Ultimate Itinerary for Touring Ireland by Train

Ireland has two rail companies: Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann, serving the Republic of Ireland, and Translink, serving Northern Ireland. Dublin and Belfast are the main rail hubs, and you may need to double back to either depending on your itinerary. Fear not, most train trips in Ireland are quite short, so you won’t be wasting days of your time retracing your steps.

While there are Irish rail passes, most travelers are best served by tickets booked in advance online, which can save you up to 50 percent.

Here’s a sample itinerary of how to see Ireland by train, which we can easily customize for you based on your number of days available, budget and interests.

Most travelers arrive at Dublin’s airport, and we highly recommend you spend at least two nights enjoying this capital city’s scene that seems to get hipper every time we visit!

Don’t Miss:

• Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Founded in 1592, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university. Don't miss the Book of Kells, an incredible ninth-century lavishly decorated manuscript, and the stunning Long Room in the Old Library. Pro tip: If you are traveling with kids, have them watch the animated movie “The Secret of Kells” before you go!

• Guinness Storehouse: We promise you — Guinness really does taste different in Ireland. This iconic brewery experience takes you through the history and brewing process of Ireland’s most famous stout. The Gravity Bar at the top provides panoramic views of Dublin along with a perfectly poured pint.

• Dublin Castle: Dating back to 1204, Dublin Castle served as a military fortress, a prison, and the seat of British power for over 700 years. Don’t miss its beautiful state apartments and the Chester Beatty Library, with its eclectic collection of historical manuscripts and books from around the world.

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Ireland’s largest cathedral, built in 1191, is named after the country’s patron saint and remains the headquarters of the Church of Ireland. It boasts stunning Gothic architecture, tile floors that wow, and historical exhibits, including the tomb of Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver’s Travels."

• Kilmainham Gaol: This former prison, now a museum, played a crucial role in Irish history, particularly during the fight for independence. A tour provides insights into the harsh conditions and the stories of the political prisoners held behind its walls since 1796.

• Grafton Street: Stroll this pedestrianized shopping street full of street performers.

• Live Music: No trip to Dublin is complete without soaking up its legendary nightlife centered around live music. But don’t go to the tourist-laden hub of Temple Bar for traditional music. Check out O’Donoghue’s or The Cobblestone instead.

What to Eat:

• Spitalfields: Come here for Chef Stephen McAllister’s cock-a-leekie pie, a delicious version of a chicken pot pie with leeks, served in an authentic pub setting. And don’t forget to start with the beef cheek and oxtail Parker House roll with bone marrow gravy. Thank us later.

• Mamó: Make your way to this gem in Howth, a quaint fishing village on the outskirts of Dublin known for its seafood restaurants. Mamó is a Gaelic term for grandmother, and every dish shows a bit of grandmotherly love. Don’t miss the cockles if they are on the menu!

• Fish Shop: This elevated fish and chips experience uses locally caught fish and beer batter. But we also love the “snacks” on the menu, such as the smoked haddock croquettes.

Cork is known as the “rebel” city and is a lively town full of charm and character. Nestled along the River Lee, it’s packed with friendly and vibrant pubs. It’s also a culinary hub, with over 75 percent of the country’s artisanal food producers located in the west of County Cork. Cork is also a great base for day trips to some fantastic sites.

Don’t Miss:

• English Market: Ireland’s oldest covered market, the English Market is a foodie paradise. Taste fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses and traditional Irish foods. It's been a Cork staple since 1788!

• Butter Museum: Cork in the 1860s was home to the largest butter market in the world, exporting butter throughout the British Empire. The Butter Museum explores this butter trade, making it a must-do for true foodies.

Day Trip options:

• Blarney Castle and Gardens (11-minute taxi ride or 26-minute direct bus): Wander the gardens and explore the historic castle, but you can’t leave without kissing the Blarney Stone! Legend says it gives you the gift of gab.

• Jameson Distillery Middleton (23-minute direct train from Cork to Middleton): While there is a Jameson visitor experience in Dublin, we prefer this one in Middleton where you can get up close and personal with the casks and the distillation process.

• Cobh (26-minute direct train): Although short, the ride between Cork and Cobh is one of Ireland’s most scenic rail routes. This seaside town is known for its colorful houses and rich maritime history, particularly its role as the final departure point for millions of emigrants. It was also the final port the Titanic ever saw, commemorated by the poignant Titanic Experience.

• Kinsale (36-minute direct bus): Many consider Kinsale and its scenic yacht harbor the culinary highlight of Ireland, with over 50 eateries packed into its streets. Seek out Saint Francis Provisions, a 13-seat Bib Gourmand restaurant with elevated seafood plates in a casual environment.

What to Eat:

• Goldie: This Michelin Bib Gourmand bistro has a relaxed vibe, with seafood dishes focused on the fresh catch of the day. Its sustainable menu also focuses on wasting as little of the fish as possible.

• Elbow Lane Brew & Smoke House: Come here for local ingredients turned into grilled or smoked masterpieces, all accompanied by a large selection of beers from its own microbrewery.

Killarney is your launching pad for some of Ireland’s greatest attractions. This charming town tucked away in County Kerry is surrounded by lush green hills, serene lakes and ancient woodlands — it’s like stepping into a postcard. Plus, the town itself is full of cozy pubs, vibrant music and welcoming locals.

Day Trips Not to Miss:

• Ring of Kerry: This iconic scenic drive starts and ends in Killarney. Spend a day exploring rugged coastlines, charming villages and stunning landscapes. There are multiple tourist-friendly buses available to make the loop or enjoy a guided tour experience.

• Killarney National Park: Wander through ancient woodlands, discover serene lakes and don’t miss the stunning panoramic views from Ladies View. Make sure to visit Ross Castle, as well as Muckross House, a beautiful Victorian mansion set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. An easy hop-on hop-off bus will get you around, or we can arrange a guided tour.

• The Dingle Peninsula: Another breathtaking drive, the Dingle Peninsula offers dramatic coastal views, sandy beaches and the lively town of Dingle, known for its colorful streets and traditional music. Killarney is a great launching point for a small group tour or private day trip to see the best of the peninsula.

Where to Eat:

• The Lake Room: Even if you don’t stay at Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, it’s worth making a reservation to dine at its restaurant. It works with local artisan producers and has killer views — we recommend a dinner reservation that will allow you to watch the sun set over Killarney National Park.

• Quinlan’s Seafood Bar: In the center of Killarney, you’ll find this hugely popular spot for fresh fish. The daily catch is turned into a wide variety of fish and chips (yes, the chips are freshly made in-house), as well as dishes featuring scallops, sea bass or mussels.

Continuing your journey, most Ireland trips would bring you next to Galway. Using the Irish rail network, that means either doubling back to Dublin or making several connections elsewhere. We propose something very different that allows you to incorporate one of Ireland’s quintessential castle experiences.

From Killarney, you will instead travel to Limerick, where we’ve organized a car to pick you up and drive you the short 19 minutes to Adare Manor, which is the perfect country escape to break up your Ireland sightseeing.

Adare Manor was once the home of the Earl of Dunraven and the 840 acres surrounding it offer up endless activities to experience a bit of the Irish high life. Whether you want to try your hand at falconry, gun dog trials, archery or fishing, Adare Manor has a little bit of something for everyone. The spa is also an ideal setting for relaxation after your busy itinerary in Killarney.

There’s no need to leave Adare Manor when its onsite restaurants are so good. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at The Oak Room, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that highlights the best produce from Ireland in its seasonal tasting menus. We also recommend the whiskey tasting in the Tack Room, as well as the afternoon tea, which is set in an architecturally stunning space called the Galley. A perk if you book with us? An afternoon tea for two guests is included in your stay! Other perks: daily breakfast for two, upgrade on arrival subject to availability and early check-in/late check-out subject to availability.

Galway, known as the "City of Tribes," is a must-see coastal city for its colorful streets, lively music scene and rich history. Stroll through the Latin Quarter, soak in the street performances and enjoy the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes Galway truly special. It’s also a great hub for its easy access to some of Ireland’s greatest sites.

Must-Dos:

• Salthill Promenade: Enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay with a leisurely stroll along this scenic promenade. Don’t forget to kick the wall at the end for good luck!

• Latin Quarter: Wander through narrow cobblestone streets filled with vibrant shops, pubs and street performers. It’s the perfect spot to experience Galway’s lively spirit.

Can't-Miss Day Trips:

• Cliffs of Moher: Galway is the perfect launching pad for a day trip to these storied cliffs, about a 90-minute drive from Galway. These 214-meter vertical cliffs offer stunning views of the sheer drop into the sea as well as the Aran Islands in the distance.

• The Aran Islands: Take a 40-minute ferry from Rossaveal to these rugged islands, where you can explore ancient forts, enjoy stunning coastal views and experience traditional Irish culture. Rossaveal is easily linked by a shuttle bus from Galway, or we can organize private transport.

• Connemara National Park: About an hour's drive from Galway, this beautiful park features stunning landscapes, hiking trails and the charming village of Letterfrack. Don’t miss Kylemore Abbey, a 19th-century Neo-Gothic wonder open to visitors. We can easily set you up with a day trip from Galway that takes in all these sites.

Where to Eat:

• Éan: If you’ve had your fill of Guinness, check out this Michelin Bib Gourmand wine bar with delicious small plates backed by some serious Michelin-starred talent. Everyone gets the squid toast for a reason — you should, too.

• Ard Bia at Nimmos: We love the vibe at this rustic restaurant inside a stone building from 1651. But rustic, the food is not — “Ard Bia” means “high food” in Gaelic, and that’s exactly what you will get: perfectly elevated dishes based on locally sourced ingredients.

Sadly, this brings your journey around Ireland by train to an end. Or does it? From Dublin it’s only another two hours and 15 minutes on the train to reach Belfast in Northern Ireland. From there, you can easily make trips to amazing wonders like the Giant’s Causeway.

Tempted? Let us plan the perfect Northern Ireland extension for you. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter itineraries, so let us design the perfect Ireland journey for you and your interests.