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Best of Ireland by Rail Small Group Guided Tour

Experience Ireland's greatest hits by rail on an escorted holiday

Best Time To Go

02-Jun-2024 - Open for booking
30-Jun-2024 - Open for booking
04-Aug-2024 - Open for booking
25-Aug-2024 - Open for booking

Prices From

£4145

No of Nights

13

Starts From

Dublin

Finishes In

Belfast
Guided
Guided

Experience Ireland's greatest hits by rail on an escorted holiday

Best of Ireland by Rail Small Group Guided Tour

Best Time To Go

02-Jun-2024 - Open for booking
30-Jun-2024 - Open for booking
04-Aug-2024 - Open for booking
25-Aug-2024 - Open for booking

Prices From

£4145

No of Nights

13

Starts From

Dublin

Finishes In

Belfast

Experience some of the Emerald Isle’s greatest hits, journeying largely by rail in the company of likeminded travellers and a dedicated tour leader.

With their world-famous cead mile failte, the people of the island of Ireland maintain an enviable skill in making visitors feel uniquely welcome. The country’s vivacious towns and cities, deep green countryside, captivating islands and centuries of history, alongside irresistible local cuisine and endless craic, create a winning combination and deliver a fabulous holiday destination.

On this specially extended trip, you’ll have time to get under the skin of Dublin, one of the great European capitals; visit Galway, the continent’s westernmost city, and travel offshore to the Aran Island of Inis Mhor, location for award-winning film the Banshees of Inisherin. Experience Co Clare’s soaring Cliffs of Moher from the sea, while in Ennis, immerse yourself in a private traditional Irish music recital by world-class exponents of this most crucial and authentic artform.

Heading to the southwest corner, take a ride on one of Killarney’s legendary Jaunting Cars, marvelling at the expanse of the National Park and McGillicuddy Reeks, and enjoy a full day on the Ring of Kerry, including a seaweed coastal discovery tour with a renowned expert. Next, spear north by rail and cross the border to reborn Belfast, where the city’s story is told via its food and a tour through some of its most famous streets.

You’ll wander along the stunning coast of Co Antrim to one of Ireland’s most arresting locations, the Giant’s Causeway, with time here to reflect and soak in the special atmosphere amongst the basalt columns. Finally, top off your trip with a ride on the staggering scenic railway to Derry-Londonderry and two nights in this most enthralling and ancient walled city.

Holiday Details

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Day One – Arrival in Dublin

Day Two – From East to West

Day Three – The Ancient Aran Islands

Day Four – The Traditions & Music of Ireland

Day Five – The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren 

Day Six – Jaunting in Killarney

Day Seven – The Ring of Kerry

Day Eight – Return to Dublin and Meet for a Welcome Dinner

Day Nine – Discovering Dublin and Ireland’s History

Day Ten – North by Rail to Belfast

Day Eleven – Belfast’s History and the Story of RMS Titanic

Day Twelve – Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway and Onwards to Delightful Derry

Day Thirteen – The Story of Derry, a Private Audience and a Local Beer Masterclass

Day Fourteen – Return to Belfast

Location

This Best of Ireland by Rail Small Group Guided Tour starts in Dublin and finishes in Belfast, with stops in Galway, Ennis, Killarney and Derry-Londonderry.


Pricing

For 2024 departures, the price is £4145 per person for June & August based on two sharing a double/twin room ensuite. The supplement for a single traveller is £1150, based on single occupancy of double/twin rooms.

The price includes:

  • Thirteen nights in hand-picked accommodation on a B&B basis.
  • Two welcome dinners in Dublin. One lunch. Farewell dinner in Derry-Londonderry
  • Rail travel from Dublin to Galway, return ferry travel to Inis Mhor, rail travel from Galway to Ennis, Ennis to Killarney and Killarney to Dublin.
  • A small group walking tour in Galway, a guided minibus tour of Inis Mhor, a walking tour and traditional music session in Ennis, a private coach tour to the Cliffs of Moher, a walking tour of the Burren, a jaunting car tour in Killarney, a private guided tour of the Ring of Kerry and a guided seaweed foraging walk in Kerry.
  • Transfers as described throughout.
  • Visits to Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Library, Dubh Linn Garden and Iveagh Gardens in Dublin
  • Train travel from Dublin to Belfast, Coleraine to Derry and Derry to Belfast
  • Luggage transfer in Belfast
  • A guided food tour in Belfast
  • A guided history tour in Belfast
  • A visit to Ulster Museum and the Titanic Experience Belfast
  • A private coach tour from Belfast along the Antrim coast and onward to Coleraine
  • Luggage transfer from Coleraine to Derry
  • Return transfer from Derry station to hotel
  • A guided walking tour of Derry and the city walls
  • A private VIP mayoral reception and tour of Derry Guildhall
  • A Beer Masterclass at Walled City Brewery
  • The services of McKinlay Kidd’s tour leader, accompanying the group and providing expert guiding and assistance throughout.

Not included:

  • Meals other than those described above
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities and tips

All accommodation is carefully-selected and researched by us; contact us for more detailed information. We will do our best to accommodate room preferences subject to availability at individual properties.

This tour will operate with a minimum of four and maximum of 15 passengers on each departure date.


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The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

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.

Traditional Music in Ennis, County Clare

Traditional Music in Ennis, County Clare

Here we are in the County Clare, it’s a long, long way from here to there.Flutes and fiddles everywhere.If it’s music you want, you should...

Reserve your place(s) for Best of Ireland by Rail Small Group Guided Tour

Departure Dates & Current Availability
Departure DateStarts FromNights£ per person (2 sharing)£ per person (single)
Sunday 2 Jun 2024Dublin13£ 4145£ 5295
Sunday 30 Jun 2024Dublin13£ 4145£ 5295
Sunday 4 Aug 2024Dublin13£ 4145£ 5295
Sunday 25 Aug 2024Dublin13£ 4145£ 5295

To reserve your place(s) on this tour, please call us or complete the form below, making sure to select your departure date from the dropdown menu and advise of any special requirements. We will hold your place(s) for 48 hours and contact you with details of how to confirm your booking by payment of the per person deposit.

Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.

Tour Details

Availability of double or twin rooms can vary at individual hotels on the tour, so it helps us to understand your preferences.


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