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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin and Edinburgh

Independent rail and ferry journey linking Dublin and Edinburgh

Illustration of Dublin and Edinburgh

Railbookers runs this independent rail vacation across 7 days, starting in Dublin and finishing in Edinburgh with 6 nights on the ground, 3 in each capital. Because it is self-guided, travellers set their own pace between the included extras: a Dublin walking tour on day 2 covers the city's Viking origins and fight for independence, and day 3 heads out to Blarney Castle and the city of Cork before returning to Dublin for a final night. On day 4, a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead connects with a train through the countryside into Edinburgh, where three nights bring entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia, along with a day trip into the Highlands and along Loch Ness. It suits travellers who want two capital cities covered without a fixed group schedule, comfortable organizing their own time between the guided extras and free periods in Dublin and Edinburgh.

What to know before you look closer

  • Dublin and Edinburgh hotels are each offered as one of several named options, including InterContinental, Conrad and Hilton properties in Dublin and InterContinental, Caledonian and Kimpton properties in Edinburgh, so the exact hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Dublin

    Your Journey Begins in Dublin

    Welcome to Ireland! Your two-capital adventure begins with a three-night stay in the centre of Dublin. Settle in at your hotel, then take a stroll along the river or through the famous Temple Bar area for some local pub cuisine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour to uncover Dublin’s fascinating history and vibrant culture. Stroll along cobbled streets as your expert guide shares stories of the city’s Viking origins, its fight for independence, and its celebrated literary and musical heritage. Pass iconic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and historic sites that capture the essence of the Irish capital. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring Dublin at your own pace.

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip

    Travel from Dublin through the verdant landscapes of the Irish countryside to the historic site of Blarney Castle, world-famous for its enchanting Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives all those who kiss it the gift of the gab. Visit the city of Cork and the imposing Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary, too, before returning to Dublin for your last night in Ireland.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Edinburgh

    Dublin to Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the port to catch your ferry over to England. Connect with a train travelling through the countryside, concluding in Edinburgh. Check-in for the evening and get ready to explore the historic capital tomorrow.

  5. Day 5overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Spend a full day today experiencing the rich history and thriving modern culture of Edinburgh. Entrances to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Brittania are included with your holiday, along with a choice of walking tours. Make sure to spend some time walking along the beautiful Royal Mile, tasting authentic Scottish cuisine and whiskey.

  6. Day 6overnight: Edinburgh

    Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands Day Trip

    Journey through Scotland today on a tour of the dramatic beauty in the Highlands. Travel through quaint villages, deep lochs and impressive mountains as you visit Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. You'll have enough time to cruise along Loch Ness and see if you'll be able to spot the infamous monster in the river. Your local guide will teach you all about the history of the region, and the day will be filled with plenty of photo opportunities to capture your incredible day.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided walking tour uncovers Dublin's Viking origins, its fight for independence, and its literary and musical heritage.
  • Day 3A day trip visits Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone, along with the city of Cork and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral.
  • Day 4A ferry crosses from Dublin to Holyhead, connecting with a train through the countryside into Edinburgh.
  • Day 5Entry is included to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia, along with a choice of walking tours.
  • Day 6A day trip through Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park includes a cruise on Loch Ness.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Edinburgh Ferry between Dublin and Holyhead Day trip to Blarney Castle and Cork from Dublin Dublin city walking tour Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Brittania with your choice of walking tours Day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands from Edinburgh

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel in standard class is included, along with the ferry between Dublin and Holyhead that connects to the train onward to Edinburgh.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with local guided tours included for parts of the itinerary, such as the Dublin walking tour and the Highlands day trip.
What hotels are used?
The trip offers a choice of hotels in each city, including InterContinental, Conrad and Hilton properties in Dublin, and InterContinental, Caledonian and Kimpton properties in Edinburgh.
What is included besides hotels and rail?
Admission to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia, plus day trips to Blarney Castle and Cork, and to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Dublin and three nights in Edinburgh.

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