The 9 Best Rail Tours from Dublin

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-seat train, then continue by coach to Bunratty Castle, Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. Expect a 15-hour day, helpful train hosts, a qualified driver-guide, free time in Galway, and meals at your own expense.

“I was met at the train station by John who escorted me on my train ride to the tour. He was very nice and I learned about his years working on the train line. After the train ride I met my tourguide for the day Andrew. I had the privilege of being one of just two guests on Andrew's tour that day and loved every minute of it. Andrew is SO knowledgeable about the history, culture, and sights to see throughout the entire tour. Since we were such a small group Andrew was even able to fit in a surprise stop for us to enjoy. I lucked out even further…”

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

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

Travel from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast by train, then continue by coach along Northern Ireland’s coast to Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway. Guides such as Ian, Joe, David, and Patrick may lead different departures. Expect a 13-hour day, a large group, and about two hours at the basalt columns.

“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.”

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3.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 reserved train, then circle the Ring of Kerry by coach with a local driver-guide. Expect MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Carrantuohill, Lakes of Killarney, coastal viewpoints, village stops, and optional sheepdog and bog-village visits. Hosts such as Paddy, John, and Bat may accompany the trip.

“It seemed like it took 5+ hours before we started to see beautiful scenery , but once we did, it was great . It, however, was a long day and not a lot of food options, so plan accordingly. If you’re someone who usually sleeps through long bus/train rides, I’d say this isn’t the tour for you.”

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4.3-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 reserved train and comfortable coach to Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Galway. You stay two nights in Killarney with Irish breakfast, while guides such as John, Norman, Bob, and Bryan handle the logistics.

“I cannot say enough about this tour, and I highly recommend it. Our tour guide Andy from RAILTOURS IRELAND FIRST CLASS met us as we boarded our train in Dublin, was very attentive, informative and fun the entire trip. He was very organized, fun and informative, and we loved his singing of various Irish songs on the bus portions of our tour. I give it a 10 out of 10. Don't miss this one if you go to Ireland.”

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

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

Travel from Dublin to Ireland’s Atlantic coast by train and coach, stopping at Bunratty Castle, Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway Bay, and Galway. English-speaking guides such as Norman, John, and David are known for lively stories, but expect an early start and a long day.

“Well planned good guide but the p.a. system on the tour bus was defective, our guide did a ghost pod job overcoming this bus those at the back of the bus tour could not hear the guide”

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6.Rail Tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry

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

Leave Dublin Heuston at 7:00am by InterCity train, then tour the Ring of Kerry by coach with an English-speaking guide. Expect Dingle Bay, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Carrauntoohil, the Lakes of Killarney, photo stops, and a late return to Dublin.

“This tour was an amazing day full of incredible sights and experiences! The countryside was so majestic with its beautiful rugged landscape! The train ride was smooth and comfortable but since we traveled on a Thursday night on the return, it was a totally packed commute. The tour guides and coach driver, made for a very entertaining trip! The restaurants food was very nice, offering traditional options, such as, shepherds pie. The only thing I would have been happy to miss, was the stop at a tourist trap, which was a “cheesy” stereotypical village. Other than that small detail, the day was perfect!! Joe, the sweet man that guided us…”

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

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

Start at Dublin Heuston on a reserved morning train to Galway, then fly in a small plane to Inis Mór. Tour the island by minibus, visit Dún Aonghasa and the Seven Churches, stop in Kilronan, and enjoy free time in Galway before returning by train.

“Although the trip was generally well run and efficient, the connection on the island with the local guide for the island tour left much to be desired. We were given poor connection information and and it took an hour to find the guide. That was a terrible waste of our time.”

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8.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, beside DoDublin Stop 8. A live-guided bus then links Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, and other sights. Guides such as Damien, Mary, Davey, and Tyrone are praised for lively commentary.

“I love HoHo busses in a place I have never been and don't have much time. Take time to stop and see the Titanic Museum.”

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

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

Start at Dun Laoghaire with a guided DART transfer into Dublin, then use a 24-hour DoDublin bus ticket to reach Trinity College, Temple Bar, Guinness, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham, and more. Live driver commentary, a city map, WiFi, and a Little Museum visit are included.

“Too many people booked. Hard time finding the bus and then it was packed to the doors. No seats available.”

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