The 15 Best Rail Tours in Ireland

1.Northern Ireland Including Giant’s Causeway Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 325 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $194Our pick

Take an early train from Dublin Connolly Station toward Belfast, then continue by coach along Northern Ireland’s coast to Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway. Guides such as Ian, Joe, and Patrick add local stories, while the long day includes photo stops, changing vehicles, and limited time at major sights.

“It was a nice tour of the Irish country with some beautiful view points for photographs and exploration.”

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2.Sustainable Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 277 reviews · 15 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $194

Travel from Dublin to Kerry by reserved train, then circle the Ring of Kerry by coach with a local driver-guide. Expect MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Carrantuohill, Dingle Bay, Ladies View, Killarney National Park, sheepdog demonstrations, and photo stops. Guides such as Paddy, John, Ian, and Bat may accompany the group, depending on the day.

“Full day guided tour of Ring of Kerry (13 hours). Start with train from Dublin Hueston rail station to Killarney and guided bus tour of Ring of Kerry from Killarney. We were accompanied by Ian during the train ride and he stayed with us during the bus tour as well. Ian was very helpful, friendly, and informative. The bus driver related information and stories during the Ring of Kerry tour. We saw many beautiful panoramic views of Ring of Kerry during the tour. It was misty and raining at times which created a mystical feeling and we even saw beautiful rainbows. A highlight was viewing demonstration of sheep dog herding…”

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3.3-Day Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, & Cliffs of Moher Rail tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $1,254

Travel from Dublin by rail and coach with reserved train seats, local guides, two nights in Killarney, and full Irish breakfasts. You’ll visit Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Guides such as John, Norman, Bob, and Bryan have been praised for lively storytelling and careful organization.

“Country was beautiful, pub food was very good, Celtic Steps show was amazing. Tour guide was very impatient and sharp with passengers. His storytelling was very informative. The first day we got out of the bus and walked for places, u could not hear his comments. With 42 people u need listening devices. All in all it was enjoyable.”

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4.Rail Tour: The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 122 reviews · from $158

Travel from Dublin to Limerick by reserved InterCity train, then explore Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway Bay, and Galway by coach. English-speaking guides such as Norman, John, David, and Andy add stories and local color. It is a full 1-day outing, returning to Dublin around 9:00 PM.

“Excellent trip, be prepared for a long day, with lots of travel. Trip between travel and site stops, very well balanced. Can't say enough about how Johnathan made it very interesting.”

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5.Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 106 reviews · from $158

Take a 7:00 train from Dublin Heuston to Killarney, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach with an English-speaking guide. Expect Dingle Bay, Carrauntoohil, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, the Lakes of Killarney, and frequent photo stops before returning to Dublin at 21:15. Guides have included John and Andrew Roche.

“Long day, but our guide John was great! He met us at Houston Station and was with us the entire day back to Dublin, even helping us navigate our way to the LUAS tram so we could safely get back to our hotels. The weather for the trip wasn’t ideal, but it was still absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed it all. One last thing I’ll say- we’ve been on quite a few tours before. Oftentimes it involves a guide stopping, letting you out to explore while he goes and grabs a cuppa or pint. Not John. He was with us, showing and talking with us on the history, famous citizens…”

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6.Aran Islands Scenic Flight and Galway Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 102 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $247

Take a reserved-seat train from Dublin to Galway, transfer to Connemara Airport, and fly about 8 to 10 minutes to Inis Mór. A local island bus visits the Seven Churches, Dún Aonghasa, Kilronan, and Aran sweater shops. You also get free time in Galway before the evening train back.

“Out of the 5 days that I stayed in Ireland this by far was the best day of my entire trip. Got to experience a scenic route via train and a private plane, not to mention the hike as well as ample amount of time in Galway. I would highly recommend this to anyone that travels.”

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7.Sustainable Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 54 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $193

You travel from Dublin Heuston to Galway by reserved train, then join a driver-guide for Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden, Galway Bay, and coastal villages. Guides such as Frank, Darren, Martin, and Michael have led individual departures, though names vary. Expect about 14 hours, a group of up to 53, and lunch at your own cost.

“This was the best tour though I would have liked it better with actual time in Galway. It did get a little confusing with the return trip because of the races. We had to take a bus and the drivers seemed very confused bout loading up the train orphans and it got tense especially in the rain. But otherwise the trip was very nice. Least amount of on and off hassles.”

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8.4-Day Cork, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway Bay Rail Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 48 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,743

Travel from Dublin to Ireland’s west coast by hosted train and coach, with three nights in Killarney. Visit Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway Bay. Expect changing guides, scenic drives, reserved rail seats and either B&B or upgraded hotel lodging.

“I booked this 4 day tour and once I read reviews, I called Railtours directly to ask to have an intown hotel, because some of the B& B's are a little out of town and require walking to get anywhere in town. Apparently if you book thru Viator, you get the B&B's. If you book directly through Railtours, they put you in the nicer hotel which is in the center of town. in addition, I was advised by someone that booked directly that you also get breakfast on board the train included. This is available to all passengers, but you have to pay on board. The B&B we stayed at…”

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9.6-day All Ireland & Northern Ireland Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 37 reviews · 6 days (approx.) · from $2,662

Travel from Dublin through Cork, Killarney, Galway, Connemara, Inis Mór, and Belfast by train, coach, and ferry. Your host handles the connections, five breakfasts, hotels, major admissions, and day tours. Expect long days, groups of up to 53, and standout stops such as Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, and Titanic Belfast.

“Your guide Brendon is awesome. Great experience Very informative great hotels and food stops good vans and buses”

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10.2-Day Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 30 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $610

Travel from Dublin by train and coach to Limerick, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, and Connemara. You sleep one night in central Galway, with breakfast included. Guides such as Seamus and Bob have led departures, while the small group size can reach 10 people.

“Cliffs of Moher is great but the travel time from Dublin is quite long. Don't want to make it a day trip so choose to stay at Galway and go Connemara the next day. Arrangement of Railtour is seamless and Galway is a lovely city, But Connemara isn't really impressive.”

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11.2-Day ‘Game of Thrones’ Rail Tour from Dublin Incl. Belfast and Giant’s Causeway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $625

Travel by train from Dublin to Belfast, explore the city by hop-on hop-off bus, visit Titanic Belfast, then tour Northern Ireland filming sites with guides such as Derek or Derrick. The second day includes Cushendun Caves, Dark Hedges, Ballintoy, Giant’s Causeway, and a return to Dublin. Hotel and breakfast are included.

“Tour was outstanding. Derek our tour guide was so entertaining and knowledgeable. He actually showed us clips from the show taken in the locations we were brought to.”

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12.2-Day Northern Ireland Rail Tour: Belfast, Antrim Coast, and Giant’s Causeway

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $506

Travel by rail from Dublin to Belfast, stay one night near Great Victoria Street, and spend the next day touring the Antrim Coast by coach. Guides such as Sean, Patrick, John, and Paul help with connections, local stories, and timing. Expect spectacular scenery, brisk walking, changeable weather, and limited free time in Belfast.

“Our entire experience on the 2-Day Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin was exceptional! Traveling between Dublin and Belfast was interesting and informative, thanks to the people who accompanied us, and the Giant's Causeway was amazing!”

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13.2-Day Rail Tour: Galway, Cliffs of Moher & Medieval banquet in Bunratty Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $89Best value

Travel from Dublin to Western Ireland by train and coach, with free time in Galway, a night in 4-star Bunratty accommodation, a four-course medieval banquet, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway Bay. Guides such as Brendan, Sally, and Sean help with each leg, though handoffs require attention.

“It was a great tour and we had a wonderful time. The hotel in Bunratty was just great! We would just have liked a bit more time to tour the castle, there's so much to see on the grounds that we felt short of time, otherwise it was a very comprehensive tour.”

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14.2-Day Killarney and Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $558

Take a rail-and-coach journey from Dublin to Killarney, with an overnight stay, breakfast, and a full-day Ring of Kerry drive. Expect mountain views at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, a stop at Kerry Bog Village, and guides such as Norman, John, Bryan, or Peter Cuffe depending on the departure.

“We started our tour with Joe - whose job was to meet us at the train in Dublin, ride with us and make sure we made it to our hotel safely. The tour set us up at the Killarney Avenue Hotel and it was wonderful! We walked around, grabbed a bite to eat and continued exploring. The following day we linked up with Bryan, who took us on our tour of the Ring of Kerry and various stops along the way. The entire time he shared the rich history of the region and was safe and punctual. Afterwards, we were dropped off at the train station where Joe was there…”

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15.6-Day All of Ireland Rail Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 15 reviews · 6 days · from $2,353

This six-day Railtours Ireland trip links Ireland’s major sights by train, coach, and ferry. You’ll visit Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Belfast. Guides such as Brendan add useful history, though the pace is brisk and the daily groups change.

“Great value and wonderful way to explore a new country. If you're a seasoned solo traveler backpack this isn't your trip. With minimal train experience we appreciated the level of service and travel guides. Well worth the time and expense.”

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