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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin and South Wales

Independent rail vacation from Dublin to Cardiff, South Wales

Illustration of Dublin and South Wales

Railbookers runs this independent 7-day rail vacation from Dublin to Cardiff in South Wales, spending 3 nights in each city. Day 2 opens with a small group food tour that starts at Trinity College and moves through Dublin's traditional pubs, and day 3 is a full-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way and Galway. On day 4, the trip continues to Cardiff by train and ferry, and day 5 is an independent rail day trip to Swansea, taking in the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina and a walk along Swansea Bay. Day 6 is a private day tour of South Wales, visiting Cardiff's landmarks and Caerphilly Castle. Because the trip is self-guided, travellers set their own pace between these included tours. It suits travellers who want Ireland and Wales covered on one itinerary, comfortable managing their own time between guided outings and independent days.

What to know before you look closer

  • Cardiff accommodation is offered as a choice of several hotels, including Park Plaza, Hilton Cardiff, Hotel Indigo and Novotel Cardiff Centre, so the exact hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • The Cliffs of Moher day trip and the private South Wales day tour do not specify travel by train, unlike the Cardiff transfer and the Swansea day trip, which are explicit rail legs.
  • 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 Dublin! Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure. Perhaps visit Trinity College or take a stroll along the River Liffey.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Today, join a small group food tour and discover Dublin’s rich culinary scene. Begin at historic Trinity College, then stroll through the city while enjoying gourmet breakfast bites with the locals. Visit traditional pubs for classic home-cooked Irish dishes, uncover hidden gems, and even stop by a local speakeasy. After your tour, continue exploring Dublin at your own pace.

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Cliffs Of Moher, Burren, Atlantic Way, and Galway

    Embark on a full-day tour to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way, and Galway. Experience Ireland's breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. Return to Dublin in the evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cardiff

    Dublin to Cardiff

    Travel to Cardiff by train and ferry and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the evening exploring Cardiff’s lively streets and enjoying the local culture.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cardiff

    Independent Rail Day Trip to Swansea

    Begin your day trip by catching the morning train from Cardiff to Swansea, enjoying the scenic views along the South Wales coast. Visit the National Waterfront Museum to explore Wales' industrial and maritime history. Enjoy a stroll through Swansea Marina, stopping for coffee at a waterfront cafe, and visit the Dylan Thomas Centre to learn about the renowned poet. End your trip with a relaxing walk along Swansea Bay before catching the train back to Cardiff.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cardiff

    Private Day Tour Of South Wales

    Embark on a private day tour of South Wales. Visit the capital city of Cardiff, exploring its key landmarks, and continue to the impressive Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles in Britain. Return to Cardiff in the evening.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Cardiff

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would 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 small group food tour starts at Trinity College and moves through Dublin's traditional pubs and a local speakeasy.
  • Day 3A full-day tour visits the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way and Galway before returning to Dublin.
  • Day 4The trip travels on to Cardiff by train and ferry.
  • Day 5An independent rail day trip from Cardiff to Swansea takes in the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina and a walk along Swansea Bay.
  • Day 6A private day tour of South Wales visits Cardiff's landmarks and Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles in Britain.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cardiff Small group food tour in Dublin Day Trip to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Atlantic Way, and Galway from Dublin Private Day Tour of South Wales, including Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle Independent Rail Day Trip to Swansea from Cardiff

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including travel to Cardiff by train and ferry on day 4 and an independent rail day trip from Cardiff to Swansea on day 5.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with local guided elements included, such as the small group food tour in Dublin and the private day tour of South Wales.
What hotels are used?
Dublin nights use hotels such as InterContinental, Conrad and Hilton Dublin; Cardiff nights are offered across a choice of hotels including Park Plaza, Hilton Cardiff, Hotel Indigo and Novotel Cardiff Centre.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A small group food tour in Dublin, a full-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Atlantic Way and Galway, a private day tour of South Wales including Caerphilly Castle, and a rail day trip to Swansea.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Dublin and three nights in Cardiff.

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