Top 6 Rail Experiences in Ireland

1.Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle & Cóbh Heritage Centre by train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 510 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

Start at Dublin Heuston at 7am for a full day by rail and coach. Visit Blarney Castle and its gardens, kiss the Blarney Stone, enjoy lunch in the village, then explore Cobh’s Queenstown Story Heritage Centre. Guides such as Norman, Paul, John, and Peter are praised for clear commentary, though rail delays can make this a very long day.

“It was excellent. Taking the train out of Dublin was a great way to see the countryside. Our tour guide Norman was excellent. While on the train ride, he told us more details about what we would be seeing and doing for the day. Along the way he pointed out sights and particular places that we would be passing and might want to take a picture of. He was very friendly and knowledgeable and really made the tour a great experience!”

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

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

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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3.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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4.3-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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5.Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · from $16Best value

Explore Oakfield Park independently, then ride its diesel-powered miniature train through flower meadows, woodlands, willow tunnels, lakes, and gardens. Allow about three hours for the 4.5 km railway, walled gardens, maze, sculptures, ponds, and walking trails. The mobile ticket combines park entry with the train ride.

“Buffers restaurant was delightful. The park itself is a very peaceful place and well manicured.”

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6.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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