Fáilte Ireland has announced a special partnership with Iarnród Éireann, to host six specially charted train carriages, celebrating the launch of Winter in Dublin.

The Winter in Dublin Express will run across selected services until Friday, December 10.

Led by Fáilte Ireland in association with the Dublin tourism industry, Winter in Dublin encourages the nation to visit Dublin this winter, to make memories with family and friends and experience the excitement of all the magical events taking place in the capital city.

With an exciting programme of events and immersive experiences, Winter in Dublin highlights great things to do and places to go in the city, with some extra special once-off events popping up from November through to January.

November saw a spotlight shone on live events across the city including music, comedy and theatre performances.

December is all about the festive season with a range of activities happening throughout the month such as Dublin Zoo’s magical Wild Lights experience.

Finally, January is a celebration of culture and creativity. Highlights of the month include Temple Bar Tradfest alongside further activities across the city.

Fáilte Ireland and Iarnróid Éireann celebrated the launch of the Winter in Dublin Express with a surprise performance of Christmas tunes from the cast of the Olympia Panto ‘Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk’, opening on December 21 in the Olympia Theatre, starring James Patrice, Maclean Burke, Ryan Andrews and Erin McGregor. Passengers from the launch were treated to this surprise in Dublin's Heuston Station.

Winter in Dublin Express - Olympia Panto Cast

Over it's running time, six selected services will see one unique carriage transformed into a "Winter Wonderland," as passengers are treated to an exciting, festive VIP trip to Dublin.

Live entertainment will take place on board, with festive treats from local suppliers supplied and a specially decorated carriage bringing Christmas cheer to passengers.

Those passengers on board the six special services will be selected as lucky prize winners from various Winter in Dublin promotions.

Speaking at the launch, Emma Woods, Head of Marketing Communications at Fáilte Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be here at Heuston Station today to celebrate the launch of the Winter in Dublin Express. This partnership with Iarnród Éireann showcases, not only a great and sustainable way to travel to Dublin at any time this winter, but also the variety of events and the magic that will be alive this Winter in Dublin.

"This year’s Winter in Dublin programme of events will run from November right through to January 2023 – a full list of events can be found at visitdublin.com”

Also speaking at the launch, Jane Cregan, Communications Manager at Iarnród Éireann said: “We are pleased to partner with Fáilte Ireland, to help encourage the nation to consider a more sustainable option of travelling by train when visiting Dublin this winter. By taking the train, you’re reducing your travel time, whilst increasing your leisure time. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy the magic of travelling by rail this winter.”

For more details on the full programme of events taking place throughout Winter in Dublin, check out VisitDublin.com or Visit Dublin's social media channels.

Winter In Dublin Express Service Routes throughout December:

2nd December - Waterford - Heuston @ 13.05
9th December - Galway - Heuston @ 15.05
10th December - Waterford - Heuston @ 13.05