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Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Cobh

9-day independent rail trip through Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Cobh

Illustration of Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Cobh

Railbookers operates this 9-day trip through Ireland, starting in Galway and ending in Dublin, with a private transfer from Shannon Airport on arrival. The first three nights are spent in Galway, including a guided coach day trip to the Cliffs of Moher through the limestone landscapes of the Burren and past Dunguaire Castle. From Day 4, travel shifts to Irish Rail trains: to Dublin for a small-group food tour that starts at Trinity College, then on to Cork, a university city on the River Lee, for two nights that include a train day trip to Cobh and its Titanic history. The final days return by train to Dublin, with time for the National Museum of Ireland or Phoenix Park before departure. The mix of independent city time, one guided coach excursion, and one guided food tour suits history lovers, food-and-wine travelers, and first-time rail travelers who want transfers and hotels arranged for them.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 17 listed hotels are accommodation options rather than fixed bookings; the actual hotel in Galway, Dublin, or Cork depends on the tier and availability you choose.
  • Day 1 travel from Shannon Airport to Galway is by private transfer, not train, and the Cliffs of Moher day trip (Day 2) is by coach; rail travel begins on Day 4.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Galway

    Your Journey Begins in Galway

    Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, your private transfer will take you on a scenic drive to Galway. Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Stroll through west coast harborside town, visit 18th century Eyre Square, and be sure to find a traditional pub to enjoy some live Irish folk music and some local delicacies.

  2. Day 2overnight: Galway

    Day Trip to Cliffs Of Moher

    Today will be spent admiring 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 famous Gus O'Connors pub, meander past Dunguaire Castle and marvel at limestone landscapes of Burren before arriving at colossal Cliffs. Stroll trails at leisure before returning to Galway for another overnight stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Galway

    Galway

    This morning, enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast before enjoying a day at leisure to explore more of beautiful city as you wish. Why not stroll around port, followed by a traditional Irish Fish and Chips on main street, followed by an afternoon of browsing iconic souvenir shops or enjoying atmosphere at a pub with live music!

  4. Day 4railovernight: Dublin

    Galway to Dublin

    Following breakfast, make your way to station and catch a train to Capital, Dublin! Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay and set out to explore city! Discover Dublin's rich cultural heritage, lively ambience, and fascinating history as you stroll through city streets to get your bearings.

  5. Day 5overnight: 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.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cork

    Dublin to Cork

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take train to Cork, a university city centered on 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.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cork

    Day Trip to Cobh

    Today, embark on a day trip by train to Cobh, known for its role in Titanic's fateful voyage. Visit Cobh Heritage Centre, stroll along picturesque waterfront, and admire St. Colman's Cathedral.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Dublin

    Cork to Dublin

    Return to Dublin by train for a final day of exploration or relaxation. Perhaps visit National Museum of Ireland or enjoy a leisurely walk in Phoenix Park before your departure.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue with your journey. If you wish to extend your trip, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to assist you with details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Galway's harborside town, with a stroll to Eyre Square and a traditional pub for live Irish folk music.
  • Day 2A guided coach day trip to the Cliffs of Moher through the Burren's limestone landscapes and past Dunguaire Castle; the cliffs stand over 700 feet above the Atlantic.
  • Day 5A small-group Dublin food tour starting at Trinity College, with gourmet breakfast bites, traditional pub dishes, and a stop at a local speakeasy.
  • Day 7A day trip by train to Cobh, known for its role in the Titanic's final voyage, visiting the Cobh Heritage Centre and St. Colman's Cathedral.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Galway
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cork
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin
  • Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway
  • Small group food tour in Dublin
  • Day Trip to Cobh by Train from Cork
  • Private Transfer from Shannon Airport to Galway Hotel

Questions travellers ask

Is all the travel by train?
No. Day 1 uses a private transfer from Shannon Airport to Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher day trip (Day 2) uses a luxury coach. Train travel covers Galway to Dublin, Dublin to Cork, the Cobh day trip, and Cork back to Dublin.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines independent city time with guided elements: a guided coach day trip to the Cliffs of Moher (Day 2), a small-group food tour in Dublin (Day 5), and a day trip to Cobh (Day 7).
What is included in the price?
Rail travel per the itinerary, a private transfer from Shannon Airport to the Galway hotel, hotel stays with breakfast (3 nights Galway, 3 nights Dublin, 2 nights Cork), the Cliffs of Moher day trip, the Dublin food tour, and the Cobh day trip by train.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Galway, Dublin, and Cork, with a day trip to Cobh from Cork.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 17 accommodation options across the three cities and different tiers, including The Ardilaun Hotel and The Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway, and the InterContinental Dublin and Conrad Dublin in Dublin, among others.
When does this trip run?
The evidence does not list departure dates. Confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

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