DUBLIN TO KILLARNEY VIA WATERFORD

Connolly Station - The Emerald Pullman departs from Connolly Station, heading towards Waterford. A light lunch is served before reaching Waterford, our first stop, approximately two hours after leaving Dublin. Upon arrival, we transfer across the river to the city center to visit the renowned Waterford Crystal visitor center, where we enjoy a V.I.P. factory and showroom tour. After a two-hour break in Waterford, we continue west on the Emerald Pullman through the picturesque Suir Valley, leaving County Waterford and admiring the beautiful scenery of Tipperary, passing through Carrick On Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, and Tipperary town. We then disembark and walk a short distance to the stunning Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, where we will stay for three nights. Evenings are free to explore the numerous pubs, restaurants, and entertainment options in Killarney. Enjoyable walks are also available in the nearby 5,000-acre Killarney National Park.

KILLARNEY TO CORK, BLARNEY CASTLE, AND COBH

Blarney Castle & Gardens - At 08:55, after a hearty Irish breakfast at the hotel, we board the Emerald Pullman for a tour to County Cork, including Blarney Castle, Cork City, and the port of Cobh. We travel east to Mallow and then south to Cork City, enjoying the scenic countryside of County Cork along the way. We descend through Ireland’s longest railway tunnel into Cork Kent Station, where we transfer by luxury coach to the charming village of Blarney and its famous castle. Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to grant the gift of eternal eloquence to those fortunate enough to do so! The Blarney Castle estate spans 500 acres of breathtaking gardens and rolling pastures for your enjoyment. This is also our lunch stop*. Light snacks and drinks are included onboard.

Cobh - Light snacks and drinks are included onboard. Later in the afternoon, we continue by coach for a Cork City tour and then head to the historic transatlantic port of Cobh, where millions of Irish emigrants set sail for new worlds from the 1840s onwards. If you have Irish ancestry, this is likely where they departed from. After an enjoyable visit to this town, famous as the Titanic’s last port of call and where the Lusitania survivors were brought, we reboard our Emerald Pullman at Cobh and return via this scenic rail route to Cork City and back to Killarney, via Mallow. Evening free in Killarney.

THE RING OF KERRY OR FREE DAY IN KILLARNEY.

Ring of Kerry - At 10:00, enjoy a luxury coach tour of the Ring of Kerry with several stops along the way, including a lunch stop at a delightful pub. We also include the famous sheepdog demonstration by local farmer Brendan Ferris, overlooking Dingle Bay. Return to Killarney around 5 pm.

Alternatively, feel free to explore Killarney and/or the Killarney National Park, the entrance of which is about 100 meters from our hotel.

Evening free in Killarney. Light snacks and drinks are included onboard.

KILLARNEY TO GALWAY (VIA MALLOW, LIMERICK JUNCTION, AND ENNIS).

Galway - At 08:55, the Emerald Pullman departs Killarney for Mallow and Limerick Junction, where we head west again into Limerick City’s Colbert Station. Here, we reverse and head north along phase one of the Western Rail Corridor. We cross the River Shannon at Long Pavement and enter County Clare (the Banner County). We pass through Ennis and continue into County Galway to the junction station of Athenry (there’s a famous song about the fields of Athenry). Here we join the Dublin to Galway railway line and continue past the beginning of Galway Bay into Galway City - the city of the tribes, arriving at 14:00. We now have the afternoon free to explore this vibrant and medieval city before transferring through Connemara to the AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel in Clifden (the capital of Connemara). Light snacks and drinks are included onboard.

After check-in, there is a champagne reception for guests before dinner (which is included) at this unique and special hotel.

TOUR OF CONNEMARA

Connemara - Morning free to explore the lovely town of Clifden, with its fabulous art galleries, jewelry, and woolen shops, and much more of interest…

For those who wish to partake in an afternoon tour of this spectacular area, we will depart our hotel at 12:00. Alternatively, you may wish to play golf at the world-famous Connemara Championship Links course at nearby Ballyconneely.

Our tour of Connemara will include the stunning Sky Road, the fabulous scenery of lakes, mountains, and beaches. We will visit the iconic Kylemore Abbey as part of our tour.

Back to our hotel for 18:00, dinner is also included on the second night of our stay here.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a nineteenth-century castle now owned by the Benedictine nuns who run an excellent pottery, gift shop, and restaurant here.

CLIFDEN TO GALWAY TO BELFAST (VIA DUBLIN CONNOLLY STATION)

Belfast - At 09:00, we depart Clifden for Galway City and rejoin our Emerald Pullman train, departing Galway for the unique journey to Belfast. From Athenry, we are on new ground for the tour and continue east through Ballinasloe. After crossing the River Suck, we enter County Roscommon until we reach Athlone, cross the Shannon, and enter County Westmeath.

Our journey from Ballinasloe through Athlone and as far as Clara, County Offaly, is interesting as we cross a lot of raised bog. We continue through Tullamore and briefly enter County Laois at Portarlington, where we head northeast into County Kildare before revisiting County Dublin around Hazelhatch. Branching off just before Heuston Station, we take the Phoenix Park tunnel, pass Glasnevin Junction, Croke Park, and arrive at Dublin Connolly Station. Light snacks and drinks are included onboard.

Belfast - The Emerald Pullman, having reversed here, now heads north through Malahide and hugs the coast from Skerries, passing Balbriggan, Gormanston, and Laytown (County Meath) before crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda and into County Louth. We pass through the border town of Dundalk and begin the long climb through the ancient pass – The Gap O’ The North, into the province of Ulster and County Armagh.

From Newry, County Down, we shadow the remains of the Newry/Ulster canal as far as Portadown. From Lisburn, we are in the Lagan Valley, and after passing through the southern suburbs of Belfast, we arrive at Great Victoria Street Station and again walk the short distance to the adjoining Europa Hotel.

Evening free in Belfast.

TOUR OF THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY OR FREE DAY IN BELFAST.

Giant’s Causeway - At 09:15, we depart Belfast Great Victoria Street Station by scheduled service train to Larne Harbour. We will have a reserved carriage on this service with our own catering trolley. Light snacks and drinks are included onboard.

Our train passes through Belfast Lanyon Place Station and then, using the Cross Harbour route, passes over the River Lagoon with great views of the Belfast docks and the Titanic Centre.

We head along the north shore of Belfast Lough and out of the city. There is a pleasant coastal section, and then we transfer to our luxury coach for the scenic drive along the Antrim coast road, passing Carnlough, the Glens of Antrim, Cushendall, and Ballycastle. There are great views of Rathlin Island and even Scotland on a clear day.

We visit the Giant’s Causeway, which also serves as our lunch stop. We get a view of Dunluce Castle before heading back directly by coach to Belfast and our hotel, arriving at approximately 17:00.

Evening free in Belfast.

BELFAST TO DUBLIN CONNOLLY.

Dublin - We depart Belfast Great Victoria Street Station for our final journey on our exclusive Emerald Pullman special train and arrive in Dublin Connolly at (TBA).

It is here that we bid farewell to those with whom we have enjoyed a week of touring!

• Champagne Welcome Reception at AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
• All drinks and light snacks on board the Emerald Pullman private train
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Services of Railtours Ireland First Class Hosts – throughout
• All transfers, tours & admissions
• Two 48-hour Hop On/Off Dublin City Sightseeing Tour Tickets per person

Experience a hosted rail tour designed for the independent traveler, free from the hassle of driving, on our exclusive private heritage train as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland. With an 8-day, 7-night itinerary, a seamless and unforgettable rail holiday is guaranteed.

The Emerald Pullman offers a comprehensive all-Ireland rail itinerary, including road excursions, 4-star hotels, and all entry fees.

Discover the varied beauty of Ireland, from the stunning Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way to the ancient marvels of the Southeast and the magnificent landscapes of the Causeway Coast.

Relax in the comfort of our train, enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks while taking in the Irish countryside, a landscape dotted with castles. Our friendly hosts will be with you every step of the way, sharing insights into Ireland’s rich history, culture, and modern life.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.