Ireland aboard the Emerald Pullman (special train)

Flight to Dublin available on request.

Departure at 11:00 am from Dublin Connolly station aboard the Emerald Pullman. A light lunch is served on board before our arrival in Waterford, scheduled for 1:10 pm.

We leave the city heading west, skirting the northern part of the city centre, passing by Croke Park Stadium, Glasnevin Cemetery, and the Cabra neighbourhood.

We then enter the lush countryside of County Kildare. We cross the Curragh, the heart of Irish horse racing. We then reach the town of Carlow, the terminus of the very first southern railway line opened in 1848, designed by the famous Irish engineer William Dargan.

We continue our journey south through the rolling landscapes of County Carlow, and just after Bagenalstown we enter County Kilkenny.

The next station is Thomastown, after which we cross the Suir river. On your right, you will see Jerpoint Abbey, dating from the 12th century. Finally, we reach Waterford, situated on the banks of the Suir, where we visit the famous Waterford Crystal factory.

We continue our trip through the scenic Suir Valley, passing by Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, and Tipperary, before joining the main Dublin–Cork line. Here, the train will reverse direction to head further south into County Tipperary, reaching Charleville, and then entering County Cork – the largest in Ireland.

We continue west, passing through Banteer, Millstreet and Rathmore. We then enter the legendary County Kerry, nicknamed The Kingdom, before arriving at Killarney at 7:46 pm.

Our hotel for the next three nights is the superb Great Southern Hotel 4-star, a former railway hotel built in 1854 by the Great Southern and Western Railway company.

The evening is free in Killarney, with the town centre just 150 meters from the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Departure from Killarney aboard the Emerald Pullman for our excursion to Cobh, Cork and Blarney Castle.

We start with Mallow, then those wishing to visit the famous Blarney Castle will disembark at this station and transfer by coach to the castle. For those not visiting the castle, the train continues to Cobh. You are then free to explore Cobh at your own pace.

The grounds of Blarney Castle span over 200 hectares of beautiful gardens and lush pastures, and it’s here we stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue our excursion by coach for a guided tour of Cork, then head to the transatlantic port of Cobh, from which millions of Irish departed for the “New World” from the 1840s onwards.

After this visit, you board the train and cross Cork, Mallow, Banteer, and Millstreet en route back to Killarney, passing through the stunning County Kerry, with a view of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains as we approach Killarney.

Evening at leisure in Killarney, to enjoy the town at your own pace.

Overnight at the hotel (Bfst)

Departure for an (optional but included in the program) luxury coach excursion through the Ring of Kerry, a scenic route offering spectacular views of the coast, mountains, and countryside. The trip includes several stops, with lunch in a typical pub.

Alternatively, you may spend a free day in Killarney and/or explore Killarney National Park, the entrance to which is just 100 meters from our hotel.

Evening at leisure in Killarney.

Overnight at the hotel. (Bfst)

Departure from Killarney aboard the Emerald Pullman. We pass through Mallow before reaching the city of Limerick and its Colbert Station.

From there, we continue north along the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor, crossing the River Shannon at Longpavement and entering County Clare (the Banner county). We continue via Gort and arrive in the famous medieval town of Athenry. Here, the train takes a short break before continuing to Galway.

You will have the afternoon free to discover this vibrant city, known as the City of Tribes. Our hosts will be happy to recommend restaurants for lunch.

At 3:00 pm, we will leave Galway by luxury coach to our unique hotel in Clifden, the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed with a champagne reception, followed by an included dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel. (Bfst)

Departure by luxury coach from the hotel to explore Connemara, following the spectacular route of the Wild Atlantic Way.

We pass through Ballyconneely, Roundstone, and Recess, before arriving at Kylemore Abbey, where we stop for lunch (not included).

We then leave Kylemore heading towards Clifden, taking the Sky Road, one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. Afterwards, we will reach our hotel Abbeyglen Castle, with free time in Clifden, before the included dinner.

Overnight at the hotel. (Bfst)

Departure from Clifden by coach towards Westport in County Mayo, where the Emerald Pullman will be waiting for our journey to Belfast.

A light lunch is served en route, as we pass through the notable towns of Castlebar, Claremorris, Athlone, Tullamore, and briefly enter County Laois at Portarlington.

We continue our journey through County Kildare, passing by Dublin near Hazelhatch before arriving at Dublin Connolly station.

We leave Connolly Station (tea will be served on board) for a new adventure heading north, passing Malahide, then following the coast by Skerries, and crossing Balbriggan, Gormanston, and Laytown (in County Meath), before crossing the Boyne River at Drogheda and entering County Louth.

We travel through the border town of Dundalk before the long climb through the Gap O’ The North into the province of Ulster and County Armagh. From Newry (in County Down), we follow the remains of the Newry/Ulster canal to Portadown.

We will arrive at Lisburn, where a coach transfer will take us to our Europa hotel in Belfast, where we will stay for the next two nights.

Evening at leisure in Belfast.

Overnight at the hotel. (Bfst)

Departure from the Europa hotel by coach for an excursion along the stunning Antrim Coast Road, passing Carnlough, the Glens of Antrim, Cushendall and Ballycastle. If the weather is clear, you can see Rathlin Island and even Scotland in the distance.

We stop at the Giant’s Causeway, where we enjoy lunch.

Before heading back, we’ll have a wonderful view of Dunluce Castle, before returning to Belfast by coach.

The rest of the evening is free.

Overnight at the hotel. (Bfst)

Departure by coach with your luggage for a transfer from the Europa hotel to Lisburn station. Lunch will be served on the way before arriving at Dublin Connolly station.

Extra night and return flight available on request.