Overview

The "LUAS" (Irish Gaelic for 'speed') light rail transit system opened two lines in 2004. The 5.6-mile Green Line (opened June 30, 2004) operates between St. Stephen's Green, south of Trinity College, and Sandyford. The Red Line (opened September 28, 2004) runs 9.3 miles from Dublin's Connolly Station to suburban Tallaght in South Dublin, via Heuston Station. As of October 2005, there was about a 15-minute walk through central Dublin between the two sections. The trams differ slightly in configuration on the two lines, but are identical in style (Alstom CITADIS). The wider track centers on the Green Line may facilitate future conversion to full metro operation.

Dublin Area Rapid Transit is a subset of the commuter rail system operating out of Dublin's Connolly station. Infrastructure along Dublin Bay, connecting Howth (Binn Éadair) and Malahide (Mullach Ide) in the north with Greystones in the south. Beginning in 1984, the section Howth-Bray was extensively upgraded and electrified, and new carriages with a distinctive appearance were acquired. More recently, with the addition of more rolling stock, the service was extended on the Belfast main line to Malahide and further south to Greystones. The combined service frequency between Bray and Howth Junction in the north is similar to many North American rapid transit systems. Other commuter service, distinctly branded as such, parallels and sometimes shares trackage with DART. Connolly Station is also the terminus for intercity rail services to Belfast, Sligo, Wicklow County, and the southeast of Ireland.

Photo Gallery

Five Random Images
Image 45706 (313k, 1044x788) Photo by: Mike Jiran Location: Pearse Street Station	Image 45709 (262k, 1044x788) Photo by: Mike Jiran Location: Abbey St	Image 106534 (245k, 1044x788) Photo by: Brian J. Cudahy Location: Red Cow	Image 126094 (325k, 1044x788) Photo by: Brian J. Cudahy Location: Harcourt	Image 126090 (331k, 1044x788) Photo by: Brian J. Cudahy Location: Between Four Courts and Smithfield

Page Credits

By Duncan Allen