I GET A LOT of work done while traveling, surrounded by a cocoon that includes deeply implanted earbuds, a small ultraportable computer and an occasional data connection. These things work well for me aboard Irish Rail, even though there are some black spots of spotty data connectivity. I've enough in my cache, scribbled in my Moleskines, and on 4GB data cards to keep me totally engaged between coffee breaks. I don't understand why Aer Lingus persists in prohibiting any electronic gadget which has Bluetooth or Wifi from being used aboard its aircraft. I flaunt this rule routinely when crossing the Atlantic because I cannot survive with the imposed fare of in-seat entertainment. Besides, I fly to work and that means using my gear. I also cannot understand why Irish Rail does not offer Whisper Zones for people who want a quiet journey with no threat of someone two seats away yelling, "I'M ON THE TRAIN" just about the time you nod off for a nap. You can get Quiet Zone respect aboard Amtrak so why not aboard Irish Rail? It's actually a money-spinner because I'd pay an additional five euro for a totally whispered two-hour journey into Dublin.
Image from my Flickr photostream, shot from aboard Irish Rail while decelerating into Kilkenny, Ireland.