European Rail Travel - London - Dublin (Train & Ferry)

Hi All,

We're planning to do the London to Dublin train & ferry http://www.seat61.com/Ireland.htm. Am wondering if there is anything special I should be aware of. We'll be packing at least 2 rolling duffels + some assorted carry-ons. I'll be doing some fishing in Ireland so will be carrying a fillet knife in my luggage - any concerns? Any idea if our luggage will be traveling with us or in a luggage car?

We're US based; will we need to clear customs after arriving in Dublin? I am assuming there will be plenty of taxis available at the ferry port.

thanks for any insight!
Aleksir (& Mrs)

On the train you will look after your own luggage - there is no "baggage car". (Well, there is a bit where the bikes go where you could put it, but no official check-in).

There is no security in the TSA sense on the train, but be aware that carrying large knives in the UK is illegal without good reason (as I don't fish, I don't know how big the knife you describe is!). The Police occasionally (not very often at all) mount WTMD/bag search type checks at railway stations. It's therefore best to pack such a knife, if you needed to carry it, as deeply inside your luggage as possible, as this gives the signal that you wouldn't want to get it out while travelling, and ensure you have good justification to explain why you have it (also carrying other fishing kit, and being ready to explain where you are going fishing and what for would be a good start).

I don't know if there is TSA-style security on the ferry - some do, some don't. You should probably phone them to ask.

Neil

Thanks Neil,

The knife has a 9" blade and I will also have my poles & tackle packed.

Thanks Neil,

The knife has a 9" blade and I will also have my poles & tackle packed.
The legal position on carrying knives in public in England & Wales is discussed here (http://www.goxplore.net/guides/Knife_law_%28UK%29).

The Republic of Ireland is a separate jurisdiction so you may wish to check that out too

Wow! Leaving a fishing knife in a car is illegal. I may rethink my plan. Thanks for the link!

At the risk of stirring up trouble, might I ask why you need a knife with a 9" blade to fillet fish? From my experience cleaning fish (& also from watching professionals at work in fishmongers), a small, thin, sharp blade seems to do the job best!
Have you watched Crocodle Dundee too many times???
Dave

Not at all Dave,

9" was my guess sitting at my desk. Now that I'm home the knife is 11" and the blade is 6. And that just happens to be the fillet knife I have in my tackle box.