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Ireland Itinerary: 2 Weeks by Train with Private Guide
14 Days
6 Stops
Private transfer
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThe Gap of Dunloe by horse-drawn jaunting car is the experience that separates this itinerary from every standard Killarney visit, and it's the one I always tell clients to commit to before anything else. The glacially carved valley, the five lakes at different levels, and the Black Valley at the far end are accessible no other way, and the three-hour journey through that landscape in relative silence makes the national park's scale legible in a way a car window never could. The Galway food tour deserves the first full morning in the city rather than the final afternoon; navigating the Spanish Arch market and the Salthill oyster suppliers with a guide builds a culinary vocabulary that makes every subsequent meal in the city more purposeful. For Belfast with three nights, position Titanic Belfast on arrival afternoon and the Giant's Causeway as a standalone full day; trying to combine both compresses the site that most needs unhurried time.
The Gap of Dunloe by horse-drawn jaunting car is the experience that separates this itinerary from every standard Killarney visit, and it's the one I always tell clients to commit to before anything else. The glacially carved valley, the five lakes at different levels, and the Black Valley at the far end are accessible no other way, and the three-hour journey through that landscape in relative silence makes the national park's scale legible in a way a car window never could. The Galway food tour deserves the first full morning in the city rather than the final afternoon; navigating the Spanish Arch market and the Salthill oyster suppliers with a guide builds a culinary vocabulary that makes every subsequent meal in the city more purposeful. For Belfast with three nights, position Titanic Belfast on arrival afternoon and the Giant's Causeway as a standalone full day; trying to combine both compresses the site that most needs unhurried time.
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County Dublin
Day 1 - 2
Stretching along Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland, County Dublin is home to the vibrant city of Dublin, the country’s colourful capital. Aside from the lively capital, the county features rolling green hills scattered with a collection of character-filled villages, an array of beautiful beaches and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy an iconic black beer - the traditional Guinness; learn about Viking history at the Dublinia, a fascinating heritage centre; and discover the seaside towns of Malahide and Howth, which both offer scenic coastal paths to explore. Other highlights include the Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in the seaside town of Balbriggan, the charming seaside town of Skerries, and the bustling town of Swords.
The Grafton Hotel
With a stay at The Grafton Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Dublin, steps from Grafton Street and 4 minutes by foot from St. Stephen's Green. This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Trinity College and 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from O'Connell Street.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a reception hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 127 air-conditioned rooms featuring LED televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Dublin Day Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus - 1 Day
The DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour has been carefully designed to give you the freedom to explore Dublin's history and culture. From the most famous landmarks to the hidden gems, DoDublin shows you the city like no one else can - from Dublin Zoo and Trinity College (Book of Kells) to the Guinness Storehouse and Kilmainham Gaol, experienced DoDublin guides bring the city to life through live narration, ensuring that every tour is unique. The tour starts at 9:00 AM and you can hop on at any of the 30+ stops around the city, all located near Dublin's most popular attractions.
Live Commentary Available in German:
This unique experience offers the only LIVE guided German tour in Dublin, providing a captivating exploration of the city's highlights. The tour takes place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 3:15 PM, starting from Dublin Bus Head Office.
This tour is included in our regular Hop-on Hop-off service and is an excellent addition to the high-quality tours offered by DoDublin!
First Tour departs at 09:00, last tour departs Stop 1 at 17:00.
Monday to Friday - Buses every 30 Minutes from 09:00 to 17:00.
Saturday and Sunday - Buses every 30 minutes from 09:00 to 10:00, every 20 minutes from 10:00 to 16:00 and every 30 minutes from 16:00 to 17:00
Cork
Day 3
Welcome to Cork, a captivating Irish city nestled in the province of Munster in southwest Ireland! You'll find the city's compact center uniquely situated on an island in the River Lee, surrounded by an intricate network of waterways and reclaimed marshland islands. Explore the charming connections provided by limestone bridges, grand Georgian avenues, and quaint 17th-century alleyways adorned with gorgeous Georgian facades. Cork offers a diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene, alongside a tempting array of atmospheric tapas bars and exotic restaurants for you to discover. Popular attractions await, including the Crawford Art Gallery, showcasing a fine collection from the 18th to the 20th centuries, and the fascinating hi-tech cosmological displays at Blackrock Castle Observatory. However, a true highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the chance to relax in one of Cork's cozy traditional pubs, order a locally brewed Murphy’s or a Beamish stout, and engage in some lively conversation with the city’s famously friendly locals.
Imperial Hotel
With a stay at Imperial Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Cork, within a 10-minute walk of Cork City Hall and Cork Opera House. This spa hotel is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from University College Cork and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Fitzgerald Park.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 124 air-conditioned rooms featuring espresso makers and Smart televisions. Wireless internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Cobh Titanic Trail - Ghost Tour
Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of local legends and ghost stories. Learn about the spectre of a young Irish emigrant and the eerie events at the Pillars Bar, as well as the ghostly cries of a child heard in a local hotel. Listen to tales of apparitions along the mist-covered quayside and discover historic buildings in the town associated with unexplained occurrences.
Hear the moving accounts of individuals who were deeply shaken by what they saw and heard.
The tour is suitable for all ages and makes for a thrilling family experience. You are also welcome to bring your pet along. The event is wheelchair accessible.
Start Time - 8pm
Meeting Point - Commodore Hotel, Westbourne Cobh P24 XT93
Killarney
Day 4 - 5
County Kerry in southwest Ireland welcomes you to the charming town of Killarney, peacefully situated on the scenic shores of Lough Leane Lake. Prepare to be enveloped by spectacular natural beauty, a landscape dotted with cascading waterfalls, sparkling rivers, lush woodlands, glittering lakes, and majestic peaks. For those exploring the famous Ring of Kerry scenic drive, Killarney offers an ideal place to pause and discover its delights. A variety of comfortable accommodations, inviting traditional Irish pubs, and excellent restaurants await your visit. Take the time to see the impressive 19th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, perhaps walk a section of the 200-kilometer Kerry Way walking trail that begins and ends here, and certainly explore the wonders of Killarney National Park, Ireland's first national park. Further exploration will lead you to the historic 15th-century Ross Castle, the breathtaking Torc Waterfall, and the ancient ruins of Innisfallen Abbey, a 7th-century monastery nestled on the tranquil Innisfallen Island.
Killarney Royal Townhouse
A stay at Killarney Royal Townhouse places you in the heart of Killarney, within a 10-minute walk of Killarney National Park and Speir Bhean Monument. This luxury hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Killarney House Gardens and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Cinema Killarney.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. This hotel also features wedding services and a banquet hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Celtic Steps - The Show
Celtic Steps - The Show
Celtic Steps was born from the idea of showcasing the traditional music, song and dance of Ireland and representing the music of Kerry and beyond, the songs of Irish history. The show features Irish dances, from the hornpipe danced at the old thatched cottage half-door, to the polka played at the crossroads, to the phenomenon that Irish Dancing is today worldwide. Rather than staging this in a story in chronological order over the years, Celtic Steps have mixed music, songs and dance in a unique blend to let guests experience the spectacle that is an Irish tradition.
Part 1
The start of the show is heralded by the enchanting harmonic sounds of the piano, which is the haunting introduction of an old Irish classic, "Siúil a Rún", add.
The traditional Irish song, believed to have originated in the 1800s, belongs to a group of Coaineadh songs - a genre whose lyrics emphasize sorrow and pain. The melody is about a woman who mourns her lover because he decided to leave her and pursue a military career. The story is bittersweet as she supports his decision to leave while mourning the loss of her one true love. The title translates as "Go My Love", with Siúil meaning "to go" in Irish and Rún being a pet name.
As the stirring notes of the dirge slow to signal the end of the song, the music transforms into a series of fast and lively Irish reels introducing the Celtic Steps Dance Troop, four men and six women who have 15 world dance titles between them.
Part 2
A rolling, bouncy rhythm and fast-paced tempo are just some of the common elements found in both traditional Irish and Scottish music. The second half of the show segues into a beautiful Irish and Scottish instrumental called Margaret's Waltz. The bright musicality of the violin, complemented by the acoustic harmonies of the guitar, creates a gentleness reminiscent of the old Irish ballroom and the "Golden Age" when dancing was most popular in Ireland.
The waltz is followed by a magnificent display of Irish dancing, with the dancers of Celtic Steps displaying the grace and delicacy of soft shoe dancing to the airs of slip jigs.
Start Time - 7.45pm / 8pm
Meeting Point - Venue: Killarney Racecourse, Ross Road, Killarney, V93 KR0H
Galway
Day 6 - 8
Set on the spectacular north shore of Galway Bay, where the River Corrib flows from Lough Corrib to the sea, Galway is a large, sprawling university city, commonly referred to as the 'most Irish' of Ireland's cities. Despite Galway’s considerable size, the historical city centre is tiny, with a bohemian atmosphere emanating from its colourful facades, buzzing markets and laid-back inhabitants. Dubbed ‘the city of festivals’, Galway is known as the liveliest place in the republic with its internationally acclaimed theatre scene, vibrant nightlife bolstered by a spirited student population, and plenty of quirky hidden cafes and restaurants with some truly excellent food. Highlights include: the constant impromptu performances of traditional music, the pretty Salthill beach with waters suitable for swimming, and beautifully wild surrounding nature.
Hyde Hotel (Formerly The Forster Court Hotel)
With a stay at Hyde Hotel (Formerly The Forster Court Hotel) in Galway (Galway City Centre), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Eyre Square and 10 minutes by foot from Quay Street. This hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Lough Atalia and 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from The Fountain.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a living plant wall.
Stay in one of 50 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include safes, housekeeping is provided daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
Your activity
Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Experience the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Visit the Cliffs of Moher - Ireland's #1 tourist attraction on the west coast. A tour of the Cliffs of Moher is a must for anyone traveling in Ireland. They recently appeared in Harry Potter's Half-Blood Prince and of course the classic film The Princess Bride. A hike along the edge of Ireland allows you to enjoy the beautiful, rugged coastline and views of the Atlantic. The unique landscape of the Burren is one of the many highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Along Galway Bay, you will first stop in the fishing village of Kinvara to visit Dunguaire Castle before continuing into the Burren. The Burren is home to 75% of Ireland's native flora and is home to numerous ancient monuments, many of which we will visit, including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort - home of the little men with green hats and orange beards.
Past Kilfenora, home of the famous Irish High Crosses, and Lisdoonvarna, the site of the world famous Matchmaking Festival, we drive to the coastal town of Doolin, where we have lunch before visiting the 200 meter high and 8 km long Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, and take time to absorb the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher (minimum 1.5 hour stay - entry is included in your ticket).
We return via the coastal road overlooking Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, making a brief stop to hike the Burren's lunar-like landscape and see sights such as Leprechaun Head before returning to Galway shortly after 6pm.
Did you know that in 2011 The Burren and Cliffs of Moher received Global Geopark status? UNESCO Geoparks are "areas where sites and landscapes of international geological importance are managed with a holistic approach of protection, education and sustainable development". There are only 127 geoparks in 35 countries.
Activity start time: 9.45am
Meeting point: Meet at Kinlay Hostel Merchants Road
Belfast
Day 9 - 11
Prepare to be surprised by Belfast, a dynamic city nestled at the mouth of the River Lagan! Here, you'll discover a captivating blend of Victorian shops, trendy eateries, and impressive architecture waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the city's thriving traditional music scene and its vibrant creative community. Don't miss top-notch museums like the Ulster Museum, beautifully situated within the lush Botanic Gardens. Belfast's rich culture and lively entertainment scene shine throughout the year, offering something for everyone. We highly recommend you explore the iconic Titanic Belfast, wander through the vibrant Cathedral Quarter with the magnificent St Anne's Cathedral, and experience the exceptional acoustics of the Waterfront Hall. Belfast is a captivating city brimming with culture, creativity, and remarkable attractions just waiting for your visit.
Titanic Hotel Belfast
With a stay at Titanic Hotel Belfast in Belfast (Titanic Quarter), you'll be steps from Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and Titanic Belfast. This luxury hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from The Great Light and 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from W5 Interactive Discovery Centre.
Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 119 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Giants Causeway full day tour
The Giant's Causeway
Travel along the Causeway Coastal Route - voted one of the 5 most spectacular routes in the world - in one of our award-winning coaches! Choose the original and best Giant's Causeway day tour from Belfast. This is a day of fun that we have perfected over 25 years!!
Enjoy the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle before continuing along the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping at beautiful locations such as Carnlough and the Cushendun Caves.
After a stop at the iconic Dark Hedges, we stop for lunch at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, where we enjoy a delicious Pub Grub-style lunch.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the visit to the Giant's Causeway, Ireland's only World Heritage Site. Spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping some photos and enjoying the myths and legends surrounding this world-famous attraction. We'll then reboard our luxury coach and continue along the coast, making a final short stop at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle.
Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the comfortable journey back to Belfast (arriving around 6pm depending on the time of year) in one of our award-winning luxury coaches.
This tour truly is a must-do, and with the combination of our luxury coaches, experienced and friendly tour guides and wonderful attractions you'd be crazy to miss!
Highlights:
- Carrickfergus Castle (photo stop)
- Causeway Coastal Road
- Cushendun, The Dark Hedges
- Giant's Causeway
- Dunluce Castle (photo stop)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Start Time - 8.30am
Meeting Point - 22 Donegal Road, Belfast
Group Size - 30 Pax
County Dublin
Day 12 - 14
Stretching along Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland, County Dublin is home to the vibrant city of Dublin, the country’s colourful capital. Aside from the lively capital, the county features rolling green hills scattered with a collection of character-filled villages, an array of beautiful beaches and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy an iconic black beer - the traditional Guinness; learn about Viking history at the Dublinia, a fascinating heritage centre; and discover the seaside towns of Malahide and Howth, which both offer scenic coastal paths to explore. Other highlights include the Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in the seaside town of Balbriggan, the charming seaside town of Skerries, and the bustling town of Swords.
The Address Connolly
A stay at The Address Connolly places you in the heart of Dublin, within a 15-minute walk of O'Connell Street and Trinity College. This hotel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from The Convention Centre Dublin and 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Croke Park.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a terrace. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).
Make yourself at home in one of the 235 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Your activity
Dinner & Cruise
Enjoy a wonderful cruise through the ages on our replica Guinness Canal barge. Retrace the history of the world's most famous Stout and its association with Dublin and the Grand Canal. The cruise brings the visitor through 225 year old canal locks and under cut stone bridges. Your dining on board is interspersed with short commentaries that describe the history of the canal and its association with the poet and writer Patrick Kavanagh. There is an opportunity during the trip to spend time on deck to see a demonstration of how the locks work at moving the barge up or down between the different levels of the canal. The locks themselves are all over 225 years old, and are operated today in exactly the same way as when they were first commissioned in 1798.
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Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
46+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
20+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
9+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
The decision to cover Ireland by train rather than rental car shapes the whole character of this trip. You arrive at the center of each city on foot, and the country between stops moves past the window at a pace that rewards looking out. Dublin to Cork to Killarney to Galway to Belfast and back to Dublin follows the coastal and rural circuit as naturally by rail as it does by road.
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The Aran Islands full-day excursion from Galway is the experience I'd always mention first when talking through this itinerary. The ferry to Inishmore, the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa on its clifftop, and the cycle out across the island's limestone roads give you an encounter with Irish island life that no mainland excursion can replicate.
Day 1–2: Dublin
Hotel: The Grafton
Trinity College and the Book of Kells on one morning, the Guinness Storehouse in the afternoon, and a traditional Irish evening to close the first day. The hop-on hop-off city tour fills the second day efficiently and gives you the geography of the capital before heading south.
Day 3: Cork
Hotel: The Imperial Hotel Cork
Cork's harbor character is best accessed by water — the harbor-side experience and a walk along the South Mall riverfront give you the maritime identity of a city that tends to be passed through quickly. The Cobh Titanic connection, just fifteen minutes east by train, adds a specific and impactful chapter to the afternoon.
Day 4–5: Killarney
Hotel: Killarney Royal Hotel
The Gap of Dunloe guided tour is the defining experience of the Killarney section. The valley cuts deep into the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and traveling through it on foot or by horse-drawn jaunting car gives you Kerry's mountain character far more honestly than any drive along the Ring road would. The Celtic music show fills a strong second evening without needing to be planned.
Day 6–8: Galway
Hotel: HYDE Hotel
Three nights gives you the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on one day, the Aran Islands full-day excursion on another, and the Galway food tour plus the city's streets on the third. The Cliffs are best reached early; the cliff path toward Hag's Head, south of the visitor center, gives you the full Atlantic scale without the main viewing platform crowds.
Day 9–11: Belfast
Hotel: Titanic Hotel Belfast
Three nights with the Giant's Causeway full-day excursion and the Titanic Belfast visit as the main anchors. The coastal drive between the Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is one of the most dramatic coastal roads in the British Isles, and the Titanic museum rewards the time genuinely — more substantial and more moving than its attractions billing would suggest.
Day 12–13: Dublin (Return)
Hotel: The Address Connolly
Returning to Dublin for a relaxed two-night close gives the trip a considered ending. The Address Connolly, near the Docklands, sits in a different part of the city from the Grafton — which means the final evenings can be spent in neighborhoods that weren't part of the opening days.
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Tips for your Ireland itinerary
May–June and September are the most pleasant months for a two-week trip. These seasons offer long days and mild weather, perfect for walking Dublin’s historic streets, exploring the Ring of Kerry from Killarney, and enjoying Galway’s festivals or Belfast’s coastline.
Hotels typically range from $70–$120 per night for mid-range, and $150–$250+ for boutique or luxury in cities like Dublin and Galway. Meals cost $15–$25 in pubs and $50–$90 in fine dining. Train fares are affordable: Dublin–Cork from about $25, Dublin–Galway about $25, and Dublin–Belfast about $20. Excursions like a Ring of Kerry tour or Aran Islands trip average $50–$120. For two weeks, expect from $3,500 per person upwards, depending on travel style.
Dublin offers Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse, Cork features a harbor sunset cruise, and Killarney gives access to the Gap of Dunloe and Ring of Kerry. Galway connects to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, while Belfast adds Titanic history and the Giant’s Causeway. Activities like food tours, music shows, and guided hikes bring variety to the trip.
Book rail tickets in advance for popular routes like Dublin–Galway. Travel light to make station transfers easier, and pair trains with private transfers for rural spots like the Ring of Kerry. Staying two nights at each stop balances sightseeing and relaxation.
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