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Train to Ireland's Ancient East
- Explore Deep Viking Roots in Ireland
- Car-free, Carefree!
Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City
Visit part of Ireland's Ancient East, where there are Medieval and Viking cities to be explored!
Explore Ireland’s Ancient East on this one-day Railtour from Dublin, visiting Kilkenny City and Waterford Crystal.
Travel by train through Ireland’s scenic countryside to Kilkenny, the “Marble City,” where you can soak up its medieval atmosphere and historic streets. Continue to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, and learn about its Viking heritage. Visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre and watch the talented craftsmen at work, before shopping for your own exquisite glass-ware to have carefully shipped home.
- All Required Rail Journeys Throughout.
- Reserved Rail Cars or Seats Onboard Trains.
- Fully Hosted Rail and Coach Journeys.
- All Listed Visitor Attraction Admissions.
1 Days
From
$179pps
From price is based on 1 adult.
"Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City!"
Aug 2026 by Greg F
We enjoyed traveling through the countryside by train. Paddy, our guide spent time talking with each of to explain what we would do and see. We did a bit of walking but it was not fast paced. The group enjoyed lunch at the The Reg in Waterford. The tour through Waterford factory was very informative and in the showroom, Paddy made sure we helped by the showroom staff.
"Amazing"
Aug 2026 by Casey H
The trip was so fun!! Our tour guide Patty, was amazing! So kind, friendly and loved to chat. If you go on this tour, I would recommend booking a self guided tour with the Kilkenny Castle. It was spectacular! The trip to Waterford was beautiful as well.
"Wonderful day in Ireland"
Aug 2026 by Angela P
Enjoy a scenic train ride to Kilkenny where a waking tour will take you through the winding streets to the castle. The hilarious street train driver will entertain you as you drive around town some more. Hop back on the train to Waterford. Enjoy a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant (cost not included). The tour of the crystal factory is so in-depth, you’ll feel like you’re cutting the glass yourself.
Visitor Attraction Admissions Included: Kilkenny Road Train and House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre.
- All Required Rail Journeys Throughout.
- Reserved Rail Cars or Seats Onboard Trains.
- Fully Hosted Rail and Coach Journeys.
- All Listed Visitor Attraction Admissions.
Book two or more different full day tours and receive a Free Upgrade: Hop-on-Hop-off Dublin City Sightseeing Tour Ticket.
DAY
1
1
Dublin to Kilkenny & Waterford
Check-in at 07:00H for the 07:20H Train Departure Time.
Check-in is beside the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket!
Check in for the 07:20H departure from Dublin Heuston Station, opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern & Western Railway, now the official principal station of Iarnród Éireann, Ireland’s national railway company. As your train departs, we travel in a south westerly direction, through Dublin's western suburbs and then through the lush fertile countryside of Co. Kildare. Our journey takes us through the Curragh which is famous for its racecourse, home of the Irish Derby, and there are many stud farms in the vicinity, see the best of Irish bloodstock training as your train passes. We pass through Co. Carlow, birthplace of the father of Irish Railways - William Dargan and then enter Co.Kilkenny.
At 09:00 we arrive into Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, situated on the river Nore. We have over two hours free time to explore all this medieval city. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone thus the name the Marble City. Kilkenny is dominated by its castle. A guided tour of Kilkenny by Road Train is included April to October. Admire Kilkenny Castle and its rose garden. We depart Kilkenny by train at 11:40.
We arrive into Waterford at 12:20, a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir, and we pass Jerpoint Abbey, from the 12th century en route. On arrival in Waterford Station we are transferred to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre for a guided tour, where you will see craftsman engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world famous crystal glass. Our lunch stop is here at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre (not included). You are of course welcome to have lunch yourself at any of the many attractive local authentic pubs and bars in Waterford city. We depart Waterford by train at 16:05 and travel directly to Dublin.
18:00 Arrive back to Dublin Heuston Station.
