Ireland Rail Tours
Overlooked for too long, Ireland is a country of stunning scenery, from the Antrim Coast’s Giant’s Causeway to the gentle waters of Lough Neagh, a coastal ‘Great Railway Journey’ and the majestic Mountains of Mourne.
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Emerald Isle Discovery - 2027
Experience a unique circular tour of the Emerald Isle journeying on scenic railways through picturesque countryside and discovering iconic locations including the Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the fascinating Titanic Experience, ride a traditional Jaunting Car, and enjoy free time to explore Ireland's capital city of Dublin. Céad Míle Fáilte!
Departure Dates
6th October 202712 Days from
£2,899 Per person
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most scenic train trip in Ireland?
Ireland offers several memorable rail journeys, including routes along the west coast, through County Kerry and across the countryside between Dublin, Cork and Galway. Coastal sections can be particularly rewarding, with changing sea views, rural landscapes and traditional towns along the route. Escorted rail holidays often combine multiple scenic journeys within one itinerary.
Is it possible to tour Ireland by train?
Yes. Ireland’s rail network connects many of the country’s best-known cities, coastal areas and cultural destinations, making it well suited to touring by train. Escorted rail holidays can make travelling around Ireland simpler by combining rail travel, accommodation and excursions into one organised itinerary with tour manager support throughout.
What is the nicest month to go to Ireland?
Ireland can be enjoyed throughout the year, although many travellers prefer late spring and early autumn for milder weather and quieter sightseeing. Summer brings longer daylight hours and greener landscapes, while autumn can offer a more relaxed atmosphere across popular destinations and rail routes.
Do Railtrail Ireland tours include travel from the UK?
Many Railtrail holidays include rail travel from mainland UK stations to the tour departure point, although arrangements vary depending on the itinerary. Ireland holidays may also include ferry crossings or flights where appropriate, with full travel details confirmed before booking.
Are Ireland rail holidays suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Many guests travel independently and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of escorted rail holidays. Shared rail journeys and excursions create natural opportunities to meet fellow travellers, while experienced tour managers provide reassurance and support throughout the tour.
What level of mobility is needed for an Irish rail holiday?
Mobility requirements vary depending on the tour and the destinations included. Rail holidays can involve walking between stations, hotels and attractions, along with managing luggage at certain points of the journey. Individual tour pages provide more detailed guidance where needed.
Rail Tours of Ireland
Ireland rewards travellers who slow down and let the landscape arrive at its own pace, which is exactly what rail offers. Railtrail’s Ireland programme is built around named scenic railway journeys, quality hotels, planned excursions, and a dedicated Tour Manager on every departure. You travel as a small group, with the logistics handled from the moment you leave home.
The railway content is real and varied. The Dublin Bay coastal line runs through Bray and Greystones, widely held to be the most scenic stretch of railway in the Republic. The narrow-gauge Waterford Suir Valley Railway carries you through the Suir Valley, and a second narrow-gauge line links the Giant’s Causeway to Bushmills on the Antrim coast. The Coleraine to Belfast mainline closes the circle. These are the journeys where the view from the carriage window is the point.
Because some of Ireland’s most famous sights sit away from the rail network, your holiday reaches them by guided coach. The Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way around Westport and Galway, and the Causeway Coast are all covered this way, with your Tour Manager alongside. The train forms the spine of the trip, and the coach excursions complete it, so nothing on Ireland’s highlight reel is missed.
This sits within our wider collection of UK and Ireland escorted holidays, so you can compare Irish itineraries alongside the rest of the domestic programme in one place.
Train Holidays in Ireland With Everything Arranged
Your fare covers rail and coach travel within Ireland, the sea crossings to and from the country, hotel accommodation, selected meals, guided excursions, and Tour Manager support throughout. Irish itineraries run longer than a short break, giving you time to cover both the north and the south properly rather than rushing between highlights.
Travel from your home arrangements through to the return is organised as part of the holiday, and your Tour Manager stays with the group every day. Luggage moves between hotels for you. All accommodation, reservations, and excursion bookings are confirmed in advance, so the only thing left to do is enjoy the country.
A typical Irish tour weaves coastal and narrow-gauge railway journeys together with guided excursions to the icons, a traditional Jaunting Car ride, and free time to explore Dublin at your own pace. The balance favours discovery over a fixed schedule, with guided touring where it adds the most and independent time where you want it.
Ireland Rail Tours For Older And Solo Travellers
These holidays suit travellers who want to see Ireland properly without planning every connection, transfer, and hotel themselves. The small group format, typically fewer than 30 guests, keeps the experience personal rather than a coach party. Most tours are available as single or twin occupancy.
Railtrail has over 40 years of experience operating escorted rail holidays, and that shows in how smoothly an Irish itinerary runs. Read our Railtrail customer reviews to hear from travellers who have already made the trip.
Looking Beyond Ireland
If your interest runs to heritage locomotives and preserved lines, our steam and heritage rail holidays across the UK and Ireland cover the lines best known for nostalgic railway travel. For breaks closer to home, our classic rail holidays across the UK range from four-day short breaks to eight-day journeys with reserved travel from your local station. And if the Continent is calling, our European rail holidays take in the Alps, the fjords, and the great cities by train.
Book Your Irish Rail Holiday
Every Railtrail holiday is financially protected, with ABTOT membership (no. 5577) covering non-flight packages, so your money is secure from the moment you book. To start planning, request a brochure or contact our UK-based Customer Care Team on 01538 382323 for friendly, expert advice.