Details
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 – Galway
Today catch a morning train to the contrasting city of Galway.
Your hotel in Galway
Elegantly refurbished in June 2014 this modern 4 star boutique hotel sits in the Canal Quarter, a mere stroll from the centre of this friendly city. The hotel’s many colourful rooms exude style, comfort and intimacy yet remain a quiet haven from the gentle urban buzz outside. The colour pink pervades throughout the opulent furnishings from the chic lobby to the popular cocktail bar. Delicious breakfasts cooked to order are the perfect fuel for a day’s exploration of the wealth of local attractions while the hotel’s passionate team delight in ensuring your time in Galway is well spent.
Day Four – Aran Islands Day Trip
Today you will enjoy a day trip to Inis Mór, the largest of these magical islands, reached by ferry or flight from west of the city. 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.
Day Five – Killarney
Today you will be transferred privately by road to your next base in Killarney, a journey of around 3 hours. The driver will discuss options for your route, but this can certainly include the remarkable landscapes of the Burren in County Clare, 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 5-star hotel is a mere 2 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 – the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Ireland and today you will explore all of its offerings with a private tour of the area. This is an unforgettable way to experience the best that this awe-inspiring landscape has to offer. Your guide will discuss with you the options prior to your departure as to how best to explore the area.
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 – Exploring Cork
The vibrant city of Cork is one of Ireland’s largest cities, alive with activity and an invigorating atmosphere. Stroll along the river, indulge in some light retail therapy or just people watch from one of the city’s many traditional bars and cafes serving smooth Guinness and an abundance of craic. A visit to the Cork City Gaol is an interesting excursion or you could follow in the footsteps of the Queen and pay a visit to the famous English market. A short train ride brings you to the attractive port of Cobh – where a visit to the Titanic Centre is highly recommended.
Day Nine – Return Home
Time to return home – from Cork return by train to Dublin.
Pricing
£1915 per person for March & October, £2000 per person for April, £2045 per person for May, £2070 per person for June and September, £2125 per person for July and August.
Prices are based on two sharing a superior ensuite double or twin room for 8 nights on a bed & breakfast basis. The holiday includes a walking tour of Dublin, day return trip to the Aran Islands, a private day tour of the Ring of Kerry and train travel between Dublin & Galway, a road transfer between Galway and Killarney, train travel from Killarney to Cork and from Cork back to Dublin.
Hotel transfers are included in Cork and Killarney.
You can extend your tour in Kerry to a 10 hour day exploring more of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle for an additional £50 per person.
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.
