Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Dublin, Cork, Killarney, and Galway

Independent 10-day rail trip through Dublin, Cork, Killarney and Galway

Illustration of Dublin, Cork, Killarney, and Galway

Railbookers runs this independent 10-day rail vacation across four Irish cities, with 3 nights total in Dublin, 2 nights in Cork, 2 nights in Killarney and 2 nights in Galway. Day 2 opens with a guided walking tour of Dublin covering the city's Viking origins and fight for independence, and day 3 continues by train to Cork, where you can tour Cork City Gaol or Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral. Day 5 brings a train ride to Killarney ahead of a full-day Ring of Kerry tour on day 6, taking in Killarney Lakes, Dingle Bay, Kenmare Bay and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Day 7 heads north to Galway by train, followed by a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher on day 8, passing fishing villages, Dunguaire Castle and the Burren. Day 9 returns to Dublin by train for a final night. It suits travellers who want a rail-based tour of Ireland's best-known cities and coastal landscapes, with guided highlights woven into independent time.

What to know before you look closer

  • A visit to Blarney Castle on day 4 in Cork is offered as an optional add-on arranged through a Rail Expert, not a default inclusion.
  • Cork, Killarney and Galway accommodation are each offered as a choice of several named hotels, 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

    Arrive in Dublin today and make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. Capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is a vibrant coastal gem brimming with historic buildings, green spaces and friendly pubs and restaurants. This evening, why not head to Temple Bar, a street on the south bank of the River Liffey that is famed for lively, traditional music and authentic Irish pubs?

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour to uncover Dublin’s fascinating history and vibrant culture. Stroll along cobbled streets as your expert guide shares stories of the city’s Viking origins, its fight for independence, and its celebrated literary and musical heritage. Pass iconic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and historic sites that capture the essence of the Irish capital. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring Dublin at your own pace.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Cork

    Dublin to Cork

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take the train to Cork, a university city centered on the River Lee. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and begin exploring. Cork is known as Ireland's second city, and there is plenty to do and see here. Take a tour of Cork City Gaol, the historic prison, or admire the Victorian and Gothic architecture of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cork

    Cork

    Spend another day exploring Cork at leisure. Why not visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone? Just speak to one of our Rail Experts who will make all the arrangements for you.

  5. Day 5overnight: Killarney

    Cork to Killarney

    Check out of your hotel and take to the tracks from Cork to Killarney. This picture-perfect town in County Kerry is a stop along the scenic Ring of Kerry and is overflowing with natural beauty. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and get acquainted with the town's interesting 19th-century architecture and Victorian mansions.

  6. Day 6overnight: Killarney

    Ring Of Kerry Day Trip from Killarney

    Today you will enjoy a tour of the Ring of Kerry, including a stop at the Killarney Lakes and National Park. This tour certainly showcases some of the country's -if not the world's - most spectacular scenery. Explore the shores of Dingle Bay, gaze at the coastal views of Kenmar Bay and unearth the magic of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, passing through charming villages and verdant countryside en route. Return to Killarney for another overnight stay.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Galway

    Killarney to Galway

    From Killarney, head north to Galway by train. On arrival, make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. A pretty harbor city on Ireland's west coast, Galway abounds with natural beauty. After you've settled in, head to the 18th-century Eyre Square to begin your adventures along the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter. You'll find remnants of the medieval city walls here, as well as many boutiques, galleries and pubs offering Irish folk music.

  8. Day 8overnight: Galway

    Cliffs Of Moher Day Trip from Galway

    Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy the opportunity to see some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery close up. The cliffs themselves are UNESCO-listed and make up one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Pass quaint fishing villages en route, marvel at the ancient Dunguaire Castle, and admire the limestone landscapes reminiscent of the moon's surface in the Burren. You'll also have the opportunity to relax in the world-famous Gus O'Connors pub in Doolin.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Dublin

    Galway to Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and head back to Dublin by train. Check in at your hotel for another overnight stay and tick off any of the sights on your 'Dublin bucket list' that you didn't see at the beginning of your journey.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to assist you with the 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 Enjoy a good old-fashioned craic and explore the city of Dublin Admire the myriad architectural styles of coastal Cork Take a scenic drive through the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry on a guided sightseeing tour in Killarney Admire quaint fishing villages, breathtaking vistas and ancient fortresses on a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway What's Included Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cork 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Killarney 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Galway Small group walking tour of Dublin Full Day Tour of The Ring of Kerry plus Killarney Lakes & National Park Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway 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 Cobh Dublin Cork Cobh Killarney Dublin 8 Days From $1,449 pp Trip Details Flash Sale Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Cobh Galway Dublin Cork Cobh Dublin 9 Days From $2,109 pp Trip Details Flash Sale London, Edinburgh, and Dublin London Edinburgh Dublin 10 Days From $2,089 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 guided walking tour of Dublin covers the city's Viking origins, its fight for independence, and its literary and musical heritage.
  • Day 3A train ride reaches Cork, where you can tour Cork City Gaol or admire the Victorian and Gothic architecture of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral.
  • Day 6A full-day Ring of Kerry tour takes in Killarney Lakes and National Park, Dingle Bay, Kenmare Bay and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
  • Day 7A train heads north to Galway, followed by exploring the medieval Latin Quarter around 18th-century Eyre Square.
  • Day 8A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher passes fishing villages, the ancient Dunguaire Castle and the limestone landscapes of the Burren.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 3 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Cork 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Killarney 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Galway Small group walking tour of Dublin Full Day Tour of The Ring of Kerry plus Killarney Lakes & National Park Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Galway

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, with train journeys from Dublin to Cork, Cork to Killarney, Killarney to Galway, and Galway back to Dublin.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with a small group walking tour of Dublin, a full-day Ring of Kerry tour, and a Cliffs of Moher day trip included.
What hotels are used?
Dublin nights use hotels such as InterContinental, Conrad and Hilton Dublin; Cork, Killarney and Galway nights are each offered across a choice of named local hotels.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A small group walking tour of Dublin, a full-day Ring of Kerry tour with Killarney Lakes and National Park, and a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Galway.
How many nights are spent in each place?
Three nights total in Dublin, split across the start and end of the trip, plus two nights each in Cork, Killarney and Galway.

Similar journeys