Railtours Ireland First Class Ltd , now in its 21st year, is an enthusiast-run rail tour operator, catering for visitors who would like to explore Ireland by rail, and not have to drive.
All tours are a combination of train and coach, using as much scheduled rail as possible, and then road transport to get us out to the ‘edge’ – including the fabulously scenic Wild Atlantic Way!
All tours are chaperoned by our renowned tour hosts (many of whom are passionate rail enthusiasts) and cater for mainstream tourists as well as those who may have a keener interest in our railways – past and present.
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Because of the emphasis on showing off all aspects of Ireland’s history, culture, and scenery, our tours are popular with those who might like to take their partners. Our extended tours include excellent four-star hotels in the centre of the cities and towns we serve.
We have 42 tour options, including a daily London departure to Dublin, using Virgin Trains to Holyhead – with an inexpensive First Class upgrade option. https://railtoursireland.com/train-tour/london-dublin/le09
A couple of our day tours are very popular with British guests, including our popular trip to the Wicklow Mountains, Avoca (Ballykissangel), Glendalough, which has 50 miles of Ireland’s most scenic railway, down the east coast to Arklow. https://railtoursireland.com/train-tour/wicklow-avoca-ballykissangel-glendalough/dc08
Our day out to Waterford and Kilkenny has four train journeys: Dublin to Kilkenny City, Kilkenny to Waterford, the threatened cross-country route from Waterford to Limerick Junction, and finishing with a flourish on a fast loco-hauled run from the junction back to Dublin. Total cost is €119, including a visit to Waterford Crystal. https://railtoursireland.com/train-tour/waterford-crystal-kilkenny-city-/dh01
Finally, if you would like your own private heritage train (with a maximum of 50 guests) to tour Ireland for a week then check out our ‘Emerald Isle Express’.
We provide a train of 1960s Craven carriages ‘done up to the nines’, with all meals, drinks and more included.
Traction is provided by a General Motors 071 class locomotive – and at night we sleep in castles and five-star city and country hotels.
Only one more departure this year in September – with a few seats left! https://railtoursireland.com/railcruiseandcastletour
All our tours can be viewed on: www.railtoursireland.com
Railtours Ireland is also proud to be the principal sponsor of Ireland’s latest Railway Heritage/Preservation project: www.connemararailway.ie
