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Railbookers

Northern Ireland by Rail

Independent rail trip linking Dublin and Belfast with a Giant's Causeway day trip

Illustration of Northern Ireland by Rail

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail trip that begins and ends in Dublin, with a stop in Belfast. The first three nights are in Dublin, where an included hop-on, hop-off bus pass covers the Guinness Storehouse, and a guided food tour on day 3 introduces local seafood, Irish stew, and Irish dairy. On day 4, an Irish Rail train carries you north to Belfast for two nights. Day 5 is a full-day trip from Belfast that includes photo stops at Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges, a visit to the Giant's Causeway, and the Titanic Museum. The return train to Dublin on day 6 takes around two hours, leaving time for any remaining sights before a final night in the capital. The hotel list spans luxury Dublin properties such as the InterContinental and Conrad, alongside the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, suiting travelers who want guided highlights bookended by time to explore each city on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities; your final hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • Only breakfast is listed as included with the hotel stays beyond the specific tours; other meals besides the day 3 food tour are on your own.
  • Day 1 and the later afternoon in Belfast on day 6 are free time to explore independently rather than guided sightseeing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Dublin

    Your Journey Begins in Dublin

    Welcome to Ireland! Begin your adventures on the Emerald Isle in Dublin, the country's capital. Check-in at your hotel for a three-night stay and set out to explore the city! Discover Dublin's rich cultural heritage, lively ambience, and fascinating history as you stroll through the city streets to get your bearings.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Today, make the most of your first full day to explore Dublin using your included Hop-On, Hop-Off bus pass to make your way around the city of Dublin and get familiar with all the tourist attractions with the ease of bus transportation! Hop off at the Guinness Storehouse, to learn about the famous brewing process, sample beers, and enjoy panoramic views of the city after learning the history of Dublin, and Guinness!

  3. Day 3overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Famous for its music scene, pubs and "craic", Dublin embraces the local ingredients of the Emerald Isle in its cuisine. On your food tour today, your guide will take you to the hidden gems frequented by locals to dine on gourmet dishes including local seafood, and Irish stew, and enjoy the best of Irish dairy with creamy cheeses and delicious ice cream.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Belfast

    Dublin to Belfast

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel north by train to Belfast today. Check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay and start exploring!

  5. Day 5overnight: Belfast

    Giant's Causeway Day Trip

    Experience the magic of Northern Ireland on a day trip from Belfast, starting with a photo stop at one of the most photogenic castle ruins in Ireland, Dunluce Castle. Continue to the marvellous Giant's Causeway, learning about the myths and legends of its origin from your guide. Stop by the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges, before heading back to Belfast to visit the Titanic Museum. Learn about the story of the famous ocean liner and her ill-fated maiden voyage.

  6. Day 6overnight: Dublin

    Belfast to Dublin

    Spend a little more time exploring Belfast, if you like, before making your way back to Dublin. The trip south takes around two hours, so you will have plenty of time to see any of the sights in the capital that are still on your 'to-do' list.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your onward journey. If you have time to extend your journey, why not catch the ferry over from Dublin to England and spend a few nights in London? Just speak to one of our Rail Experts for more details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A stop at the Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, beer sampling, and panoramic views of Dublin.
  • Day 3A guided food tour visits spots frequented by locals, with local seafood, Irish stew, and Irish dairy.
  • Day 4Rail travel carries you north from Dublin to Belfast for a two-night stay.
  • Day 5A full-day trip from Belfast stops at Dunluce Castle, the Giant's Causeway, and the Dark Hedges, then returns to visit the Titanic Museum.
  • Day 6The train south from Belfast to Dublin takes around two hours, leaving time for any remaining Dublin sights.

Included

  • 4 nights' total hotel stay with breakfast in Dublin
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Belfast
  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • Dublin hop-on, hop-off tour
  • Local food tour in Dublin
  • Giant's Causeway and Titanic Museum Experience Day Trip from Belfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, rail travel in standard class is included throughout, with Irish Rail trains linking Dublin and Belfast.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines both: the Dublin hop-on, hop-off tour, the food tour, and the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Museum day trip are included and guided, while other time such as day 1 is free to explore on your own.
Which train is used?
Irish Rail, in Standard class, on the Dublin to Belfast route.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across Dublin and Belfast, including InterContinental Dublin, Conrad Dublin, and Titanic Hotel Belfast.
What is not included?
The evidence lists breakfast, the Dublin tours, and the Belfast day trip as included; other meals are not mentioned as included.
Can the trip be extended?
Yes, the evidence mentions the option to take a ferry from Dublin to England and add nights in London, arranged through a Rail Expert.

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