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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Edinburgh and Dublin

Independent rail and ferry journey between Edinburgh and Dublin

Illustration of Edinburgh and Dublin

Railbookers runs this 7-day independent rail vacation linking the capitals of Scotland and Ireland, starting in Edinburgh and ending in Dublin. The pace is relaxed, with three nights booked in each city rather than a hotel change every night. Edinburgh days include admission to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, plus a guided day trip through the Highlands to Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, and a cruise on Loch Ness. Day 4 crosses to Ireland by train to Holyhead and ferry to Dublin, where a guided walking tour covers the city's Viking origins and its fight for independence. Day 6 is a day trip from Dublin to Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, with stops in Cork and at the Rock of Cashel Cathedral before returning to Dublin for the final night. It suits travelers who want the history of two capital cities paired with a couple of guided day trips into the surrounding countryside.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 12 hotels listed are accommodation options across price tiers and cities, not a fixed sequence of consecutive stays, so which hotel you get depends on the tier and city you select.
  • The Edinburgh to Dublin leg on day 4 is a train ride to Holyhead followed by a ferry crossing, adding a transfer partway through that travel day.
  • The evidence pack lists no departure dates, so we cannot confirm which months this trip actually runs.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to Scotland! Your two-capital adventure begins with a three-night stay in the center of Edinburgh. Settle in at your hotel, then take a stroll along the beautiful Royal Mile, tasting authentic Scottish cuisine and whiskey.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Spend a full day today experiencing the rich history and thriving modern culture of Edinburgh. Entrances to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Brittania are included with your journey, along with a choice of walking tours.

  3. Day 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands Day Trip

    Journey through Scotland today on a tour of the dramatic beauty in the Highlands. Travel through quaint villages, deep lochs and impressive mountains as you visit Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. You'll have enough time to cruise along Loch Ness and see if you'll be able to spot the infamous monster in the river. Your local guide will teach you all about the history of the region, and the day will be filled with plenty of photo opportunities to capture your incredible day.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Dublin

    Edinburgh to Dublin

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the train station for a scenic ride through the countryside to Holyhead, where you'll catch your ferry over to Dublin. Check-in for the evening and get ready to explore the historic capital tomorrow.

  5. Day 5overnight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Dublin

    Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip

    Travel from Dublin through the verdant landscapes of the Irish countryside to the historic site of Blarney Castle, world-famous for its enchanting Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives all those who kiss it the gift of the gab. Visit the city of Cork and the imposing Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary, too, before returning to Dublin for your last night in Ireland.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Included admission covers Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, along with a choice of walking tours.
  • Day 3A guided day trip through the Highlands visits Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park, with time to cruise Loch Ness in search of its famous monster.
  • Day 4A scenic train ride through the countryside to Holyhead connects with a ferry crossing to Dublin.
  • Day 5A guided walking tour of Dublin covers the city's Viking origins, its fight for independence, and its literary and musical heritage.
  • Day 6A day trip from Dublin visits Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone, along with Cork city and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin
  • Ferry between Holyhead and Dublin
  • Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Brittania with your choice of walking tours
  • Day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands from Edinburgh
  • Day trip to Blarney Castle and Cork from Dublin
  • Small group walking tour of Dublin

Questions travellers ask

Is the rail travel included?
Yes. Rail travel in standard class is included throughout, along with a ferry crossing between Holyhead and Dublin.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with some guided elements: a small group walking tour of Dublin and a local guide on the Highlands day trip, plus a choice of walking tours with Edinburgh Castle admission.
Which train is used?
The evidence names UK Rail for the Edinburgh to Holyhead leg, which connects to a ferry crossing to Dublin.
What is included besides rail, ferry, and hotels?
Daily breakfast, admission to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, a Highlands day trip to Loch Ness and Glencoe, a small group walking tour of Dublin, and a Blarney Castle and Cork day trip.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes city walking tours in Edinburgh and Dublin, castle and palace visits, and Highlands and Blarney Castle day trips; no hiking or altitude activity is mentioned.

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