Authentic Europe
Exclusive Rail Tour around Ireland
Partly guided rail circuit around Ireland on a chartered heritage train
11 daysfrom $6,840
36% rail
Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour
Signature Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle
A showcase of magical landscapes and rich Irish culture lies ahead on this journey through the stunning Emerald Isle.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Dublin
Arrival in Dublin
Make your own way to our five-star boutique hotel in the Grand Canal area, with the day free to explore. Meet the Tour Manager this evening for a welcome drink and dinner in the Eddison Restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Dublin
Exploring Dublin and the Guinness Storehouse
A short panoramic city tour followed by a guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse, concluding in the rooftop bar where you're taught to pour the perfect pint. The rest of the day is free.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Belfast
Guided tour of Belfast and the Titanic museum
First Class rail travel from Connolly station direct to Belfast. A local guide leads the Hidden Belfast Walking Tour, followed by a visit to Titanic Belfast. Dinner in the Seahorse Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Lough Eske
Giant's Causeway and Derry
Drive the Causeway Coastal Route via Glenariff National Park, with a picnic lunch at the Giant's Causeway, then past Dunluce Castle to Derry City to view the Bogside murals, before checking in to Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Galway
Wild Atlantic Way to Galway
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way past Mullaghmore Head to Parkes Castle on Lough Gill, then sail aboard the Rose of Innisfree boat into Sligo for free time, before continuing to Galway.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Galway
Kylemore Abbey and Connemara Railway
Visit Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine nunnery set in the Connemara countryside, then board the heritage Connemara Railway at Maam Cross for a 10-mile round trip with tea and scones onboard. Free time in Galway.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Parkavonear
Burren Smokehouse and Cliffs of Moher
Drive through the Burren to Lisdoonvarna for a guided tour and tasting at the Burren Smokehouse, then a boat trip from Doolin to view the Cliffs of Moher from the water, before a ferry across the River Shannon to Kerry.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Parkavonear
Ross Castle and the Ring of Kerry
A Jaunting Car ride through Demesne parkland to Ross Castle on Lough Leane, then a scenic drive on the Ring of Kerry taking in Torc Waterfall, Moll's Gap and Ladies View, with a stop at a working sheep farm. Dinner at Muckross House for an Irish Night.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: Parkavonear
Exploring the Dingle Peninsula
A journey on the Wild Atlantic Way onto the Dingle Peninsula, past Inch Beach and Slea Head, with views of the Blasket Islands, and free time in the fishing port of Dingle.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 10overnight: Cork
Blarney Castle and Cork
Drive over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Blarney Castle, built in 1446, with the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone, then a guided tour of Cork's old jail before checking in and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11overnight: Cork
Titanic Experience and Old Midleton Distillery
Visit Cobh (formerly Queenstown) and the Titanic Experience, housed in the former White Star Line ticket office, then a tour and tasting at the Jameson Old Midleton Distillery.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 12railovernight: Kildare (Straffan)
Irish National Stud & Gardens
Train from Cork Kent Station towards Portlaoise, then by coach to Kildare for a VIP visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens, including a simulated race meet, before checking in to Barberstown Castle in Straffan for a private final dinner in the Barton Room.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 13
Traveling home
After breakfast, a group transfer to the airport with your Tour Manager (available for flights after 11am; private transfers can be arranged for other times).
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 12 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
- 1st & Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Breakfast each day, 1 picnic lunch, 8 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between all hotels
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Flights and Airport transfers
