Grand Tour of Ireland by Train

You start the tour travelling by train from Dublin to County Mayo, and a jewel of a town on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. Your accommodation is a short distance from Dublin Heuston station, from where you take the train journey of just over three hours to Westport, in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain. Arriving late afternoon gives you time to get your bearings and perhaps enjoy a drink before dinner in this classic Irish tourist location.

Your Accommodation in Westport

Just couple of minutes away from the station by taxi, your accommodation in Westport is a richly appealing family-owned hotel. You’ll find the warmest of Irish welcomes here from your host and staff and we’re sure you’ll love the recently upgraded rooms, fine breakfast and good dining either in the orangery or the restaurant. There’s also a traditional Irish pub in-house. The hotel’s location at the centre of Westport makes it the perfect place from which to explore this jewel of a town.

With history stretching back around 5000 years – as reflected in the many megalithic monuments on the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail – there’s a wealth of activity and attractions to enjoy in Westport. Perhaps chief among these is historic Westport House and Park, a magnificent 17th century mansion house festooned with period antiques, art and artefacts, easily reached from your B&B on foot via the defined greenway around the edge of town. Westport’s bustling Quay area features quirky shopping and one or two good dining options, while the town of Westport itself contains colourful shops and restaurants, as well as several classic Irish pubs where traditional music can be enjoyed over a few pints of the Black Stuff on any night of the week.

After a hearty Irish breakfast, get ready for a wonderful day on the rails, traveling  downwards to the lively city of Galway. The station is just a short walk from your hotel (it’s on the same street) but your host will be happy to arrange a taxi if you wish, for which you’ll be invited to pay directly. Once aboard the train, you can relax in comfort as you wend your way, with wonderful Irish countryside gliding past your window. There’s a change of trains at Athlone and then onwards to the ‘City of Tribes’.

Once in Galway you can leave your bags at the hotel and take some time to explore. Once described as the ‘Venice of the West’ by Irish poet WB Yeats, is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the Salthill Promenade with views of Galway Bay down to the Claddach, the oldest fishing village in Ireland, or you could wander the Victorian Streets, enjoying the numerous shops, bars and restaurants – maybe enjoying a pint whilst listening to some traditional Irish music.

Your Accommodation in Galway

Right on the harbour at the edge of the city centre, your accommodation in Galway is a bright and modern hotel in a winning location. From here, it’s easy to explore the city itself and it’s just a handful of steps from the pier for the ferry to the Aran Islands.

Catch the ferry this morning at Galway docks for the crossing to Inis Mór, the largest of the magical Aran Islands. Arriving, you’ll be met by a friendly local guide, and set off on a tour of the island either by Land Rover or horse-drawn carriage (availability depending on your day of arrival).

The three rocky limestone outcrops that make up the Aran Islands are a bastion of traditional language, culture and music, unique in their geology and archaeology and unrivalled in their potent sense of history. Each has its own distinct atmosphere and character, and the dramatic landscapes and endless sea form a backdrop to a labyrinth of meandering stone walls and tiny, tightly packed fields. In between, a network of narrow winding roads and grassy lanes sweep from pristine beaches and craggy shores to the dizzying cliffs that mark the edge of Europe. The islands have lured legions of writers, artists and visitors over the centuries – their enigmatic ancient monuments, early Christian remains, holy wells and historic lighthouses adding to their sense of timelessness and mystery. This serenity makes the islands a precious sanctuary from the rush of modern life and their isolation guarantees their place as a stronghold of traditional culture.  

You will return to Galway in the early evening, your ferry taking the scenic route via a close pass by the soaring Cliffs of Moher, reputedly the highest in Europe.

It’s just a short, scenic train ride today, so take your time over a leisurely breakfast before setting off for Galway Railway station and boarding your train to Ennis, the county town of County Clare.

In a little over an hour, you’ll be in the ‘Mecca of Irish Traditional Music’, the friendliest of towns, where you’ll find a session in every pub, a smile on every face and the craic on every corner. There’s fine quirky shopping here, too, as well as a growing number of good places to eat and some really superb, authentic Irish pubs. The impressive granite cathedral and its spire loom over the end of McConnell Street, while the fast-flowing River Fergus cuts through town on its way to the Atlantic. We’ll provide all the recommendations you need to make sure you get the very best from your day out in town.

Your Hotel in Ennis

Your hotel in Ennis is a long established and iconic, family owned town hotel, standing proudly in the shadow of the cathedral. Cosy and comfortable rooms, a bustling bar full of locals and tourists alike, a good bistro (do try the seafood chowder with a pint of Guinness) and a terrific fine-dining restaurant, combine with friendly and attentive service to make your stay a memorable one.

You’re in for a really special day out today, with a private guided tour around some of the most famous and arresting sights in County Clare. The mysterious rocky landscape of the Burren, the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, including the stupendous views from O’Brien’s Tower, the clifftop walks at Doolin, as well as Doolin Cave, and the world class beach at Lahinch are just a few of the Wild Atlantic Way attractions within easy reach of your hotel, and your carefully chosen guide will ensure you have a fabulous day out.

Get set for another great day on the road, the last of your private guided tours, as our carefully chosen expert guide takes you on a fascinating route from Clare to Killarney in beautiful County Kerry. You’ll skirt the mighty Shannon estuary and the city of Limerick, before cutting southwest through ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ Adare and continuing onwards to Killarney, with plenty of photo-opportunities along the way.

Your Hotel in Killarney

A long established family owned-and-run hotel provides your comfortable stop for two nights near the centre of the bustling town of Killarney. A warm welcome and impeccable service, along with well appointed rooms and a comfortable restaurant make this a supremely relaxing place to stay. Its convenient location makes the hotel perfectly placed to explore this most charming town and its surroundings.

The vibrant town of Killarney – ‘the Town in the Park’ – surrounded by beautiful Kerry countryside, is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and convivial hospitality. Perfectly placed on the Ring of Kerry by the three Lakes of Killarney, it’s one of our favourite places to return to time and time again. Enjoy a morning in the company of a Jarvey on one of the town’s famous jaunting cars for a fun trip around beautiful Muckross Park and towards Ross Castle, or take one of the many superb walks that circumnavigate the town. Later, head back to eat at any one of the dozens of fine eateries and to have a browse of the many quirky shops – not forgetting to pop in to a welcoming pub for a pint or two of the Black Stuff.

Back on the train today for a scenic journey to the lovely and historic fishing town of Kinsale in County Cork. You’ll take the train from Killarney to Cork City and enjoy a 30 minute road transfer from here to your hotel in Kinsale.

Your Accommodation in Kinsale

On the harbourside in this most vibrant town, your accommodation is an independently-owned guest house filled with local art and hosted by the very friendliest of local families. Enter through the garden to a pleasingly modern interior, decorated in robust colours and always so neat and tidy. Aside from the well-proportioned en-suite rooms, there’s a number of lounging areas, where guests are invited to enjoy endless hot drinks, perhaps while planning  a day or evening out. With some of Kinsale’s best eateries on the doorstep, your stay here is offered on a room-only basis.

Today you’ll meet with something of a local legend, with whom to enjoy a gentle stroll around Kinsale. As a lifelong resident of the town and a scholar of its history, your guide is the perfect host to help you uncover the story of this most colourful location, its long history and current context.

Today you’ll have one of your most fun days on the trains as you make the journey from Cork all the way to Belfast, via Dublin. You’ll be transferred back to Cork City to catch the train to Dublin Heuston, then make a connection on the “Luas” (light rail)  across Dublin to continue your tour of Ireland by train from Connolly Station to Belfast.

Your Hotel in Belfast

Your hotel is a locally owned guesthouse close to the University area and a mere 10 minute walk from the city centre. This AA four star rated accommodation comes highly recommended for offering great value for money and a comfortable base from which to enjoy the city. There is complimentary WiFi in all rooms, a light, airy breakfast room and, within a few minutes’ walk, a host of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets; as they say in Belfast, “the craic is never far away”.

At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by public transport or on foot. Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes – the choice is yours!

Today you’ll meet a knowledgeable local guide, who will steer you through the history of Belfast, both ancient and trickier modern, with customary Belfast humour.

As the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture, seen at the City Hall, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the city’s many preserved historic buildings. Also, the city’s many parks, gardens and galleries offer a perfect haven to relax. Don’t miss the newly refurbished Ulster Museum; it has an enviable collection of Irish art and the wonderful Girona Exhibition of Spanish Armada gold.

Later, enjoy a visit to the world-class, award-winning Titanic Museum, telling the story of the liner’s conception, design and build in Belfast and, of course, its fateful maiden voyage.

Enjoy a final hearty Irish breakfast before transferring back to the Railway Station or airport for your onward journey home.