10 night greatest of ireland by train itinerary 2023

Ireland by train itinerary overview

Discover Cork, Kerry, Galway and Dublin on this 10 night train journey of Ireland.

Table of Contents

Experience such destinations as Cork City with its magnificently preserved Georgian Buildings and one of Ireland’s most renowned monuments, Blarney Castle. Explore the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula and In Galway go to the beautiful Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

The finest of Ireland by train itinerary 10 night journey is best reached through Dublin airport.

On arriving at Dublin Airport, go into the city and board a train from Dublin to Cork City. Cork City’s narrowing tapering streets and Georgian buildings give the city a European vibe.

The city boasts wonderful shopping, sightseeing and entertainment possibilities and on our trip we will utilize it as a base to see the coastal resort of Cobh, the final port of call for millions of Irish immigrants and Blarney where the world renowned Blarney Castle is situated.

From Cork drive west to the Kingdom County of Kerry! Here experience the beautiful Ring of Kerry as well as the pristine Dingle Peninsula.
After Killarney go Galway where you will have adequate opportunity to explore this festival hub and see the city’s landmarks.

A day excursion to Inis Mór in the Aran Islands has been included for you, as has a day trip to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.

The last phase of your 10 night train excursion is a 2 night stay in our capital city, Dublin.

Here with your city sightseeing ticket you may view such attractions as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, The Guinness Storehouse and Christchurch Cathedral merely to mention a few places.
Included in this tour:

Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transport to Heuston Railway Station
Train ticket from Dublin to Cork
Train ticket from Cork to Killarney
Train ticket from Killarney to Galway
Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston

10 nights’ accommodation

Guinness Storehouse Tickets
Cork Cobh & Blarney Tour\sDublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets
Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets
Dingle Peninsula Coach Tour Tickets
Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry
Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór\sDay excursion to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

Overnights for this tour:

Cork for 2 Nights
Killarney for 3 Nights
Galway for 3 Nights
Dublin for 2 Nights

Day 1: Cork City

After arriving at Dublin Airport, proceed by rail to the City of Cork. Cork City’s small alleys and Georgian buildings give the city a European vibe.

The city boasts a vast variety of fantastic locations to explore like the widely famous Cork City Gaol, The Church of Saint Anne Shandon and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

First stop on your list of sites to see may be the English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market built in the 1600s and a popular Cork gathering spot.

From here you can easily explore the city centre on foot maybe making your way to Paul Street famous for its ethnic eateries, fashionable pubs, trendy bookstores and boutiques.

Day 2: Cobh & Blarney Castle Day Tour

Travel to Blarney where you will have enough of time to explore the Castle grounds at your leisure. A must see is the Rock Close area and Poison Garden where the world’s most dangerous plants are maintained behind giant cage like constructions.

After, climb the walls of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone where mythology claims you will be bestowed with the ‘gift of the gab’ which is the talent of tremendous eloquence! After Blarney climb on the bus again and drive further to Cobh.

Cobh is notable for having been the final port of call for millions of Irish immigrants leaving their difficult existence here in Ireland and also for being the last port of call for the Titanic.

Two wonderful museums investigate these events in further depth; the Cobh Heritage Centre & the Titanic Experience.

Saint Coleman’s Cathedral in the town is also well worth a visit. After free time in Cobh, your bus drives you back to Cork city where the balance of the day is at your pleasure.

Day 3: Cork to Killarney via Rail

Begin the next chapter on your Irish rail vacation with a picturesque train travel from Cork to Killarney in county Kerry.

For your first day in Kerry we propose that you take in Killarney and the neighboring attractions. You may elect to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or enjoy a trip of Killarney national park by horse and carriage.

One of the biggest attractions of Killarney is the town itself with its vibrant shops, attractive cafés and sufficient great restaurants.

There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its numerous old fashioned pubs!

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus trip for you. On your journey explore vistas of extraordinary beauty amid the background of the great MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and undulating farmland.

Along the trip, you will experience major busy cities to the more typical tiny Irish villages.

Visit such spots as Glenbeigh which has the famed Kerry Bog Village, a collection of restored cottages going back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen, the largest town of the peninsula and Sneem with its vividly painted buildings and beautiful village green.

Return to Killarney through Ladies Admire, a renowned resting spot to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their grandeur.

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula

This morning get aboard the van to conduct a thorough day tour of the Dingle Peninsula which boasts some of Ireland’s greatest beauty and stunning vistas.

The Dingle Peninsula or the Corca Dhuibhne as it is titled in our native language is said to contain more than 2000 historic monuments, the residents here speak fluent Irish and the town is widely recognized for its great traditional music and dance culture.

On your journey you will visit Dingle Town with its vividly coloured shops and Slea head which is reputed to be the most westerly point in Europe and has astoundingly gorgeous vista particularly of the adjacent Blasket Islands.

Your trip also travels through the region where David Lean shot ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and the landscape settings for the Irish portions of film ‘Far and Away’.

Day 6: Killarney to Galway via Rail

Set out early this morning and enjoy a picturesque train trip from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the primary city of the West of Ireland and a bustling University City. In fact, Galway is commonly referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital because to the regular events that the city conducts.

Due to its tiny size, the city can be explored simply on foot and you can find several taverns to satisfy your thirst as well as many outstanding restaurants with a good culinary offering.

We propose that you take a trip along Shop Street where on any given day you are guaranteed to encounter a variety of buskers and other street entertainers.

Shop Street has Galway’s greatest preserved historic edifice, Lynch’s Castle and several old brick buildings, light storefronts and a large assortment of quality businesses.

Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour

It is rare people who visit Ireland and not take in a journey to Ireland’s most iconic sight, the Cliffs of Moher! Travel via Galway Bay and stop first in the town of Kinvara, where Dunguaire Castle may be situated. Dunguaire Castle was erected in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan; its name stems from the Dun of Ruler Guaire, the mythical king of Connacht.

Continue into the Burren where you will encounter a lunar landscape like you have never seen before, the Burren is home to countless ancient monuments like the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen Tomb.

Settle in the seaside hamlet of Doolin in County Clare for a lunch break before visiting the 200-metre high Cliffs of Moher.

Revel in amazing views across the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take some time to admire the natural beauty of the cliffs before returning to Galway.

Day 8: Aran Islands

Depart early morning for your travel to Inis Mór, the biggest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence owing to their remote position, the Aran Islands exhibit the traditional Ireland that the rest of the nation has mostly left behind.

Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts including Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still locate the classic horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the primary language.

There are more than 50 separate monuments of pre-Christian significance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which rises dramatically against the cliff edge over the western portion of the Island.

After a full day to explore the island at your leisure board the return boat back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City.

Day 9-10: Return to Dublin by train itinerary & Dublin Sightseeing

This morning check out of your accommodation and travel by train back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of its most renowned tourist attractions.

If the weather is pleasant you could opt to stroll a walk in Dublin’s famed ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafés on Grafton Street, pausing like many tourists do to snap a photo with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous sculptures.

You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political past by taking a trip to Leinster House where the present parliament resides or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English administration from the 13th Century.

Dublin Castle also contains the Chester Beatty Library which showcases manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from nations throughout Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The Chapel Royal with its exquisite plaster design and carved oaks and galleries may also be viewed at Dublin Castle. This evening, have another chance to check out Dublin’s traditional music and bar culture.

The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are legendary places and many of our prior clients have had a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of the great historic pubs of Dublin, this bar maintains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 11: End of Tour

This morning, check out of your accommodation for the drive home.

Accommodation Only

	3 Star Hotels	4 Star Hotels	Combination
Jan-March, Nov & Dec	€1,387	€1,902	€1,857
April & October	€1,408	€1,966	€1,867
May- June	€1,673	€2,396	€2,080
July-September	€1,673	€2,396	€2,080
Single Supplement	€1,172	€1,676	€1,455

Notes:

Please note rates are per person based on 2 individuals in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Cork, Cork to Killarney, Killarney to Galway and Galway to Dublin.
Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transport to Heuston Railway Station included.

Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets, Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Day Tour Tickets.

The Combination package includes 3 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 3 nights in 4 Star Hotels, & 4 Nights in our hand-picked B&B’s.
Children Sharing with 2 adults (ages 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.