Rails and Roads of Ireland

8 Days from $6,390 USD / person

Journey into the heart of Ireland, where lively cities give way to emerald countryside, rugged Atlantic shores and landscapes steeped in legend. Begin in Dublin, exploring its Georgian streets, historic landmarks, lively pubs and literary heritage before venturing north to the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast, where ancient volcanic formations meet the complex history of Northern Ireland.

Then, board the train for Killarney, trading city streets for heather-clad mountains, tranquil lakes and the wild beauty of County Kerry. Savor the character of Irish whiskey during a private tasting, encounter hawks and owls on a private falconry experience, and step inside a working apiary to discover the world of Ireland’s native black honeybee. Continue west to Galway, following the Atlantic coast to the soaring Cliffs of Moher and the limestone landscapes of the Burren, before crossing to Inis Mór by ferry and exploring its ancient stone walls and prehistoric Dun Aengus by private jaunting car. Finally, unwind amid the rugged beauty of County Clare, with time to discover windswept coastal roads, hidden caves, traditional villages and the dramatic Atlantic horizon.

From Dublin’s spirited streets to Ireland’s wild western edge, this is a journey where every road and railway reveals another layer of the Emerald Isle.

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

This itinerary will be customized for you. Please reach out and our experts will work with you to create a journey so unique, it could only be yours.

Ideal For

Adventure & Outdoors

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 3

Dublin
Highlights: History & Architecture, Guinness Storehouse, Pubs & Nightlife

The Alex Hotel
Dylan Hotel

3 – 5

Killarney
Highlights: Ring of Kerry, Hiking & Nature

The Lake Hotel
The Europe Hotel & Resort

5 – 7

County Galway
Highlights: Connemara National Park

The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

7 – 8

County Clare
Highlights: Gateway to Western Ireland, The Burren & Cliffs of Moher, Irish Countryside Villages

Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

2 Nights

Dublin

Dublin is a bustling cosmopolitan capital, straddling River Liffey on Ireland’s eastern coast. While Dublin’s cultural quarter is replete with historic walking trails, medieval castles, and cathedrals, the modern Docklands neighborhood is a testament to the city’s burgeoning tech hub. As the Spire of Dublin looms over the town, explore the sprawling urban greens, 19th-century English markets, Georgian architecture, plus myriad entertainment options that include wakeboarding on the river. Savor the legendary ‘black stuff’ at the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story interactive museum experience, and the rooftop bar that offers impressive vistas of the cityscape and the Wicklow Mountains beyond. Step into contemporary galleries, admire street art, or cheer buskers as music fills the air. Trinity College offers campus tours to witness the Book of Kells exhibit at The Long Hall library, a haven for literature enthusiasts. Between fresh seafood, whiskey tastings, and Irish Coffees enjoy Dublin’s eclectic food scene. Whatever the season though, carry an umbrella!

Included activities

Private Dublin Highlights on Foot

Explore the cultural and historical attractions of Dublin through a walking tour. Your friendly local guide will pick you up at your hotel and will be happy to tailor the itinerary according to your preferences and interests. Stroll past the majestic Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century or the imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral that dates back by another two centuries. Explore the scenic landscapes of St Stephen’s Green or the Georgian aesthetics of Merrion Square. Take in the grandeur of the City Hall and the magnificence of Trinity College, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Learn more from your guide about the fractious history of the former Houses of Parliament and then savor the hip vibes of Temple Bar, Dublin’s eclectic riverside neighborhood. Take in interesting stories of famous Dubliners who are as much a part of the cultural landscape of the city as its iconic buildings.

Giants Causeway, Belfast & the Antrim Coast

Ireland’s north coast has been shaped over a millennia. Ancient volcanic activity pushed roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns through the earth along the Antrim coastline, creating the extraordinary formation now known as the Giant’s Causeway. Just inland, Belfast carries a more recent and equally complex history, one shaped by shipyard steel, political murals and the long aftermath of the Troubles. This full-day journey from Dublin brings both stories into focus. Departing Dublin in the early morning, your group travels north through open countryside before crossing into Northern Ireland and following the coastal road through the green Glens of Antrim. Offshore, Rathlin Island comes into view, while on clear days the shores of Scotland appear on the horizon. At the Giant’s Causeway, you will have a couple of hours to explore the remarkable basalt formations at the water’s edge. Treat yourself to lunch at one of the pubs or cafés close to the site. The journey continues to Belfast, where two hours in the city include a choice of two experiences. At Titanic Belfast, the exhibition occupies the former docklands where thousands of workers built the RMS Titanic, tracing the ship’s construction and 1912 sinking through original artifacts and immersive exhibits. Alternatively, a Black Taxi tour travels through Belfast’s neighborhoods, passing political murals and the Peace Wall that once divided Unionist and Nationalist communities. It offers a direct, ground-level perspective on the Troubles, the period of conflict that lasted from 1969 to 1998. Why This is Recommended Few single-day routes in Ireland compress this much geological drama and layered modern history into one arc. The Giant’s Causeway and Belfast sit within the same coastal corridor, making this the most direct way to encounter both within a day’s journey from Dublin. Inclusions – Group transfers in a Mercedes-Benz tour vehicle – Shared guide – Hotel pickup from select central Dublin locations – Entry fees for chosen Belfast experience (Titanic Belfast or Black Taxi tour)

Hotel options

The Alex Hotel – Opt 1

Room Classic, King Bed

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Dylan Hotel – Opt 2

Room Double Deluxe

Meals Bed and Breakfast

Style International

Day 3 – 5

2 Nights

Killarney

Discover Killarney, a vibrant town on the fringes of its namesake national park surrounded by heather-clad highlands in southwestern Ireland. Whether it’s hiking the woodland tracks to the country’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil, plunging into hidden waterfall pools, or kayaking on one of the three pristine lakes, Killarney is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts. Killarney’s location also provides an ideal base to explore the trails of Kerry Way and the scenic Ring of Kerry route nearby. Another popular experience is to cycle through the Gap of Dunloe, a low mountain pass while soaking in the panoramic mountain vistas around. Expect to spot herds of native red deer while hopping between the town’s historical attractions on local jaunting-car rides. Witness traditional Irish farming lifestyle at the stately Muckross House and Farms, and admire the 15th century Ross Castle overlooking Lough Leane. Killarney’s world-class spas let you unwind with a view after golfing, horse racing, and fly fishing sessions.

Included activities

Whiskey, Copper & the Art of Irish Spirit

Ireland’s whiskey tradition stretches back centuries, rooted in the copper pot stills and grain fields that helped shape distillation into a national art. At the Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder in central Killarney, that heritage comes into focus during a private tasting led by a resident whiskey specialist. The session explores four premium Irish whiskeys, with the specialist delving into the distillation techniques, flavor development and regional traditions behind each pour. Each whiskey is paired with either farmhouse Irish cheeses or handcrafted local chocolates, chosen to highlight notes of vanilla, dark fruit, oak and barley. The specialist explains how the richness, salt and sweetness of each pairing influence the character of the whiskey, turning the tasting into an engaging introduction to both the spirit and its craft. The setting adds another layer to the experience. The bar is home to one of Ireland’s most extensive whiskey collections, with bottles lining the walls around a private seating area set apart from the main bar. Centrally located in Killarney, it is also within easy walking distance of most accommodations in town. Why This is Recommended A private tasting turns Ireland’s whiskey heritage into an intimate, sensory experience, pairing four premium pours with local cheeses or handcrafted chocolates. Expert guidance, thoughtful pairings and an exceptional whiskey collection make this a deeper exploration of Irish distilling. Inclusions – Private whiskey specialist – Tasting flight of four premium Irish whiskeys – Artisanal pairing of your choice

Falconry Experience in Killarney

Falconry traces its roots back more than 4,000 years, evolving through medieval Europe into a pursuit once reserved for royalty and nobility. At a working Irish family farm in Inchycullane, less than 2.5 miles from Killarney town center, this ancient tradition comes to life against the open landscape of County Kerry. A private falconer leads the experience, placing trained birds of prey directly onto a gloved hand before taking you into the fields for a Hawk Walk. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the broad expanse of Killarney National Park and the slopes of Mangerton Mountain form a dramatic backdrop as the birds take flight around you. The session also includes close encounters with owls and other raptors, with the falconer sharing insights into their behavior and the centuries-old craft of training them. The farm’s resident alpacas add a quieter, more relaxed element to the visit, offering another way to connect with the working landscape. All falconry equipment is provided on site. The experience is somewhat weather dependent, with an indoor alternative available if conditions make the outdoor session unsuitable. Why This is Recommended A private Hawk Walk brings you remarkably close to trained birds of prey, with the dramatic landscapes of County Kerry unfolding around you. Personal falconer-led encounters with hawks, owls and other raptors offer an intimate introduction to one of Ireland’s oldest sporting traditions. Inclusions – Private falconer guide – Hawk Walk through open fields – Hands-on time with hawks, owls & other raptors – Introduction to the farm’s resident alpacas – All falconry equipment

Into the Hive: A Beekeeping Experience

County Kerry’s landscape supports one of Ireland’s most ecologically significant native species: the Irish black honeybee, Apis mellifera mellifera. On private farmland in Inchycullane, just outside Killarney, a small working apiary preserves this tradition. This 90-minute private experience offers an intimate look inside the world of the hive, bringing you close to the bees and the landscape that sustains them. After suiting up in full protective beekeeping gear, you’ll walk out to the active hives with a guide. Inside, view comb built cell by cell, nectar gathered and stored and thousands of bees moving with quiet, purposeful precision. Your guide explains the role of the native Irish black honeybee in supporting local biodiversity and why protecting the species matters to the surrounding landscape. The experience also takes you through the farm’s native flora, illustrating the connection between forage plants and hive health in a tangible way. Back in the honey house, enjoy a tasting of raw honey harvested directly from the farm’s hives, accompanied by homemade scones. Children under 4 are welcome in the honey house but cannot visit the apiary. Why This is Recommended An intimate encounter with Ireland’s native black honeybee reveals the intricate relationship between the hive, native flora and Kerry’s landscape. Hands-on access to a working apiary, followed by farm-fresh honey and homemade scones, makes the experience both immersive and distinctly local. Inclusions – Private local beekeeper guide – Full bee suit – Raw honey tasting – Homemade scones

Hotel options

The Lake Hotel – Opt 1

Room Classic, Double Bed, Lake View

Meals Breakfast

Style International

The Europe Hotel & Resort – Opt 2

Room Double King Size Bed

Meals Buffet Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 5 – 7

2 Nights

County Galway

County Galway, in western Ireland, boasts a mosaic of experiences. Between the picturesque Atlantic coastline and the rocky Connemara National Park, explore the Twelve Bens mountain range, several pristine lakes, picture-postcard farmlands, the Carraroe coral beach, and Clifden’s Sky Road. From cliffside castle ruins and fishermen cottages, to the romantic Kylemore Abbey, Galway offers a wealth of attractions. Be part of celebrations galore, as a bunch of medieval towns host Irish festivities throughout the year, and the Claddagh ring still symbolizes love! The city of Galway along River Corrib, lies midway on the famous Wild Atlantic Way. An ideal base for excursions around, its traditional music and cosmopolitan lifestyle entertain people of all ages. Galway’s vibrant student population keeps the nightlife going all year round, along with artisanal cafes, quaint pubs, and the busking scene. Off shore, the Aran Islands afford stunning natural beauty, thanks to unique geographical formations. Various heritage sites, including the Dún Aonghasa, and the distinct Gaelic culture, make for interesting discoveries.

Included activities

Cliffs, Collies & a 10th-Century Fort

The Cliffs of Moher reveal a different perspective from the Atlantic. Rising more than 200 meters above the water, their sheer rock face takes on a scale and drama that no clifftop viewpoint can fully convey. This en route experience combines two of County Clare’s defining attractions: a shared cruise along the base of the cliffs from Doolin Pier, followed by a working sheepdog demonstration and a visit to a well-preserved ringfort in the limestone landscape of the Burren. You will be driven to Doolin Pier in a chauffeur-driven vehicle. Board the boat and head into the Atlantic, following the cliffs from below. Along the way, you’ll pass An Branaunmore, the 67-meter Great Sea Stack, as well as the sea cave featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’. Seating is available on both the upper and lower decks, with indoor and outdoor options below, allowing you to choose your preferred vantage point. Buggies are welcome onboard, while a small snack bar operates both on the boat and at the pier. At Caherconnell, the setting shifts from open sea to rugged pasture. Border Collies respond to whistles and voice commands, guiding sheep across rough terrain. After the demonstration, there is time to meet the dogs, hold young lambs when available and explore the nearby Caherconnell Ringfort. Dating to the 10th century, the stone structure has remained largely intact for more than a thousand years, standing amid the distinctive limestone karst of the Burren. Later, continue driving to your destination. Why This is Recommended A boat-level view of the Cliffs of Moher reveals their full scale and drama, before the experience shifts inland to the rugged landscapes of the Burren. A working sheepdog demonstration and visit to a 10th-century ringfort add a distinctly local dimension to this coastal journey. Inclusions – Private transfers – Shared cruise along the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin Pier – Entry to sheepdog demonstration at Caherconnell Stone Fort – Access to Caherconnell Ringfort – All entry fees

Inis Mor by Horse-Drawn Jaunting Car

The Aran Islands have stood at Ireland’s western edge for millennia, shaped by Atlantic winds, limestone karst and a Gaelic-speaking culture. Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, carries that history in its stone walls and ancient forts. Reach the island by ferry before exploring its interior by private horse-drawn jaunting car. A shared coach departs Galway and follows the Connemara coastline to Rossaveel Harbour, where the ferry crosses to Inis Mór in approximately 50 minutes. At Kilronan Harbour, a private jaunting car and driver await. The journey then winds through the island’s interior at a pace that allows the landscape to unfold naturally. Stone walls divide the fields into a mosaic of gray and green, while the Atlantic stretches toward the horizon as the route climbs onto the island’s plateau. The centerpiece of the day is Dun Aengus, a prehistoric cliff-top fort dating back more than 3,000 years, with its semicircular stone walls overlooking the ocean from the edge of the cliffs. A 45-minute self-guided visit allows you to explore at your own pace. Along the way, the jaunting car driver can stop at points of interest whenever requested, giving you the flexibility to take in the island on your own terms. Why This is Recommended A private jaunting car offers an unhurried way to experience Inis Mór’s windswept landscape, ancient stone walls and enduring Gaelic culture. The visit to dramatic Dun Aengus adds a remarkable prehistoric dimension, perched on the island’s Atlantic-facing cliffs. Inclusions – Return coach transfer from Galway to Rossaveel Harbour – Return foot passenger ferry from Rossaveel Harbour to Inis Mor – Private jaunting car from Kilronan Harbour to Dun Aengus Fort (3-4 hrs) – All entry fees

Hotel options

The Galmont Hotel & Spa – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Bed and Full Irish Breakfast

Style International

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – Opt 2

Room Classic King Room

Meals Bed and Breakfast

Style International

Day 7 – 8

1 Night

County Clare

County Clare in western Ireland is known for its natural beauty and culture, from the showstopper Cliffs of Moher that features crashing Atlantic swells, to the lively Irish culture that reels you into intimate gatherings. This rugged and spectacular Atlantic coastline is an adventurer’s paradise. The Wild Atlantic Way offers scenic drives to the Loop Head peninsula, the karst plains of Burren provide fantastic hiking trails, and the quaint seaside towns make for delightful surfing days. Adding experiences at the dramatic caves and chasms of Aillwee, and the tranquil loughs, there’s plenty going on outdoors in County Clare. Explore the historic castles at Knappogue, lavish medieval banquets at Bunratty, and Doonbeg’s golfing haven. Groove to traditional Irish music and dance entertainment at Doolin, or walk the atmospheric streets of Ennis, and treat yourselves to a bevy of local gourmet foods across the county. You can also expect to find a partner at the world-famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival!

Included activities

Explore County Clare on your own

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend a leisurely exploration of one or more of these attractions in County Clare. You could start by exploring the UNESCO-listed Burren and the Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark along the Wild Atlantic Way. At the Burren Centre, learn how this unique landscape was formed over millions of years as your browse the multimedia displays and watch audio-visual presentations. You could stop for a bite at the tearoom in the Burren perfumery or the smokehouse which serves artisanal food. Later, drive along the coastal road which offers splendid views of The Burren’s glacio-karst landscape. There are several hiking and biking trails that lead to hidden caves, fossil sites and sculptured rocks. Then, make your way to the rugged Cliffs of Moher that tower over the Atlantic Ocean. Step up to the highest point on the cliffs for panoramic views of the ocean. You could also visit other highlights in the area, including Aillwee Cave, Doolin Pier and Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells.

Hotel options

Dromoland Castle – Opt 1

Room Queen Anne Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Dromoland Castle – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $6,390 USD / person

Option 2

From $7,590 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

Enchanting Travels UK & Ireland Tours Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland with the Jacobite steam train against sunset over lake

What Our Guests Say

“A three-week trip to various parts of the UK seemed too much for us to plan and execute, so I was glad when a friend told me about her magical UK trip. She had relied on the expertise of Cherisse Liptzin and ET. From the first meeting, we were impressed. Cherisse asked great questions to figure out our expectations, preferences, and wishes. She offered suggestions based on her time traveling throughout the UK. She was flexible when we made changes to our initial plan and when we added further edits and additional days. Her guidance was superb! Then, she handed us over to our trip coordinator, Namrata Gupta who worked with us before and throughout our time in the UK. Namrata, in her intro message, assured us that we wouldn’t need to worry about a thing – that she would take care of everything. That big promise was proven to be 100% genuine and true. We had several unforeseen issues arise, and she helped us resolve everything. We didn’t miss a bit of the fun and enjoyment of the trip thanks to this dear, responsive, smart trip coordinator who answered the call, going above and beyond every time we needed her help. ET has a process that ensures your travel will be enjoyable, safe, and easy. We give them our highest recommendation. In fact, we’re already planning our next journeys with their wise guidance and help. We’re thrilled to travel with ET!”

May 2025 Rating 5/5

“Enchanting Travels made planning my trip to Ireland very easy and stress free. The experience with Enchanting Travels and finally getting to visit Ireland was a dream come true. I am so glad I did it! I had to go to Ireland by myself, but I didn’t feel like I was alone. My travel guide checked in with me everyday to make sure things were going well. I had my personal chauffeur/tour guide who was with me at least 8 hours a day so I wasn’t completely by myself. I felt very safe and well taken care of. Don’t hesitate to use Enchanting Travels for your next trip. They are the best!”

May 2025 Rating 5/5

“We recently returned from a 10-day trip to London and Paris, and Enchanting Travels made the entire experience seamless and unforgettable. Elizabeth handled all of our bookings and excursions with care and attention to detail. During our trip, Vipra was on call and incredibly helpful anytime we needed assistance. She even surprised us with a thoughtful gift and champagne to celebrate our anniversary, such a kind and personal touch! The Enchanting Travels app was also super user-friendly, which made it easy to keep track of our itinerary, confirmations, and documents all in one place. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish. We’ll definitely be booking with them again!”

June 2025 Rating 5/5

“This was my second trip booked through Enchanting Travels and I will continue to use them for any future trips. The service they provide is amazing and best of all they make everything so easy. Lisa Fox and Divya were brilliant with everything they did for us. I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed my trip and a lot of that is due to them and their help. 10/10 would recommend. ”

October 2024 Rating 5/5

“Enchanting Travels is an amazing travel company. We have done two major trips of over two weeks with them. The UK and Ireland trips were our two favorites of all time. We have been traveling extensively for over ten years, and Enchanting Travels has delivered in a major way. We will certainly use them again in the future.”

September 2024 Rating 5/5

“Our travel agents did a fantastic job! Everything was so well planned it made it easy not having to worry about so many tiny details you usually would planning on your own. It was an amazing trip! ”

September 2024 Rating 5/5

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What our Guests Say

Be Enchanted Magazine

Meet The Experts

Get Inspired

Rails and Roads of Ireland

Luxury Travel. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Dream Carefree

Plan Carefree

Travel Carefree

Plan My Trip

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

Day 3 – 5

Day 5 – 7

Day 7 – 8

Dublin

Private Dublin Highlights on Foot

Giants Causeway, Belfast & the Antrim Coast

Killarney

Whiskey, Copper & the Art of Irish Spirit

Falconry Experience in Killarney

Into the Hive: A Beekeeping Experience

County Galway

Cliffs, Collies & a 10th-Century Fort

Inis Mor by Horse-Drawn Jaunting Car

County Clare

Explore County Clare on your own

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

Other Itineraries You Might Like

Road Trip: Highlights of England

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