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

The 6-day All Ireland & Northern Ireland Rail Tour from Dublin offers a comprehensive and comfortable way to explore Ireland’s most celebrated sights. Priced at $2,403.98 per person, this tour includes return rail tickets, reserved seatings, accommodations, select meals, and admission to key attractions. Departing early from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the tour travels across Ireland and Northern Ireland using rail, coach, and ferry, making for a smooth and stress-free experience. While some review comments suggest the tour might feel long or overpriced for certain travelers, its strength lies in the expert guides, carefully planned itinerary, and all-inclusive nature suited for those eager to see a wide range of sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an organized, in-depth journey through Ireland’s highlights. The tour’s appeal is confidently backed by its average booking 84 days in advance and its high overall rating of 4.0/5 based on 32 reviews. It offers a balance of stunning scenery, historic sites, and cultural experiences, all with the convenience of group discounts and a mobile ticket option.

Key Points

• All-inclusive six-day itinerary covering major Irish sights with accommodations and select meals included.
• Travel in comfort via reserved train seats, coach, and ferry, with visitor attraction admissions included.
• Visit iconic locations like Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, and Aran Islands.
• The tour departs early from Dublin Heuston Station and arrives back around 10:15 pm on the last day.
• Designed for travelers who prefer organized tours with expert guides and pre-arranged logistics.
• Some reviewers note the long days and consider the price, but many praise the knowledgeability of guides and quality of hotels.

Exploring the Blarney Castle & Gardens

The tour begins in Cork, where the highlight is the famous Blarney Castle. Guests have time to kiss the Blarney Stone, which is believed to grant the gift of eloquence, and enjoy some shopping and lunch nearby. The visit to Blarney is a key highlight, blending historic charm with fun tradition. The admission ticket is included, ensuring easy access to the castle and gardens.

Following Blarney, the journey continues to Cóbh, where guests explore St. Colman’s Cathedral and the Cóbh Heritage Centre. The latter hosts the Queenstown Story, revealing stories of the Irish Famine and emigration. The transit by train from Cóbh to Killarney offers scenic views along the way, culminating in a lively evening in Killarney town with live Irish music and plenty of dining options.

The Spectacular Ring of Kerry

Day 2 features the renowned Ring of Kerry, starting at 09:45 from Killarney. This 7-hour tour loops through MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains, including Carrantuohill, towering 1041 meters. The route passes through quaint villages, lakes, and coastal vistas, offering abundant photo opportunities. Stops for tea, lunch, and scenic views are built into the day, making it a memorable highlight for nature lovers.

The ring’s scenic mix of mountains, lakes, and coastline is carefully curated for those wanting classic Irish landscapes. The guide leads guests through this breathtaking route, with plenty of time to appreciate the distant sea views and lush valleys. The tour is admission-free, focusing on the natural beauty rather than entry fees.

Visiting Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher

Day 3 combines history with dramatic coastal scenery. The journey starts early, with a stop at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Limerick. The restored 15th-century castle is surrounded by a historic village reconstructed from regional buildings, offering a hands-on glimpse of Irish life in past centuries.

Next, the Cliffs of Moher take center stage. Guests enjoy about two hours at one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, known for towering sea cliffs and sweeping views. A lunch stop in Doolin precedes the visit, providing a chance to sample local fare. The day ends with a scenic drive through The Burren, a unique rocky landscape teeming with diverse flora, before arriving in Galway in the late afternoon.

Kylemore Abbey and the Galway Bay Coast

Day 4 focuses on Connemara’s scenic beauty. The tour visits Kylemore Abbey, a historic castle-turned-monastery with stunning gardens and pottery shop. The lunch stop here offers a chance to enjoy local cuisine in a picturesque setting.

The journey back to Galway takes guests along the Galway Bay shoreline, passing through Gaeltacht villages like Inverin and Spiddal. The views of the Burren and Clare hills along the coast enhance the day’s scenic richness. This day combines cultural sights with beautiful landscapes that capture the essence of Irish rural life.

Exploring Inis Mór on the Aran Islands

Day 5 ventures out to the Aran Islands, with a ferry transfer to Inis Mór. The largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór is famous for its ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghusa, the Seven Churches, and Kilronan village. A 4-hour tour includes stops at these historic sites, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past.

Visitors have a window of around 20 minutes to explore the village of Kilronan before the tour departs. The tour includes walking around stone forts and church ruins, with lunch in Kilronan. While the admission to the sites is not included, the well-organized schedule makes this an enriching experience.

The Causeway Coast & Giant’s Causeway

The final day explores Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline. The tour starts with a 09:08 am arrival at Belfast Central Station, followed by a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route. Highlights include Glenariff, Cushendall, and Cushendun, with spectacular views over the sea and mountains.

A lunch stop at Ballintoy’s Fullerton Arms provides a hearty meal before heading to Dunluce Castle for a quick photo. The day’s pièce de résistance is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring about 40,000 basalt columns formed during a volcanic eruption. Guests spend around two hours exploring this natural wonder before returning to Belfast.

Practical Logistics and Group Experience

This group tour accommodates up to 53 travelers, with reserved seats on trains and escorted coach transportation. The meeting point is at Dublin Heuston Station, with the tour ending at Dublin Connolly Station around 10:15 pm. The tour’s host remains with participants throughout, providing guidance and commentary at each stop.

Accommodation is included for all nights, with breakfasts served during the stay. Select meals are also covered, though meals are not included on the entire trip, giving flexibility for personal dining choices. The mobile ticket option adds convenience for participants.

Tour Ratings, Reviews, and Considerations

While the overall rating is 4.0/5 based on 32 reviews, some comments point out that the tour can feel long and pricey. Critics mention that the length of each day and the cost may not suit everyone, especially if looking for a more relaxed pace. Nonetheless, many reviewers praise the knowledge of guides, hotel quality, and scenic diversity.

The guides are noted for being informative and personable, which enhances the overall experience. The hotels are generally described as beautiful, well-located, and clean. Reviewers also highlight the delicious food stops and the overall organization of the trip.

Final Thoughts on the 6-day All Ireland & Northern Ireland Rail Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive and well-organized way to see Ireland’s key sights, from historic castles and breathtaking coastlines to ancient sites and natural wonders. The inclusion of accommodations, admissions, and transport makes it a convenient choice for travelers wanting a worry-free experience.

The main limitations are the long days and the cost, which might not appeal to travelers seeking a more flexible or budget-friendly trip. However, for those eager to cover a lot of ground in a short time with the comfort of guided logistics, this tour offers a reliable and enriching journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, return rail tickets, coach, and ferry transfers are included, along with reserved seats on the train.

What locations do I visit on this tour?
You visit Cork, Killarney, Limerick, Galway, the Aran Islands, Belfast, and many scenic spots like Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, and the Causeway Coast.

Are meals included?
Accommodation and select meals are included, but not all meals. Guests can enjoy local dining options at various stops.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 days, departing early in the morning and returning around 10:15 pm on the final day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 16 cannot book independently and must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people typically book this tour?
It is designed for groups of up to 53 travelers.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
It holds a 4.0/5 rating based on 32 reviews, with many praising the guides and scenery, but some noting the long days and price.

Do I need to prepare for physical activity?
Most stops involve walking, especially at sites like Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands, so a moderate level of mobility is recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days in advance for a full refund.

What is the supplier’s contact information?
Railtours Ireland First Class can be reached at +35318560045 or [email protected] for additional questions.