Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722320
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks Ride the rails and roam by coach on this locally hosted journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland, from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giant’s Causeway.
Trip Overview:
Ride the rails and roam by coach on this locally hosted journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland, from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giant’s Causeway.
6 nights from $2,952 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Cork, Blarney Castle and Cobh
Check-in for 7:00am departure from Dublin Heuston Station; please arrive 20 minutes prior to train departure time. Upon arrival, visit the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where your check-in representative will be waiting in a yellow jacket. Your departure station, Dublin Heuston, was opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern and Western Railway and is now the official principal station of Iarnrod Eireann - Ireland's national railway company.
As your train departs, we travel in a south westerly direction, passing Inchicore, railway engineering works and then some of Dublin's western suburbs - soon we are in the lush fertile countryside of County Kildare, Ireland's Kentucky. Look out for the many stud farms near the track. The train passes through the town of Newbridge, home to the famous Newbridge Silverware.
We now enter the Curragh of Kildare, which soon comes into view on both sides of the line. The Curragh (pronounced: Curra) is famous for its racecourse, home of the Irish Derby. At this time of the morning you are likely to see some of Ireland's finest bloodstock being put through their paces. The Curragh is also the headquarters of the Irish army and their buildings can be seen in the distance to the east.
We pass the town of Kildare, and the Church of Ireland (Protestant) Cathedral of St. Brigid's - completed in 1223 - can be clearly seen to the south (left hand side when facing direction of travel). We cross the River Barrow at Monesterevin and enter Co. Laois.
Our train journey makes a stop at Portlaoise (pronounced: Port Leesh-eh). Departing Portlaoise, we soon enter Co. Tipperary and pass the town of Templemore. Shortly after, we pass Loughmoe Castle which can be clearly seen on the southern side of the train, built in the 15th century, the Purcell family lived there until 1760. The next stop is at the town of Thurles. At our next stop - Limerick Junction - a number of Railtours Ireland clients will be leaving the train for the Cliffs of Moher tour. Please remain on the train for the Cork, Blarney Castle and Cobh Heritage Day Tour! Our final stop before Cork is at the town of Mallow.
We arrive into Cork Kent Station for 09:35 and we transfer to our Railtours Ireland tour coach, passing through Cork City en route to Blarney Village and historic Blarney Castle and Gardens, built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have time to kiss the famous stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to do so. There is also time for shopping and lunch at Blarney and we recommend that you have lunch there, as this will be the only opportunity during the day to have a substantial meal.
We depart Blarney Castle for Cobh, via the city centre, taking in some of the city sights while en route to our next destination.
On arrival at Cobh, we will visit St. Colman's Cathedral. We will then proceed down along the sea front passing the former White Star Line offices en route to the beautifully restored Victorian railway station/transatlantic terminal. This is now the Cobh Heritage Centre, home to the Queenstown Story. The centre also houses much information about the Great Famine and subsequent Irish Emigration; 3 million Irish people emigrated from Cobh, (principally to the United States) including Annie Moore, whose statue is located in front of the heritage centre.
Depart Cobh by train to Killarney, where the rest of the evening is free. There is a large selection of cafes, restaurants and bars in Killarney town as well as many opportunities for live traditional Irish music and entertainment.
Hotel: Scotts Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Scotts Hotel Killarney combines luxury, contemporary, and service in the heart of Killarney. With additional bedroom and deluxe suites and plush apartments, guests are sure to indulge in cozy comfort during their stay in Scotts Hotel. Additional features includes: Three on site bars, exclusive new Courtyard Restaurant and secure underground car parking. Located in the centre of a bustling town, and has been providing elegant accommodations and superior, friendly service for guest since 1930.
Enjoy your Full Irish Breakfast at leisure before departing on your Ring of Kerry tour. There are plenty of stops along the Ring of Kerry for morning tea, lunch and photo stops etc. Ireland's highest mountains are located in Kerry and Carrauntouhil, which can be seen en route, is the highest, standing at 1041 meters.
We will make a stop at the Kerry Bog Village Museum, which gives people an insight into how people lived and worked in rural Ireland in the 18th century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe. Later on the approach to Waterville there are views (weather permitting) of the Skellig Rocks (islands), where Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' was recently filmed. We will make several photo stops, a stop for lunch and one final stop at the pretty village of Sneem, for about 30 minutes, or as directed by your tour leader.
An essential part of any visit to Ireland, this tour circles the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks and runs through its many passes and valleys along the shores of Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay. There is an unspoilt nature to Ireland's most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and returns via Ladies View, the famous Lakes of Killarney and through the Oakwoods of Killarney's magnificent National Park.
At the end of the tour you will be brought to Killarney for your second night.
Hotel: Scotts Hotel (3 Star Rating)
Scotts Hotel Killarney combines luxury, contemporary, and service in the heart of Killarney. With additional bedroom and deluxe suites and plush apartments, guests are sure to indulge in cozy comfort during their stay in Scotts Hotel. Additional features includes: Three on site bars, exclusive new Courtyard Restaurant and secure underground car parking. Located in the centre of a bustling town, and has been providing elegant accommodations and superior, friendly service for guest since 1930.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy your full Irish Breakfast at leisure. At 7:30am, depart Killarney by road to Limerick to join the Bunratty Castle and Cliffs of Moher Tour.
Arrive into Limerick where we will join our Railtours Ireland tour coach. Limerick has a population of about 90,000 and its city charter was granted in 1197AD, making it older than London! As we cross the river Shannon - Ireland's longest river - you will see views of King John's Castle to the right. The castle was completed in 1200 and marks the origins of the city.
Limerick's most famous author, Frank McCourt, grew up here and the city was the setting for his famous book Angela's Ashes. Limerick is also the birthplace of celebrated BBC radio DJ, Terry Wogan and Hollywood star, Richard Harris. We will pass the GAA grounds of Páirc na nGael - the home ground of County Limerick's Hurling and Gaelic Football teams. Limerick is also the home of Irish Rugby and we will pass Thomond Park, the Rugby stadium.
After a brief city tour we travel onto Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The castle was completed in 1425 and, after many years of neglect, has been restored to its former glory. There is also a folk park here which you will have time to explore.
After the visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk park we make our way to Co. Clare. There is a lunch stop at O'Connor's Pub in Doolin before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. There is plenty of time to visit Ireland's second most popular tourist attraction and your host will advise you of the departure time. From here, we take the coast road for much of the way to Galway, with time for photos along the Burren. This is a national park and the word 'Burren' comes from the Irish Language, meaning 'rocky place'. It is a unique lunar landscape of limestone which was described in 1649 by one of Oliver Cromwell's men as: "No tree to hang a man, no water deep enough to drown him and no soil deep enough to bury him". Today the Burren is noted for its diverse flora with few parallels elsewhere in Ireland or, indeed, Europe.
We continue along the coast road to Black Head, passing the quaint coastal villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara before joining the main road to Galway.
At the end of the day the coach will set you down at Eyre Square, in the center of Galway City, adjacent to your hotel (and the railway station). You will be directed to your hotel by your host and your evening is free in Galway.
Hotel: The Hardiman Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square since 1852, The Hardiman Hotel offers generous hospitality with a familiar, easy charm that makes guests feel right at home. For over a century and a half, this Grand Old Lady has played host to many notable guests and countless special occasions. Now it's your turn to be part of this long tradition.
The Hardiman is a flawless combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury. Located right in the heart of Galway City, just a one-minute walk from the main transport hubs. Whether you are joining for pleasure, or are here on business, the beating heart of city is right on your doorstep.
Perfectly positioned - Within strolling distance of all the best amenities that Galway has to offer. From bars and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you're right in the centre of Galway's bohemian social scene. The Hardiman is the perfect base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands and the wild beauty of Connemara.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy your full Irish breakfast at leisure. Depart Galway and our conducted tour of Connemara leaves Galway to the village of Moycullen. From Moycullen the road rises and falls towards the lovely village of Oughterard on the shores of Lough Corrib, traditionally regarded as Ireland's premier angling center. Now the gateway to Connemara opens, and the breathtaking colours of this unspoiled countryside are revealed in all their natural splendour.
At Maam Cross, the "Connemara Crossroads", there is a replica of the cottage used in the 1950s John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara film The Quiet Man, which was filmed here. From Maam Cross, our tour heads out to Leenane, Kylemore Abbey and Letterfrack, in the shadow of purple mountains rolling down to blue and green rocky valleys, reflecting the rich and varied colours of Connemara.
There is a lunch break at Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a nineteenth-century castle now owned by the Benedictine nuns who run an excellent pottery, gift shop and restaurant here. Letterfrack is one of Ireland's major national parks. The colourful town of Clifden has been one of Irelands leading holiday resorts for generations. It is an excellent touring centre beloved by the walker, the biker, the hiker or the fisherman. It was here too, at Derrygimlagh Bog, near Clifden that aviation history was made when Alcock and Brown crash landed after their historic transatlantic flight in 1919.
Back at Maam Cross again and the road turns southwards now through the Screeb, Costello and Rossaveal. Rossaveal is the departure point for ferryboats to the Aran Islands and is also a major fishing port. We are now in the Gaeltacht or Irish speaking area of Connemara where Gaeilge or Irish is still the everyday spoken language of a bilingual people.
Our tour of Connemara heads homewards towards Galway City now, along the shores of Galway bay, through the Gaeltacht villages of Inverin and Spiddal and looking out across the blue waters of the Atlantic at the unique limestone of the Burren and the hills of Clare.
After your day's touring you will be returned to your Galway hotel.
Hotel: The Hardiman Hotel (4 Star Rating)
Standing proudly on the famous Eyre Square since 1852, The Hardiman Hotel offers generous hospitality with a familiar, easy charm that makes guests feel right at home. For over a century and a half, this Grand Old Lady has played host to many notable guests and countless special occasions. Now it's your turn to be part of this long tradition.
The Hardiman is a flawless combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury. Located right in the heart of Galway City, just a one-minute walk from the main transport hubs. Whether you are joining for pleasure, or are here on business, the beating heart of city is right on your doorstep.
Perfectly positioned - Within strolling distance of all the best amenities that Galway has to offer. From bars and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you're right in the centre of Galway's bohemian social scene. The Hardiman is the perfect base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands and the wild beauty of Connemara.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy your full Irish Breakfast at leisure. Depart Galway City for transfer to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Irish is the spoken language on the Aran Islands, although the locals will be more than happy to speak to you in English. For many, the highlight of the tour is the formidable pre-Christian fort of Dun Aonghasa, with spectacular sea-cliffs on the western side and unspoiled views of the Atlantic Ocean. Transfer times may vary seasonally.
Notes on Aran: Your tour of Inis Mor includes stops at 'Seven Churches' (15 minutes), Dun Aonghusa (75 minutes) and Kilronan for lunch (45 minutes).
After your tour of Inis Mor you will be transferred back to Galway Station. Upon arriving at Galway Station please present your Railtours Ireland ticket and travel pack at the ticket barrier and you will be directed to your reserved seats on the train, where your host will be waiting for you.
Depart Galway for Dublin Heuston Station at 19:20pm. Returning to Dublin Heuston at 21:45pm. Please note: Depending on your day of departure, tours on Day 4 and Day 5 may be reversed.
Hotel: Gibson Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The Gibson Hotel is chic and understated, with a music pedigree that runs deep, it is the ultimate urban retreat. Music lovers, art junkies, food fanatics - whatever your passion it's right on the doorstep of Dublin hotel. The Gibson Hotel is modern yet comfortable, it's different and it's better, it's large, it's friendly and it's a building that is alive with great people from the moment you set foot until the moment you leave. Located right up on the third floor of The Gibson Hotel, the Hemi Bar is a great place to get away from the city center madness and just chill out. The view from the terrace is pretty special and the buzz in the bar is even better.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Check in for the 9:50am departure from Connolly Station, built in 1844 as the terminus of the Dublin & Drogheda Railway, now the administrative headquarters of Iarnrod Eireann, Ireland’s National Railway. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to train departure time. Upon arrival, visit the Customer Service Desk at Connolly Station where your check-in representative will be waiting in a yellow jacket.
Depart northwards through the Dublin suburbs, which soon gives way to farmland. Soon pass the exclusive coastal village of Malahide before cross the wide Broadmeadow Estuary, followed by Rogerstown Estuary. Fine views of the sea appear as we pass through the coastal town of Skerries, followed by the fishing village of Balbriggan. A few kilometres further on we pass Gormanston, an Irish Air Corps military airfield - on the landward side. Red flags on the seaward side indicate military exercises are in progress. Travel through Drogheda. Immediately north of Drogheda, cross the historic river Boyne by a magnificent viaduct, with great views of the town. It was here that Oliver Cromwell put the entire population to the sword in 1649. At little further upstream is the site of the Battle of the Boyne, where (Protestant) King William of Orange defeated dethroned (Catholic) King James in 1690 - an event which is still celebrated annually by 'Orangemen' or 'Northern Protestants' on the 12th of July. We now begin to climb into the foothills of the Camlough Mountains and border country.
Arrive in Belfast, where there is a short transfer to Belfast city centre, where you will join the Belfast Hop-On-Hop-Off tour. The tour not only explores the city centre, but also the Titanic Quarter, Fall's and Shankill Roads and the Peace Wall. The Railtours representative will show you to the transfer where you are then free to Explore all the Northern capital has to offer.
There is plenty of free time for shopping before returning to Dublin.
Return to Dublin on any scheduled train departure and make your own way to your Dublin hotel. Hotel in Dublin included.
Hotel: Gibson Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The Gibson Hotel is chic and understated, with a music pedigree that runs deep, it is the ultimate urban retreat. Music lovers, art junkies, food fanatics - whatever your passion it's right on the doorstep of Dublin hotel. The Gibson Hotel is modern yet comfortable, it's different and it's better, it's large, it's friendly and it's a building that is alive with great people from the moment you set foot until the moment you leave. Located right up on the third floor of The Gibson Hotel, the Hemi Bar is a great place to get away from the city center madness and just chill out. The view from the terrace is pretty special and the buzz in the bar is even better.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Time to say goodbye! There are no more touring arrangements today. Consider staying on in Dublin or make your way to the airport for your onward journey.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises 
extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a
number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day
On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.
This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.
Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands. See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.
Duration: 8 hours
Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore
Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.
Pricing: Please inquire
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.