dublin ireland train tours

Train Tours Ireland

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Train Tours Ireland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Ireland Tours & Trips from Dublin

Find your perfect adventure! We have 182 tours of Ireland that start in Dublin, Ireland. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 1 and 15 days.

182 Ireland tour packages from Dublin with 5,868 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Mike was amazing! We had such a great group of people, Mike was so full of knowledge about the history and culture of Ireland, and it was so laid back. We got to explore each destination at a leisurely pace and enjoyed most evenings checking out the local bars. Highly recommend!

• Coach / Bus

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Wild'n Happy are a great small group tour. We were taken off the beaten track to discover the real Ireland. We would definitely recommend this tour. Amazing!

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Guides knowledgeable & fun. So many high points. Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s National Park and Lakes, Lahinch Beach & various local meals. Recommend seafood chowder, fish & chips & Irish coffee. If you can manage the expense, stay at hotel rather than hostel. Most clean & organized but very difficult to sleep in rooms of 6 - 8. I'm over 60. Thank you!!!!!

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

Our tour guide Lee Jones was amazing! He was very educated about everywhere we went. He always looked out for everyone on the tour. I enjoyed all his stories and all the history he educated us on! I would recommend Lee for all my friends who want to do a Irish tour!

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

We travelled across Ireland with Trafalgar and would totally recommend them to anyone. They chose venues and excursions that were of interest to everyone and were sensitive to everyone's wishes. I would definitely travel with them again, it was a pleasurable experience! Gisela Reimer

Introduction to Ireland

Our first bus tour and we were very pleased with the experience. The tour was fast paced, which was fine for us - be ready at 7am, bags out before breakfast, 8am on the bus. We saw so much more than if we would have tried it on our own. We were lucky to have a really nice group of fellow travelers, "our tour clan". Our guide Fiona, was knowledgeable and entertaining, driver Gary was perfect. Plan on doing the excursions of the Castle Banquet and the 300 year old Irish Pub, not that expensive and totally worth it.

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

Very well planned tour. Most of the accommodations were excellent.. The BEST part of our tour was our guide - Matt Nolan. He was a last minute substitute but did beautifully. Very knowledgeable of the whole of Ireland and was so passionate about its people and history. Lots of activities which were nicely scheduled and fun!

7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour

My friend and I booked the 7 day Atlantic Way tour this fall to mark our milestone birthdays and had a fabulous time during the trip. When our flight to Dublin the day before the start of the tour was cancelled and we were delayed by a day arriving to Dublin, we contacted Sean. He was understanding and reassuring which was so comforting and helped to ease our stress. He helped arrange to have the tour guide, Anthony, and the rest of the group meet us when we arrived late. Anthony was so patient with the delay and the rest of the group was welcoming and understanding when we met up with them. It was really nice to have a small group to travel with. It helped to be able to get to know everyone better than it would have been on a larger tour. Our week was packed full of amazing sights, history and opportunities to experience local culture. Anthony made a point of sharing some suggestions and recommendations of additional activities, restaurants etc when we arrived in each location. He was a wonderful guide for our group. Very knowledgeable and engaging. The accommodations were comfortable, cozy and well situated within walking distance of restaurants and pubs in all the places we visited. I would most certainly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a smaller group experience in Ireland that stops at many must see locations.

• Christmas & New Year

Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland

Very well organised, all accommodation booked for you. Excellent communication would use again.

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure – Small Group Tour

Have no second thoughts about booking this. Do it now! Sean is fantastically friendly and knowledgeable. The itinerary is a perfect balance between chill activities (i.e. small town exploring) and nature activities (i.e. canoeing, hiking, biking).

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

A short but wonderful trip. Our tour director Greg was amazing. Very friendly and helpful. Looked after all of us so well. Thanks so much.

5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland

My first ever tour….simply spectacular! Tour guide went above & beyond. Tour buddies were amazing! Will definitely do this again!!

Kerry Royal

We had a great guide, Bryan, and the driver was awesome, too!! We will recommend Royal Irish tours to others and we are looking forward to another trip in a few years.

Reviews of Ireland Tours from Dublin

The tour was exactly as expected and I was never disappointed. The accommodations were excellent with great Irish breakfasts. As much as the sites we visited were interesting and dramatic, the guide made them all the more so with his deep knowledge of Irish history and lore. It is impossible to overstate the difference Mike, the guide, made with his humor, personality and knowledge of what he was showing us. I would never hesitate to follow this company and Mike wherever they decide to travel. Giver yourself a treat and go with Wild and Happy.

Tours starting from Dublin

• Dublin to Dublin tours (144)
• Dublin to Belfast tours (8)
• Dublin to Trim tours (5)
• Family from Dublin (138)
• Explorer from Dublin (113)
• In-depth Cultural from Dublin (82)
• Coach / Bus from Dublin (75)
• Active from Dublin (24)
• Self-Guided from Dublin (14)
• Private from Dublin (14)
• Hiking & Trekking from Dublin (12)
• Custom from Dublin (6)
• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Irland Rundreisen ab Dublin
• Français: Circuits Irlande au départ de Dublin
• Español: Circuitos por Irlanda desde Dublín
• Nederlands: Ierland Rondreizen die starten in Dublin

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Ireland by train

Sit back, relax and take in the wonders of Ireland by rail.

Sit back, relax and take in the sights as you explore the island of Ireland by train

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There are two rail networks operating in Ireland: Irish Rail in the Republic of Ireland and Translink in Northern Ireland. Dublin and Belfast are the key rail hubs, connecting travellers with cities and towns all over the island. The fast, efficient Enterprise train runs between Dublin (Connolly) and Belfast (Lanyon Place) and is generally the quickest way of travelling between the two cities.

Malahide, County Dublin

Malahide train station

Killiney, County Dublin

DART commuter train

Train journeys around Ireland

Getting around dublin.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train runs from Howth and Malahide in north Dublin right into the heart of the city, stopping at pretty coastal towns and villages, such as Dalkey in south Dublin and terminating in Greystones in County Wicklow.

Hop aboard the Luas , the swift tram service with two lines (red and green) that travel within the city. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to tour Dublin, and also venture outside of the city centre to discover charming suburban spots such as Ranelagh and Phibsborough.

Got questions?

Irish Rail has a handy online guide that covers everything from WiFi and travelling with pets and bicycles to facilities for disabled travellers. Translink also has information about accessible travel .

Insider tip: Rail services will be less frequent on Sundays and on public holidays, so do check timetables before you set out on your journey.

Ireland by rail – highlights

One of the most stunning rail journeys on the island follows the south-east coast from Dublin down to the Rosslare Europort, and takes you through Ireland’s Ancient East .

The 45-minute route between the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine along the Causeway Coastal Route was hailed by comedian and travel documentary-maker Michael Palin as the "one of the most beautiful in the world".

Useful links

Main train stations on the island of ireland:,                                                                             , where do you want to go.

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

• 7 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

Discover Kerry, Galway and Dublin on this 7 night rail tour of Ireland. Explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, the vibrant city of Galway and travel to the Aran Islands.

• Tour Attractions

Tour Overview

Top notch! Delightful to deal with, got us exactly what we expected. No surprises, no glitches. Read more »

Modified "Best of Ireland

Having spent hours reading guide books with no clearer idea of how to tour around Ireland, I found the Irish Tourism website and their "Best of Ireland" tour and requested information on the tour. Tin Read more »

Great Tour Company!

It has been a difficult time for all of us. I booked a self driving tour through Irish Tourism that was cancelled due to Covid issues with travel. The booking process was excellent and thorough. It wa Read more »

Every thing was as prom..

Every thing was as promised. B&B's were awesome and the proprietors very gracious. Big van with lots of space for the 6 of us as well as our luggage with room to spare. We will definitely use Irish ... Read more »

Tina O'Connor set us up

Tina O'Connor set us up with a self-driving tour with very specific needs for a family of 4 with young children and their grandparents. Tina set us up for 2 night stays and no more than 3 hours drive Read more »

Fabulous Service - Tour

Canadians travelling in Ireland. After my daughter's graduation from University, she wanted to go on a self-driving tour of Ireland with her father and pick out a place to settle. We contacted Irish T Read more »

Highly recommended.

We had a wonderful experience on our vacation in Ireland, thanks to the Irish Tourism Group. They planned our tour based on our interests, with the first week a rail tour and the second week a self gu Read more »

The best of Ireland by Rail 7 night tour is best accessed by Dublin airport. After spending some time checking out Dublin’s best visitor attractions including Trinity College and the Book of Kells exhibition, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin’s National Museums to name but a few, you will travel by train to Killarney in County Kerry. Killarney is often regarded as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and it’s from this town that you will begin your own Ring of Kerry exploration! This long established route around the Iveragh Peninsula has been drawing visitors for centuries and is a true testament to Ireland’s natural beauty. After ample time in Kerry you will travel by rail to Galway, Ireland’s festival capital and a city that has a continuous buzz of excitement surrounding it!  From Galway you will enjoy a spectacular journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. 

What's included

• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to your first accommodation
• Train ticket from Dublin Heuston to Killarney
• Train ticket from Killarney to Galway 
• Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston 
• 7 nights’ accommodation 
• Dublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets 
• Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets 
• Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry 
• Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór

Tour highlights

Aran islands, dublin castle, guinness storehouse, ring of kerry, national museum of ireland - collins barracks.

• Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
• Ross Castle

Overnights for this tour

• Dublin for 2 nights
• Killarney for 2 nights
• Galway for 2 nights
• Dublin for 1 night 

Accommodation options

• Superior & First Class Hotels 
• Quality 3-Star Hotels & Luxury 4-Star Hotels
• Any Combination of the above

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - dublin city.

Arrive at Dublin international airport and make your way to the city centre. After checking into your accommodation, use your Dublin sightseeing tickets to bus your way around Dublin city. The Dublin sightseeing ticket lasts for two days and includes stops close to all of Dublin’s main attractions including The National Museums, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few places. On one night of your time in Dublin, we would certainly recommend that you visit Dublin’s busy Temple Bar to check out its famous traditional Irish music and vibrant nightlife!

Day 2 - Dublin City

Continue your sightseeing in Dublin today. Visit Dublin Castle which was built in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement and served as the headquarters of English administration in Ireland prior to Irish independence. Kilmainham Gaol is also a must.  One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, it covers some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's history.

Also worth a visit are EPIC, the Irish emigration museum and the GPO (General Post Office) which houses the ‘GPO Witness History’ visitor attraction. This exhibition tells the story of the 1916 rising and the aftermath of this historic rebellion. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse before another evening of exploring Dublin's famed traditional pubs complete with great traditional music.

Day 3 - Dublin to Killarney by Train

Begin the next stage on your Irish rail tour with a scenic train journey from Dublin through the historic country of Tipperary and the rolling green pastureland that makes up Ireland’s ‘Golden Vale’ to Killarney in county Kerry. For your first day in Kerry we recommend that you take in Killarney and the surrounding attractions. You may decide to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or take a tour around Killarney national park by horse and carriage. One of the main attractions in Killarney is the town itself with its colourful shops, cute cafes and ample fine restaurants. There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its many old style pubs! 

Day 4 - The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus tour for you. On your tour discover landscapes of magnificent beauty alongside the backdrop of the grand MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and rolling countryside. Along the way, you will encounter larger bustling towns to the more traditional quaint Irish villages. Visit such places as Glenbeigh which holds the famous Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen,  the principal town of the peninsula and Sneem with its brightly painted buildings and quaint village green. Return to Killarney via Ladies View, a famous stopping point to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their splendour. 

Day 5 - Killarney to Galway by Rail

Set off early this morning and take a scenic train journey from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the principle city of the West of Ireland and a lively University City. In fact, Galway is often referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital due to the frequent festivals that the city holds. Due to its compact size, the city can be explored easily on foot and you will find many bars to quench your thirst as well as many great restaurants with an excellent food offering. We recommend that you take a stroll down Shop Street where on any given day you are sure to find a variety of buskers and other street performers. Shop Street contains Galway's best preserved ancient building, Lynch's Castle and numerous old brick buildings, bright storefronts and a great selection of excellent shops. 

Day 6 - Aran Islands

Depart early morning for your journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts such Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still find the traditional horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language.  There are more than 50 different monuments of pre-Christian importance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands dramatically against the cliff edge over the western part of the Island.  After a long day to explore the island at your leisure take the return ferry back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City. 

Day 7 - Return to Dublin by Rail

This morning check out of your hotel and travel by rail back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of the attractions and locations that you may have missed on your first visit. If the weather is nice you might decide to talk a walk in Dublin’s famous ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, stopping like many people do to take a picture with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues.

You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history by taking a trip to Leinster House where the current parliament sits or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English rule from the 13th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chapel Royal with its fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries can also be visited at Dublin Castle.

This evening, take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s traditional music and pub scene. The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are famous venues and many of our past customers have enjoyed a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of last great heritage pubs of Dublin, this pub retains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 8 - End of Tour

This morning, check out of your hotel for the journey home.

Tour attractions

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. The largest island is Inishmore the middle and second-largest is I...

Dublin is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin ...

Dublin Castle fulfilled number of roles through history Originally built as a defensive fortification for Norman city it later evolved into a royal residence. Dublin Castle was f...

Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillacuddy Reeks mountain range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. Here you can enjoy an ene...

Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from all over the world, The Storehouse is laid out over seven floors surrounding a glass atrium taking the shape of a p...

This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains.Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park ...

Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive, the 100-mile Ring of Kerry.

Blasket Centre

The Great Blasket Centre on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula is an interpretative museum honouring the unique community who once lived on the now abandoned Blasket Islands.

Galway is the only city in the province of Connacht in Ireland. City also has a reputation for being associated with the Irish language, music and dancing. The city also bears th...

Collins Barracks  is a former military barracks in the Arbour Hill area of Dublin, Ireland. The buildings now house the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History. ...

Tour Prices

7 night best of ireland by rail.

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Killarney, Killarney to Galway and Galway to Dublin Heuston.
• Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets
• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to your first accommodation included
• The Combination package includes 4 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 3 nights in 4 Star Hotels
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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9 Best Day Trips from Dublin by Train (2024)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

This guide contains itineraries for those of you looking to take day trips from Dublin by train.

Each itinerary is mapped out to ensure that you:

• Know where to get the train from
• Have a doable itinerary for the day (i.e. all suggestions will be a walkable distance)
• Don’t have to worry about any planning

We’ve included day trips outside of the county (e.g. Kilkenny) along with day trips outside of the city (e.g. Howth).

Table of Contents

The best day trips from Dublin by train

Click to enlarge image

There’s endless things to do in Dublin , but if you fancy escaping the city for a bit, you’re in luck – there’s  plenty  of places to visit for a day trip.

Below, you’ll find a mix of Dublin day trips by train that range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and 42 minute journey times.

1. Kilkenny (1 hr 28 min journey)

Photos via Shutterstock

The first of our day trips from Dublin by train is the ancient city of Kilkenny. It’ll take you around 1.5 hours to get there.

You need to head to Heuston Station, so either take a taxi, walk, or take the Luas Red line , which stops right outside Heuston.

Where you’ll arrive

You’re getting the Waterford Train and hopping off at Kilkenny (MacDonagh) Station .

This is a nice, central station located right in the city which means you don’t have to worry about getting buses/taxis.

Your itinerary for the day

• Stop 1: Kilkenny Castle
• Stop 2: Medieval Mile Museum
• Stop 3: Lunch (Petronella is a great lunch spot)
• Stop 4: Butterslip Lane
• Stop 5: Smithwick’s Experience
• Stop 6: The Black Abbey
• Stop 7: The train back to Dublin

2. Belfast (2 hr 15 min journey)

The next of our day trips from Dublin by train is Belfast City in County Antrim.

The train from Dublin to Belfast leaves from Conolly Station, a short walk from O’Connell Street.

There are several ways to get there, you can take a taxi, walk, or take the Luas Red line , which has a stop right out of the front.

The train to Belfast arrives into Belfast Lanyon Train Station, which is right in the heart of the city centre.

This is a good starting point as many of the best things to do in Belfast are nearby.

Belfast is a walkable city if you have a clear itinerary, like the one below. However, if it’s raining, it’s worth taking the hop-on-hop-off bus .

• Stop 1: St George’s Market (short stroll from the train)
• Stop 2: Belfast Black Cab tour (book in advance – get them to drop you to stop 3 after)
• Stop 3: The Cathedral Quarter for lunch
• Stop 4: St Anne’s Cathedral
• Stop 5: Titanic Belfast (25-minutes from stop 4)
• Stop 6: The train back to Dublin

3. Howth (45 min journey)

Next up is the first of our day trips from Dublin by train that doesn’t take you out of the county.

The busy fishing town of Howth is home to plenty to see and do along with a bustling restaurant and pub scene.

To get to Howth, take the train from Connolly Station. It’s a handy 30-45-minute journey.

Howth train station is finely plonked right in the town centre, so you’ll arrive right into the thick of things.

When you arrive, leave the station and head across to Howth Market to start your day trip.

• Stop 1: Howth Market
• Stop 2: The Howth Cliff Walk
• Stop 3: Lunch in one of the many restaurants in Howth
• Stop 4: Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum Of Vintage Radio
• Stop 5: Howth Pier
• Stop 6: The train back to the city

4. Galway City (2 hr 30 min journey)

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

The forth of our day trips from Dublin by train takes us to Galway. The train from Dublin to Galway leaves from Heuston.

The trip to Galway takes about 2.5 hours. There are plenty of shops inside the station where you can grab snacks for the train and get some breakfast.

The train to Galway arrives into Ceannt Station – right in the heart of Galway City.

This is a great arrival point as you’re within easy walking distance of all the main attractions.

Galway is a very walkable city, but if it’s raining or if you fancy getting dropped to the ‘main’ attractions the hop-on/hop-off bus tour is well worth buying .

• Stop 1: Lunch (there’s some great restaurants in Galway . Blake’s is a good lunch option).
• Stop 2: Galway Cathedral (the jewel in the Galway City skyline)
• Stop 3: Quay Street and the Latin Quarter
• Stop 4: The Hall of the Red Earl (ruins dating to the 13th century – one of the more unique places to visit in Galway )
• Stop 5: Galway City Museum (tells the story of prehistoric Galway)
• Stops 6 + 7:  The Spanish Arch and the Long Walk
• Stop 8: Back to the train station

5. Waterford City (2 hr 32 min journey)

The next of our day trips from Dublin by train takes us to the ancient city of Waterford, down the coast from Dublin.

The train from Dublin to Waterford leaves from Heuston. There are several ways to get there, you can take a taxi, walk, or take the Luas Red line , which has a stop right out of the front.

The train will take you to Waterford (Plunkett), which is just over the bridge from the city centre.

It’ll only take you around 10 minutes to stroll into our first stop, however, you need to make a choice.

If you’re after an active day, it’s worth considering the Waterford Greenway walk/cycle, which starts from the city and will take you a good 4-6 hours.

• Stop 1: The Clock Tower
• Stop 2: Reginald’s Tower
• Stop 3: Lunch
• Stop 4: Medieval Museum
• Stop 5: The Bishop’s Palace
• Stop 6: King of the Vikings

6. Dalkey + Killiney (40 min journey)

The second of our day trips from Dublin by train that doesn’t leave the county takes us out to the affluent areas of Dalkey and Killiney .

You can get the train from Connolly Station (the one heading to Greystones) and you’ll arrive in around 40 minutes.

The train to Dalkey stops at Dalkey DART Station which is a short ramble from the centre of the town.

The town itself is lovely to stroll around and it’ll feel a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Dublin City.

• Stop 1: Dalkey Castle
• Stop 2: Lunch in the town
• Stop 3: Sorrento Park
• Stop 4: The Vico Baths
• Stop 5: The Killiney Hill Walk
• Stop 6: Killiney Beach
• Stop 7: The train back to the city

7. Cork City (2 hr 42 min journey)

The next of our day trips from Dublin by public transport requires the most travelling and it’ll arguably only work if you take an early train.

The train from Dublin to Cork City leaves from Heuston. There are several ways to get there, you can take a taxi, walk, or take the Luas Red line , which has a stop right out of the front.

The train from Dublin to Cork takes you into Cork (Kent) Station. Now, unlike some of the day trips from Dublin above, getting from the station to the various attractions isn’t as easy.

Cork City’s attractions are fairly spread out so, unless you fancy doing a lot  of walking, it’s worth booking the hop-on-hop-off bus or a bike tour.

As Cork City’s attractions are fairly spread out, it’s worth taking one of the tours below as they’ll make getting around much handier:

• The hop-on-hop-off bus (stops at Crawford Art Gallery, UCC, St. Anne’s Church, Cork City Gaol and The English Market)
• The Cork City Cycle Tour (you’ll spin along Cork’s cycle lanes and riverside pathways and see Fitzgerald’s Park, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral and more)

8. Malahide (30 min journey)

One of the handier day trips from Dublin by public transport is to head out along the coast to the lively little town of Malahide.

It’s a short, 30-minute or so train journey and it takes you to an area packed with history, coastal walks, great food and more.

The train to Malahide drops you right in the town, next to the church and a short walk from the castle grounds.

If you’re visiting during the busy summer months, it’s worth getting to the town early as it receives its fair share of tourist footfall.

• Stop 1: Malahide Castle Park
• Stop 2: Malahide Castle
• Stop 3: Lunch in the town
• Stop 4: Malahide harbour
• Stop 5: Malahide Beach
• Stop 6: The coastal walk to Portmarnock Beach
• Stop 7: The train station in Portmarnock is a good 40-minute walk so it might be easier to get the bus

9. Bray (50 min journey)

The last of our Dublin day trips by train takes us into County Wicklow to the buzzy coastal town of Bray.

You can get the train from Connolly Station (the one heading to Greystones) and you’ll arrive in around 45 minutes.

The train station in Bray is nice and central. It’s located right across from the Promenade in the town centre.

Hop out and head across to the pathway that follows the coast and gulp down some fresh ocean air.

• Stop 1: Bray Prom
• Stop 2: The Bray Head Walk
• Stop 4: SEA LIFE Bray Aquarium
• Stop 5: The train back to the city

What day trips from Dublin by public transport have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant Dublin day trips by train from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best day trips from Dublin by train

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the cheapest Dublin day trips by train?’ to ‘Which are the nearest?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Where can you take the train from Dublin?

You can take Dublin day trips by train to Belfast, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Sligo, Galway, Athlone, Howth, Malahide, Dalkey and plenty more.

What are the best day trips from Dublin by train?

In our opinion, the best day trips from Dublin by public transport are Belfast, Kilkenny and Waterford as each station is nice and central and there’s plenty to see and do within walking distance.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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The Grand Atlantic

Visit blarney castle, the ring of kerry, the cliffs of moher and connemara on this 4-day tour..

FREE Upgrade in Killarney from B&B Guesthouse to 4* Hotel (subject to availability in our partner hotels).

FREE 48hr Dublin Bus Hop-on-Hop-off City Sightseeing Tour tickets.

Cover a large portion of the Wild Atlantic Way on this 4-day tour to the South, Southwest and West of Ireland.

A truly unique opportunity to visit our great Southern and Western coastal regions, with fabulous seascapes and mountain scenery.

This tour visits Ireland's premier tourist destinations, such as Cork, Cóbh, Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay and Connemara.

This tour takes in part of the Wild Atlantic Way and includes 2 nights accommodation in Killarney and 1 night in Galway.

• Return Rail Tickets.
• Reserved Seats on the train.
• Railtours Ireland Host throughout.
• Visitor Attraction Admissions.
• Escorted Coach.
• 2 Nights Killarney B+B with Free Upgrade to 4* Hotel.
• 1 Night Galway 3*/4* Hotel.

€899pps

"Highly Recommend - Great People"

Jul 2023 by Maggie M

We enjoyed a fantastic tour! Everything was excellent from start to finish. The tour guides (Terrence, Michael, Ian, Shelia and others) truly made the trip - they were incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The sights, accommodations, food/beverage stops were all perfect. Thank you Railtours for making our first trip to Ireland so memorable!

"Recommend this tour"

Jun 2019 by danhan01

My wife and I are spending 10 days in Ireland. We spent 3 days in Dublin before doing the 4-day “Railtours Ireland” tour. The rail tour was definitely the highlight. There were families with children, elderly couples, and honeymooners on the tour— all of whom enjoyed it. We were lucky enough to be with Jonathan B for the full 4 days and we enjoyed every minute. He gave so much history in an easy-to-understand fashion. He debunked popular myths about Ireland. He told us stories about traditional legends and folklore. He was very funny, very personable, and very friendly. He kept everyone engaged, even when the group was large on the Cliffs of Moher day. He was beyond helpful as well, pointing out exactly where everyone needed to go, giving suggestions for authentic foods/souvenirs, and even surprising the group with some extra stops and activities. The areas we visited were all amazing. My wife and I would look at each other after every day and say, “I am so glad we did this tour.” Any of the day trips will be worth your while, but we found the 4-day tour the best option. Breakfasts are available at the B&Bs and hotels and the accommodation is included. We would recommend this tour (and Jonathan) to anyone wishing to fall in love with Ireland.

"Railtours Ireland was truly first class"

Aug 2018 by Maggie M

We had a wonderful tour to the South and West of Ireland. Peter C was great on the South and Peter McDonnell was fantastic on the West trip. Very knowledgeable and friendly with a few passable jokes thrown in by Peter M. Great hotels and very clear instructions to keep us on track. We toured for 4 days but some people joined the tours for a day or two. They kept us all organized. It was amazing. Great way to hit all the highlights and see some off the beaten path experiences...loved the sheep dog exhibition. Highly recommend Railtours Ireland.

"Don't miss this!!!"

Jul 2017 by Emily E

While in Ireland we went on a 4 day tour from Dublin to Cork to Killarney to Gallway and the back to Dublin. Jonathan took us through our first three days and he was phoenominal! He was so knowledgable about everything we saw, planned special stops for us while going through the Ring of Kerry, invited us to Celtic Steps (an wonderful Irish song and dance show in Killarney), had dinner with us, and made us feel so welcome. He made the trip exciting and so fun! This experience is NOT to be missed!

"Would definitely recommend this tour."

Jul 2017 by Jody G

Had a fantastic time with rail tours Ireland. Andy was our tour guide. He was terrific. He really cares about the interests of all of the people in the group. He gave great tours and entertained us as well on the bus. Andy made extra stops and surprised us with an excellent sheepdog demonstration. In Killarney Andy suggested a really excellent show for us. He actually went with is to the show in the evening just to make sure we got in ok and had great seats. We never felt rushed on the tour. We saw so many beautiful sights and had many opportunities for great pictures. Would definitely recommend this tour.

"Wonderful Experience!!"

Jun 2017 by Alysia H

We did the Grand Atlantic Tour and it was amazing -- worth every penny! This was our first trip to Ireland and the perfect way to the the "best of" Ireland! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone going to Ireland. Makes it so easy to get around, well organized and you are allotted free time so there is plenty of time to do all the guided parts and your own thing! We had ANDY as our tour guide for the majority of the trip and then MICHAEL as our guide/bus driver for the days in Galway. And I cannot give enough praise for these two!! Absolutely they made the tour what it was -- incredible!! Andy's songs were a delight! And Michael's knowledge was brilliant. Both men were so kind and helpful. It was a pleasure meeting them.

"The staff was helpful & always there in their yellow jackets. "

Mar 2016 by MILESFROMMISS

We wanted our week in Ireland to have some structure but not an organized tour where we were forced to follow the umbrella and limited time at the stops. This was perfect. We took the Grand Atlantic Tour, but they had so many options to fit anyone's interests/time. The staff was helpful--and always there in their yellow jackets. We loved their spirit to serve and take care our needs. Norman, Margaret, Brandon , Bob and all were so wonderful and funny! There was just enough time and commentary at every stop. The hotels along the way we're perfect, including breakfast each morning. We liked the flexibility of being on our own for lunch during the tour & dinner in town after we checked into the hotel. They were responsive during my pre-booking time, answering the 800# and emails in a timely fashion. They left me with no questions or anxiety for this vacation. I was definite thrilled to leave the "driving" to them so we could enjoy & relax and not to get nervous reading a map!

"Irish Railtours Great Atlantic Tour"

Aug 2015 by Linda, Massachusettes

We were a family group of six and we took a four-day Great Atlantic tour with Irish Railtours in July 2015. We couldn't have been more pleased. We had stops in Cork, the Blarney Castle, Cobh, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway, and the countryside of Connemara, as well as two two-night stays in Killarney and Galway. We felt that we really got to see a lot of Ireland and we had a wonderful tour guide, Peter White, who made our trip even more special. It was also nice that the weather cooperated. We also had Irish Railtours handle our return leg to Dublin, with a two-night stay at the Spencer Hotel and the Hop on Hop off Bus for two days. I would highly recommend Irish Railtours, a great experience and a good value.

"Our four day tour was a blast. Everything was organized perfectly."

Jun 2015 by Todd & Stephanie

Our four day tour was a blast. We agree with the majority of the reviews regarding the excellent service. Everything was organized perfectly. Our tour guide for the first three days was Jonathon Beaumont. Just as others have said, he is extremely knowledgable and a lot of fun to be around. He made everyone feel special. His stories about the history of Ireland were great. We would never tire of hearing them. When on a tour such as this, what you hear is just as important as what you see. We will always remember the history of the Irish famine. Please consider Railtours Ireland if you ever visit Ireland. What a wonderful and extremely beautiful country.

"Absolutely fantastic service for the whole trip"

Apr 2015 by Heather

Absolutely fantastic service for the whole trip-right from being met at the airport by the man in a yellow jacket! I could not fault any part of the service. One of the hosts is always making sure that I knew where to be next

Visitor Attraction Admissions Included: Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cóbh Heritage Centre, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Experience, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Kylemore Abbey & Walled Victorian Gardens.

Cork, Blarney Castle and Cóbh

Killarney Town Centre

FREE UPGRADE TO 4* HOTEL IN KILLARNEY, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY IN OUR PARTNER HOTELS AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

Check-in is 20 minutes prior to Train Departure Time.

Check-in beside the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket!

Check-in for 07:00 departure from Dublin Heuston Station.

Your departure station, Dublin Heuston, was opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern & Western Railway and is now the official principal station of Iarnród Éireann – Ireland’s national railway company.

As your train departs, we travel in a south westerly direction, passing Inchicore, railway engineering works and then some of Dublin’s western suburbs – soon we are in the lush fertile countryside of County Kildare, Ireland’s Kentucky. Look out for the many stud farms near the track. The train passes through the town of Newbridge, home to the famous Newbridge Silverware.

We now enter the Curragh of Kildare, which soon comes into view on both sides of the line. The Curragh (pronounced: Curra) is famous for its racecourse, home of the Irish Derby. At this time of the morning you are likely to see some of Ireland's finest bloodstock being put through their paces. The Curragh is also the headquarters of the Irish army and their buildings can be seen in the distance to the east.

We pass the town of Kildare, and the Church of Ireland (Protestant) Cathedral of St. Brigid’s – completed in 1223 – can be clearly seen to the south (left hand side when facing direction of travel). We cross the River Barrow at Monesterevin and enter Co. Laois.

Our train journey makes a stop at Portlaoise (pronounced: Port Leesh-eh). Departing Portlaoise, we soon enter Co. Tipperary and pass the town of Templemore. Shortly after, we pass Loughmoe Castle which can be clearly seen on the southern side of the train, built in the 15th century, the Purcell family lived there until 1760. The next stop is at the town of Thurles. At our next stop – Limerick Junction – a number of Railtours Ireland clients will be leaving the train for the Cliffs of Moher tour. Please remain on the train for the Cork, Blarney Castle and Cobh Heritage Day Tour! Our final stop before Cork is at the town of Mallow.

We arrive into Cork Kent Station for 09:35 and we transfer to our Railtours Ireland tour coach, passing through Cork City en route to Blarney Village and historic Blarney Castle & Gardens, built in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have time to kiss the famous stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to do so. There is also time for shopping and lunch at Blarney and we recommend that you have lunch there, as this will be the only opportunity during the day to have a substantial meal.

We depart Blarney Castle for Cóbh, via the city centre, taking in some of the city sights while en route to our next destination.

On arrival at Cóbh, we will visit St. Colman’s Cathedral. We will then proceed down along the sea front passing the former White Star Line offices en route to the beautifully restored Victorian railway station/transatlantic terminal. This is now the Cóbh Heritage Centre, home to the Queenstown Story. The centre also houses much information about the Great Famine and subsequent Irish Emigration; 3 million Irish people emigrated from Cóbh, (principally to the United States) including Annie Moore, whose statue is located in front of the heritage centre.

Depart Cóbh by train to Killarney, where the rest of the evening is free. There is a large selection of cafés, restaurants and bars in Killarney town as well as many opportunities for live traditional Irish music and entertainment.

Ring Of Kerry Tour

Enjoy your Ful Irish Breakfast at leisure before departing on your Ring of Kerry tour.

There are plenty of stops along the Ring of Kerry for morning tea, lunch and photo stops etc. Ireland’s highest mountains are located in Kerry and Carrauntouhil, which can be seen en route, is the highest, standing at 1041 metres.

We will make a stop at the Kerry Bog Village Museum, which gives people an insight into how people lived and worked in rural Ireland in the 18th century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe. Later on the approach to Waterville there are views (weather permitting) of the Skellig Rocks (islands), where Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' was recently filmed.

We will make several photo stops, a stop for lunch and one final stop at the pretty village of Sneem, for about 30 minutes, or as directed by your tour leader.

An essential part of any visit to Ireland, this tour circles the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks and runs through its many passes and valleys along the shores of Dingle Bay and Kenmare Bay. There is an unspoilt nature to Ireland's most beautiful region and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable memories as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem and returns via Ladies View, the famous Lakes of Killarney and through the Oakwoods of Killarney's magnificent National Park.

At the end of the tour you will be brought to Killarney for your second night.

Limerick, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Galway City Centre

Enjoy your full Irish Breakfast at Leisure.

07:30 Depart Killarney by road to Limerick to join the Bunratty Castle and Cliffs of Moher Tour.

Arrive into Limerick where we will join our Railtours Ireland tour coach. Limerick has a population of about 90,000 and its city charter was granted in 1197AD, making it older than London! As we cross the river Shannon - Ireland’s longest river - you will see views of King John’s Castle to the right. The castle was completed in 1200 and marks the origins of the city.

Limerick’s most famous author, Frank McCourt, grew up here and the city was the setting for his famous book Angela’s Ashes. Limerick is also the birthplace of celebrated BBC radio DJ, Terry Wogan and Hollywood star, Richard Harris. We will pass the GAA grounds of Páirc na nGael –the home ground of County Limerick’s Hurling and Gaelic Football teams. Limerick is also the home of Irish Rugby and we will pass Thomond Park, the Rugby stadium.

After a brief city tour we travel onto Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The castle was completed in 1425 and, after many years of neglect, has been restored to its former glory. There is also a folk park here which you will have time to explore.

After the visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk park we make our way to Co. Clare. There is a lunch stop at O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. There is plenty of time to visit Ireland’s second most popular tourist attraction and your host will advise you of the departure time. From here, we take the coast road for much of the way to Galway, with time for photos along the Burren. This is a national park and the word 'Burren' comes from the Irish Language, meaning ‘rocky place’. It is a unique lunar landscape of limestone which was described in 1649 by one of Oliver Cromwell’s men as: “No tree to hang a man, no water deep enough to drown him and no soil deep enough to bury him”. Today the Burren is noted for its diverse flora with few parallels elsewhere in Ireland or, indeed, Europe.

We continue along the coast road to Black Head, passing the quaint coastal villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara before joining the main road to Galway.

At the end of the day the coach will set you down at Eyre Square, in the centre of Galway City, adjacent to your hotel (and the railway station). You will be directed to your hotel by your host and your evening is free in Galway.

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

Enjoy your full Irish breakfast at leisure.

Depart Galway and our conducted tour of Connemara leaves Galway to the village of Moycullen. From Moycullen the road rises and falls towards the lovely village of Oughterard on the shores of Lough Corrib, traditionally regarded as Ireland’s premier angling centre. Now the gateway to Connemara opens, and the breathtaking colours of this unspoilt countryside are revealed in all their natural splendour.

At Maam Cross, the "Connemara Crossroads", there is a replica of the cottage used in the 1950s John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara film The Quiet Man , which was filmed here. From Maam Cross, our tour heads out to Leenane, Kylemore Abbey and Letterfrack, in the shadow of purple mountains rolling down to blue and green rocky valleys, reflecting the rich and varied colours of Connemara.

There is a lunch break at Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a nineteenth-century castle now owned by the Benedictine nuns who run an excellent pottery, gift shop and restaurant here. Letterfrack is one of Ireland’s major national parks. The colourful town of Clifden has been one of Irelands leading holiday resorts for generations. It is an excellent touring centre beloved by the walker, the biker, the hiker or the fisherman. It was here too, at Derrygimlagh Bog, near Clifden that aviation history was made when Alcock and Brown crash landed after their historic transatlantic flight in 1919.

Back at Maam Cross again and the road turns southwards now through the Screeb, Costello and Rossaveal. Rossaveal is the departure point for ferryboats to the Aran Islands and is also a major fishing port. We are now in the Gaeltacht or Irish speaking area of Connemara where Gaeilge or Irish is still the everyday spoken language of a bilingual people.

Our tour of Connemara heads homewards towards Galway City now, along the shores of Galway bay, through the Gaeltacht villages of Inverin and Spiddal and looking out across the blue waters of the Atlantic at the unique limestone of the Burren and the hills of Clare.

After your day's touring you will be returned to Galway Station. Upon arriving at Galway Station please present your Railtours Ireland ticket and travel pack at the ticket barrier and you will be directed to your reserved seats on the train, where you host will be waiting for you.

Depart Galway for Dublin Heuston Station at 19:20hrs.

Returning to Dublin Heuston at 21:45hrs.

3 (More) Best Scenic UK Train Journeys Every Traveler Should Take

O ne of the most relaxing and stress-free ways to travel is by rail. Consider that the journey on a train can be as special as the destination, especially when traveling through the United Kingdom. Skip the stress of airports, TSA, and delays. Undoubtedly, sitting comfortably in a cushy chair is a simpler way to travel, forcing you to slow down. 

Imagine sipping your favorite hot tea gazing at the UK’s diverse and extraordinary topography. See the low-lying flat countryside that butts up to rolling hills and rugged, harsh, remote mountains. Travel from Britain to Scotland and witness the beautiful windswept seagrass, pastures, hills, castles, and quaint towns that glide by just outside your window. 

Travel by train across the rural countryside of Ireland from busy, modern, and trendy Dublin to the quaint Gaelic historic town of Galway. Escape the congestion of London for a simpler, slower pace of life in Edinburgh, Scotland. Explore this noble land while giving a nod to a truly romantic homage by rail travel. 

Our favorite scenic train routes offer beautiful unspoiled views along the way. Hop aboard these “no-stress-express” trains and see the UK all from the comfort of your seat.

1. London, Britain

The British Pullman train is by far the most luxurious and iconic train ride in Britain. Catch the Pullman and enjoy day trips from Victoria Station in London. This luxury rail line operates year-round in a variety of destinations. The Pullman is a restored 1920s-era train that has carried royalty and has been on the silver screen. Expect luxury, glamor, and adventure. Each rail car has an iconic history with a name to match. Feel like royalty as you start and end your day in style. 

Schedule a themed train ride — such as a murder mystery, special afternoon tea, or a festive Christmas-themed journey — while enjoying a fabulous meal. Enjoy a round-trip scenic ride through the Kentish countryside. Take the historic route to Chatsworth House and Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame, or select a day trip to the seaside town of Hastings. Enjoy a wonderful experience, all with a glass of champagne and a superb meal served by your steward while you depart from the congestion of downtown London and pass by rolling hills, towns, and villages. It’s a true smorgasbord of views!

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Forget about flying from London to Scotland. Hop aboard a train and enjoy the picturesque views on the 4- to 5-hour rail ride to the most prestigious city in Scotland — Edinburgh. For train enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like a train ride between London and Edinburgh. Two trains operate daily and each offers a slightly different experience. 

The Avanti West Coast train is a bit slower at 5.5 hours vs. the faster LNER train , which shaves off an hour and can reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour. Both trains leave Kings Cross station in London and arrive at Waverly , the central station in Edinburgh. The views from the large train windows are memorable. While your train races through the countryside, you pass the boroughs of London, witnessing historic castles, cathedrals, grassy hills, and loads of golf courses. 

You won’t forget the views as you enter Scotland with its green rolling hills speckled with grazing sheep! Scotland’s own author, Robert Louis Stevenson, once said, “The most beautiful adventures are not those we go to seek.”

3. Dublin, Galway Ireland

Travelers who are interested in discovering the scenic landscape of Ireland might find that a shorter trip on a train crossing the country from coast to coast is the best option. The journey on the Galway-Dublin train , about 3 hours, is one of the most picturesque routes in the country. 

The countryside of Ireland is so different as you cross from coast to coast. Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle” for a reason. The landscape is vast, green, crisp, and clean. To say the hills are rolling and bucolic doesn’t give justice to the true beauty of this place. Enjoy this cross-county train and see the topography of rolling hills with many gradations of green. Farms are separated by volcanic rock walls and sheep wander while they freely graze. Galway is a festive and lively waterfront village with the Cliffs of Moher nearby. Hop on this train, grab a Guiness, and see the best of Ireland — the countryside, cities, towns, and oceans. Dublin offers a vibrant city, culture, history, and great pubs. Whichever city you start or finish in, this train ride is worth it!

One of the most relaxing forms of travel is viewing the world through a carriage window. The UK has hundreds of beautiful railway lines offering a chance to see unspoiled, rugged, and scenic beauty. Whether you travel by train to skip the hustle and bustle of busy airports, or ease your travel stress by not driving in a foreign country, train travel in these beautiful UK cities can be the highlight of your journey. All aboard!

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits