Locally Hosted Rail | Ireland's Sparkling Gems

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the warmest of welcomes from your Local Host. They will settle you in, answer any questions you may have and share local tips and recommendations. Enjoy a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour that’s a great introduction to all the city’s highlights with more than twenty stops along the way (entrance fees are not included).

Enjoy a guided cycling tour of Dublin where your local guide will show you a side of the city and culture that would be hard to find on your own. Explore Dublin’s canals, the river Liffey, Georgian Dublin with its grand 18th century houses and parks and Norman Dublin’s castles and cathedrals. Discover the culture of Dublin’s writers, painters, poets and characters and places of revolution and war from Dublin’s turbulent history. 

Make your own way to the train station for the scenic ride to Killarney. Nothing quite beats the romance of traveling through Ireland’s Golden Vale by train. Your Brendan Local Host will meet you at your hotel later today and give you all the information you need to make the best of this charming location.

Head out for your included excursion around the scenic Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. This iconic stretch of rugged landscapes and crashing seas has been an inspiration for writers and poets for centuries. Enjoy the lilting commentary of your Local Specialist as you weave your way through idyllic towns and villages.

This morning, you will be picked up by a private car to embark on your journey to Galway, stopping along the way at the Cliffs of Moher a natural masterpiece, set against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Burren Geopark. Why not upgrade your stay in this region with a night or two at the not-to-be-missed, luxurious Ashford Castle Estate. Choose a Castle stay or avail yourself of all the estate activities and overnight at the Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Today, join an included excursion to experience the stark beauty and hidden valleys of Connemara. Marvel at dramatic mountainous backdrops before stopping at Kylemore Abbey. This castle-like abbey is serenely located on the edge of Pollacapall Lough and boasts a six-acre Victorian walled garden to explore. (entrance fees to the abbey and gardens not included).

This morning, make your own way to Galway Train Station for your return journey to Dublin. Visit Teelings Whiskey Distillery for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. See this state of the art distillery in operation and get up close and personal with the copper pot still. The rest of your day is free – Perhaps, see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, admire Georgian Dublin’s colorful array of doors or hit the Temple Bar area to soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Bid farewell to Ireland as you are transferred to Dublin Airport, where your vacation ends.