Ireland by Train

Your first base is the Georgian city of Dublin

Your Accommodation in Dublin

A haven of tranquillity within just a few short steps of some of Dublin’s most famous spots, your accommodation in the capital is a refined aparthotel with friendly staff and a good in-house coffeeshop. The Ha’penny Bridge is on the doorstep, Temple Bar just across the Liffey and St Stephen’s Green 10 minutes’ walk away. Rooms are bright and modern, with lovely en-suites and private facilities.

Time to explore with a guided walking tour of the city including helping you get your bearings and learn some of the histories from a local expert.  Once home to literary greats such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, the city 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 Stephens Green; wander into Trinity College where the famous Book of Kells is on display; head to the Guinness Storehouse to sample this most famous of drinks in its historic homeland or 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 – and take in the Dublin Writers Museum or catch an Irish play at the Abbey Theatre.

Today catch a morning train to the contrasting city of Galway – also known as Ireland’s westernmost city.

Your Accommodation in Galway

Just a few minutes from the station by taxi, your accommodation in Galway is a long-established property, well versed in making guests feel immediately at home. The soothing bedrooms match seamlessly with a hearty Irish breakfast, setting you up for a day in this most vivacious of Ireland’s cities.

A fantastic day today, first by ferry to the island of Inis Mhor. Setting off from the quayside at Galway City, your craft motors its way, often accompanied by dolphins, to the largest of the Aran Islands.

Upon disembarkation, you will be met by a local guide in a specially adapted Land Rover or horse-drawn carriage (availability depending on your day of arrival). Your tour takes you off the beaten track through this magical place, experiencing locations usually only accessible on foot. You will visit some of Inis Mhor’s most fascinating landmarks and hear stories from your expert guide, who has spent his whole life on the island. The return ferry journey detours to the Cliffs of Moher, allowing the opportunity to take in their sheer faces from a unique perspective.

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.

This morning after breakfast, meet a friendly and knowledgeable local guide and enjoy a walking tour of this most appealing city, focusing on its ancient history, Spanish Quarter and rich maritime past.

A day to wander and wend through the ancient streets of this City of Tribes. Perhaps take in the fine museum or the sturdy cathedral, stroll the banks of Corrib and savour a pint in one of its cosy traditional pubs. We’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your time.

Time to return to Dublin then connect to the Enterprise train to Belfast, arriving late afternoon in the capital of Northern Ireland.

Your Accommodation 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 is within a few minutes’ walk from a host of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. As they say in Belfast “the craic is never far away”.

The city is compact and easy to get around on foot or public transport.  Although there has been much new development in the city, there’s still a genuine heritage and a truly warm welcome for visitors.  The Cathedral Quarter is the historic cultural heartland of the city, whereas the Titanic Quarter of east Belfast – where the legendary liner was built – is full of reminders of a proud maritime and industrial past.  Here the brand new, state of the art, Titanic Visitor Experience is a must-visit destination and a suitable memorial to the tragedy of 100 years ago.

Other must-see destinations range from the grand Victorian City Hall to Stormont, the home of government; from the Ulster Museum – where the Girona exhibition of Spanish Armada Gold is unmissable – to historic pubs such as the Crown Liquor saloon – a rather unique National Trust property.  This morning we will arrange a private Black taxi tour where you can learn about the city’s recent turbulent history and its remarkable resurgence and optimism.

Time to return home – from Belfast or onwards to Dublin.