Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin and the Dingle Peninsula

Independent Irish rail trip from Dublin through Galway to the Dingle Peninsula

Illustration of Dublin and the Dingle Peninsula

Railbookers runs this independent rail vacation through Ireland, starting with two nights in Dublin before moving on to Galway and Killarney. Day 2 is a small group food tour that starts at Trinity College and moves through Dublin's traditional pubs, and after two nights in Galway, day 4 is a coach day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, past Dunguaire Castle and the Burren. Day 5 brings a train journey on to Killarney, where three nights include exploring Killarney National Park and Muckross House, a day trip along the Dingle Peninsula's Atlantic coast through Inch Beach and the Slea Head Drive, and a day trip around the Ring of Kerry past the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The trip ends with a private transfer to Shannon Airport. Because it is self-guided, it suits travellers who want the west coast of Ireland covered with a mix of independent city time and guided day trips to its coastal and mountain scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The overview for this trip states 7 days and 6 nights, but the included list's per-city hotel nights (2 in Dublin, 2 in Galway, 3 in Killarney) sum to 7 nights, one more than the overview states; confirm the exact duration with Railbookers before booking.
  • Dublin, Galway and Killarney accommodation are each offered as a choice of several named hotels, including The Brehon, Randles Hotel Killarney and The Victoria Hotel in Killarney, 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 adventure begins with a two-night stay in the center 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

    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: 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 two-night stay. Stroll through the west coast harborside town, visit the 18th century Eyre Square, and be sure to find a traditional pub to enjoy some live Irish folk music and some local delicacies.

  4. Day 4overnight: 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.

  5. Day 5rail

    Galway to Killarney

    Check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station. Continue to Killarney, a picturesque town in County Kerry, renowned for its national park, lakes, and mountains. Explore Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and the traditional farms. (Overnight in Killarney

  6. Day 6overnight: Killarney

    Dingle Peninsula Day Trip

    Depart this morning on a guided day trip along the Atlantic Coast. Visit the famous Inch Beach, known for its outstanding natural beauty. Travel down the spectacular Slea Head drive for shoreline views of the Blasket Islands. You’ll also spend time in the fishing town of Dingle, the heart and soul of the Peninsula, before returning to Killarney for the night.

  7. Day 8overnight: Killarney

    Ring Of Kerry Day Trip

    Spend a full day exploring the dazzling Ring of Kerry, a truly stunning and scenic experience. Discover the MacGillcuddy Reeks, the tranquil shores of Dingle Bay and the rugged coastal views of Kenmare Bay with a local guide. Admire quaint villages and views of sparkling lakes along the way too.

  8. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Killarney

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and your private transfer will bring you to Shannon Airport for your flight home. Want to fly home from Dublin instead? Just ask your Rail Expert and we can arrange that for you.

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 4A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher passes fishing villages and Dunguaire Castle and crosses the limestone landscapes of the Burren.
  • Day 5A train journey from Galway continues on to Killarney, where the day includes Killarney National Park and Muckross House.
  • Day 6A guided day trip along the Atlantic Coast visits Inch Beach, the Slea Head Drive with views of the Blasket Islands, and the town of Dingle.
  • Day 8A full day exploring the Ring of Kerry takes in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Dingle Bay and the coastal views of Kenmare Bay.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Galway 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Killarney Small group food tour in Dublin Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip from Galway Small Group Day Trip of the Wild Coast, Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head from Killarney Small Group Day Trip of the Ring of Kerry from Killarney Private transfer from your Killarney hotel to Shannon Airport

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The evidence lists rail travel as per the itinerary, including a train journey from Galway on to Killarney.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with a Dublin food tour and small group day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry included.
How many nights are spent in each place?
The included list states 2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Galway and 3 nights in Killarney.
How do I get to Killarney?
The itinerary describes making your way to the train station in Galway and continuing on to Killarney.
What happens at the end of the trip?
A private transfer takes you from your Killarney hotel to Shannon Airport; travellers can also ask to fly home from Dublin instead.

Similar journeys