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.

Take time over breakfast this morning as a day of leisurely strolling and exploration awaits. You’ll be met at your hotel by a friendly local guide, setting off on a gentle walking tour of Europe’s Westernmost city. Steeped in Galway’s ancient history, its mythology, architecture and people, your guide will uncover hidden corners and sometimes gruesome stories, building a picture of Galway from its earliest origins to the present day.

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.