Is this trip guided or independent?

It's partly guided. A tour escort travels with the group at stations and on trains, and English-speaking guides and drivers lead touring per the day-to-day itinerary, though the escort or guide may change during the trip.

Is the train travel included?

Yes, rail journeys and coach touring are included as per the day-to-day itinerary, though the pack does not break down every leg by mode.

Which hotels are used?

The evidence names only Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal, for 2 of the trip's 12 nights; other hotels are not specified.

What is included besides the hotel and transport?

Two dinners at Harvey's Point Hotel, a ferry to and from the Aran Islands, and admission to Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cobh Heritage Centre, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, and the Titanic Visitor Centre in Belfast.

How much does it cost?

From 3,885 euros per person, about 4,448 US dollars, roughly 342 US dollars per day.

Authentic Europe · Partly guided

Grand Tour of Ireland

Partly guided rail and coach circuit around Ireland from Dublin

Authentic Europe runs this 13-day, partly guided rail and coach tour around Ireland, starting and ending in Dublin. A tour escort travels with the group at stations and on trains, and English-speaking guides and drivers lead the day-to-day touring, though the escort or guide can change along the way. The route runs south to Cork, Cobh and Killarney for a day touring the Ring of Kerry, then west through Limerick and the Cliffs of Moher to Galway and a visit to the Aran Islands. From there it continues through Connemara and Kylemore Abbey before heading north to Belfast, the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim coast, and on to two nights at Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal, the only hotel named in the evidence. The final full day visits the Slieve League Cliffs and the Donegal coast before returning to Dublin for departure. This suits travelers who want Ireland's major coastal and historic sites covered with a guide on hand, without driving themselves.

What to know before you look closer

The evidence's day-by-day itinerary states the overnight location for only 2 of the 12 nights (Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal); confirm the hotel assignments for the rest of the trip with Authentic Europe before booking.
Two of the twelve breakfasts are takeaway rather than sit-down, due to early train departures.
This is a partly guided tour: a tour escort travels at stations and on trains and guides or drivers lead touring per the day-to-day itinerary, but the operator notes the escort or guide may change during the trip.
The trip mixes train and coach transport; not every day of touring in Ireland is by rail.

Day by day

Day 1
Arrival in Dublin, the capital of Ireland
Day 2
Travel to Cork, Cóbh & Killarney
Day 3
Day touring The Ring of Kerry
Day 4
Visit Limerick, Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Day 5
Visit the Aran Islands
Day 6
Tour of Connemara & Kylemore Abbey
Day 7
Travel along the Sky Road on Coral Beach
Day 8
Day at leisure in Dublin
Day 9
Belfast, Giants Causeway & Antrim coast
Day 10overnight: Harvey's Point Hotel
Explore Belfast and travel to Harvey's Point Hotel
Day 11overnight: Harvey's Point Hotel
Day at leisure at Harvey's Point Hotel
Day 12
Visit Slieve League Cliffs & the beautiful Donegal coast
Day 13
Departure from Dublin

The moments this trip is built around

Day 3A full day is spent touring the Ring of Kerry.
Day 5The tour visits the Aran Islands by ferry.
Day 6The tour visits Connemara and Kylemore Abbey.
Day 9The route covers Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, and the Antrim coast.
Day 12The tour visits the Slieve League Cliffs and the Donegal coast.

Included

12 nights accommodation in standard rooms with private shower or bath/WC including breakfast (2 of which are takeaway due to early train departures)
2 dinners at Harvey's Point Hotel
Rail journeys and touring by coach as per day-to-day itinerary
Tour escort at the stations and on the trains. English-speaking guides and drivers as per the day-to-day itinerary. The tour escort /guide may change throughout the tour
Ferry to and from the Aran Islands
Admissions included: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Cóbh Heritage Centre, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour and Titanic Visitor Centre in Belfast
Electronic travel documentation, including a detailed travel itinerary and travel vouchers
24/7 emergency phone service while travelling

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip guided or independent?: It's partly guided. A tour escort travels with the group at stations and on trains, and English-speaking guides and drivers lead touring per the day-to-day itinerary, though the escort or guide may change during the trip.
Is the train travel included?: Yes, rail journeys and coach touring are included as per the day-to-day itinerary, though the pack does not break down every leg by mode.
Which hotels are used?: The evidence names only Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal, for 2 of the trip's 12 nights; other hotels are not specified.
What is included besides the hotel and transport?: Two dinners at Harvey's Point Hotel, a ferry to and from the Aran Islands, and admission to Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cobh Heritage Centre, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, and the Titanic Visitor Centre in Belfast.
How much does it cost?: From 3,885 euros per person, about 4,448 US dollars, roughly 342 US dollars per day.
How long is the trip?: 13 days and 12 nights.