The 12 Best Ireland Train Tours

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

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

Travel from Dublin to Limerick by reserved train, then continue by coach to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Guides such as Norman, Andrew, John, and David are known for clear storytelling and careful group handling. Expect about 15 hours, with meals at your own cost.

“Our guide, David Carse, is very knowledgeable and friendly. The view at the cliffs is beautiful. Windy day.”

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

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

Ride from Dublin to Cork with reserved seats and a train host, visit Blarney Castle and its gardens, then explore Cobh Heritage Centre. Guides such as Norman, Paul, John, and Peter add local stories, while the long day requires an early start and careful time management.

“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 Connolly Station early, ride by train toward Belfast, then continue by coach along Northern Ireland’s coast. You’ll stop at Dunluce Castle and spend about two hours at Giant’s Causeway. Guides such as Ian, Joe, David, and Patrick have led this route, though the team varies.

“This was a very good tour. Everyone was very helpful with those of us with limited mobility. I was very glad for the shuttle out to the causeway. The facilities at the visitor cnter weren't great -- the better ones are inside and you have to pay extra to enter the center but that isn't the fault of the tour. I liked the O'Connel station better than the main train station. I really enjoyed the Northern Ireland perspective on the conflicts”

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4.Sustainable Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin

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

Travel from Dublin to Killarney by train, then circle the Ring of Kerry by coach with a local driver-guide. Expect MacGillycuddy Reeks, Carrantuohill, Ladies View, Killarney’s lakes, village stops, and possible sheepdog and Kerry Bog visits. Guides such as Paddy, John, and Bat add local stories.

“Our tour guide Bat (Bartholomew) was wonderful! So knowledgeable about everything on the tour and all things Ireland! We learned so much and had an amazing experience! Our guides on the train rides - Norman, Andrew and Paddy were so accommodating and prepared us so well for the trip. And gave us wonderful recommendations on other things to do during our stay!”

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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 from Dublin by train and coach with Railtours Ireland, visiting Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Guides such as John, Norman, Bryan, and Bob have led past departures. Two Killarney nights and breakfasts are included.

“We enjoyed the trip a lot. The tour guide was knowledgeable but not enthusiastic compared to the guides we had before.”

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

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

Join a 6:40 AM rail tour from Dublin Heuston to Limerick, then travel by coach to Bunratty Castle, Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway Bay, and Galway. Guides such as Norman, John Todd, David, and Andy add history and local stories along the way.

“The experience was amazing. Our tour guide John was wonderful. Traveling by rail was a great way to see the countryside. All the stops along the way were great. This is a must do if you’re headed to Ireland.”

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7.Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry

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

Travel from Dublin Heuston to Killarney by reserved InterCity train, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach with an English-speaking guide. Expect Dingle Bay, Carrauntoohil, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, the Lakes of Killarney, photo stops, and a return to Dublin at 21:15.

“It was a long journey ,but we had a beautiful sunny day. Andrew ,our tour guide was very nice and helpful. We had a lot of photo stops ,beautiful sceneries. Andrew was giving us a lot of information about history of Ireland. He made sure everyones safety going and coming back.”

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8.Cork and Blarney Castle Visit from Cobh by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 106 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $122

Join a hosted train ride from Cobh to Cork, then continue by coach to Blarney Castle and Gardens. You’ll have time for the castle, gardens, lunch, and Cork’s English Market before returning to Cobh for St Colman’s Cathedral. Guides such as Andrew and Arthur add local detail.

“Brilliant , excellent, variet and fun tour with guided and unguided parts : perfect . Very informative, superb, attentive, kind & friendly guides”

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9.Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · from $16Best value

Spend about three hours exploring Oakfield Park at your own pace, then ride its diesel miniature train through flower meadows, woodlands, willow tunnels, lakes, and the lower gardens. This self-guided visit suits families, couples, and anyone wanting a peaceful Donegal outing with a mobile ticket.

“Buffers restaurant was delightful. The park itself is a very peaceful place and well manicured.”

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

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

Travel from Dublin to Galway by reserved train, fly about 10 minutes to Inis Mór, and tour its stone forts, churches, villages, and Atlantic cliffs. You’ll have lunch time in Kilronan and free time in Galway before returning by train. Guides may include Paddy, Frank, or a local island driver.

“Pleasant train trip across the isle. Greater guided tour of the isle. Plenty of free time. Good shopping. I’d have enjoyed a tour of Galway, too, but enjoyed decompressing in the pub just as much.”

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

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

From Dun Laoghaire Harbour, collect your rail tickets and ride the DART to Pearse Station, then join DoDublin’s live-guided bus tour. You can stop at Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, and other major sights. Guides such as Damien and Tyrone add lively local color.

“The live commentary on the bus was very enjoyable and informative. Our driver was so funny.”

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

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

From Dun Laoghaire cruise port, staff guide you to the DART for central Dublin, where a 24-hour DoDublin bus ticket covers 25 stops, live commentary, a city map, walking tour, and Little Museum visit. Drivers such as Gary, Gareth, Mary, and Mark are praised for humor and helpful tips.

“It was a great experience. Would use again if we travel in that area again and highly recommend if you want something that is easy and convenient to get around.”

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