Ireland by Rail: Dublin, Galway & Limerick
Explore Ireland's top cities at ease
Sit back and take in the rolling green landscapes of Ireland as Irish Rail carries you between three of the country's most captivating cities on this 6 or 7-night holiday. From the lively streets of Dublin to the colourful charm of Galway and the historic riverside city of Limerick, this is Ireland at its most rewarding.
What's Included
- Return flights into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel, or similar*
- Dublin Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Ticket (48 hours)
- 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
Explore Temple Bar, Dublin's most famous nightlife district.
Travelling by Irish Rail means no driving and no stress.
Dublin is the home of Guinness, a perfect place to enjoy a pint.
Visit ancient fortresses and Viking ruins.
Catch a performance at the National Irish Language Theatre in Galway.
Your Irish adventure begins in Dublin, where you'll spend the first nights of your holiday. A 48-hour Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass is included, giving you the freedom to take in the city's highlights at your own pace. The Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral are all on the route, and you can jump on and off as the mood takes you.
From Dublin, the Irish Rail takes you west to Galway. It's a comfortable, relaxed way to travel, and you'll arrive ready to explore the cobblestone streets, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the impressive Galway Cathedral.
Your final stop is Limerick, reached by train from Galway. The city sits on the River Shannon and has plenty to offer, from Arthur's Quay Park and The Treaty Stone to King John's Castle, where admission is included in your package. At the end of your stay, a private transfer takes you directly from your Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport.
*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 holiday with:
- Admission to 3 of Dublinโs top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum & Christ Church Cathedral!
- An arrival airport transfer
- Return flights into Dublin (DUB), out of Shannon (SNN)
- 2 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel, or similar*
- Dublin Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Ticket (48 hours)
- 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
Explore Temple Bar, Dublin's most famous nightlife district.
Travelling by Irish Rail means no driving and no stress.
Dublin is the home of Guinness, a perfect place to enjoy a pint.
Visit ancient fortresses and Viking ruins.
Catch a performance at the National Irish Language Theatre in Galway.
Your Irish adventure begins in Dublin, where you'll spend the first nights of your holiday. A 48-hour Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass is included, giving you the freedom to take in the city's highlights at your own pace. The Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral are all on the route, and you can jump on and off as the mood takes you.
From Dublin, the Irish Rail takes you west to Galway. It's a comfortable, relaxed way to travel, and you'll arrive ready to explore the cobblestone streets, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the impressive Galway Cathedral.
Your final stop is Limerick, reached by train from Galway. The city sits on the River Shannon and has plenty to offer, from Arthur's Quay Park and The Treaty Stone to King John's Castle, where admission is included in your package. At the end of your stay, a private transfer takes you directly from your Limerick hotel to Shannon Airport.
*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 holiday with:
- Admission to 3 of Dublinโs top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum & Christ Church Cathedral!
- An arrival airport transfer
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin
Your Irish holiday begins with your arrival into Dublin. Once you've checked in and had a chance to settle, the rest of the day is completely free for you to enjoy as you please.
If you're looking for a suggestion for your first evening, why not head to The Brazen Head for a pint of Guinness? Dating back to 1198, it's Dublin's oldest pub and a fine way to start your time in Ireland.
A Tip For Your Trip: Your Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass runs for 48 consecutive hours from the moment you activate it, so you can start using it as soon as today if you like.
Maldron Hotel Kevin Street is perfectly located for a breakaway in the heart of Dublin City Centre. The hotel overlooks St. Patrickโs Cathedral and St Stephenโs Green is less than a 10-minute stroll from the front door. This hotel offers stylish rooms, friendly service, great food, and parking in the ideal location for exploring this fair city.
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublinโs 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.ย
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.ย
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 Green is ideally placed in the heart of Dublin City Centre, adjacent to St Stephenโs Green and less than five minutesโ 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.
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.ย
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
Visit Irelandโs 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 Dublinโs 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 2. Dublin
Put your Hop-on/Hop-off bus pass to good use and see Dublin from the top deck of an open-top double-decker. There's plenty to choose from along the route. Hop off at the Guinness Storehouse to learn the story behind Ireland's most famous stout, head to Croke Park to get a feel for Gaelic sports at the country's largest stadium, or step inside Kilmainham Gaol and uncover the stories of this former city prison. Dublin's free museums and galleries are also well worth a visit if you'd prefer a quieter afternoon.
Day 3. Dublin - Galway
This morning you'll make your way to Heuston Station in Dublin and board Irish Rail for the journey west to Galway. It's a relaxed and comfortable way to travel, with the Irish countryside rolling past the window.
Galway is a city with real character. St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church and the Galway Cathedral are both worth visiting, and the area of Connemara is handy for browsing small shops and boutiques where you can pick up genuine Irish souvenirs to take home. The local art scene is lively too, with galleries and showcases dotted throughout the city if that appeals.
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.ย
Located on its own private grounds, this elegant and romantic 4-star hotel is just a 15 minute walk from Galwayโs 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 car hire.ย
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.ย ย
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 youโre travelling to Galway for business or pleasure, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road is the perfect choice.
Ardilaun Hotel is a 4-star luxury hotel nestled in the lush greenery of Taylors Hill.
The hotel features five restaurants, including a bar and a cafe, all serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests have access to the hotel's fitness center which features a sauna and wellness classes such as yoga. There are also two pools and a gorgeous garden.ย
Guest rooms are designed with comfort in mind, and are very spacious. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a private bathroom with hair dryer, TV, phone, iron, air-conditioning, and round the clock room service.ย
The Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum are both within a 6-minute drive from the hotel, while Dunguaire Castle is a 35-minute drive.
Day 4. Galway
A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher is a popular choice today, and it's easy to see why. Among the most visited sights in all of Ireland, the cliffs rise to 702 feet above the Atlantic coast and the views from the top are extraordinary. Keep an eye out for the seabirds that nest along the clifftops, puffins among them, and take your time walking the clifftop path.
Cliffs of Moher
Day 5. Galway - Limerick
Board the train this morning for the journey from Galway to Limerick, a historic city on the banks of the River Shannon. The Medieval Quarter gives you a sense of the city's ancient past, while the Georgian Quarter and Pery Square have a very different, more elegant character. The Milk Market is a well-loved open-air spot, and the Three Bridges Trail is a pleasant riverside walk. If you'd like to round off the evening with some authentic Irish atmosphere, one of the local pubs will fit the bill perfectly.
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
Your included admission to King John's Castle makes for a memorable morning.ย
If you have time in the afternoon, the village of Adare is well worth a visit. Designated as a Heritage Town and widely considered one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, its main street is lined with traditional thatched cottages that make for a lovely stroll.
For your last evening, settle into a pub offering live music and order something from the menu. It's a proper Irish send-off before your journey home tomorrow.
Enjoy sweeping views and get a glimpse at a Norman soldierโs 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 Johnโs Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history!
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Your Irish holiday comes to a close today. A private transfer takes you from your hotel to Shannon Airport for your return flight home.
Private transfer to Shannon Airport
Fly home!
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