Train Holidays In Ireland

Perhaps one of the most relaxing ways to discover the Emerald Isle, an Irish train tour, carefully-planned for you by McKinlay Kidd, can cover the length and breadth of this most fascinating country. You are free to sit back and enjoy the scenery, with no need to worry about navigating your way along unfamiliar twisty roads. Taking the service train is also a great way to meet local people going about their daily lives – most will be more than happy to engage in a bit of chat to pass the journey.

Ireland has one of the most varied landscapes found anywhere in the world. Ancient jagged coastlines are paired perfectly with rolling green pastures. Culturally rich cities are a stone’s throw away from quaint villages. The train line traces through renowned landmarks and hidden gems, effortlessly traversing the border between north and south to ensure you never feel the need to choose between the two.

Northern Ireland is home to one of the most breath-taking touring routes on earth – the Causeway Coast, favoured as a ‘Top Region to Visit’ in 2017 by Lonely Planet. You may think this is only accessible on a driving holiday, but in fact, the train line from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry hugs the curves of the shore, allowing you to get close to the scenery in a way that isn’t possible from behind the wheel. Leave the vibrant metropolis of Belfast behind and meander through the countryside gazing at an endless horizon of blue sea and chalk-white cliffs. Make sure you discover this remarkable journey while it is still a secret by spending eight nights exploring Northern Ireland car-free.

A rail tour in the south of Ireland will also be full of surprises. Spend some time in the Georgian city of Dublin but ensure you venture beyond the cityscape to discover a myriad of delights, from the wild west to the ancient east. Enjoy postcard-perfect Killarney; the charming colourful town of Kinsale; the harbour city of Cork and the seaside solitude of Westport. The possibilities are endless, and we have the expertise to combine those dream destinations into a seamless holiday.  Along the way, make sure you sample local treats in charming pubs and quaint restaurants, being welcomed by friendly locals at every stop. If there is one thing Ireland is known for, after all, it is the warm spirit of its people.

We’ll make it possible for you to visit locations beyond the end of the train tracks, too. We can arrange private tours and transfers on arrival into the train station to ensure you see the best of the landscape during your travels, hearing stories first-hand from knowledgeable, local guides. Why not add a few days on Ireland’s wild offshore Atlantic Islands?  Or a few day’s car hire to explore the nooks and crannies of the famed Wild Atlantic Way?

As always, our train touring holidays in Ireland will include our favourite hand-selected accommodation, to ensure you get a real flavour of local character everywhere you stay. If you would like to stay in the more luxurious lodgings, then perhaps Premier Ireland by Train is the perfect choice for you. No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for, we can make it happen. From a one week taster holiday to a fortnight-long Grand Tour of Ireland by Train we can ensure you cover the destinations you have been dreaming of.

Perhaps you would like to combine your time in Ireland with a holiday on the UK mainland – we also offer Train Holidays in Scotland, including trips on the famous steam train, the Jacobite Express. New for 2019, we are introducing Welsh Rail Tours, while our Explore Tour of Britain by Train holiday is a long-standing favourite. At McKinlay Kidd we are also experts in tailor-making and linking your whole trip together with plane and ferry travel, if you wish.

Whether you are seeking an Irish train tour or have the time to explore both Ireland and the UK in more depth, simply get in touch with our award-winning team and we will be delighted to help.