How much does it cost?

From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. The package includes Standard Class rail travel on Irish Railways Intercity from Dublin to Cork and all rail, cruise, ferry, and coach travel throughout the tour.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager with the group from start to finish.

What hotels are used?

Four-star hotels: Castleknock Hotel or The Camden Court Hotel in Dublin, The Metropole Hotel in Cork, The Randles Hotel in Killarney, Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, and Kilronan Castle in Ballyfarnon. Some departures may use alternative four-star accommodation in specific cities.

What meals are included?

Breakfast every day and seven dinners. Additional meals and drinks are at your own expense.

When does the tour run?

Departures run in May, June, and September 2026-2027. Specific dates are confirmed on the operator's website.

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle

Nine-day escorted loop of Ireland by rail, coach, and boat from Dublin

Great Rail Journeys operates this nine-day escorted tour of Ireland, beginning and ending in Dublin with visits to Cork, Killarney, the west coast, and the rural heartland of County Roscommon. Travelers journey by Irish Railways Intercity, coach, ferry, and Jaunting Car, staying in four-star hotels including the 18th-century Kilronan Castle overlooking Lough Meelagh. The itinerary balances guided group experiences and independent exploration: days include a Jameson whiskey tasting at Midleton distillery, a boat trip beneath the Cliffs of Moher, a ride to Ross Castle by traditional horse-drawn carriage, a Guinness pouring lesson in Galway, a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, and a tour of the historic Arigna Mines with a former miner. Breakfast and seven dinners are included. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. This tour suits travelers seeking guided comfort, cultural immersion, and historic Irish landmarks, with group size capped at 30.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at £2,999 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

Group size reaches 30 passengers; confirm this works for you before booking.
The itinerary shows accommodation at different hotels in some cities on specific departures (31st May and 14th June note variations); confirm your exact hotel locations when you book.
Day 8 in Dublin is largely unguided; you explore at your own pace and dine independently.
Rail travel on this trip comprises roughly one quarter of the journey; most days use coach and other ground transport.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Dublin
Across the Irish Sea to Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and check in to a spa hotel amid parkland, with a welcome drink before the first group dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Cork
Jameson whiskey tasting and exploring Cork
Rail to Cork via the Curragh plains, tour and tasting at the Jameson whiskey distillery in Midleton, free time in Cork.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3overnight: Killarney
Myths and legends at Blarney Castle
Visit Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, stop at Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre for tea, scones and poitín, then on to Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4overnight: Killarney
Dramatic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry
Jaunting Car ride to Ross Castle, then a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry taking in Torc Waterfall and Ladies View; Irish Night dinner at Muckross House.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5overnight: Ennis
Setting sail under the magnificent Cliffs of Moher
Visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, ferry across the Shannon, boat trip to view the Cliffs of Moher, then on to Ennis.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6overnight: Ennis
Through the Burren to lively Galway
Coach through the limestone landscape of the Burren to Galway for a Guinness pint-pouring lesson and free time, then a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7overnight: Ballyfarnon (Kilronan Castle)
Coal and castles in County Roscommon
Underground tour of the historic Arigna Mines, then overnight at the 18th-century Kilronan Castle.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8overnight: Dublin
Discovering Dublin's fair city
Coach to Dublin, with free time to explore museums, the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College or EPIC museum.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Homeward bound
The tour concludes after breakfast, free to make your own way home.
Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Travel by Irish Railways Intercity from Dublin Heuston to Cork, crossing the Curragh plains, then tour the historic Jameson whiskey distillery at Midleton.
Day 3Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, then explore Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre in the Cork and Kerry Mountains.
Day 4Ride a traditional Jaunting Car through the Demesne parkland to Ross Castle on Lough Leane, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach, viewing Torc Waterfall, Moll's Gap and Ladies View.
Day 5Board a ferry at Tarbert across the Shannon, then take a boat trip from Doolin into the Atlantic to view the Cliffs of Moher rising up to 700 feet.
Day 6Travel through the Burren limestone landscape and learn to pour a perfect pint of Guinness in Galway, then dine at the medieval banquet at 15th-century Bunratty Castle.

Included

Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
8 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
Standard Class rail travel
All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
Breakfast each day, 7 dinners
Group luggage transfers between hotels from Dublin to Cork
All guided tours and excursions

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed on more than one site. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

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Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. The package includes Standard Class rail travel on Irish Railways Intercity from Dublin to Cork and all rail, cruise, ferry, and coach travel throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager with the group from start to finish.
What hotels are used?: Four-star hotels: Castleknock Hotel or The Camden Court Hotel in Dublin, The Metropole Hotel in Cork, The Randles Hotel in Killarney, Hotel Woodstock in Ennis, and Kilronan Castle in Ballyfarnon. Some departures may use alternative four-star accommodation in specific cities.
What meals are included?: Breakfast every day and seven dinners. Additional meals and drinks are at your own expense.
When does the tour run?: Departures run in May, June, and September 2026-2027. Specific dates are confirmed on the operator's website.