Ireland · TRAIN EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist worth sending to whoever is planning: 15 rail journeys that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to check before you commit.
Train from Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle kiss, then Cobh Heritage Centre for Titanic and emigration stories, with admissions and reserved seats.
“Enjoyed trip well managed : guide was cordial : did not like the wait at train station to return but understand best to get us all rounded up. Very easy”
Rail and coach day trip from Dublin to Northern Ireland, with Dunluce Castle photos and UNESCO Giant’s Causeway time, plus flexible add-ons.
“The description of this tour was a bit vague. First off the description says it is a 13 hour tour , which is a long day to begin with, but in total ours was about 15 hours. The first and last 2.5 hours are on a commuter rail without much scenery (no scenery on the return trip since it is dark). When we arrived in Belfast on the rail a van picked us up to transfer to the bus tour already in progress. Not sure we missed much on the bus tour but the drive in the van was about an hour to meet up with the bus. The views…”
Dublin to the Ring of Kerry by train and coach, with Killarney lakes, mountain views, sheepdog stops, and photo breaks.
“Our tour guide, Paddy, was fantastic! Not only did he accompany us on the train, but he did on the bus as well. He made sure we had seats on the train together for our group of 3. He also spoke to each group and made sure we knew where were going, what time we would get there and what we would be seeing. He was very informative and patient, which we greatly appreciated. He was so sweet to offer to take pictures of us at each site. We highly recommend this tour and make sure to ask for Paddy!”
Railtours Ireland 3-day rail and coach loop: Blarney Castle, Cork and Cobh, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, plus 2 Killarney nights.
“Really enjoyed the tour. We got to see so much of Ireland and experience some great places. Our B and B was near the downtown area in Killarney and the breakfasts were good. Our guide Bob did a good job keeping everything organized and the trip running on time. We would definitely recommend this trip.”
A long rail-and-coach day from Dublin to Bunratty and Ireland’s Atlantic coast, with Cliffs of Moher and the Burren plus a Galway stop.
“Our guide, Andy was so knowledgeable and fun. The trip itself was easy and comfortable, and the sights were terrific!”
Ring of Kerry day trip by rail from Dublin, with coach stops for Dingle Bay, Carrantoohil, and Killarney Lakes plus a live English guide.
“It was a wonderful day. The scenery is magnificent and our tour guide, Andrew Roche, was exceptional.”
Train from Cobh to Cork, guided coach to Blarney Castle, English Market time, then Cobh Cathedral and Lusitania memorials in a full day.
“It was a lot of climbing stairs but it was worth the climb to kiss the Blarney stone. The tour guide was knowledgeable”
Oakfield Park in Donegal with a day pass and diesel miniature railway ride to the lower gardens. Self-paced, scenic value for $16.26.
“Buffers restaurant was delightful. The park itself is a very peaceful place and well manicured.”
Dublin to Galway by train, then a scenic flight to Inis Mor for a guided island loop plus Dun Aengus sea-cliff views.
“Beautiful scenery on a spectacular day. Dun Aengus Fort was a fun hike rich in history.”
Rail from Dublin to Galway, then a coach loop through Connemara and Galway Bay, with Kylemore Abbey and coastal photo stops.
“the tour was wonderful amazing views great tour guide would recommend it to all”
4 days from Dublin to Cork, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway, with hosted train travel and Killarney B&B breakfasts.
“This was a well organised trip, with good B&B accomadation. The scenery was spectacular well worth going even if the weather is not good.”
6 days of rail-and-coach travel from Dublin through Cork, Kerry, Galway, Connemara, Aran Islands, and Belfast with hotels and big sights.
“Your guide Brendon is awesome. Great experience Very informative great hotels and food stops good vans and buses”
2-day Dublin rail and coach tour to Limerick, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay and Connemara, with a Galway hotel night.
“Wonderful tour with great planned out stops. The guides were fabulous too ! Seamus , our driver /guide was wonderful !!”
2-day rail trip from Dublin to Belfast and the Giant's Causeway, with Titanic Belfast and a Game of Thrones filming sites day.
“We LOVED this tour. Belfast and sightseeing was great and getting to where we needed to go was very smooth, easy and carefully planned. We really didn't have to worry about anything. The Game of Thrones tour was AWESOME. This was the highlight of our entire Ireland trip. Derrick was a fantastic guide and you can tell he is very much a fan of the show. It was really great to be able to visit the places featured in the show and the Giants Causeway is simply wonderful. We will be raving about this tour to all of our friends.”
2 days by train from Dublin to Belfast and Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
“Beautiful tour along the coast! Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable and made the bus ride a great sightseeing experience. Giant's Causeway itself was beautiful beyond words. The Carrick-a-rede rope bridge was also a great site to walk around and explore the landscape. My only complaint about the whole tour is the lack of time to do things around Belfast. I had a great dinner at Crown Liquor Saloon, but I wish the tour had gotten in town early enough to take a Black Taxi tour or see the Titanic museum!”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
