Top 15 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.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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6.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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7.Cork and Blarney Castle Visit from Cobh by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 106 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $122

This 6.5-hour excursion combines a scenic train ride from Cobh with coach travel to Blarney Castle and a guided look at Cork. You’ll have time for the castle, gardens, lunch, shopping, the English Market, and St Colman’s Cathedral. Guides such as Andrew and Arthur are praised for clear local history and practical help.

“Andrew was a wonderful host and so funny! He was informative and personable. Ellie was an impressive driver. I couldn’t believe how she was able to get that big bus in and out of places and we always felt safe. The stops gave us ample time and I never felt rushed which is why I usually don’t like guided tours.”

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8.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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9.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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10.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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11.4-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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12.6-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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13.2-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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14.2-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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15.2-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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