The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the rail line running along the coast of Dublin, from Malahide and Howth southwards as far as Greystones, Co Wicklow.

Even those terminal stations are no more than 45 minutes from the city centre. The DART is an important commuter line (proximity to the DART is always a selling point in the property market), but it's also a tourist essential, and not just for getting around.

The land- and seascape on the DART line is stunning. Between Glenageary and Killiney on the south coast, you'll get views of Killiney Bay that you can't see from any other vantage point.

If you're heading south, you can jump off at Sandycove to visit the Forty Foot bathing place and Joyce's Martello Tower. Chic yacht-club town Dún Laoghaire only 20 minutes from the city centre. Or you might prefer Bray (in Co. Wicklow), a family oriented, traditional seaside town. Further down the line, Greystones is a quieter town perfect for walks along the pebbly beach.

Northbound, the DART will bring you to to Malahide Castle, Portmarnock strand, and Howth village, the perfect starting point for a walk along the beautiful and rugged Howth Head.

Click here to view a map of the DART line in a new window.

One note about desinations. Though there's only one DART line, watch the information board at your station for the destination of the next train. The line diverges at Howth Junction to go to either Howth or Malahide; if you're south-bound your DART may terminate at Bray, or continue to Greystones.

Tickets:

Pick up a one-day rail and bus ticket (€7.70) at any DART station and hop on and off as you like. There's excellent value in the family day ticket, which at €11.60 allows two adults to travel with up to four children on DART, bus, and suburban rail.

It's well worth getting the daily ticket: a single ticket along the entire length of the DART line will cost €3.20, but won't allow you to hop on and off along the journey.

A weekly short hop bus and rail ticket costs €26, while the three-day version is €15. For the weekly ticket, you'll need a photo ID (costing €2) from the Dublin Bus office on O'Connell St.

There are also cheaper rail-only tickets available. For details of ticket types, visit the DART website.
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Luas

Luas is Dublin's new tram system, due to come on stream in 2004.

For more information on the plan, visit www.luas.ie. Maps of the Luas lines under construction can be found here.