https://www.raiu.ie/assets/files/pdf/raiur002_operating_irregularity_during_slw_between_dundalk_and_newry_23_march_2013.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

From Newry to Belfast, the line continues as double-track, with stations like Portadown playing a significant role in the network. Portadown station includes three tracks, facilitating overtaking or terminating services, while Lisburn station primarily serves suburban commuter trains heading into Belfast. As the line leaves Lisburn, signalling changes for a final time to [[Lanyon Place railway station|Belfast Lanyon Place]] Signal Centre, which controls signalling north of Lisburn on the approach to Belfast. Approaching City junction, the infrastructure expands to accommodate the higher density of commuter and intercity services converging on [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-14 |title=Double-tracked lines |url=https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/13544-double-tracked-lines/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Railway Modeller |language=en-IE |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421122444/https://irishrailwaymodeller.com/topic/13544-double-tracked-lines/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Collision at Knockmore Junction, Northern Ireland 4 February 2016 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57ff4761e5274a495f000014/R202016_161017_Knockmore.pdf |website=gov.uk |access-date=31 January 2025 |archive-date=30 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430045726/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57ff4761e5274a495f000014/R202016_161017_Knockmore.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Train ran onto a washed-out embankment near Knockmore, Northern Ireland 28 June 2012 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f21c9ed915d74e622894c/130902_R142013_Knockmore.pdf |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=gov.uk}}</ref>{{overcite|date=January 2025}}

=== Electrification ===
The line is only partially electrified:

* Dublin to Malahide: Electrified with 1,500 V DC overhead lines, supporting DART commuter services.<ref name=":9" />
* North of Malahide: Operated entirely with diesel traction. Full electrification of the line has been proposed to support faster, more sustainable intercity and commuter services, but it remains unrealised<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-07 |title=Transport: Funding for study on electrification of Belfast-border rail line |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-67655219 |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Nolan |first=Liam |date=2024-04-29 |title=Electrified DART+ plan moves a step closer |work=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2024/0429/1446427-ianrod-eireann-new-trains/ |language=en}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
=== Rolling stock in operation ===
The Dublin-Belfast train route is serviced by a variety of trains, 

The C3K and C4K trains operate from Portadown, Lisburn, and Newry to Belfast Grand Central. Built by CAF, the C3K trains are known for their reliability and comfort, featuring modern amenities for a pleasant journey. However, only certain C3Ks have the necessary signalling equipment to operate cross-border. The newer C4K trains offer increased capacity, ensuring efficient travel within Northern Ireland, but cannot operate across the border. These trains come in sets of 3 or 6 cars.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Northern Ireland Railways Revitalisation |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/northerireland/ |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>

Additionally, the 29000 Class railcars are used for commuter services from Dundalk and Drogheda to Dublin, providing a journey with seating and power outlets. Only certain 29000 and 22000 Class railcars are equipped with the required signalling systems to operate on both sides of the border, with the 22000 Class railcars designed primarily for intercity journeys but occasionally serving on commuter services as well.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" />

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) network utilizes [[Electric multiple unit|electric multiple units (EMUs)]], including the 8100 Class, as well as the 8500, 8510, and 8520 Classes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rail |first=Irish |title=Iarnród Éireann DART Fleet Information |url=https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-fleet/dart-fleet |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Irish Rail |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> 

The Enterprise service, primarily using Mark 3 carriages built by CAF, offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, onboard Wi-Fi, and ergonomic seating. The Enterprise trains are locomotive-hauled, though are prone to be. Notably, the C3K and 22000 Class trains also supplement the Enterprise service at certain times, enhancing the overall capacity and flexibility of the Dublin-Belfast corridor.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Translink |title=Travel Updates |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/service-incidents |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123160308/https://www.translink.co.uk/service-incidents |archive-date=23 January 2025 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=www.translink.co.uk |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Family
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Operator
! rowspan="2" |Routes
! rowspan="2" |Introduced
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!mph
!km/h
|-
| rowspan="4" |DART
|[[CIÉ 8100 Class|8100 Class]]
|[[File:SEAPOINT RAILWAY STATION (ON THE OLD DUBLIN AND KINGSTON LINE)-126937 (cropped).jpg|99x99px]]
| rowspan="4" | [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]]
|60
|100
| rowspan="4" |[[Iarnród Éireann]]
| rowspan="4" |Howth-Bray Daly<br />Howth-Greystones<br />Malahide-Bray Daly<br />Malahide-Greystones
|1983–1984
|-
|[[IE 8500 Class|8500 Class]]
|[[File:DART train 8603 (cropped).jpg|99x99px]]
| rowspan="3" |70
| rowspan="3" |110
|2000
|-
|[[IE 8510 Class|8510 Class]]
|[[File:8700 EMU - 8614.jpg|100px]]
|2001
|-
|[[IE 8520 Class|8520 Class]]
|[[File:8627 DART Howth (6915521093).jpg|100x100px]]
|2003–2004
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[CxK]]
|[[NIR Class 3000|3000 Class]]
|[[File:Seahill (1) (cropped).jpg|100x100px]]
| rowspan="4" |[[Diesel multiple unit|DMU]]
| rowspan="2" |90
| rowspan="2" |145
| rowspan="2" |[[NI Railways]]
|{{plainlist|*Dublin-Belfast (Enterprise) {{ref|a|a}}
*Belfast-Lisburn
*Belfast-Portadown
*Belfast-Newry
*Portadown-Newry
}}
|2003–2005
|-
|[[NIR Class 4000|4000 Class]]
|[[File:Coleraine railway station 3.jpg|100x100px]]
| {{plainlist|*Belfast-Lisburn
*Belfast-Portadown
*Belfast-Newry
*Portadown-Newry}}
|2010{{ndash}}2021
|-
|ICR
|[[IÉ 22000 Class|22000 Class]]
|[[File:Drogheda 1.jpg|100px]]
|100
|160
| rowspan="2" |[[Iarnród Éireann]]
|{{plainlist|*Dublin–Dundalk
*Dublin–Belfast (Enterprise) {{ref|b|b}}
}}
|2007–2012

|-
|[[CxK]]
|[[IÉ 29000 Class|29000 Class]]
|[[File:Dublin 1.jpg|100px|29000 Class DMU]]
|75
|120
|{{plainlist|
*Dublin–Drogheda
*Dublin–Dundalk
}}
|2002–2005
|-
|
|[[IE 201 Class|201 Class]]
|[[File:Belfast Central (2).jpg|Belfast Central (2)|100px]]
|[[Diesel locomotive]]
|102
|164
| rowspan="3" |[[Iarnród Éireann]] & [[NI Railways]]
| rowspan="3" |Dublin–Belfast (Enterprise)
|1994–1995
|-
|
|[[Coaching stock of Ireland#De Dietrich (1997–present)|De Dietrich stock]]
|[[File:Belfast Central (1).jpg|Belfast Central (1)|100px]]
|[[Passenger]] [[Rolling stock|coaches]]
|90
|145
|1996
|-
|
|[[Coaching stock of Ireland#Mark 3 (1984–2009)|Mark 3]]
|[[File:Belfast Central (3).JPG|Belfast Central (3)|100px]]
|[[Head-end power|Generator van]]
|100
|160
|1980
|-
|
|[[CIÉ 071 Class|111 Class]]
|[[File:Ballast Train, Antrim.JPG|100x100px]]
|[[Diesel locomotive]]
|90
|145
|NI Railways
|Infrastructure duties
|1980{{ndash}}1984
|-
|
|[[NIR MPV|MPV]]
|[[File:NIR MPV, Adelaide.jpg|frameless|100x100px]]
|[[Diesel multiple unit]]
|62
|100
|NI Railways
|Sandite duties
|2016
|-
| colspan="8" |{{ref|a|a}} Only 6 3000 Class units are equipped with [[Continuous Automatic Warning System|CAWS]], which allows them to operate in the [[Republic of Ireland]]. <br> {{ref|b|b}} Only 9 22000 Class are equipped with [[Train Protection & Warning System|TPWS]] and [[Automatic Warning System|AWS]], which allows them to operate in [[Northern Ireland]].
|}

== Accidents ==

* Adavoyle Incident (1921): On June 24, 1921, during the [[Irish War of Independence]], the Irish Republican Army (IRA) derailed a troop train near [[Adavoyle railway station|Adavoyle]], resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and over eighty horses. A train guard and a farmer were also killed in the ensuing crossfire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Advoyle Train Ambush - 24 Jun 1921 |url=https://www.cairogang.com/soldiers-killed/adavoyle/adavoyle.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.cairogang.com |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113213729/https://www.cairogang.com/soldiers-killed/adavoyle/adavoyle.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Rush and Lusk Derailment (1947): In January 1947, the Belfast to Dublin express train was derailed at [[Rush and Lusk railway station|Rush and Lusk Train Station]], destroying five carriages and causing significant disruption along the line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sugar Crash at Rush and Lusk |url=https://irishrailwayarchitecture.blogspot.com/2019/09/sugar-crash-at-rush-and-lusk.html |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=irishrailwayarchitecture.blogspot.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113213731/http://irishrailwayarchitecture.blogspot.com/2019/09/sugar-crash-at-rush-and-lusk.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Belfast Dublin Train Derailed |work=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0106/930851-belfast-dublin-train-derailed/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113213728/https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0106/930851-belfast-dublin-train-derailed/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Malahide Viaduct Collapse (2009): On August 21, 2009, a 20-meter section of the [[Broadmeadow Viaduct|Broadmeadow viaduct]] near Malahide collapsed into the sea shortly after a passenger train had crossed. Fortunately, there were no injuries. The collapse was attributed to erosion of the viaduct's foundations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Investigation Report No. 2010 – R004 August 2010 |url=https://www.raiu.ie/assets/files/pdf/accident_malahide.pdf |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113213729/https://www.raiu.ie/assets/files/pdf/accident_malahide.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Malahide Viaduct Collapse |url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2019/0719/1064062-malahide-viaduct-collapse/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=RTÉ |language=en}}</ref>

== Developments ==

=== Previous Developments ===

==== New Enterprise Trains (1997) ====
In 1997, a set of new [[Coaching stock of Ireland#De Dietrich (1997–present)|De Dietrich Stock]] coaches were purchased jointly by Northern Ireland Railways and [[Iarnród Éireann]] to operate a revamped Enterprise service along with the new [[IE 201 Class|Class 201]] locomotives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Intercity Fleet information |url=http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=123&n=209 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005165133/http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=123&n=209 |archive-date=5 October 2012 |access-date=7 August 2012 |website=Irish Rail}}</ref>

==== National Development Plan (2000) ====
In 2000, the government of the [[Republic of Ireland]] developed a [[National Development Plan]], which has seen major investment in infrastructure. Almost the entire railway network, including the Belfast–Dublin line as far as the border, has been upgraded to [[rail tracks#Continuous welded rail|continuous welded rail]], while signalling is controlled using the [[Centralized traffic control|Centralised Traffic Control]] system located at Dublin Connolly station.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/irelandnationald0000unse |url-access=registration |title=Ireland: national development plan 2000-2006 |date=1999 |location=Dublin |publisher=Stationery Office |isbn=978-0-7076-6285-5}}</ref>

{{Update section|date=October 2024|reason=Needs to be updated now that this is largely past tense.}}

==== Translink Developments (2006) ====
[[Translink (Northern Ireland)|Translink]] announced in March 2006 that planning permission was sought from [[Newry and Mourne District Council]] to construct a new railway station to the east of the existing station at Newry. Platform improvement and extension is proposed, as are replacement canopies, a track maintenance building and a new 'Park and Ride' facility. Alongside this, a major upgrade is currently taking place to refurbish all the stations on this line with the exception of Bangor, Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street. This project is estimated to cost £7 million.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

==== Hourly Enterprise Service (2024) ====
On Tuesday, 29th October 2024, the new hourly Enterprise train service launched, connecting Belfast Grand Central Station and Dublin's Connolly Station. This development was made possible by €25 million in funding from the Irish government's Shared Island Fund and the [[Department of Transport (Ireland)|Department of Transport]]. The opening of [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central Station]] also contributed to this significant expansion. Now, the service operates fifteen times in each direction from Monday to Saturday and eight times each way on Sundays.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2024-10-29 |title=Enterprise: Hourly rail service between Belfast and Dublin begins |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cje0918d0pvo |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ENTERPRISE TRAIN SERVICE TO DUBLIN |url=https://www.translink.co.uk/usingourservicesandproducts/ourservices/enterprise#:~:text=Trains%20depart%20EVERY%20HOUR%20from,will%20operate%20an%20Enterprise%20train). |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.translink.co.uk |archive-date=10 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250110103959/https://www.translink.co.uk/usingourservicesandproducts/ourservices/enterprise#:~:text=Trains%20depart%20EVERY%20HOUR%20from,will%20operate%20an%20Enterprise%20train). |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Laura |date=2024-04-09 |title=Investment to cut travel time on Dublin to Belfast line |work=RTÉ |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0409/1442495-dublin-belfast-train/ |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2025 |access-date=13 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121184512/https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0409/1442495-dublin-belfast-train/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Current developments ===

==== DART+  Coastal North (2021) ====
The DART North project includes several key upgrades to enhance rail connectivity and service quality. To start, the electrified rail network will extend from Malahide to Drogheda, covering approximately 37 kilometres. This involves installing overhead electrification equipment (OHLE) similar to the current DART network. Additionally, new train stabling facilities and other necessary rail infrastructure improvements at key locations such as Drogheda MacBride, Malahide, Clongriffin, and Howth Junction & Donaghmede Stations will increase the number of trains running and improve service frequency. Accessibility at Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station will receive significant enhancements to improve the overall customer experience. Upgraded signalling systems and telecommunications along the route will ensure safe and efficient train operations. By transitioning from diesel to electric trains, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint and support sustainable development in line with government policies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-21 |title=Minister Ryan secures approval of DART+ Coastal North |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/c0aaa-minister-ryan-secures-approval-of-dart-coastal-north/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.gov.ie |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521221659/https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/c0aaa-minister-ryan-secures-approval-of-dart-coastal-north/? |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DART+ Home |url=https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/home |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.dartplus.ie |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728160622/https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/home |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== New Enterprise Trains (2027) ====
In 2027, the Enterprise train service between Belfast and Dublin will introduce new trains, replacing the existing fleet. Funded by €165 million from the PEACEPLUS Programme, the new trains will reduce journey times to under two hours, improve accessibility, and enhance passenger experience. The eight new trains will be designed for sustainability, supporting net zero carbon emissions goals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Hare |first=Columba |date=2024-04-09 |title=Entire Enterprise fleet to be replaced following &euro;165m funding boost from PEACEPLUS |url=https://www.newry.ie/articles/news/entire-enterprise-fleet-to-be-replaced-following-eur165-funding-boost-from-peaceplus |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Newry.ie |language=en-gb |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120163437/https://www.newry.ie/articles/news/entire-enterprise-fleet-to-be-replaced-following-eur165-funding-boost-from-peaceplus |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Andy Boal |date=2025-01-13 |title=Ireland commits to funding Enterprise replacement from 2027 – what about NI? |url=https://sluggerotoole.com/2021/10/05/ireland-commits-to-funding-enterprise-replacement-from-2027-what-about-ni/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Slugger O'Toole |language=en-GB |archive-date=14 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714133201/https://www.sluggerotoole.com/2021/10/05/ireland-commits-to-funding-enterprise-replacement-from-2027-what-about-ni/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-09 |title=Enterprise: Belfast-Dublin rail to receive multi-million investment |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68744414.amp |access-date=2025-01-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-gb |archive-date=20 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120163402/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68744414.amp |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Proposed developments ===

==== High-speed rail proposal (2020) ====
In 2020 the Irish Government confirmed it will be launching a study into an approximately {{convert|500|km|abbr=on}} high-speed railway from [[Belfast]] via [[Dublin]] to [[Cork (city)|Cork]] and [[Limerick]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/study-to-investigate-belfast-dublin-cork-high-speed-line/|title=Study to investigate Belfast – Dublin – Cork high-speed line|website=International Railway Journal|date=4 August 2020|access-date=26 September 2020|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928091349/https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/study-to-investigate-belfast-dublin-cork-high-speed-line/|url-status=live}}</ref> which could cost around €15 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/review-of-15bn-high-speed-rail-line-linking-dublin-belfast-cork-1.4321928?mode=amp|title=Review of €15bn high-speed rail line linking Dublin, Belfast, Cork|website=Irish Times|date=5 August 2020|access-date=26 September 2020|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008193403/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/review-of-15bn-high-speed-rail-line-linking-dublin-belfast-cork-1.4321928?mode=amp|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== All Ireland Rail review (2024) ====
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review proposes several significant developments to enhance rail connectivity across Ireland. Portadown is set to become a major interchange, with plans to restore the railway line from [[Derry ~ Londonderry railway station|Derry~Londonderry]] to Portadown, thereby improving connectivity in the northwest region.  A new intercity station is proposed for [[Craigavon]], aiming to serve as a key hub in the region and support regional development. A new high-speed spur line from Newry is proposed via [[Banbridge]] to Belfast Grand Central. In the Dublin area, the review suggests constructing a spur from Clongriffin to [[Dublin Airport]], providing direct rail access to Ireland's busiest airport. Additionally, there are plans to quadruple track from Clongriffin to Connolly and build a spur between Clongriffin and Drogheda along the [[M1 motorway (Republic of Ireland)|M1]] to increase capacity and service frequency. These initiatives are part of a broader €37/£32 billion plan to transform the islands rail network by 2050, focusing on electrification, speed enhancements, and expanded services to promote sustainable travel and regional development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-26 |title=All-Island Strategic Rail Review {{!}} Department for Infrastructure |url=https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/all-island-strategic-rail-review |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk |language=en |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718213600/https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/all-island-strategic-rail-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=All-Island Strategic Rail Review |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cc8fc-all-island-strategic-rail-review/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.gov.ie |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114123140/https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cc8fc-all-island-strategic-rail-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref><!--== Route Details ==
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2024}}

=== Great Northern Mainline ===
Heading south from [[Belfast Grand Central station|Belfast Grand Central]]. The line continues south from Central Junction, running through the numerous residential lands of [[South Belfast (UK Parliament constituency)|South Belfast]] and roughly following the route of the [[A1 road (Northern Ireland)|A1 road]]. Immediately after Central Junction it passes under the Donegall Road once more as well as Tate's Avenue, before passing behind [[Windsor Park]] and reaching [[Adelaide railway station (Northern Ireland)|Adelaide halt]], where a maintenance depot built on the site of the former freight yard is located. Continuing south, Lislea Drive sidings are passed on the right before the line crosses Stockman's Lane (Part of the [[A55 road (Northern Ireland)|Outer Ring]]) and passes [[Balmoral railway station|Balmoral halt]], [[Musgrave Park Hospital]], and then [[Finaghy railway station|Finaghy halt.]] At Finaghy is evidence of the [[Great Northern Railway (Ireland)|GNR]]'s plan to upgrade the line to quadruple track, with the Finaghy Road North bridge having been built with two double-track arches. The line then passes under the [[M1 motorway (Northern Ireland)|M1 motorway]] and Black's Road before reaching [[Dunmurry railway station|Dunmurry halt]]. The only [[level crossing]] between Belfast and Lisburn is located in [[Dunmurry]] on the Glebe Road, with a passenger foot crossing adjacent at Sunnymede Park. After passing over the Kingsway, [[Derriaghy railway station|Derriaghy halt]] is reached, and shortly thereafter, [[Lambeg railway station|Lambeg]] and, the final intermediate halt on this section, [[Hilden railway station|Hilden]]. Entering [[Lisburn]] city proper, the line skirts [[Wallace Park]] before arriving at [[Lisburn railway station]] itself.

=== Lisburn ===
A small yard exists at Lisburn station, typically used by permanent way vehicles and, until recently, the storage of redundant stock. Lisburn is also the junction for the single-track [[Lisburn–Antrim line|Antrim branch]], which runs adjacent to the double-track Newry line through the Lisburn suburbs, creating the illusion of triple-track. These lines pass under Thiepval Road and Causeway End Road in a deep cutting before reaching the former site of the second [[Knockmore railway station|Knockmore halt]], staggered across the Ballinderry Road bridge and demolished in 2014. After passing under the Knockmore Road, future site of [[Lisburn West railway station]] and site of the original Kockmore station, the Antrim Branch diverges to the right. Prior to 1956, this was also the junction for the [[Banbridge, Lisburn and Belfast Junction Railway]]'s line to [[Hillsborough railway station (Northern Ireland)|Hillsborough]], [[Dromore railway station|Dromore]], [[Banbridge railway station (Banbridge, Lisburn and Belfast Railway)|Banbridge]] and onwards to [[Castlewellan railway station|Castlewellan]] and [[Newcastle railway station (Northern Ireland)|Newcastle]]. This part of line runs through an industrial estate, with the Coca-Cola bottling plant to the right. The section between Lisburn and Moira is generally flat and straight. After crossing the Lissue Road on the level trains pass the former site of [[Damhead railway station|Damhead halt]], and before reaching Moira will have passed other former halts at Broomhedge and Maze. The line then crosses the [[A26 road (Northern Ireland)|A26]] Glenavy Road and enters [[Moira railway station|Moira station]].

=== Moira ===
Moira boasts the oldest extant railway building in [[Ulster]], and along with Lisburn is an excellent example of restored GNR architecture. Immediately after leaving the station the line crosses the [[Lagan Canal]] on the Askew Bridge, and then runs parallel to the M1 motorway as far as Kilmore, where the railway passes under it. Kilmore is the site of the short-lived [[Pritchard's Bridge railway station]], with the rest of the way to Lurgan being composed largely of agricultural land. Entering [[Lurgan]] from the north-east, the line crosses the Antrim Road and Lake Street on the level before passing under the Kilmaine footbridge and reaching [[Lurgan railway station|Lurgan station]].

=== Lurgan ===
Lurgan station was briefly known as Craigavon East for a time back in the 1970s. Immediately after the station, the line crosses William Street on the level and proceeds through the Lurgan suburbs, passing under the Eastway and running on a causeway between the two [[Balancing lake|balancing lakes]] at Craigavon. Running behind Rushmere shopping centre, the line comes parallel with the Northway. It then passes under the [[M12 motorway]] and the site of the former Goodyear halt (Which served the nearby [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear Tire]] factory), and slightly further down the line, the site of the former [[Seagoe railway station|Seagoe station]], which was a temporary terminus during construction of the line to Portadown. The site of the first and third [[Portadown railway station|Portadown stations]] is passed, which today is a small maintenance yard with a siding. The line crosses its first, and only river- The [[River Bann|Bann]]- and arrives at Portadown station.

=== Portadown ===
The current (Fourth) Portadown station is on the same site as the second one, and was formerly the junction between the mainline and the lines to [[Armagh railway station|Armagh]] and [[Londonderry Foyle Road railway station|Derry Foyle Road]]. For a time in the 1970s it was known as Craigavon West. Most non-Enterprise trains, save for couple of peak commuter services, terminate here. The line leaves Portadown by means of a 90° curve to the southeast, adjacent to Portadown South Sidings, and once free of the suburbs runs parallel to the [[Cusher River]], [[Newry Canal]] and [[River Bann]] as far Moneypenny's Lock, where the latter leaves the railway and veers towards [[Gilford, County Down|Gilford]]. Continuing alongside the Canal towpath, the line runs through agricultural surroundings as it passes the former site of [[Tanderagee railway station|Tanderagee station]], closed in 1965, before reaching [[Scarva railway station|Scarva station]].

=== Scarva ===
Scarva was formerly the junction with the line to Banbridge via [[Laurencetown railway station|Laurencetown]], which closed in 1955. The line continues out of Scarva station, still following the Newry Canal past Lough Shark and bypassing the village of Acton shortly before reaching [[Poyntzpass railway station|Poyntzpass station]].

=== Poyntzpass ===
Poyntzpass station retains a single siding, used by NIR as a loading point for ballast trains with stone brought in by road from a quarry near Banbridge. Poyntzpass is also home to the only GNR [[signal cabin]] still in its original location on NIR. The line continues to hug the Newry Canal, crossing it twice about halfway between Poyntzpass and Jerretspass. On the approach to Newry, the remains of [[Goraghwood railway station]], once an important junction with the lines to [[Armagh railway station|Armagh]] and [[Warrenpoint]], are passed, whilst the railway and canal part ways. The railway crosses the A28 and then the 18-arch Craigmore Viaduct, which takes it into [[Newry railway station|Newry station]].

=== Newry ===
Newry is the terminus of all local NIR trains, with the only trains extending further being the [[Enterprise (train service)|Enterprise]] service to Dublin. The line carries on south, crossing the A25 on [[MacNeill's Egyptian Arch]]. The embankment the railway is carried on soon becomes a cutting and the line is crossed by the A1 dual carriageway, the main road from the North to Dublin. From here the two run parallel as far as Cloughoge Chapel, where the railway diverges into another cutting before diving under the A1 again just north of Killeen. The railway then bypasses Meigh, in the shadow of [[Slieve Gullion]], and passes the site of the long-closed station at [[Adavoyle railway station|Adavoyle]]. Finally, at Milepost 59 <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>, the line crosses the border and becomes [[Iarnród Éireann]]'s [[Commuter (Iarnród Éireann)|Northern Line]].-->

== Popular culture ==
The Dublin–Belfast railway line has been featured in various cultural works, reflecting its significance in connecting two major cities on the island of Ireland. In literature, the line is depicted in novels such as "The Journey Home" <ref>{{Cite book |last=Bolger |first=Dermot |title=The Journey Home |date=2025-01-13 |publisher=Flamingo |isbn=978-0-00-715411-1 |edition=1st |location=Ireland |publication-date=2003-09-01 |language=EN}}</ref>by Dermot Bolger, where it symbolizes the protagonist's return to Dublin. The route has also been released as a commercial add on for [[Microsoft Train Simulator]] by Making Tracks. It was released in two sections, part one covering Belfast Central (Now Lanyon Place) to Dundalk Clarke,<ref>{{cite web |title=Irish Enterprise North |url=http://www.makingtracks-online.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=83 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217055514/http://www.makingtracks-online.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=83 |archive-date=17 December 2008 |access-date=2009-01-17 |work=Making Tracks}}</ref> with part two covering the section from Dundalk Clarke to Dublin Tara street. It is set during the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Irish Enterprise South |url=http://www.makingtracks-online.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=354&Itemid=320 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731032651/http://www.makingtracks-online.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=354&Itemid=320 |archive-date=31 July 2008 |access-date=2009-01-17 |work=Making Tracks}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="180" mode="packed">
File:The Craigmore Viaduct - geograph.org.uk - 1058107.jpg|Craigmore Viaduct in [[Bessbrook]] near [[Newry railway station|Newry]].
File:Bessbrook - geograph.org.uk - 334357.jpg|Craigmore Viaduct with the [[Mournes]] in the background, seen from [[Bessbrook]] near [[Newry railway station|Newry station]].
File:NIR 201 Class Loco 8208 heading the 11.20 ex Dublin Connolly Enterprise south of Poyntzpass - geograph.org.uk - 6067104.jpg|NIR 201 Class Loco 8208 heading the ex Dublin Connolly Enterprise south of Poyntzpass 2019
File:NIR Class 3000 no. 3007.jpg|Class 3000 terminating at Lisburn station after working the Belfast Commuter service 2021
File:Dundalk Railway Station Museum 16.jpg|Dundalk Central signal cabin
File:The River Bann - geograph.org.uk - 787456.jpg|Viaduct over the [[River Bann]] near [[Portadown railway station|Portadown]].
File:111 passing the site of Goodyear Halt - geograph.org.uk - 334837.jpg|The ex[[Gatwick Express]] rolling stock on the line at Goodyear near [[Seagoe railway station|Seagoe]].
File:Laytown Station.jpg|220 passing Laytown Station 2005
File:Enterprise boldly goes to Belfast.jpg|The 11.20 hrs service from Dublin Connolly to Belfast gathers speed at Clontarf Road Station, powered today by Translink / NIR engine 8208.  2019
File:NI Railways 111 class No. 8112 and a DART unit at Clontarf Road railway station - April 2022.jpg|Northern Ireland Railways General Motors class 111, 8112, passing Clontarf Road Dart Station, beside DART 8603, 2022
File:Finaghy railway station in 2008.jpg|Train departing, Finaghy station Belfast 2008
File:Clongriffin - €22 Million DART Station (4576023450).jpg|Southbound DART train arrives at Clongriffin 2010
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book|title=The Parliamentary Gazetter of Ireland, 1844-45|volume=2|date=1846|last=Fullerton|first=A.|publisher=A. Fullerton & Co.|location=Dublin, London and Edinburgh|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_4iK5_B7W1xIC}}
* {{cite book |last=Hajducki |first=S. Maxwell |year=1974 |title=A Railway Atlas of Ireland |location=Newton Abbott |publisher=[[David & Charles]] |isbn=0-7153-5167-2 }}
* {{cite book |last=McCutcheon |first=Alan |series=Railway History in Pictures |title=Ireland |volume=1 |year=1969 |location=Newton Abbott |publisher=[[David & Charles]] |isbn=0-7153-4651-2 }}
* {{cite news|last=McQuillan|first=Jack|newspaper=The Argus|title=Building the Boyne Viaduct|date=26 August 2005|publisher=Independent News and Media|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/lifestyle/building-the-boyne-viaduct-26901269.html}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dublin–Belfast railway line|position=left}}
* [https://www.irishrail.ie/getmedia/e2b3c3ca-bcde-407b-b9d5-c41bcaf0c373/09-Dublin-Belfast_1.pdf Dublin-Belfast Enterprise Timetable]
* [https://www.irishrail.ie/getmedia/5f0a42d7-e612-4b7b-8fa1-fff483a9f023/15-Dublin-Dundalk.pdf Northern Commuter Timetable]
* [https://www.translink.co.uk/Timetable/Download/13b56933d8f201511b65866af51593476b62c2a4484b35d642a7735cd7a34556 Portadown Line Timetable] 

{{Railway lines in Northern Ireland}}
{{Railway lines in Eire}}
{{Railway stations served by NI Railways}}
{{Railway stations served by Iarnród Éireann}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Belfast-Dublin Line}}
[[Category:Railway lines in Ireland]]
[[Category:Railway lines in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Great Northern Railway (Ireland)]]
[[Category:Transport in Belfast]]
[[Category:Transport in County Antrim]]
[[Category:Transport in County Down]]
[[Category:Transport in County Armagh]]
[[Category:International railway lines]]
[[Category:Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks]]
[[Category:Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border crossings]]
[[Category:Irish-gauge railways]]
[[Category:5 ft 3 in gauge railways]]