Ireland by Rail
Travel by rail to Dublin, Galway & Limerick
Enjoy scenic views of the Irish countryside as you travel from destination to destination by Irish Rail with this 6- or 7-night package! Discover ancient fortresses, peruse markets and take part in the Irish Craic on this vacation to Dublin, Galway and Limerick.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel or similar
- Dublin 48 hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass
- One way rail fare from Dublin to Galway
- 2 nights in Galway at the Hardiman Hotel, or similar
- One way rail fare from Galway to Limerick
- 2 nights in Limerick at the Limerick Strand Hotel or similar
- Admission to King John’s Castle
- Private transfer from Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport
- Breakfast Daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Experience the famed nightlife of Dublin's Temple Bar district!
- Don’t want to drive in Ireland? The Irish Rail is modern, comfortable and a convenient way to travel.
-
Enjoy a pint of Guinness in Dublin, where even the pipes are optimized to enhance the stout's flavor.
-
Discover viking ruins and ancient fortresses!
-
Treat yourself to a performance in Gaelic in Galway's National Irish Language Theater.
The Emerald Isle awaits! Arrive in in Ireland and enjoy your first 2 nights in Dublin. Use your included Hop-on/Hop-off Pass to explore all this lively capital has to offer. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.
Travel on the Irish Rail from Heuston Station in Dublin to Galway next. The Irish Rail is very accommodating and it is the perfect way to travel to ensure you arrive ready to explore your next destination! In Galway, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and visit St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and Galway Cathedral.
Next, take the train from Galway to your last stop, Limerick. Discover Arthur’s Quay Park and The Treaty Stone, then visit King John’s Castle with your included admission. Limerick has gorgeous scenery paired with a colorful city atmosphere - you will have the best of both worlds.
Finally, you will enjoy a convenient private transfer from your Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport for your returning flight home.
*VERY IMPORTANT: The Irish Rail vouchers must be printed out prior to your travel time. You will take the printed out vouchers to the booking office at each station you depart from (Heuston Station in Dublin, and Ceannt Station in Galway) and will be given an actual rail ticket. The vouchers may ONLY be exchanged at the booking office.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Admission to 3 of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle & Christ Church Cathedral!
- An arrival airport transfer.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel or similar
- Dublin 48 hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass
- One way rail fare from Dublin to Galway
- 2 nights in Galway at the Hardiman Hotel, or similar
- One way rail fare from Galway to Limerick
- 2 nights in Limerick at the Limerick Strand Hotel or similar
- Admission to King John’s Castle
- Private transfer from Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport
- Breakfast Daily
-
Experience the famed nightlife of Dublin's Temple Bar district!
- Don’t want to drive in Ireland? The Irish Rail is modern, comfortable and a convenient way to travel.
-
Enjoy a pint of Guinness in Dublin, where even the pipes are optimized to enhance the stout's flavor.
-
Discover viking ruins and ancient fortresses!
-
Treat yourself to a performance in Gaelic in Galway's National Irish Language Theater.
The Emerald Isle awaits! Arrive in in Ireland and enjoy your first 2 nights in Dublin. Use your included Hop-on/Hop-off Pass to explore all this lively capital has to offer. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse.
Travel on the Irish Rail from Heuston Station in Dublin to Galway next. The Irish Rail is very accommodating and it is the perfect way to travel to ensure you arrive ready to explore your next destination! In Galway, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and visit St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and Galway Cathedral.
Next, take the train from Galway to your last stop, Limerick. Discover Arthur’s Quay Park and The Treaty Stone, then visit King John’s Castle with your included admission. Limerick has gorgeous scenery paired with a colorful city atmosphere - you will have the best of both worlds.
Finally, you will enjoy a convenient private transfer from your Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport for your returning flight home.
*VERY IMPORTANT: The Irish Rail vouchers must be printed out prior to your travel time. You will take the printed out vouchers to the booking office at each station you depart from (Heuston Station in Dublin, and Ceannt Station in Galway) and will be given an actual rail ticket. The vouchers may ONLY be exchanged at the booking office.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Admission to 3 of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle & Christ Church Cathedral!
- An arrival airport transfer.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive in the vibrant capital city of Dublin! After getting settled in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Consider celebrating your first night in Ireland by treating yourself to a pint of Guinness at Dublin's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which has been operating since 1198!
A Tip For Your Trip: There are a few different ways to get from Dublin Airport to the city center. You can take a taxi which will cost you around 20 Euro, call our Vacation Experts and book a private transfer ahead of time at 1.800.896.4600 or take the bus, the Airlink 747, from the airport directly to Connelly Station for 10 Euro.
The Green is ideally placed in the heart of Dublin City Centre, adjacent to St Stephen’s Green and less than five minutes’ walk from Grafton Street. The hotel boasts 99 guestrooms with air conditioning and complimentary WiFi. Guests at The Green can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The restaurant has a unique bistro and retro style and offers a selection of international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The Green also has 24-hour room service and a gym with the state-of-the-art equipment.
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is a 288 room hotel within walking distance from some of Dublin's top attractions. Located on famed O'Connell Street, the hotel provides modern rooms with excellent amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, and free WiFi. For those seeking a more spacious accommodation, the hotel offers a penthouse suite with incredible city views. Additional hotel amenities include Toddy's Brasserie, which features classic Irish cuisine and beverages, and the Writer's Lounge where guests can enjoy afternoon tea in a classic and sophisticated setting. Take advantage of the hotel's location right near the Abbey Street tram, making the entire city easily accessible throughout your stay.
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.
The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.
The Chancery Hotel in Dublin is a 4-star hotel with a 24-hour front desk to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel features Fawn restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner with something for everyone. There is also an on-site bar for delicious evening cocktails, and a cafe with sweet treats and coffee.
The hotel also has an immersive relaxation area with a whirlpool, Turkish Bath , sauna, and massage shower. Guests also have access to the hotel's 24-hour gym.Â
Guest rooms are bright and spacious with black-out curtains to help guests get a good night sleep. Amenities include a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, air-conditioning, an in-room safe, free Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee maker, and fridge with complimentary water.Â
The Chancery Hotel is close to many attractions in Dublin. Dublin Castle, the Irish Whiskey Museum, Book of Kells, and The Little Museum of Dublin are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Additionally, Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
The Grafton Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in central Dublin. An elegantly designed and contemporary hotel that showcases the charm of the art deco era, The Grafton features a 24-hour front desk to make sure guests' needs are met around the clock. The hotel also features Bartley's Bar and Restaurant for cocktails, lunch, and dinner, as well as Bartley's Coffee Lounge and Terrace where guests can have coffee and pastries or place a to-go order.
Guest rooms are spacious and most have a view of the Dublin skyline. There is a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, and free Wi-Fi is available. Other amenities include a TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, desk, and room service.Â
The hotel is just a short 5-minute walk from Grafton Street - one of Dublin's main shopping streets. Additionally, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green are both within an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Zoo are both within a 15-minute drive, and Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
Day 2. Dublin
Make use of your Hop-On/Hop-Off bus pass and discover the city from the top of an open top double-decker bus. Partake in and learn more about Dublin's drinking culture by hopping off at The Guinness Storehouse, visit Ireland's biggest stadium for Gaelic sports at Croke Park stadium or uncover the secrets of the former prison of Kilmainham Gaol. Visit all of Dublin’s free museums & galleries or just relax and enjoy the view.Â
A Tip For Your Trip: Ask your bus driver about the free Dublin walking tour.
Dublin Big Bus Essential Hop-on/Hop-off - 48-hour
Visit Ireland’s capital and discover the city from the top of an open-top double-decker bus. Let City Sightseeing entertain, inform and highlight all the things to do and see in Dublin to help you make the most of your stay. The 48-hour ticket is the perfect hassle-free way to get around town and visit all of Dublin’s major sights.
Includes:
- Unlimited travel ticket for 48 hours
- Free guided walking tour
- Free night tour
- Choice of two routes (blue & red)
- English speaking live guides, and pre-recorded commentary
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Covered buses for inclement weather
Day 3. Dublin - Galway
Next, you’ll board the luxurious Irish Rail at Heuston Station in Dublin to Galway. The region of Connemara is a quaint area where you can browse small shops and boutiques, perfect for finding those authentic Irish souvenirs for your family and friends back home!
While in the eclectic city of Galway, you are going to want to visit the stunning St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church and the Galway Cathedral. The art scene is very popular here so you will find many galleries and showcases to visit if you’d like.
Train to Galway
The Hardiman Hotel is ideally located on Galway's Eyre Square. Mere footsteps from the city's top shopping, bars, theaters, and historic sights, the hotel is the ideal base for visiting the city or taking excursions on the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy close proximity to the main transportation hubs that provide convenient access to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, and Connemara.
Over its half-century history, the property has hosted several notable guests and special occasions. The luxurious hotel offers peerless service, charming guestrooms, several restaurant options, and spa treatments.Â
Located on its own private grounds, this elegant and romantic 4-star hotel is just a 15 minute walk from Galway’s city center and a 5 minute walk from the nearest shopping center. The property is within easy access from main roads, making it easy to see Connemara and Burren if you have your own rental car.
Menlo Park Hotel features 70 stylish guest rooms including spacious bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests will not be disappointed with the tempting choice of delicious eating options available. The Bia Beo Restaurant offers an extensive wine list and hearty food made with fresh, locally sourced produce. For something more relaxed, The Bar Beoga serves fresh coffee and an extensive bar food menu in a traditional Galway pub atmosphere.
The Clayton Hotel is only minutes from Galway city center, with 195 spacious & luxurious bedrooms, and complimentary parking and Wi-fi for all guests. At the Clayton Hotel Galway you are guaranteed a warm welcome and professional service delivered with a friendly smile throughout your stay. A great day starts with a great night's sleep! Relax at this Galway hotel in one of our contemporary and chic bedrooms and enjoy the comfort of a pillow topped mattress, complete with crisp white linen, fluffy duvets and comfy pillows.
Ideally located just minutes from the city centre, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway offers comfortable and spacious accommodation in Galway, delicious dining, and generous meeting room space. All rooms come fully equipped with air-conditioning, with guests also having complimentary access to a quaint fitness suite. The hotel also provides free underground parking and WiFi to all guests within the hotel. Whether you’re travelling to Galway for business or pleasure, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road is the perfect choice.
Day 4. Galway
Consider booking a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher today. These scenic cliffs are one of the most visited sights in Ireland, and for good reason! You'll enjoy sweeping views a top these cliffs that soar up to 702 feet from the coast. Pay close attention to the variety of birds that call the Cliffs home, you may even be able to spot a puffin or two!
A Tip For Your Trip: Weather permitting, treat yourself to a boat ride and experience these cliffs from below!
Day 5. Galway - Limerick
Limerick is a great base for exploring nearby King John's Castle, Arthur’s Quay Park and The Treaty Stone.
You can also take a trip to nearby Shannon, a vibrant city with a bustling downtown area. Shannon is also home to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, which gives visitors a peek into village life in 19th century Ireland.
Train to Limerick
This stunning hotel features 99 contemporary guestrooms with space, style and sophistication. The Absolute Bar & Grill includes an outdoor terrace overlooking the Abbey River and serves fresh and modern international cuisine in relaxed, informal surroundings. The luxurious spa offers a range of relaxing body and beauty treatments, including a salt grotto, tropical showers and a crystal steam room.
Limerick City Hotel is located in the heart of Limerick on Lower Mallow Street, just off Henry Street and on the Shannon Bridge Roundabout at the end of the Dock Road-easily accessible from Shannon, Cork & Kerry.
This hotel is within walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station and near a host of Irish heritage sites including picturesque towns of Adare, Grange and Louch Gur, You can also explore Clare's Burren district, Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves, all just a short 40-minute drive from the Hotel.
Day 6. Limerick
Today you might want to visit the quaint village of Adare. Designated as a Heritage Town, Adare is one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland with the main street lined with traditional thatched cottages.
Be sure to make use of your included admission to King John's Castle!
In the evening, treat yourself to an authentic Irish meal at a restaurant or pub offering live music - the perfect way to spend your last evening in Ireland!
King John's Castle
Enjoy sweeping views and get a glimpse at a Norman soldier’s life while exploring this medieval fortress! Reach out and touch the past through the interactive exhibit, then join in the living interpretation and re-enactment with costumed guides who reveal the secrets and scandal of castle life. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history!
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Depart Ireland today from Shannon Airport (SNN).
A Tip For Your Trip: Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to Shannon Airport.