A Unique Rail Touring Experience - A vacation with a Difference
The Emerald Pullman - 7-Night/8-Day Private Rail Tour from Dublin
Railtours Ireland First Class is delighted to announce the 2025 departure of the Emerald Pullman. We are pleased to announce a considerable upgrade to a very special Heritage train for 2025. Our itinerary shall remain the same as 2024 except for day 6 when we will complete our journey to Belfast from Dundalk by First Class Enterprise scheduled train. We will also return from Belfast to Dublin on day 8 by First Class Enterprise scheduled train.
Our heritage train is unique in having a full bar (the only train in Ireland that serves draught Guinness) and snack car.
Travel Pullman-style in this very comfortable 60 year old train.
- Champagne Welcome Reception
- Emerald Pullman - your private, exclusive heritage train for 6 days.
- First Class Enterprise scheduled Train from Dundalk to Belfast on day 6 and from Belfast to Dublin on day 8 (inclusive of onboard drinks and snacks).
- All drinks and light snacks on board the Emerald Pullman private train.
- x3 nights at the 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
- x2 nights at the 4* AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel, Clifden.
- x2 nights at the 4* Europa Hotel, Belfast.
- Full Irish breakfast in your hotel each morning
- Dinner included the first night at the Great Southern Hotel
- Dinner included both nights at the AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
- Champagne Welcome Reception at AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
- All transfers, tours & admissions.
- Services of Railtours Ireland First Class Hosts – throughout.
- All taxes, including VAT.
8 Days
From
$5,444pps
From price is based on 1 adult sharing.
"See the Emerald Isle on a vintage train"
Jun 2025 by Cathi F
We just came back from an amazing 7 nights 8 day Railtours Ireland trip around Ireland. We had some expectations, these expectations were met and exceeded. We started in Dublin at Connolly Station. David and Mervyn tagged our luggage where it was taken by bus to wait for us in our rooms at The Great Southern hotel in Killarney. We boarded the Emerald Pullman, an antique train from the 70’s, so if you go thinking it’s the bullet train, it’s not. It’s comfortable seating with white clothed tables with old fashioned incandescent lights on top. My husband asked the friends we were traveling with if he could buy him a drink, turns out no need, it’s an open bar. Lots of Jamieson whiskeys, gins, ciders and the like, it’s also the only train in Ireland that offers Guinness on tap. Light lunches were served by one of the many gentlemen volunteers working the train. A lovely group, all quick with a smile and eager to please.
We stopped in Killarney for 3 nights, staying at the beautiful 4 star Great Southern Hotel. They had a wonderful evening meal for us that first night, breakfasts were included, the food was plentiful and sumptuous. I’d like to thank the chefs, especially the one on the first night who made a delicious full meal in a salad to accommodate my severe lactose intolerance.
For our day trips from Killarney around the beautiful County Kerry and the rest of Ireland we were chauffeured by Attila and David on pristine Mercedes Benz buses. Both drivers were attentive and professional but a huge shout out to Attila for manoeuvring that huge bus through narrow streets and roads. Several times all of us on the bus would spontaneously applaud as Attila would navigate around a corner or back up down a lane way with a mere inch to spare on either side. Highlight of the tour around the Ring of Kerry for myself was, the sheep herding demonstration by farmer Tom O’Sullivan and one of his dogs. You can watch a YouTube video of Tom, and one of his former working dogs winning a sheep herding championship.
After 3 days we then boarded the Emerald Pullman once again to wind our way through the beautiful Irish countryside to Galway Ceannt station. From there we boarded Attila’s bus headed to the small village of Clifden where we stayed 2 nights at the picturesque and beautiful 4 star Abbeyglen Castle. Let me just say this, one of the owners of Abbeyglen, Brian Hughes, is a raconteur of many talents. He joined us for two days on the train, entertaining us in the bar car with his singing and storytelling. By the time we arrived at his hotel, he knew everyone’s name and where we were from. We had a champagne reception each night at 6:30 where Brian would share anecdotes and historical facts about the area that text books skipped over. I didn’t know the first transatlantic flight was in fact not Charles Lindbergh, but John Alcock and Arthur Brown on June 15, 1919, they landed their plane in a peat bog near Clifden. After the reception we’d head upstairs to the dining room where we were served exquisite meals, to which Brian personally made sure my lactose intolerance was accommodated. Our room at Abbeyglen was massive, with a sitting room that had a fireplace and a claw foot tub in the ensuite that was so large I couldn’t reach the end when reclining. Everything about the hotel, the area and the people was fabulous. Our travelling companion and I both agreed we could come back to Clifden and just spend our holiday in Ireland there, it was so lovely.
We left Clifden by bus to head up to the town of Westport to get on the train once again to head northward to Belfast. We did have to switch trains at the border into Northern Ireland but we were on first class coaches especially for our group. We stayed for 2 nights at the beautiful Europa Hotel. Attila chauffeured us around Northern Ireland once again, the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede/Larrybane and the Giant’s Causeway being the stand outs for us. Sadly we were coming to the end of our trip, we boarded first class rail cars at Belfast Grand Station to head back to Connolly Station in Dublin.
Highlights for us were the wonderful friendly Irish people, and the beauty of their verdant 40 shades of green island. Almost everyone would be quick with a smile and go out of their way to accommodate you, and it would be hard to pick the prettiest part of the island since all the counties are so unique. Most of all, it’s some of the wonderful people we met traveling in the group, we’ve exchanged contact information to which I hope will be a continuing friendship.
If you choose to take the Emerald Pullman tour, book early, at the moment it is scheduled only twice a year, June and September. We were on a waiting list to get on the June tour. It isn’t a cheap holiday, but the service, four star hotels and people make it well worth it. Just for myself, having my luggage carted for us to and from our rooms was in itself worth every penny lol! If you’d like more information email info@railtoursireland.com all your inquiries will be met with a prompt reply.
"The hotels and travel arrangements were all first class. "
Sep 2024 by Alan L.
We have just returned from a wonderful week on board the Emerald Pullman. The hotels and travel arrangements were all first class. The scenery was spectacular, why had I never visited the west coast before? That just leaves the team, David Mervyn Jim and the catering staff, who all looked after us exceptionally well. And I am sure they will be pleased to know that we made our flight home to Glasgow on time.
Thanks again for a great trip, we may meet again!
" The best tour that I have ever done!"
Sep 2024 by Margaila K
The Emerald Pullman 7 night/8 day private rail tour from Dublin was the best tour that I have ever done by far! Cannot say enough about the tour staff - knowledgeable, fun, helpful. The variety of tours provided a good overview of the island. Each hotel was different, from the grand old railroad hotel to the castle on the coast to the modern hotel in Belfast, each were unique and special. Overall a wonderful experience.
- Champagne Welcome Reception
- Emerald Pullman - your private, exclusive heritage train for 6 days.
- First Class Enterprise scheduled Train from Dundalk to Belfast on day 6 and from Belfast to Dublin on day 8 (inclusive of onboard drinks and snacks).
- All drinks and light snacks on board the Emerald Pullman private train.
- x3 nights at the 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
- x2 nights at the 4* AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel, Clifden.
- x2 nights at the 4* Europa Hotel, Belfast.
- Full Irish breakfast in your hotel each morning
- Dinner included the first night at the Great Southern Hotel
- Dinner included both nights at the AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
- Champagne Welcome Reception at AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel
- All transfers, tours & admissions.
- Services of Railtours Ireland First Class Hosts – throughout.
- All taxes, including VAT.
BOOK DIRECT TO ENJOY FREE UPGRADE: 48HR HOP-ON-HOP-OFF DUBLIN CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR TICKETS.
DAY
1
1
Dublin to Killarney Via Waterford
The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney Town centre.
Check-in at Dublin's Connolly Station 20 minutes before the train departure time (TBA). Our Railtours Ireland host will be in the station wearing a bright yellow jacket so that they are easily located. They will be located beside the Railtours Ireland check-in desk in the main concourse area of the station.
Our private and exclusive train will depart Dublin Connolly Station on Sunday June 1st 2025 and Sunday September 7th 2025.
The Emerald Pullman departs Connolly Station and travels west through Dublin's North inner city before heading southwest through the Phoenix Park tunnel. The train then joins the main Dublin - Cork line until after Kildare town, having journeyed over the Curragh Plain. Just after Kildare, we turn due south through the rich, rolling countryside of counties Carlow and Kilkenny before crossing the river Nore, passing the ancient Jerpoint Abbey. We then descend into Waterford city, along the banks of the river Suir (pronounced Shure). A light lunch will be served before arrival in Waterford. This is our first stop, some two hours after leaving Dublin, where we will transfer across the river, into the city centre. There we will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal visitor centre, where we have a V.I.P factory and showroom tour. After a two hour break in Waterford, we continue west aboard our Emerald Pullman, travelling through the beautiful Suir Valley. We leave County Waterford and enjoy the lovely scenery of County Tipperary, passing the towns of Carrick On Suir, Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary town along the way. At Limerick Junction, our Emerald Pullman reverses and heads south along the Cork main line, through Ireland's Golden Vale region as far as Mallow - the junction for County Kerry. We are now in County Cork, and from here we head west, passing through Banteer, Millstreet and Rathmore, just after which we enter County Kerry (known as The Kingdom), and Killarney, where today's train journey ends. We leave our comfortable train and walk the mere one hundred metres to our beautiful Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, where we will enjoy three nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner, with our compliments, on your first night at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, with the folowing two evenings free to spend at your leisure - perfect for exploring Killarney's vibrant selection of pubs, restaurants, and entertainment. Beautiful walks await just next door, in the adjacent five-thousand acre Killarney National Park.
DAY
2
2
Killarney to Cork , Blarney Castle and Cobh
The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney Town Centre.
At 08:55, after enjoying your full Irish breakfast at the hotel, we reboard the Emerald Pullman for our tour to County Cork - including Blarney castle, Cork city and the port of Cobh. We then head east to Mallow, where we transfer by luxury coach to the beautiful village of Blarney and it's famous castle. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone is supposed to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to perform this task! Blarney castle estate is situated in five hundred acres of stunning gardens and rolling pastures - all for your enjoyment. This is also our lunch stop*. Later in the afternoon, we continue by coach for a Cork City tour, and then we make for the famous transatlantic port of Cobh. This historic town is where millions of Irish emigrants set sail for the new worlds from the 1840's onwards - if you have any Irish ancestry, you could be walking in the footsteps of those who came before you. This town is most famous for being the last port of call of the Titanic, and where the survivers of the Lusitania were brought. Following our visit, we then reboard our Emerald Pullman at Cobh and return via this very scenic rail route to Cork City and back to Killarney, via Mallow. Spending another leisurely evening free in Killarney.
DAY
3
3
The Ring of Kerry or Free Day in Killarney.
The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney Town Centre.
At 10:00, enjoy a luxury coach tour of the Ring of Kerry with several stops en route, including a lunch stop at a nice pub. We also include the famous sheep dog deminstration by the local farmer Brendan Ferris, overlooking Dingle Bay. We return to Killarney around 5pm.
Alternatively, feel free to enjoy Killarney and/or the Killarney National Park, the entrance of which is around 100 metres from our hotel.
Evening free in Killarney.
DAY
4
4
Killarney to Galway (via Mallow, Limerick Junction and Ennis).
The AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel, Clifden
At 08:55, the Emerald Pullman departs Killarney for Mallow and Limerick Junction where we head west again and into Limerick city’s Colbert Station. Here, we reverse and head north, along phase one of the Western Rail Corridor. We cross the River Shannon at Longpavement and enter County Clare (the Banner County). We pass through Ennis and continue on into County Galway and to the junction station of Athenry - famously referenced in the song 'The Fields of Athenry' - and here we join the Dublin to Galway railway line. We continue past the eastern end of Galway Bay and into Galway city - the City of the Tribes - arrival at 14:00. We now have the afternoon free to explore this vibrant and medieval city before journeying through the rugged landscapes of Connemara to the AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel in Clifden (the capital of Connemara).
After check-in there is a champagne reception for guests before dinner (which is included), at this very unique and charming hotel.
DAY
5
5
Tour of Connemara
The AbbeyGlen Castle Hotel, Clifden
Morning free to explore the lovely town of Clifden, with its fabulous art galleries, jewelry and woollen shops, and cozy cafés - perfect for soaking in the local atmosphere.
For those who wish to partake in an afternoon tour of this spectacular area, we will depart our hotel at 12:00. Alternatively, you may which to play golf at the world famous Connemara Championship Links course at nearby Ballyconneely .
Our tour of Connemara will include the stunning Sky Road and the fabulous scenery of lakes, mountains and beaches. We will visit the iconic Kylemore Abbey as part of our tour.
Back to our hotel for 18:00, dinner is also included on night two of our stay here.
DAY
6
6
Clifden to Westport to Belfast (via Dublin Connolly Station).
The Europa Hotel, Belfast City Centre.
At 09:00, we depart Clifden for Westport, where we rejoin our Emerald Pullman train and depart Westport for a unique journey to Dundalk.
After leaving Westport, we continue through County Mayo and the towns of Castlebar, Claremorris, and Ballyhaunis. Then we enter County Roscommon, passing through the towns of Castlerea and Roscommon before crossing the River Shannon at Athlone in County Westmeath.
We then enter County Offaly, passing the towns of Clara—where we interestingly cross a large area of raised bog—and Tullamore. After Tullamore, we travel through some eskers, which are ancient geological raised embankments of glacial material that were once used as roadways in ancient Ireland.
We soon enter County Laois at Portarlington, where we head northeast into County Kildare before revisiting County Dublin around Hazelhatch. Branching off just before Heuston Station, we take the Phoenix Park Tunnel, passing Glasnevin Junction and Croke Park, and arrive at Dublin Connolly Station.
The Emerald Pullman, having reversed here, now heads north through Malahide and hugs the coast from Skerries, passing Balbriggan, Gormanston, and Laytown in County Meath before crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda and entering County Louth.
We will then say goodbye to our Emerald Pullman Heritage Train and join the First Class Enterprise scheduled train from Dundalk, beginning the long climb through the ancient pass known as the Gap of the North, into the province of Ulster and County Armagh.
From Newry in County Down, we shadow the remains of the Newry–Ulster Canal as far as Portadown. Passing Lisburn, we travel through the Lagan Valley and, after passing through the southern suburbs of Belfast, arrive at Belfast's Grand Central Train Station, from which we walk a short distance to the adjoining Europa Hotel.
The evening is free in Belfast.
DAY
7
7
Tour of the Giant’s Causeway or Free Day in Belfast.
The Europa Hotel, Belfast City Centre.
At 10:00 (10am), we depart the Europa Hotel by coach for the lovely drive up the Antrim coast road passing Carnlough, The Glens of Antrim, Cushendall and Ballycastle. There are great views of Rathlin Island and sometimes even Scotland on a clear day!
We visit The Giant’s Causeway which is also our lunch stop. We get a view of Dunluce castle before heading back directly by coach to Belfast and our hotel, arriving at approx. 5pm.
Evening free in Belfast.
DAY
8
8
Belfast to Dublin Connolly.
Enjoy a free morning and afternoon in Belfast - whether you wish to explore the city's rich history, or even indulge in a bit of shopping - the city is yours to enjoy. Feel free to ask your host for suggestions should you wish for any inspiration. We depart Belfast Grand Central Train Station for our last journey on the First Class Enterprise scheduled train and arrive in Dublin Connolly at 18:05.
It is here that we bid farewell to those with whom we have enjoyed a week of touring!
