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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Best of Ireland

10-day independent rail trip through Ireland: Killarney, Galway, Dublin, Belfast

Illustration of The Best of Ireland

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation across Ireland, starting in Killarney and traveling by train to Galway, Dublin, and Belfast before returning to Dublin. After two nights in Killarney that include a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry, the trip continues to Galway for a guided day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, passing Dunguaire Castle and the Burren. In Dublin, a three-night stay includes a guided walking tour covering the city's Viking origins and literary heritage, plus a day trip to Blarney Castle and Cork. The final stop in Belfast covers the Titanic Quarter and a day trip to the Giant's Causeway, with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges. Because it is mostly self-guided, with select small group tours built in, travelers set their own pace between the pre-booked trains, hotels, and day trips. It suits travelers who want a scenic, history-rich look at Ireland without joining a fixed group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list is a set of 24 accommodation options across cities and price tiers rather than one fixed itinerary, so the specific hotel booked in each city depends on the tier and dates chosen.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Killarney

    Your Journey Begins in Killarney

    Check in at your hotel for a relaxing two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring, perhaps wandering to St. Mary's Cathedral or the quaint town center.

  2. Day 2overnight: Killarney

    Day Trip to The Ring Of Kerry

    Full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry, exploring MacGillycuddy Reeks, the sandy shores of Dingle Bay, Kenmare Bay, and the Lakes of Killarney.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Galway

    Killarney to Galway

    Travel by train from Killarney to Galway. Explore the Latin Quarter and Eyre Square for an evening meal with traditional Irish folk music.

  4. Day 4overnight: Galway

    Day Trip to The Cliffs Of Moher

    Guided journey to the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher, passing Duguaire Castle and the Burren, with time to stroll the cliff paths.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Dublin

    Galway to Dublin

    Board a train to Dublin for a three-night stay. Explore St. Patrick's Cathedral, the National Museum of Ireland, or the Guinness Storehouse.

  6. Day 6overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Guided walking tour uncovering Dublin's Viking origins, fight for independence, and literary and musical heritage.

  7. Day 7overnight: Dublin

    Day Trip to Cork and Blarney Castle

    Day trip to Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone, plus the city of Cork and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Belfast

    Dublin to Belfast

    Train journey to Belfast (about two and a half hours). Visit the Titanic Quarter and the Ulster Museum.

  9. Day 9overnight: Belfast

    Day Trip to Giant's Causeway

    Day trip with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle, the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and the Titanic Museum.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Catch the train from Belfast back to Dublin and continue with your onward journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry, taking in MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the sandy shores of Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay, and the Lakes of Killarney.
  • Day 4A guided trip to the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher, passing Dunguaire Castle and the Burren, with time to stroll the cliff paths.
  • Day 6A guided walking tour uncovering Dublin's Viking origins, fight for independence, and literary and musical heritage.
  • Day 7A day trip to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, plus the city of Cork and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral in County Tipperary.
  • Day 9A day trip with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle, the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and the Titanic Museum.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Killarney
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Galway
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Belfast
  • Private transfer from Shannon Airport to Killarney Hotel
  • Full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry plus Killarney Lakes and National Park
  • Cliffs of Moher day trip from Galway
  • Small group walking tour of Dublin
  • Blarney Castle and Cork day trip from Dublin
  • Giant's Causeway and Titanic Museum Experience day trip from Belfast

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, standard class rail travel is included throughout, on Irish Rail between Killarney, Galway, and Dublin, and on NI Railways between Dublin and Belfast.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is mostly an independent, self-guided rail vacation, with select small group and guided day trips included, such as the Cliffs of Moher tour and the Dublin walking tour.
Which places does the trip visit?
Killarney, Galway, Dublin, and Belfast, with the final day returning by train from Belfast to Dublin.
What hotels are included?
The evidence lists 24 accommodation options across the trip's cities and price tiers, including choices such as the Arbutus Hotel Killarney, The Brehon in Killarney, and The Ardilaun Hotel in Galway.
What day trips are included?
The Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher from Galway, Blarney Castle and Cork from Dublin, and the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Museum Experience from Belfast.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
10 days and 9 nights, priced from $1,959 per person, about $196 a day.

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