See the Republic of Ireland by Train
Holiday Highlights
- Free time in Dublin, Galway, Limerick & Cork
- Reminisce at the West Clare Railway & Foynes Flying Boat Museum
- Visits to Vandeleur Walled Garden & Blennerville Windmill
- Experience an unusual form of rail travel at the Lartigue Monorail
- Tour the attractive Dingle Peninsula
- Opportunity to venture further afield by rail with your 5 in 15 Day Explorer Pass (3 of 5 days can be used during free time)
As a specialist rail tour operator Ffestiniog Travel is an expert in the national rail networks of countries around the world, advising on rail routes and booking train tickets on a day-today basis. The Republic of Ireland is one country in particular which boasts an efficient rail service that offers a simple, convenient and comfortable way to travel around this beautiful country. Iarnród Éireann provides excellent rail transport no matter where you are travelling to in Eire. We have escorted tours to the ‘Emerald Isle’ for many years using the country’s regional Intercity service, arranging ferry crossings, group rail bookings, accommodation and bus and coach transport for sightseeing tours en route.
If your family or group is interested in experiencing the famous warm hospitality of the Irish and would like to visit a specific place or explore different areas of Eire and its cities and landmarks then we can create a bespoke rail tour for you. Below is an example of a tour we have run in the past that can be adapted according to requirements. Click on the Request a Quote button for more information or contact us via email at
This 10-day circular rail tour explores the “Emerald Isle” by Iarnród Éireann's modern fleet of trains. Indulge in steam and nostalgia at the West Clare Railway, experience a unique form of rail travel at Lartigue Monorail and visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Holyhead to Dublin
You meet at Holyhead for the afternoon ferry to Dublin. The Irish ferry port is located on the outskirts of Dublin so transportation will be waiting to take you to your central hotel for a 2-night stay.
Day 2 – Discover Dublin
A whole day to explore this lively, cultural city and the many attractions it has to offer. Why not visit St Patrick's Cathedral, view the Book of Kells at Trinity College or tour the Guinness Storehouse?
Day 3 – Head West to Galway
Journey by train through the centre of Ireland to Galway for a 1-night stay. As you approach Galway the coastal stretch along Galway Bay affords views as far as the hills of the Burren on a clear day. Arriving at lunchtime gives you the opportunity to visit Galway's famous bustling street market.
Day 4 – West Clare Railway
You travel south to Ennis before a road transfer takes you to Moyasta Junction, headquarters of the West Clare Railway. Here you can immerse yourselves in steam, nostalgia and times past. Later, you continue on to Limerick for a 2-night stay, stopping off en route at the enchanting Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush.
Day 5 – Limerick at Leisure
Limerick is a vibrant riverside city with a rich medieval past. Discover the city's most iconic landmark, King John's Castle, view an internationally important collection of art and artefacts at the Hunt Museum or have a leisurely stroll through the award winning People's Park.
Day 6 – Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Your private transport takes you by road to Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum this morning, where there is something for everyone. Both are dedicated to preserving and telling the story of the pioneering days of aviation and passenger travel across the North Atlantic; the story of the creation of Irish Coffee, and the rich maritime history of the River Shannon and the Port of Foynes. This afternoon, you call at Lartigue Monorail in Listowel on your way to Tralee for a 1-night stay.
Day 7 – Dingle Peninsula
A private tour of the scenic Dingle Peninsula by road this morning en route to Killarney to catch the train to Cork via Mallow. Following in the tracks of the old Tralee & Dingle Railway, you stop off at the quaint town of Dingle and call at Blennerville Windmill en route. You have a 2-night stay in Cork.
Day 8 – Cork City
At leisure in Cork where there is plenty to see and do. The compact city centre is set on an island in the River Lee, surrounded by interesting waterways and packed with grand Georgian avenues, cramped 17th Century alleys and modern masterpieces such as the opera house.
Day 9 – Via Waterford to Dublin
By rail to Limerick Junction – a most eccentric railway station – where you change for the cross country route to Waterford. There is time for lunch before you board the afternoon train back to Dublin.
Day 10 – Ferry to Holyhead
A private transfer this morning to Dublin Ferry Port for a morning sailing to Holyhead.
Selected Hotels
Ashling Hotel, Dublin
The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway
Clayton Hotel, Limerick
The Rose Hotel, Tralee
Jurys Inn, Cork
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Return ferry journey from Holyhead to Dublin
- Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed & breakfast basis
- Rail tickets on days 3 & 4
- 5 in 15 Day Explorer Pass
- Excursions as listed on days 4, 6 & 7
- All road journeys listed by private transport
- Price available upon request
24/7 Support
Ffestiniog Travel provides 'out of hours' support for all independent travellers in the event of an emergency.
