I've tried various methods (short of calling the Irish Rail company) to get some answers and have been very unsuccessful...maybe someone here can help me.

I cannot secure a rail reservation until 28 days prior to departure of either the outbound or return part of my rail trip in Ireland. For example, If I were leaving on the first of the month and returning on the 28th on the month, I could not buy a reservation until the very day that I leave (on the first of the month).

Somehow, that does not seem correct, although I have logged on to the Ireland Rail web site and it tells me that that is true.

For those of you who are experienced Irish Rail travelers: is there a way that I can work around this 28 day restriction?

Any help will be appreciated.

Mark