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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle

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

Illustration of Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle

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.

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

  1. Day 1overnight: Dublin

    Across the Irish Sea to Dublin

    Your holiday begins as you arrive in Dublin and make your way to the hotel. Located just outside the centre of the city, the spa hotel sits amid acres of parkland and a golf course. After checking in, enjoy a welcome drink before the first dinner together with a three-course meal.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Cork

    Jameson whiskey tasting and exploring Cork

    A coach takes you to Dublin's Heuston train station. Travel by rail through the heart of the country, crossing the Curragh plains before arriving in Cork. Head to nearby Midleton for a tour of the historic Jameson whiskey distillery with tastings. Return to Cork for free time to explore independently, including the option to visit Cork City Gaol, before dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Killarney

    Myths and legends at Blarney Castle

    Travel by coach to Blarney Castle, built in 1446, with the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone and wander the gardens. Continue over the Cork and Kerry Mountains, stopping at Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre for a guided tour, tea and scones, and a tasting of poitín (Irish moonshine). Arrive in Killarney for a three-course dinner. Note: on the 31st May departure, accommodation is at the International Hotel in Killarney.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Killarney

    Dramatic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry

    Ride a traditional Jaunting Car (open horse-drawn carriage) through the Demesne parkland to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Later, explore the Ring of Kerry by coach with an expert guide, taking in Torc Waterfall, Moll's Gap and Ladies View. Dinner this evening at Muckross House with an Irish Night in Quills farmhouse featuring traditional food and entertainment.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ennis

    Setting sail under the magnificent Cliffs of Moher

    Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum and enjoy a traditional Irish Coffee. Board the ferry at Tarbert across the Shannon to Clare, then travel by coach to Doolin for a boat trip into the wild Atlantic to view the Cliffs of Moher from below, stretching five miles and rising up to 700 feet. Check in to the hotel in Ennis for dinner. Note: on the 31st May and 14th June departures, accommodation is at the Inn at Dromoland in Latoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ennis

    Through the Burren to lively Galway

    Head north from Ennis through the otherworldly Burren landscape of grey limestone pavements. Continue to Galway to visit a traditional tavern on Eyre Square and learn to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, then explore the city at leisure. Return to Ennis hotel, then head out to 15th-century Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ballyfarnon (Kilronan Castle)

    Coal and castles in County Roscommon

    Travel north through the hidden heartlands of Ireland to the historic Arigna Mines, where coal was mined from the 1700s until 1990. Go underground with a former miner for an informative tour, then explore the exhibits. Overnight at the spectacular 18th-century Kilronan Castle, set in 40 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Meelagh, with dinner in the castle restaurant. Note: on the 31st May departure, accommodation is at Lough Ryan Castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Dublin

    Discovering Dublin's fair city

    Travel by coach to Dublin. The hotel is a short distance from the Iveagh Gardens. Explore Dublin at leisure, visit the GPO Museum, the Spire on O'Connell Street, the Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells at Trinity College (advance booking advised), or EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum. Enjoy the evening independently in the Temple Bar area or a city centre pub.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9

    Homeward bound

    Your tour of Ireland concludes after breakfast. After checking out of the hotel you are 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 the 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 by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

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.
What is the single supplement?
From GBP 2,699 (USD 3,605 approximately) compared to the from-price of GBP 2,999 per person sharing.

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