Premier Ireland by Train
Charming pub in Dublin
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Explore some of the most memorable highlights of Ireland on this train touring holiday spanning Dublin, Clare, Cork and Killarney.
A self-guided touring holiday, carefully planned to allow for a relaxed exploration of Ireland from its train tracks with luxurious hand-picked four- or five-star accommodation at each location, and private guided tours in the company of knowledgeable locals. This eight-night holiday features impressive Georgian Dublin, the rural far Southwest of Co Clare, the charming town of Killarney and a final stop in Ireland’s vibrant ‘third city’ of Cork.
Day One – Dublin
Your first base is the Georgian city of Dublin, capital city of Ireland.
Your hotel in Dublin
Your first accommodation on this bespoke train tour of Ireland is nestled on a leafy Victorian street deep within the Irish capital’s most sophisticated quarter. The building’s somewhat traditional facade encases a contrastingly contemporary and fashionable interior. This luxurious 5 star hotel offers the quirkiest of delights at every opportunity from the modern Irish music playing in your room as you enter, to the chocolate afternoon tea in collaboration with Cocoa Atelier available to enjoy from the lounge’s eccentric chair collection..
Day Two – Exploring Dublin
Time to explore with a guided walking tour of the city included to help you get your bearings and learn some of the history 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.
Day Three – to County Clare
Today catch a morning train to the bustling market town of Ennis in Co Clare. From here, a private driver will meet you for a short orientation tour ending at a castle hotel within the magical landscape of the Burren.
Your castle hotel in Ballyvaughan
Set within the unique and mysterious landscape of the Burren, your hotel in Ballyvaughan presents a sumptuous retreat with food to match. Set in its own extensive, undulating grounds, with views all the way to Galway Bay, this is a special place to stay. Crackling log fires light up the extensive collection of art and antiques, while the acclaimed restaurant serves a superbly prepared menu of the very best local and seasonal produce.
Day Four – A Guided Walking Tour of the Burren
The vast limestone pavement of the Burren is one of Europe’s most enigmatic landscapes and our specially chosen local guide will take you on a fascinating walk of discovery. With unique flora, ancient tombs and centuries-old dedication wells amidst twisting, plummeting rivulets and ravines, a visit to the Burren is sure to remain in the memory for years to come.
Day Five – Killarney
Today you will be transferred privately by road to your next base in Killarney, a journey of around three hours. Our specially chosen local driver-guide will discuss options for your route, but this can certainly include the remarkable landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher, and continuing along the Wild Atlantic Way, before crossing the River Shannon and heading into County Kerry.
Your hotel in Killarney
Overlooking mountains and lakes, with some of the best views in Ireland, your five-star hotel is a mere two miles from the bustle of Killarney town centre. It offers an indoor pool, an award-winning restaurant, and luxury air-conditioned rooms featuring separate baths and walk-in showers.
The hotel’s opulent spa looks out over the Kerry countryside and offers a range of divine treatments. The Lake Room Restaurant serves fine European cuisine and has a glass-walled wine cellar in the centre of the restaurant. Guests can relax in The Lounge or dine outdoors at the terrace bar with its stunning mountain views. Regular shuttle services help connect you to the local town allowing you to enjoy a rural location without a car.
Day Six – By Jaunting Car to Killarney National Park and Ross Castle
A distinct holiday highlight this morning. After breakfast, you’ll be met at your hotel by one of Killarney’s famous Jarvies and taken on a gentle ride by horse-drawn jaunting car, out of town to Killarney National Park and stunning loughside Ross Castle. There are few more traditional or relaxing ways to travel in Ireland, and you’ll return to your hotel in time to explore the rest of this dynamic little town on foot.
Day Seven – Cork
Today you will travel by train to Cork city.
Your hotel in Cork
Upon arrival you will collected and transported to your next accommodation. Set within 2 acres of mature gardens, this luxurious 5 star hotel is an oasis of calm within the vibrant city of Cork. As you make your way up the winding, tree lined path you will immediately relax after your journey. Family owned and managed this hotel offers personal yet professional service. During your stay you will be able to make use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, steam room, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.
Day Eight – Guided exploration of Cork City
The vibrant city of Cork is one of Ireland’s largest cities, alive with activity and an invigorating atmosphere. Today, you’ll be met at your hotel and taken on a fun and fascinating walking tour with our specially chosen local guide, perfectly equipped to show you the very best the city has to offer, including the University, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and, of course, the famous English Market.
Day Nine – Return to Dublin
Time to return north by train to Dublin, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Cork Kent station.
Sustainable Travel
This holiday is part of our ever-growing collection of public transport based holidays, enabling you to reach destinations around Ireland without the need to drive. We feel strongly that true sustainability also means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life in areas where the economic benefit of tourism can make a genuine difference to the local community, which is why we have used locally-owned accommodation and local guides on this holiday.
Four centres – Dublin, Ballyvaughan, Cork and Killarney. This holiday is best started in Dublin or Cork and we can arrange travel by ferry or plane to Dublin or by plane to Cork or Shannon as preferred.
£2285 per person for departures in March & November, £2475 per person for April & October, £2585 per person for May & September and £2650 per person from June to August.
Prices are based on two adults sharing a superior ensuite double or twin room for eight nights on a bed & breakfast basis. The holiday includes
Travel to Ireland
We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland from Britain for this holiday. You can travel by rail to Holyhead then ferry to Dublin. Alternatively there are numerous flights to Dublin.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
All Ireland itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
The cities were lovely and we enjoyed our trip very much. We love doing business with you. Thank you for treating us with such care.Abigail, North Carolina, USA
We were enchanted with The Burren.Elizabeth & Family , Vermont, USA
This holiday can be arranged from March to November.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
