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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher

Independent Dublin-Galway rail trip featuring a Cliffs of Moher day trip

Illustration of Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher

Railbookers runs this independent 8-day rail vacation starting and ending in Dublin, with three nights in Dublin, three nights in Galway, and a final night back in Dublin. The early days use a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass to explore Dublin, including a stop at the Guinness Storehouse, plus a local food tour built around Irish stew, seafood and cheese. On day 4 the trip moves to Galway, a harborside city on Ireland's west coast, for three nights that include a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher by luxury coach, past fishing villages, Dunguaire Castle and the Burren, and a small-group day trip to the Aran Islands and Connemara with a boat cruise beneath the cliffs. Day 7 returns to Dublin, a journey of about two and a half hours. Because the trip is self-guided, it suits travellers who want Dublin and the west coast covered with a mix of independent time and included day trips.

What to know before you look closer

  • Galway accommodation is offered as a choice of several named hotels, including The Ardilaun Hotel, The Dean Galway, The Galmont Hotel and Spa and Hotel Imperial Galway, so the exact hotel depends on availability and tier chosen.
  • The Cliffs of Moher day trip runs by luxury coach, and the Aran Islands and Connemara day trip includes ferry crossings and a boat cruise, so most of the sightseeing on this rail vacation happens off the train.
  • 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! Begin your adventures on the Emerald Isle in Dublin, the country's capital. Check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay and set out to explore the city! Discover Dublin's rich cultural heritage, lively ambience, and fascinating history as you stroll through the city streets to get your bearings.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Today, make the most of your first full day to explore Dublin using your included Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass to make your way around the city of Dublin and get familiar with all the tourist attractions with the ease of bus transportation! Hop off at the Guinness Storehouse, to learn about the famous brewing process, sample beers, and enjoy panoramic views of the city after learning the history of Dublin, and Guinness!

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Famous for its music scene, pubs and "craic", Dublin embraces the local ingredients of the Emerald Isle in its cuisine. On your food tour today, your guide will take you to the hidden gems frequented by locals to dine on gourmet dishes including local seafood, and Irish stew, and enjoy the best of Irish dairy with creamy cheeses and delicious ice cream.

  4. Day 4overnight: Galway

    Dublin to Galway

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and make your way from Dublin to Galway today. Check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay and start exploring all this west coast harborside city has to offer. Stroll to the main square - 18th century Eyre Square - and find a traditional pub to enjoy some live Irish folk music and some local delicacies.

  5. Day 5overnight: Galway

    Cliffs Of Moher Day Trip

    Today will be spent admiring the amazing natural beauty of Ireland's majestic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cliffs of Moher. Board a luxury coach with an expert local guide and make your way through tiny fishing villages, enjoy lunch at the famous Gus O'Connors pub, meander past Dunguaire Castle and marvel at the limestone landscapes of Burren before arriving at the colossal Cliffs. Stroll the trails at leisure before returning to Galway for another overnight stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Galway

    Aran Islands and Connemara Day Trip

    Experience the highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on a small-group day trip from Galway, featuring the Cliffs of Moher, Inis Oírr, and the rugged beauty of the Burren. Enjoy scenic coastal views, ferry crossings, and a boat cruise beneath the famous cliffs.

  7. Day 7overnight: Dublin

    Galway to Dublin

    Spend a little more time exploring Galway, if you like, before making your way back to Dublin. The trip east takes just two and a half hours, so you will have plenty of time to see any of the sights in the capital that are still on your 'to-do' list.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your onward journey. If you have time to extend your journey, why not catch the ferry over from Dublin to England and spend a few nights in London? Just speak to one of our Rail Experts for more details. B Flash Sale Save Big on Rail Journeys Save up to $500 per couple on rail, hotels, and sightseeing when you book a vacation during the Railbookers Savings Event. Trip Details Trip Highlights Taste authentic Irish cuisine on a food tour led by a local guide Sample Guinness and explore Dublin on a hop-on, hop-off tour Admire quaint villages and the famous coastline on a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher Take a cruise under the Cliffs of Moher, s and explore Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands, on a day trip What's Included 4 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Galway Rail travel in standard class throughout Dublin hop-on, hop-off tour Local food tour in Dublin Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip from Galway Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands Day Tour Trains Irish Rail Irish Rail is operated by Iarnród Éireann, running all passenger and freight services, as well as the service to Belfast in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways. Learn more Options for Your Railbookers Vacation Travel Onboard an Iconic Train Add Extra Nights in Any Destination Take a Roundtrip Journey or Experience a Trip in Reverse Combine Set Itineraries or Create Your Very Own Handpick Your Hotels, Sightseeing, Restaurants, and More Extend your River Cruise See a rail vacation you like, but think it would be even better with an extra day at the beginning or end of the journey? Or an extra day in between in a different destination? Or do you think a vacation would be better in reverse? Discover more options to customize your rail vacation today! Make it Your Own Other Vacations You Might Like Flash Sale Dublin, Cork, Killarney, and Galway Dublin Cork Killarney Galway Dublin As Seen on TV 10 Days From $1,769 pp Trip Details Flash Sale London, Edinburgh, and Dublin London Edinburgh Dublin 10 Days From $2,089 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Dublin, Killarney, and Galway Dublin Killarney Galway Dublin 8 Days From $1,039 pp Trip Details Didn't find what you were looking for? Loading... Search OR Contact Us

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour of Dublin includes a stop at the Guinness Storehouse to learn the brewing process and sample beers.
  • Day 3A local food tour serves gourmet dishes including seafood, Irish stew, and Irish cheeses and ice cream.
  • Day 5A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher passes fishing villages, Dunguaire Castle and the Burren, with time to stroll the cliff trails at leisure.
  • Day 6A small-group day trip to the Aran Islands and Connemara includes a boat cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher and a visit to Inis Oirr.
  • Day 7The return trip from Galway to Dublin takes about two and a half hours.

Included

  • 4 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Galway Rail travel in standard class throughout Dublin hop-on, hop-off tour Local food tour in Dublin Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip from Galway Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands Day Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel in standard class is included throughout, covering the transfers between Dublin and Galway.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with a Dublin food tour, a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass, and guided day trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands included.
What hotels are used?
Dublin nights use hotels such as InterContinental, Conrad and Hilton Dublin; Galway nights are offered across a choice of hotels including The Ardilaun Hotel, The Dean Galway and The Galmont Hotel and Spa.
How do I see the Cliffs of Moher?
On a day trip from Galway by luxury coach with an expert local guide, passing fishing villages, Dunguaire Castle and the Burren before arriving at the Cliffs.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A Dublin food tour, a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass in Dublin, a Cliffs of Moher and Burren day trip from Galway, and an Aran Islands cliffs cruise day tour.

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