Dublin rail and Luas changes this weekend: what travellers need to know on 19–20 September
by Admin
by AdminBabylon Radio
Listen nowDublin and intercity passengers face significant public transport changes on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. The Luas Red Line is closed between Red Cow and Tallaght/Saggart, with replacement buses running about every 15 minutes. Irish Rail engineering works between Kildare and Portlaoise also mean bus transfers and altered connections on several intercity routes.
Luas Red Line: no trams beyond Red Cow
Transport for Ireland and Luas confirm that there is no Red Line tram service between Red Cow and Tallaght or Saggart for the full weekend. The closure began after the last tram on Friday 18 September and normal service is due to resume with the first tram on Monday 21 September.
Red Line trams continue to run between The Point or Connolly and Red Cow. Replacement buses are operating between Red Cow and the Tallaght and Saggart branches, generally around every 15 minutes. The work is for track replacement around Belgard.
Irish Rail changes between Kildare and Portlaoise
Engineering works between Kildare and Portlaoise are changing a number of Saturday and Sunday services from Dublin Heuston.
- Galway and Westport: passengers use a bus between Dublin Heuston and Athlone, then continue by train from Athlone.
- Cork: passengers use a bus between Dublin Heuston and Portlaoise, then continue by train.
- Tralee: direct services are cancelled. Services are available about every two hours by changing at Mallow, with journeys expected to take roughly 25 to 30 minutes longer.
- Limerick: direct services are cancelled. Passengers can travel about every two hours by changing at Limerick Junction.
- Portlaoise: passengers travel by train between Heuston and Kildare and by replacement bus between Kildare and Portlaoise.
What passengers should do
Allow extra time, particularly if you have a timed connection, airport transfer or event booking. Check the latest journey information before leaving because replacement-bus times and individual train services can change during engineering works.
Official travel information
For live information, check Transport for Ireland’s weekend service notice, the Luas travel update and Irish Rail engineering works information.
Last verified: 19 September 2026, 07:30 Dublin time.