Day 1

Travel by train from London to Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, with one or two easy connections. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Overnight stay in a small-scale guesthouse close to the station and ferry terminal, for example The Haven Guesthouse.

Day 2

Morning ferry crossing of the Irish Sea. Stena Line sails from Holyhead to Dublin in around three hours. Transfer by bus to Dublin Heuston station, then continue by comfortable Irish Rail intercity train to Cork. Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel, for example Leonardo Hotel Cork.

Day 3

Travel by train to Tralee, then continue by bus to Dingle, the colourful harbour town on the Dingle Peninsula. Arrival in the early afternoon. Overnight stay in a welcoming guesthouse, for example Garden Townhouse.

Day 4

Free day in Dingle. Walk to Connor Pass (450 m) or join a boat trip to look for seals, puffins and dolphins.

Day 5

Return by bus to Tralee in the morning (approx. 1 hour). Continue by train via Mallow and Limerick to Galway on Ireland's west coast. Galway is a lively university city with excellent restaurants and traditional pubs. Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel, for example Hotel Victoria.

Day 6

Free day in Galway. Explore the historic centre, stroll along the River Corrib and the Salthill Promenade, or visit Galway City Museum. Galway is also an excellent base for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands.

Day 7

Travel by train across the Emerald Isle from west to east to Dublin. Overnight stay in the city centre, for example at Hotel Cassidy.

Day 8

Free day in Dublin. Explore the city's many attractions, enjoy a walk along the pier at Howth or take the train south towards the Wicklow Mountains.

Day 9 (selected departure days only*)

Early departure for the Railtour Northern Ireland. Travel by train in a small group with a guide to Belfast, followed by a coach tour along the spectacular Antrim Coast. On clear days you can see Scotland across the sea. Highlights include the Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (viewing only). Return to Belfast by coach. Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel, for example Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre.

Day 10

Free day in Belfast. Visit the Botanic Gardens, Titanic Belfast or take a guided tour of the city's famous murals. In the evening, travel to the ferry terminal for the overnight sailing to Liverpool, departing at 22:30.

Day 11

Arrive in Liverpool at 06:30. Travel to Liverpool Lime Street station by local bus, taxi or via Birkenhead Hamilton Square. Continue by train to London.

*Railtour Northern Ireland operates on the following days:
April, May and October: Thursdays and Saturdays.
June to September: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The tour does not operate on 12 July due to the annual Orange Order parades in Belfast.

13-day tour

Compared with the 11-day tour:

• 1 extra night in Cork for a more relaxed start to the tour.
• 1 extra night in Liverpool to break up the return journey.

15-day tour

Compared with the 11-day tour:

• 1 extra night in Dingle.
• 1 extra night in Dublin.
• 1 extra night in Belfast.
• 1 extra night in Liverpool.