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Dublin and the Enchanting Emerald Isle

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20242025
9 days From £1,995 £1,945 per person
4.1 stars(44 reviews)
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Immerse yourself in Ireland's vibrant cities, legendary castles, and breathtaking landscapes.

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Save £50pp on selected British Isles 2024 last-minute holidays, when you book by 31st July 2024.

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Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: IRS24

About the tour

Rugged coastlines, stunning rolling hills, dramatic castles, and a culture rich in legend; the Emerald Isle is as beautiful as it is fascinating and we see the best of it on this holiday. Explore vibrant Dublin, see the iconic Blarney Stone, and admire the natural beauty of the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.

Unforgettable Experiences

Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle
Step into the realms of Irish folklore and mythology as we explore the magnificent Blarney Castle.
Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher
Sail into the wild Atlantic to view the Cliffs of Moher towering over the rugged West Clare coast.
Jaunting Car ride to Ross Castle
Jaunting Car ride to Ross Castle
Journey on Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport with a delightful Jaunting Car ride to the historic Ross Castle.
Irish Entertainment
Irish Entertainment
Experience an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish entertainment and savour delicious local cuisine.
Whiskey Tasting at Jameson Midleton Distillery
Whiskey Tasting at Jameson Midleton Distillery
Enjoy a tasting session at the prestigious Jameson Midleton Distillery, where some of the finest Irish whiskeys are made.
EPIC Museum, Dublin
EPIC Museum, Dublin
Explore lively Dublin, with an exclusive tour of the EPIC Museum and learn to pull the perfect pint at the Guinness Factory.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Lively Dublin

Our holiday begins this afternoon as we meet in Holyhead. From here we board the ferry to Dublin, where we spend the night at a hotel just outside the vibrant capital city. After checking in this evening, enjoy a welcome drink before dinner.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Cosmopolitan Cork and a taste of Ireland at the Jameson Midleton Distillery

This morning, our coach takes us into Dublin for the train to Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. We then head to the Jameson Midleton Distillery to enjoy an authentic taste of Ireland with a tour and whiskey tasting.

After lunch, we explore Cork on a guided tour which includes a visit to Cork City Gaol. Part of the city's heritage, this magnificent building looks like a castle and once housed 19th-century prisoners. Once we've discovered more of Cork's history and architecture, we check into our hotel ahead of dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Legendary Blarney Castle and bustling Killarney

Our coach takes us to Blarney Castle today, on arrival we have free time to explore the castle. One of Ireland's greatest and most well-known treasures, the impressive castle was built in 1446and there's time after the tour to explore its grounds and gardens at leisure.

Our next stop is Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre, a 200-year-oldcottage and traditional farm. We're guided around and shown the simple country lifestyle of rural Ireland before sitting down to afternoon tea and scones followed by a moonshine tasting.

We check into our hotel in Killarney ahead of dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Dramatic landscapes at The Ring of Kerry

After breakfast, we enjoy a ride on a traditional Killarney mode of transport -a Jaunting Car, before a tour of Ross Castle. This historic fortress sits on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park and we explore its stone walls and picturesque surroundings.

We then have a chance to soak up the dramatic beauty of Ireland on a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry. We're joined on the coach by an expert guide who narrates the area of tumultuous sea, windswept cliffs and mountains. Along the way, we see Torc Waterfall - a natural wonder, the breathtaking Moll's Gap, and Ladies View - a vantage point with amazing views.

For dinner this evening, we head to Muckross House for an Irish Night in Quills farmhouse with traditional food and entertainment.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - The magnificent Cliffs of Moher

We spend this morning visiting Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum today. The exhibition is in the lovely village of Foynes, where Irish Coffee was invented and we can enjoy a cup of the traditional drink while here.

We then board the ferry to Clare, on the far west coast of Ireland. After disembarking the ferry, our coach takes us to the village of Doolin where we experience a boat trip into the wild Atlantic Ocean to view the mighty Cliffs of Moher from below. Ireland's most iconic natural attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark, the area is made up of towering cliffs that rise up out of the sea as waves crash against the jagged rocks below.

Our hotel tonight is in Galway where we arrive in time for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Stunning Kylemore Abbey and the historic Connemara Railway

We start our day with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a spectacular waterside Benedictine nunnery. Originally built in 1867, the abbey is surrounded by dramatic mountains and lakes. After exploring the abbey, we board the Connemara Railway to the coastal town of Clifden and back.

This heritage railway takes us on a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes of western Ireland. During the nostalgic journey, we indulge in tea and scones on the dining train as we pass by wonderful countryside, rolling hills, and along the rugged Atlantic coastline.

The rest of your day is at leisure in Galway. You could stroll along the picturesque promenade of Salthill, join the coach into the centre and experience the bustling Latin Quarter, or explore the Galway City Museum. This evening there are plenty of traditional pubs and award-winning restaurants where you could enjoy dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Discovering dynamic Dublin

This morning we journey by rail from the rugged beauty of the West Coast returning to the vibrant cityscape of Dublin. On a coach tour of Dublin, we enjoy panoramic views from the windows of iconic landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle.

Once we've checked into your hotel after the tour, you're at leisure for the rest of the day to explore more of Dublin's history, culture, and lively atmosphere.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 – Exploring the buzzing streets of Dublin and an exciting Guinness Factory tour

Our day begins with a private, pre-opening tour of EPIC The Irish Emigration museum, where we discover how the Irish have helped shape the world. A guided walking tour of Dublin is next, and we see historic architecture and famous areas of the city like the bustling Temple Bar.

This afternoon, we visit the Guinness Factory & Museum. After savouring the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of Guinness, we learn how to pour the perfect pint. For dinner, we head to one of the best traditional pubs in Dublin for an evening of Irish song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality local food - the perfect way to end our explorations of Ireland.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, our holiday comes to an end. We return to Holyhead by ferry, where we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

The Metropole Hotel, Cork

The Metropole Hotel, Cork

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Castleknock Hotel, Dublin

Castleknock Hotel, Dublin

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The Camden Court Hotel

The Camden Court Hotel, Dublin

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Ardilaun Hotel, Galway

Ardilaun Hotel, Galway

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Trains

Irish Railways
The Connemara Railway

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK rail to and from Holyhead

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 44 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (17)
  2. 4 stars
    (19)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (4)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

PHILIP ROUND

4 stars

Submitted 1/Jul

A very full on tour giving the opportunity to see a large part of the west of Ireland.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ileen Fisher

4 stars

Submitted 25/Jun

Enjoyable cross section of the wonderful landscapes with varied and interesting trips and activities giving an insight into the culture and history of the area. Very welcoming Irish folk at every stage with the addition of a great Tour Manager and entertaining and competent coach drivers and local guides.

Collected by Trustpilot

Clive Thomas

5 stars

Submitted 5/Jun

Well organised, excursions varied and interesting. Hotels excellent quality. Tour guides also excellent. Would not hesitate to recommend holiday with Great Train Journeys.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Clive, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your lovely comments. We can't wait to see you again in the future! Sophie
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

LOUISE MINIHAN SANSOM

3 stars

Submitted 5/Jun

We had no idea this vacation would be mostly by bus. We would not have signed up for it. At times it was exhausting, lugging our luggage on and off the bus into the hotels almost everyday. We feel that fewer meals should have been in the hotels. The food was anything but good. The Ardilaun hotel, not only was the food AWFUL, the staff was more than rude. Our guide, Alan and driver, Donald were fabulous. It was a great bunch of people, I believe everyone was on the same page. We are interested in the Venice to Sicily trip, but will not do it on a bus! Would love to be promised its not.

Collected by Trustpilot

Diane Camden

5 stars

Submitted 21/May

Very well managed, accommodations great, guide was wonderful

Collected by Trustpilot

Joseph Gates

5 stars

Submitted 21/May

Travel with Vacations by Rail allowed us to see and experience places that we would have never see without their knowledge and modes of transportation. The pace was perfect for our physical ability. The tour guide, Alan Rome, was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the trip. I would definitely recommend Vacations by Rail for anyone's travel excursions and hope to take another trip with them soon

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