Price: $3,621 CAD
Departure date: January 5, 2026
Return date: January 11, 2026
Savings: $362
This 7-day locally hosted Ireland trip sets out early by rail from Dublin, taking you to Cork, Blarney, and continues by motor coach to the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and from Galway, rejoin the railway to Belfast. Enjoy an excursion to the Giant’s Causeway before returning to the capital.
Photo: Blarney Castle in Ireland
Inclusions:
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Killarney
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Galway
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Dublin
- Round-trip rail travel from Dublin
- Reserved seats on the train
- English-speaking host throughout
- Escorted coach travel where applicable
- Visitor Attraction Admissions to:
- *Blarney Castle and Garden
- *Cóbh Heritage Centre
- *The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
- *Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
- *Dún Aonghasa
- *The Giant's Causeway
- - Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1)
Itinerary details:
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh
Check in for the 7:00am departure from Dublin Heuston Station. Arrive 20 minutes early and meet your representative at the Customer Service Desk (look for a yellow jacket). Dublin Heuston, opened in 1844, is now the principal station of Ireland’s national railway. As the train heads southwest, you’ll pass Inchicore, Dublin’s western suburbs, and the lush countryside of County Kildare, known for stud farms and the famous Curragh racecourse—home of the Irish Derby. You may spot horses exercising in the early morning. The Curragh also houses Ireland’s army headquarters. You’ll pass Newbridge (known for Silverware), Kildare town, and its 13th-century St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Continuing through Counties Laois and Tipperary, notable sights include Loughmoe Castle. Stops include Portlaoise, Thurles, and Limerick Junction (stay onboard here for the Cork, Blarney Castle & Cobh tour). The final stop before Cork is Mallow, arriving in Cork Kent Station by 09:35. Transfer by coach to Blarney Castle (1446) to explore the grounds, kiss the Blarney Stone, and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping—this is your best opportunity for a full meal. Continue to Cobh, visiting St. Colman’s Cathedral and the restored Victorian railway station, now the Cobh Heritage Centre. Learn about Irish emigration and the Great Famine; 3 million emigrants departed from here, including Annie Moore. Depart Cobh by train to Killarney, where you’ll have a free evening to enjoy local food, pubs, and traditional music.
Photo: Cork city scenery, Ireland
Day 2: Ring of Kerry Tour
Enjoy your Full Irish Breakfast at leisure before departing on your Ring of Kerry tour. There are plenty of stops along the Ring of Kerry for morning tea, lunch and photo stops etc. Ireland's highest mountains are located in Kerry and Carrauntouhil, which can be seen en route, is the highest, standing at 1041 meters. We will make a stop at the Kerry Bog Village Museum, which gives people an insight into how people lived and worked in rural Ireland in the 18th century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe. Later on the approach to Waterville there are views (weather permitting) of the Skellig Rocks (islands), where Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' was recently filmed. We will make several photo stops, a stop for lunch and one final stop at the pretty village of Sneem, for about 30 minutes, or as directed by your tour leader. An essential part of any visit to Ireland, this tour circles the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks and runs through its many passes and valleys along the shores of Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay. There is an unspoilt nature to Ireland's most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and returns via Ladies View, the famous Lakes of Killarney and through the Oakwoods of Killarney's magnificent National Park. At the end of the tour you will be brought to Killarney for your second night. Accommodation at the Scotts Hotel with Breakfast.
Day 3: Limerick to Cliffs of Moher and Galway
Enjoy a Full Irish Breakfast at leisure. At 7:30am, depart Killarney by road for Limerick to join the Bunratty Castle & Cliffs of Moher tour. In Limerick, enjoy a brief city tour, crossing the River Shannon with views of King John’s Castle. You’ll also pass notable sporting venues and learn about famous locals such as author Frank McCourt. Continue to Bunratty Castle (built 1425) and its Folk Park, with free time to explore. Travel onward to County Clare with a lunch stop at O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin, then visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, among Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Journey along the scenic coast road through the Burren National Park—an otherworldly limestone landscape known for rare flora—pausing for photo opportunities. Continue via Black Head and the villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara before heading to Galway. The coach will drop you at Eyre Square beside your hotel and the railway station. Enjoy a free evening in Galway. Overnight at The Hardiman Hotel, including breakfast
Photo: Ross Castle in the Killarney National Park in Ireland
Day 4: The Aran Islands tour by Ferry
Enjoy a Full Irish Breakfast at leisure. At 7:30am, depart Killarney by road to Limerick and join your Rail tours Ireland coach. After a brief city tour—passing King John’s Castle, the River Shannon, and key sporting venues—continue to Bunratty Castle (1425) and its Folk Park, with free time to explore. Travel on to County Clare, stopping for lunch at O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin, before visiting the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, among Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Your guide will advise departure times. Continue along the scenic coast road through the Burren National Park, known for its unique limestone landscape and rare flora, with photo stops along the way. Pass Black Head and the villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara before heading to Galway. The coach will drop you at Eyre Square, beside your hotel and the railway station. Enjoy a free evening in Galway. Overnight at The Hardiman Hotel, with breakfast
Day 5: Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
Enjoy a Full Irish Breakfast at leisure, then depart Galway for a transfer to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Irish is the primary language here, though locals are happy to speak English. Highlights include the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched above spectacular Atlantic cliffs. Your tour includes stops at the Seven Churches (15 min), Dún Aonghasa (75 min), and Kilronan for lunch (45 min). Transfer times may vary seasonally. After the tour, return to Galway Station. Present your Railtours Ireland ticket at the barrier and follow directions to your reserved seats, where your host will meet you. Depart Galway at 19:20 and arrive back at Dublin Heuston at 21:45. Note: Depending on departure day, Day 4 and Day 5 tours may be reversed. Overnight at The Gibson Hotel, with breakfast.
Photo: Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
Day 6: Giants Causeway
Giants Causeway and Carrick -a-Rede Rope Bridge hide
Check in for the 6:50am departure from Dublin Connolly Station. Arrive 20 minutes early and meet your representative at the Customer Service Desk (yellow jacket). Arrive in Belfast at 9:00am and join your tour coach to travel along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route on Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast. You’ll pass landmarks like the Harland & Wolff cranes, and coastal villages including Glenariff, Cushendall, and Cushendun, with sea views and glimpses of the Scottish coast on clear days. Enjoy a pub-style lunch at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy before visiting the tour highlight—Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the unique basalt columns, take photos, and learn about the stories behind this iconic attraction. Continue along the coast for a short stop at the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle. Return to Belfast and travel back to Dublin, arriving at Connolly Station at 20:15. Overnight at The Gibson Hotel, with breakfast.
Day 7: Depart from Dublin
Time to say goodbye! There are no more touring arrangements today. Consider staying on in Dublin or make your way to the airport for your onward journey with Breakfast.
