Free Rail Scheme on Track for Older Visitors

From Tuesday, 16th March 2010, all overseas visitors aged 66 or over, from anywhere in the world, shall be able to benefit from free unlimited travel on mainline, DART and commuter trains in the scheme, developed by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann.

Travelling to the Marine Hotel, Sutton will now be free!

The scheme was announced by the Government as part of the budget in December 2009, in a bid to increase overseas visitor numbers. It is similar to the free travel scheme for Irish people aged 66 and over, but does not include free bus or Luas travel.

The scheme is initially for a fixed 1-year period, but shall be subject to review and is expected to continue indefinitely if the demand is there.

Tourists can access the scheme by visiting the Fáilte Ireland website, www.discoverireland.com, to arrange for a Golden Trekker reservation. They will be asked for details such as their date of birth and passport or national identity card number. Their Golden Trekker reservation can then be used to book their free Golden Trekker tickets when they arrive in Ireland.

Tickets can be purchased in blocks of four days, depending on the length of stay. A 4-day unlimited ticket is normally worth €100.

Visitors who do not pre-book the reservation can also avail of the scheme when they arrive in Ireland, by calling to a Fáilte Ireland tourist information office.

Al Ryan - Director
Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager