There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but there will be free rail travel in Ireland for senior travelers coming from overseas including the US, UK and all of Europe.

If you are age 66 or over, free travel on Irish Rail awaits you in the 26 counties of the Republic, thanks to the new Golden Trekker program announced today by Tourism Ireland.

This new program is designed to attract more seniors to Ireland.  Not only is the number of seniors growing worldwide, but seniors have the time, discretionary income, and inclination to travel. It is envisioned that his initiative will allow Ireland to target this growing market more successfully.

Each pass is valid for four days. If visitors intend to travel for longer periods, more than one pass must be obtained.
To get a Golden Trekker pass, seniors need to call Tourism Ireland (tel.  800 SHAMROCK or 1-800-7426-7625) at least 48 hours prior to arrival in Ireland, and provide the following information: First and last name; Date of birth; Passport Number or National Identity Card Number; Date they would like their Golden Trekker Pass to commence; Country of residence; Email address and/or Postal address; Origin of first rail journey.

Once this information has been provided, a Tourism Ireland agent will process the application for a Golden Trekker pass, and a confirmation will be delivered in time for your trip to Ireland.

Once you arrive in Ireland, present the Golden Trekker confirmation at the Irish Rail ticket office in any train station, along with the passport or national identity card used when requesting the Golden Trekker.

The new pass, which can be used throughout 2010, is valid only in the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland.  It will be officially launched on St. Patrick’s Day.

More information: Click here

Patricia (Pat) Preston has written 23 travel books (15 about Ireland).  Her latest book, Ireland Travel 101 (http://www.IrelandTravel101.com) has just won 1st Place in the Travel Guide category of the North American Travel Journalists Association annual competition. Visit Pat’s web site (http://www.IrelandExpert.com).