Grand Tour of Ireland by Train

While inbound travel to Ireland is not included here, we’ll be delighted to help plan your ideal route, whether by air or sea.

Once here, you’ll find a city completely reborn over the last few decades, and home to funny locals, great pubs and restaurants and one or two world-class attractions, including award-winning Titanic Experience. Spen the day finding your feet and taking it all in

Your Accommodation in Belfast

This locally owned guesthouse is ideally located near the University district, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. An AA four-star property, it sits moments from a wide choice of restaurants and bars to suit every taste and budget, and friendly staff are always eager to help guests get the most from their hometown.

A packed day ahead, taking in some of Northern Ireland’s most enthralling spots, culminating in a visit to ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. Set off from the centre of Belfast with a local guide, as part of a small group in a luxury mini coach.

Begin with a visit to Carrickfergus Castle before heading onto the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, with stops at delightful locations such as Carnlough and the Caves of Cushendun. This journey follows what has been voted one of the Top-Five Scenic Drives in the World, passing through picturesque towns and villages including Glenarm, Ballygally, Ballycastle, Cushendall, the Glens of Antrim and more.

You’ll pause at Portaneevy Viewpoint for views of the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, then have time to relax and refuel with lunch in Ballintoy (not included in the cost of your trip).

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring the ancient basalt columns, capturing photos, and discovering the myths and legends behind this world-famous natural wonder.

Back on board, continue along the coast for a short stop at the dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Whiskey lovers will enjoy a visit to Ireland’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Old Bushmills. Browse the gift shop for distillery-exclusive bottles or enjoy a tipple in the whiskey bar.

The day ends at the iconic Dark Hedges, made famous as the King’s Road in Game of Thrones — a picture-perfect finale to the tour.

Board the train at Belfast’s brand-new Grand Central Station and take the trip south to Dublin.

A magnet for artists and academics both past and present, this city, the cultural capital of Ireland, is a rich mix of old and new and a fascinating place to stay. We’ve visited Dublin countless times, and we’d recommend that you take your time to get to know the city. Meander through the streets to appreciate the beautiful buildings, especially the colourful Georgian doors. Be enticed into one of the many old pubs and linger over your Guinness – there’s always someone who’ll give you the benefit of their ‘expert’ local knowledge.  We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Your Accommodation in Dublin

Just a few minutes’ stroll from the river and around 10 from the castle, your accommodation Dublin is one of the newer additions to the ever-widening selection on offer here. Bedrooms are pleasingly bright and peaceful, some with superb views of the city. The cocktail bar is a great place to enjoy a tipple before an evening out, and unlimited breakfast sets you up for a day’s exploration or travel.

One of our favourite ways to get to know any place is via its food. Later this morning you’ll set off as part of a small group on a delicious tour of Dublin’s history. Ireland’s mild climate — cool summers, gentle winters and soft Atlantic rain — has shaped its lush landscapes, creating the perfect conditions for world-class produce.

From rich, creamy milk and cheeses to the freshest seafood, Dublin celebrates this natural larder through a thriving scene of award-winning artisan producers. You’ll experience a handful of these, with drinks along the way, while hearing the story of the city of Dublin from a knowledgeable guide.

Later, follow in the footsteps of some of the city’s most famous visitors with a visit to perhaps its most famous attraction: Guinness Storehouse. Uncover the centuries-long story of Ireland’s defining product, through its gallery of advertising and merchandise, culminating with a pint of the Black Stuff at the rooftop bar.

Once home to literary greats such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, the city of Dublin boasts an abundance of Georgian architecture as well as cosy bars and lots of great restaurants.  Enjoy them all by walking in the area around Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green.  Wander into Trinity College, and seek out the incredible Book of Kells, the 1,200 year old illuminated manuscript.  For a complete contrast, head to the Guinness Storehouse and sample the national drink in its historic homeland.  Pay a visit to one or both of the city cathedrals, cross the Liffey on the Ha’penny Bridge and visit the GPO, site of the famous 1916 Easter Rising.  Take in the Dublin Writers Museum or catch an Irish play at the Abbey Theatre.  We’ll provide recommendations for tours, bars and restaurants to help you make the most of every moment.

Westwards today 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 journey begins at 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 in the popular restaurant. 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 hotel on foot.

Today you’ll join a small group walking tour with a local guide, bringing the story of Westport to life.

Westport’s bustling Quay area features quirky shopping and one or two good dining options, while the town 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 southwards to the lively city of Galway. The station is just a short walk from your hotel, 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’.

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 luxury 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.

Today you set off from Ennis with a private driver-guide, seeing the best of sights between Co Clare and Co Tipperary. At Tipperary, board the train and spear south to Killarney, the capital of the Kingdom of Kerry. Here, you’ll be met by a taxi for the short transfer to your hotel.

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, a range of dining, as well as a lively bar and terrace, 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.

No visit to Ireland is complete without experiencing the world-famous Ring of Kerry. Travel in comfort as part of a small group aboard a luxury mid-sized coach as you follow a spectacular 180km loop through the heart of the county.

Along the way, your expert guide brings County Kerry to life, sharing local history, quick-witted Irish humour and pointing out unforgettable photo stops. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh or simply take in the views, this Ring of Kerry tour delivers it all.

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 hotel in Kinsale

Your base in Kinsale is a well-regarded harbourside hotel, where you’ll spend two nights soaking up the town’s coastal charm. Expect stylish, well-appointed rooms, a light-filled glass-fronted restaurant showcasing the freshest seafood and Irish favourites, and a lively bar that nods to Kinsale’s rich nautical heritage.

Famed for the quality of its seafood, served in any number of superb restaurants with frontages painted in vivacious colours, Kinsale is one of the prettiest towns in Ireland and is home to a number of fine historical attractions, all within easy walking distance of your hotel. And, as you’ll find across Ireland, the quality of the welcome and friendliness of the people are simply world-class.

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

Enjoy a final hearty Irish breakfast before transferring back to the railway station or airport for your onward journey home. Again, we’ll be delighted to help you plan your perfect route.