2-Day Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour From Dublin

Set out on a captivating 2-day journey from Dublin to the stunning Connemara region and Galway Bay. This rail tour immerses travelers in Ireland’s breathtaking natural beauty, from the idyllic midlands to the majestic mountain ranges. Highlights include a visit to the historic Kylemore Abbey and its enchanting Victorian walled garden. With round-trip transport, meals, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Discover the charm and allure that draw visitors to this enchanting corner of Ireland.

Key Points

• This 2-day rail and coach tour from Dublin takes you to the Galway and Connemara regions, with a 4-star overnight stay at Galway Bay.
• The tour includes a visit to the Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, and offers scenic views of Ireland’s midlands, Twelve Bens, and Maumturks mountain ranges.
• The tour provides opportunities for independent exploration of Galway on the first evening and immerses you in the cultural heritage and landscapes of Connemara and Galway Bay.
• The tour includes round-trip transport, four-star accommodation with breakfast, meals as per the itinerary, a local guide, and entrance to Kylemore Abbey and garden.
• The tour departs from Dublin Heuston Station, with a daily departure schedule, except Sundays, and returns to the original starting point at approximately 9:45 PM on Day 2.

Tour Overview

This 2-day rail and coach tour from Dublin takes travelers to the scenic Galway and Connemara regions.

The tour includes a 4-star overnight stay at Galway Bay and the opportunity to explore Galway independently on the first evening.

On the return trip, the tour visits the Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a walled Victorian garden.

Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy scenic views of Ireland’s midlands and Connemara countryside, as well as pass the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges.

Itinerary Highlights

As travelers embark on this tour, they’ll be treated to scenic views of Ireland’s midlands and Connemara countryside.

En route, they’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a stunning Victorian walled garden. They’ll explore the unique features of this historic site, including its visitor center.

Travelers will visit Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a stunning Victorian walled garden, and explore its historic features and visitor center.

Along the way, they’ll pass the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges, enjoying the natural beauty of this picturesque region.

Throughout the journey, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes that make Connemara and Galway Bay such captivating destinations.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transport and four-star accommodation with breakfast.

Meals are provided as per the itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A local guide is included, as well as entrance to Kylemore Abbey and the Walled Victorian Garden. Gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off are also covered.

The tour offers:

• All transportation and accommodation

• Meals and entrance fees

• Knowledgeable local guide

• Scenic views of the Irish countryside

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Connemara and Galway Bay Rail Tour is Dublin Heuston Station, located on Saint Johns Road West in Dublin.

Railtours Ireland representatives will be at the Customer Service Desk with travel packs. Travelers should check-in 20 minutes prior to the scheduled 8:30 AM departure.

The tour returns to the original starting point at approximately 9:45 PM on Day 2. Daily departures are available, except on Sundays.

Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Travelers can specify their room preference for double occupancy.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The maximum group size is 10 travelers per tour.

The price starts from $412.53 per person and varies by group size.

Lowest Price Guarantee and Reserve Now, Pay Later options are available.

• Specify room preference

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Children under 16 must be accompanied

• Maximum 10 travelers per tour

• Lowest Price Guarantee and Reserve Now, Pay Later

Scenic Views of Ireland’s Midlands and Connemara Countryside

As the train winds its way through the rolling hills and lush meadows of Ireland’s midlands, travelers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Connemara countryside.

The rugged Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges come into view, their dramatic peaks silhouetted against the sky. Picturesque stone walls and thatched-roof cottages dot the landscape, while shimmering lakes and streams reflect the ever-changing light.

The tour provides ample opportunities to take in the natural beauty of this remote and unspoiled region, offering a true taste of the Irish countryside.

Exploring Kylemore Abbey and Its Victorian Walled Garden

After taking in the sweeping vistas of the Connemara countryside, the tour makes its way to Kylemore Abbey, a stunning 19th-century Benedictine monastery nestled amidst the rugged Twelve Bens mountains.

Visitors can explore the abbey’s ornate Gothic-style architecture and step into the tranquil Victorian Walled Garden, where lush flowerbeds, manicured hedges, and a restored greenhouse create a serene oasis.

The tour includes:

• Guided tour of the abbey and its carefully preserved interiors

• Walk through the picturesque Victorian Walled Garden

• Visit to the on-site visitor center and cafe

• Opportunity to learn about the abbey’s storied history

• Time to soak in the breathtaking natural surroundings

Passing the Twelve Bens and Maumturks Mountain Ranges

The rail tour’s journey takes passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges.

These rugged peaks, part of the Connemara region, offer stunning vistas of craggy slopes, glacial valleys, and shimmering lakes. Travelers will be in awe as the coach winds through the dramatic terrain, with the towering mountains rising on either side.

The Twelve Bens, a range of quartzite peaks, and the Maumturks, a parallel range, provide a magnificent backdrop to the scenic countryside.

The Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountain ranges offer a magnificent backdrop to the scenic Connemara countryside.

Passengers will have ample opportunities to admire the natural beauty of this unspoiled corner of Ireland.