Dublin Train Journeys: the 7 Rides Worth Booking

1.Northern Ireland Including Giant’s Causeway Rail Tour from Dublin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 325 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $194Our pick

Travel from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast by train, then continue by coach along Northern Ireland’s coast to Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway. Expect a very early start, a possible 13 to 15-hour day, host support from guides such as Ian, Joe, or David, and about two hours at the basalt columns. Lunch, drinks, and the Carrick-a-Rede bridge fee are extra.

“I highly recommend this tour. It is a beautiful drive from Dublin and the tour guide was great. Be sure not to miss the sheep herding demonstration.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sustainable Ring of Kerry Rail Tour from Dublin

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

Leave Dublin Heuston at 7am for a full day of rail and coach travel to the Ring of Kerry. A host such as Paddy or John may accompany the train journey, while a local driver-guide like Bat or Denis leads the scenic loop past Carrantuohill, Dingle Bay, Sneem, and Ladies View. Food and optional attractions cost extra.

“We were awed by the natural splendor, and also by the Irish Rail Tours host and the Killarney-based driver-tour guide. These knowledgeable, kind, witty men engaged warmly with us all. It was a day of Ireland’s coastal beauty and genuine hospitality.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.3-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 to Blarney Castle, Cobh, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway. Railtours Ireland provides reserved train seats, hosts, coach guides, two nights with breakfast, and a packed schedule. Guides such as John, Norman, Andy, and Bryan have earned strong praise, though accommodation and vehicle comfort can vary.

“We rode the train more than I first expected. I actually enjoy train travel. It is a nice ride and the coach cars have tables between the seats. The Railtours guide was extremely well organized and knowledgeable. Everything went like clockwork. The highlight for us was seeing something that was not on the itinerary - a sheepdog presentation during our day on the Ring of Kerry. Our accommodations were the best we had in all of the 16 days we traveled around Scotland and Ireland. ~ Guy B., Idaho, USA”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Take an early train from Dublin 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, David, and Andy add local stories and practical help. It is a long, full day with castle admission included, but meals are your responsibility.

“What I think could be improved is that it should be shorter, the time in Galway was not in the itinerary and seemed unnecessary to me, I would have liked to get off the bus and take the train to Dublin, (in total the tour was more than 15 hours )”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry

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

Travel from Dublin Heuston to Killarney by InterCity train, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach with an English-speaking guide. Expect Dingle Bay, the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Carrauntoohil, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the Lakes of Killarney. Guides such as John, Andrew Roche, and Michael have led especially well-received departures.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Take an early train from Dublin to Galway, ride by coach to Connemara Airport, then fly to Inis Mór for a local island tour. See Dún Aonghasa, the Seven Churches, Aran woolens, and Kilronan before returning through Galway. The group is capped at 10, but island connections require close attention.

“This was a long and beautiful journey. The Railtours company really knows how to run things. We had a scenic ride of more than two and a half hours across the country with a host from the company who was friendly and informative. From the railway station to the air field was in a van. Very easy. Then we had our rather thrilling 8 minute flight to Innishmore. This Island, with its stark beauty, was a place I've wanted to visit for a long time. So glad I did. In late afternoon we flew back to Galway. A few hours there, then the train to Dublin. All like clockwork.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Start at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, collect your rail tickets, and ride to Pearse Station in about 20 to 25 minutes. Your one-day DoDublin pass then covers live-guided sightseeing around Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, and more. Guides such as Damien, Mary, Davey, and Tyrone are known for warm, lively commentary.

“From the friendly and helpful agents at the cruise terminal to the knowledgeable bus drivers and the interesting route, this Dublin city excursion option is well worth experiencing.”

Check availability →Read our full review