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Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

Dublin and Belfast by Rail

Seven-day self-guided rail journey from UK through Dublin and Belfast

Illustration of Dublin and Belfast by Rail

Tailor Made Rail's seven-day self-guided rail holiday connects Great Britain to Ireland and Northern Ireland by train and ferry. Depart from your local UK station and travel via Crewe, Chester and the North Wales coast to Holyhead, where the Ulysses ferry carries you across the Irish Sea into Dublin Bay. Spend three nights in Dublin exploring the museums, castle, Trinity College Library and Guinness Storehouse at your own pace. On day four, board an Irish Rail train north through County Meath and County Louth, crossing into Northern Ireland via Newry and Portadown to reach Belfast Lanyon Place for three nights. Visit the Ulster Museum, Titanic Belfast and the Crown Liquor Saloon before returning via Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan and connecting rail through Scotland. The package includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, six nights of handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast, both ferry crossings, comprehensive travel documentation, and easy-to-follow directions. This trip suits independent explorers who prefer self-guided city time, first-time rail travellers seeking hassle-free bookings, and budget-conscious couples seeking two substantial city stays.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price covers Standard Class rail and accommodation; ensure your local UK station is served by the outbound and return rail routes.
  • Two of the six nights are hotel-only with no guided activities; explore Dublin and Belfast independently using the directions provided.
  • The itinerary involves two ferry crossings; allow time for check-in and potential weather-related delays.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Dublin

    Your local station to Dublin

    Rail travel from your local UK station via Crewe, Chester and the North Wales coast to Holyhead, then the 'Ulysses' Irish Ferries crossing into Dublin Bay for a 3-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Explore Dublin's museums, the castle and Trinity College Library (Book of Kells), and sample the city's nightlife.

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Further time in Dublin, including a visit to the Guinness Storehouse.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Belfast

    Dublin to Belfast

    Irish Rail service from Dublin Connolly north through County Meath and County Louth, crossing into Northern Ireland via Newry and Portadown to Belfast Lanyon Place, for a 3-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Belfast

    Belfast

    Visit the Ulster Museum and the Titanic Belfast attraction, built on the former shipyard site.

  6. Day 6overnight: Belfast

    Belfast

    Further time in Belfast, including a visit to the historic Crown Liquor Saloon.

  7. Day 7

    Belfast to your local station

    Stena Line ferry from Belfast Lough to Cairnryan, courtesy bus to Ayr, then a Scotrail service to Glasgow Central and on to your local station.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart your local UK station by rail via Crewe, Chester and the North Wales coast to Holyhead, then board the Ulysses Irish Ferries crossing into Dublin Bay.
  • Day 4Irish Rail service from Dublin Connolly travels north through County Meath and County Louth, crossing into Northern Ireland via Newry and Portadown to Belfast Lanyon Place.
  • Day 5Visit the Titanic Belfast attraction, built on the site of the historic shipyard where the Titanic was constructed.
  • Day 7Stena Line ferry from Belfast Lough to Cairnryan, followed by connecting rail travel through Scotland back to your local station.

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations where required
  • Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin
  • 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Ferry from Belfast to Ayr (Cairnryan) and connecting rail travel back to your local station
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations is included from your local UK station to Holyhead, from Dublin to Belfast on Irish Rail, and from Cairnryan back to your local station. Both ferry crossings are also included.
Is this a guided tour or self-guided?
This is a self-guided rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail arranges all transport and accommodation, provides comprehensive travel documentation and directions to hotels, but does not include guided tours or activities in Dublin or Belfast.
Which hotels are included?
The Leonardo Parnell Street in Dublin for three nights and the Europa Hotel in Belfast for three nights, both with breakfast included.
What is the train route from Dublin to Belfast?
Irish Rail operates the service north from Dublin Connolly through County Meath and County Louth, crossing into Northern Ireland via Newry and Portadown to Belfast Lanyon Place.
How does the return journey home work?
A Stena Line ferry departs Belfast Lough to Cairnryan, a courtesy bus transfers you to Ayr, and a Scotrail service connects you to Glasgow Central and on to your local station.
Can I break the return journey?
Yes, Tailor Made Rail offers optional extras to break your return journey in Glasgow or Penrith; contact them for a quote.

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