Wales: Culture, Steam & Heritage

Day 1 – Holyhead to Dublin

Meet at Holyhead for the afternoon ferry to Dublin for a 2-night stay at The Ashling Hotel situated next to Heuston Station, overlooking the River Liffey. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 2 – Discover Dublin

Spend the day exploring this lively, cultural city. Why not visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, tour the Guinness Storehouse or take a guided walking tour or river cruise.

Day 3 – Head West to Galway

Morning train across the centre of Ireland to Galway for a 1-night stay. The coastal stretch of the journey along Galway Bay affords views as far as the hills of the Burren on a clear day. A lunchtime arrival allows time to visit Galway’s famous bustling street market before a group evening meal (included).

Day 4 – Onwards to Limerick

A full day of sightseeing begins with a morning train to Ennis followed by coach to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. After lunch we board the Doolin ferry to view the Cliffs of Moher from the sea. Drive south to Ennis for the train to Limerick for a 2-night stay.

Day 5 – Limerick at Leisure

Limerick is a vibrant riverside city with a rich medieval past. Discover the city’s most iconic landmark, King John’s Castle, view an internationally important collection of art and artefacts at the Hunt Museum or have a leisurely stroll through the award-winning People’s Park.

Day 6 – Foynes Flying Boat Museum

This morning our private coach takes us to the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, dedicated to preserving and telling the story of the pioneering days of aviation and passenger travel across the North Atlantic; the story of the creation of Irish Coffee, and the rich maritime history of the River Shannon and the Port of Foynes. Later we continue west to the Lartigue Monorail and Listowel for a 1-night stay.

Day 7 – Dingle Peninsula

Enjoy a tour of the scenic Dingle Peninsula by road this morning. We drive the famous circular Slea Head Drive route, before following the tracks of the old Tralee & Dingle Railway, with stops at Blennerville Windmill and Dingle. Transfer to Tralee for the train to Cork via Mallow for a 2-night stay. Dinner is included.

Day 8 – Cork City

Free time in Cork to explore this compact city situated on an island in the River Lee, surrounded by interesting waterways and packed with grand Georgian avenues, cramped 17th-Century alleys and modern masterpieces such as the opera house. Alternatively, you may wish to take a trip by rail to Cobh Harbour and the excellent Heritage Centre located in the station buildings (admission extra). From here the Titanic departed on its fateful journey.

Day 9 – To Waterford

By rail to Limerick Junction (via Mallow), the most eccentric of Irish stations, where we change for the cross-country route to Waterford for a 1-night stay. On arrival, we transfer to Mount Congreve Gardens and the Waterford Suir Valley Railway – Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge line in operation.

Day 10 – Return to Dublin

Enjoy a 2-hour charter cruise on the River Suir and free time in Waterford, before returning to Dublin on a direct train for a 1-night stay.

Day 11 – Ferry to Holyhead

A private transfer this morning to Dublin Ferry Port for a morning sailing to Holyhead.