Top 10 Ireland Rail Tours from Dublin

1.Dublin to Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Burren Galway by Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,202 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $195Our pick

This 15-hour rail-and-coach trip leaves Dublin at 7 a.m. for Limerick, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway. Reserved train seats, admissions and a coach driver-guide are included. Meals cost extra. Guides such as Norman, Andrew and David have earned particular praise for their clear narration and care with the group.

“Very nice experience. The guy (Andrew) in charge of the group was very knowledgeable of the history of the places. I totally recommend it.”

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

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

Leave Dublin at 7am by reserved train for Cork, then continue by coach to Blarney Castle and Cobh. You get time for the castle, gardens and village, plus a visit to the Cobh Heritage Centre. Guides on this route have included Norman, Paul, John and Peter, though your guide depends on the date.

“I took this tour with my husband and my son, and we had a great time! The tour was really well organized, and our guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We went with Brian, Alex, and John. When my son mentioned that he wanted to go to the ocean while we were in Dublin, John suggested going to Howth and gave us directions on our map. He also showed us where to find some antique shops in Dublin. We had plenty of time at Blarney Castle, and that was important to me. We highly recommend this tour!”

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

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

Leave Dublin at 6:50 am by train for Belfast, then continue by coach along Northern Ireland’s coast. Expect a photo stop at Dunluce Castle and about two hours at the Giant’s Causeway. Guides such as Ian and Joe Doyle have been praised for their stories and humor, but the route and extra stops can vary.

“Seeing the Giant’s Causeway was the highlight of the trip.The weather was lovely. Our guide to Belfast on the train,Joe Doyle was very helpful and knowledgeable.”

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4.Sustainable Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin

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

Leave Dublin Heuston at 7am for a long day combining train travel and a guided coach circuit of the Ring of Kerry. Expect views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Carrantuohill, Dingle Bay, Ladies View, and the Lakes of Killarney, with photo stops along the way. Guides such as Paddy, Ian, and Bat have accompanied past tours, but your guide will vary.

“The views were beautiful and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the scenery. Denis had a lot of stories about the region he was funny too. It is a LONG trip, so be prepared!”

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

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

Travel by train and coach from Dublin to Blarney Castle, Cobh, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Two nights’ B&B accommodation and full Irish breakfasts are included. Guides such as John, Bob and Norman have led the trip, though your guides may differ.

“I cannot say enough about this tour, and I highly recommend it. Our tour guide Andy from RAILTOURS IRELAND FIRST CLASS met us as we boarded our train in Dublin, was very attentive, informative and fun the entire trip. He was very organized, fun and informative, and we loved his singing of various Irish songs on the bus portions of our tour. I give it a 10 out of 10. Don't miss this one if you go to Ireland.”

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

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

Start early at Dublin Heuston Station, then travel by train to Limerick and continue by coach to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway. Castle and Folk Village admission is included, but meals are not. Guides such as Norman, John and David have led tours with lively local stories.

“trip was good. the places were amazing but we felt the guide Brian could have done better we could not understand Brian, speakers were not too good but overall the trip was good & we enjoyed ourselves”

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7.Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry

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

Travel by train from Dublin to Killarney, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach, passing Dingle Bay, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the Lakes of Killarney. English-speaking guides such as John and Andrew have led trips, though guides vary. Expect a scenic but tightly timed day, with an evening train back to Dublin.

“This tour was an amazing day full of incredible sights and experiences! The countryside was so majestic with its beautiful rugged landscape! The train ride was smooth and comfortable but since we traveled on a Thursday night on the return, it was a totally packed commute. The tour guides and coach driver, made for a very entertaining trip! The restaurants food was very nice, offering traditional options, such as, shepherds pie. The only thing I would have been happy to miss, was the stop at a tourist trap, which was a “cheesy” stereotypical village. Other than that small detail, the day was perfect!! Joe, the sweet man that guided us…”

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

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

Leave Dublin by reserved-seat train, cross Ireland to Galway, then transfer to Connemara Airport for a short flight to Inis Mór. A local island tour stops at the Seven Churches, Dún Aonghasa and Kilronan, with time for lunch. The day ends with free time in Galway and a train back to Dublin.

“Beautiful scenery on a spectacular day. Dun Aengus Fort was a fun hike rich in history.”

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9.Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 101 reviews · from $36Best value

From Dun Laoghaire, take the included return train to Pearse Station, then board DoDublin’s 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus across the street. Live guides share Dublin stories as you choose stops from Trinity College and Dublin Castle to Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park. Guides have included Damien, Mary, Davey, and Tyrone, though your guide may differ.

“From the friendly and helpful agents at the cruise terminal to the knowledgeable bus drivers and the interesting route, this Dublin city excursion option is well worth experiencing.”

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10.Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion|Hop-on Hop-off & Rail Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 90 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $46

Travel from Dun Laoghaire to central Dublin on the DART, then use a 24-hour DoDublin hop-on hop-off ticket to reach sights from Trinity College to Guinness Storehouse. Expect live driver commentary, a city map, Wi-Fi, a Little Museum of Dublin visit and a 2-for-1 lunch deal. Drivers such as Gary, Gareth and Mark have been praised for adding humor and useful tips.

“Hey don’t spend twice as much buying through Princess. Half their price. Easy to locate do Dublin reps and get tix to dart. Quick 15 min ride to town right at hop on off stop #8. Waited one time for bus about 15 mins but other than that great”

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