Experience the charms of Ireland

Discover the magic and beauty of Southern Ireland on a nine-day ‘Emerald Isle’ tour courtesy of Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail.

The tour, which is available between May and September, on a limited choice of departure dates to ensure exclusivity, provides a unique insight into one of Europe’s most friendly and relaxed holiday destinations. From the exciting, cosmopolitan city of Dublin, through to Ireland’s untouched wild west coastline, travellers will be welcomed with a smile and traditional hospitality and leave having experienced the real Eire.

After disembarking from the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire ferry crossing, the itinerary starts in beautiful, bustling Malahide.

Travelling south-west across Ireland by First Class rail, highlights include a full day’s excursion through the forested Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough - site of a large 6th century monastery, time in Avoca - the setting of the BBC drama, Ballykissangel, a trip to the historic port of Cobh and a visit to Blarney Castle with the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone.

A tour around the scenic Ring of Kerry, which reveals the peace and tranquillity of this untouched region, is followed by a ferry ride across the River Shannon to County Clare for a Medieval Banquet in the magnificent 15th century setting of Bunratty Castle.

Other highlights include a journey across the Barren, a lunar-like landscape of 186 square miles, a visit to the Cliffs of Moher – sheer sandstone walls towering up to 700 feet above the Atlantic, a tour of Dublin and a Irish shindig at the old Jameson Distillery museum.

This holiday which features stylish, two-night hotel accommodation in the costal town of Malahide, vibrant Killarney, historic Bunratty and lively Dublin is available between 15th May and 18th September. The cost is from £1,195 per person, based on two sharing. This price is inclusive of rail (mainly First Class), coach and ferry travel, eight nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast each day, three lunches, five dinners, transfers, excursions as per itinerary and the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For more information and reservations, visit GreatRail.com.