The Enterprise train service, which has been connecting Belfast and Dublin for 77 years, is set to mark another historic milestone next weekend as it begins operating to and from the new Belfast Grand Central Station. Translink has announced plans to start rail services from the new hub on Sunday, October 13th, with an hourly service between Belfast and Dublin scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 29th.
The new station at Weavers Cross, located behind the Europa Hotel, opened in September and currently offers bus services while preparations continue for the introduction of rail services. With eight railway platforms, 26 bus stands, and facilities for bicycles and taxis, the new station is expected to cater to around 20 million passenger journeys annually, making it the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland.
The Enterprise train service made its inaugural journey from Belfast Great Victoria Street Station to Dublin’s Amiens Street Station (Connolly Station) over seven decades ago, on August 11, 1947. Operated by Great Northern Railway (Ireland), the service was initially a prestige seven-carriage steam train aimed at business travelers, offering first-class accommodation, catering, extra legroom, and lavatories.
Since its inception, the Enterprise train service has played a vital role in cross-border travel, connecting people for various reasons such as visiting family, embarking on adventures, or pursuing opportunities. The service has witnessed advancements in transport technology over the years, transitioning from steam trains to modern fleets and refurbished facilities.
Throughout its history, the Enterprise service has experienced significant events, including the journey undertaken by the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement in 1971 to purchase contraceptives in Belfast, as they were illegal in the Republic of Ireland at the time. The service also faced disruptions during the Troubles, prompting the establishment of the Peace Train Organisation in 1989 to address security threats along the line.
Following the completion of the Belfast Central Line Project in 1976, the Belfast terminal was relocated from Great Victoria Street to the newly constructed Belfast Central station (now known as Lanyon Place). The service, now jointly operated by Translink NI Railways and Iarnród Éireann, continues to symbolize cross-border cooperation and remains a crucial link between Belfast and Dublin.
As the Enterprise train service prepares to operate from the new Grand Central Station, Translink has been running additional bus services to facilitate essential engineering works on the railway line. The move to the new station signifies a significant moment in the service’s history, prompting a reflection on its evolution over the years through old photos showcasing changes in the fleet, interior, staff, and clientele.