This one-day tour of the "Garden of Ireland" allows for leisurely viewing of Ireland's breathtaking east coast, including Waterford (home of the storied crystal) as well as Wicklow and Wexford. After you depart from Heuston station in Dublin, Kilkenny's magnificent full-restored castle is the first destination. Stops include the Waterford Crystal Factory or its adjoining museum, as well as Reginald's Tower. The real advantage of this tour is what you'll see on the journey: country hillsides, scenic seascapes and views of Waterford Harbor.
The tour concludes at Dublin Connolly station. Be aware that the departure and arrival stations are not the same. Cost is 70 euros per person as of 2010.
Celtour Ltd.
Brambles, Pilgrim Hill
Castletown, Portlaoise
County Laois, Ireland
+353-1-502-56157
celtour.ie
This three-day tour takes in some of the best parts of Ireland's west coast. The rail journey goes to Dublin, Cork, Blarney Castle and the Cobh Heritage Center, formerly a station where emigrants departed when they set out for their voyage to America. During two days in Killarney, you'll visit the mountain scenery of the Ring of Kerry and the seascape of the Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland's most romantic areas and home to many residents who still speak Gaelic. Accommodations in Killarney are arranged at a bed and breakfast.
Departures are from London or Dublin; routes may vary based on departure point. As of 2010, cost is 369 euros per person; this rate is all-inclusive. Upgrades are available for three-star Killarney hotel accommodations at 58 euros per person.
Railtours Ireland
Railtours Desk
Dublin Tourism Centre
Suffolk Street
Dublin, Ireland
+353-1-856-0045
railtoursireland.com
A six-day train tour from Railtours Ireland, this comprehensive sightseeing venture covers many highlights of the Emerald Isle. The multiregional tour includes stops in Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, the Aran Islands (via flight transfer), western Ireland's Connemara, Dublin and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. You can choose bed and breakfast or hotel accommodations each night.
This tour operates March through October only. Departures take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Departures are from Dublin or London; routes may vary based on departure point. Cost is 849 euros per person as of 2010. Upgrades are available for three-star Killarney hotel accommodations, at 58 euros per person.
Railtours Ireland
Railtours Desk
Dublin Tourism Centre
Suffolk Street
Dublin, Ireland
+353-1-856-0045
railtoursireland.com
