New On-Board Catering Trial Begins on Dublin-Galway Trains from August
Iarnród Éireann launches a six-month commercial catering pilot on selected Dublin Heuston to Galway services. The initiative aims to expand food options beyond current Cork and Belfast routes following customer demand.
Iarnród Éireann has confirmed the launch of a commercial catering trolley service on specific Dublin Heuston to Galway trains starting Monday 24th August 2026. This six-month trial, operated by Sambos.ie, will assess the viability of expanding on-board food provision across the Intercity network without Public Service Obligation funding.
The pilot follows extensive market research into customer demand for broader catering services, which have previously only been available on Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Belfast routes since May 2023. Initial services will run on three daily trains each way, with potential expansion during the trial period.
Services include Monday-Saturday departures at 07:35, 09:25, and 11:30 from Heuston (with Friday-only 07:35 service changing at Athlone), and Sunday services at 08:00, 10:30, and 11:40. A spokesperson stated the trial responds to passenger frustration over limited current catering options and will inform future commercial expansion decisions with the National Transport Authority.