Sea-hugging railways and magical views: five of Europe's best coastal train lines

The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh rail line provides regular local train views of both coasts. Cromarty Firth appears on the right as the train approaches Dingwall about half an hour after leaving Inverness. As the journey continues, west coast sea lochs come into view while the train runs down to the Atlantic coast at Kyle. The route includes stops at Achnashellach, Achnasheen, Achanalt, and Attadale, with desolate scenery between them. The final 20 minutes deliver a panorama of coast, headlands, and islands, including sparkling views of Loch Carron and northward sightlines to the Applecross peninsula. Seals can be seen near Duncraig before arriving at Kyle of Lochalsh.

"There is only one rail route in Britain offering views of both the west and east coasts from a regular local train, and that's the line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. For the east coast, look out for Cromarty Firth away to the right as the train approaches Dingwall, about half an hour after leaving Inverness. Later, you have good views of west coast sea lochs as the train runs down to the Atlantic coast at Kyle."

"And in between you'll find alliterative desolation aplenty as it pauses at Achnashellach, Achnasheen, Achanalt and Attadale. The last 20 minutes down to Kyle bring a magic panorama of coast, headlands and islands. The sun sparkles on Loch Carron with glorious views north to the wild Applecross peninsula."

"Seals shuffle for safety as we approach Duncraig and all too soon we are pulling into Kyle of Lochalsh. Ireland: from Dublin to Wicklow A remarkable piece of engineering': the railway cuts under Bray Head in Ireland. Photograph: Vitalli/Alamy"

"Route Dublin Connolly to Arklow Which side? Sit on the left Distance 50 miles Time 1hr 45mins Frequency 6 trains a day (3 on Sat and Sun) Ticket 8.85 single Operator Irish Rail Londoners may be surprised to read that Dublin had commuter trains earlier than the UK capital."

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