Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Tour from Dublin

Highlights

Tick off three top attractions in one day, including Blarney Castle
Avoid hidden costs with all train and coach transfers included
Learn more about Irish history and culture from your guides

Summary

Leave bright and early from Dublin Heuston Station on a morning train to Cork to begin your day trip. Have a leisurely breakfast on board as you traverse picturesque southern Ireland (all food and drinks are at your own expense), and then disembark in Cork and head straight to Blarney Castle, just a short coach jaunt from the city. Tour the grounds and look for marked attractions such as rock formations fancifully named ‘Witch’s Kitchen’ and a ‘Poison Garden,’ housing a collection of poisonous plants. Then explore the castle ruins and learn a bit about the site’s beguiling and chaptered history. Climb to the top to visit the ‘Stone of Eloquence,’ known by many as the Blarney Stone; if you — like many others — wish to acquire the gift of eloquence, take your turn giving the stone a kiss. Next, take your newly refined speaking ability and head into the village of Blarney. Explore the colorful architecture, do a little shopping and enjoy lunch before heading back to Cork for a city tour. Your historical excursion concludes with a visit to Cobh and the Queenstown Story Heritage Center. Explore the beautifully restored Victorian railway station that was the largest embarkation point for emigration in Irish history, and hear the harrowing and hopeful story of Annie, the first Irish emigrant to reach Ellis Island, as well as others like her. Then board the train for a relaxing return journey to Dublin, where your day trip ends at the station.

Tour info

Duration

12 hours

Why take this tour?

Tick off three of southern Ireland’s top attractions on this day tour from Dublin, calling at Blarney Castle, Cork, and Cobh Heritage Centre. Absorb sweeping views of the Emerald Isle as you travel to County Cork by train, then zip seamlessly between attractions by coach, leaving plenty of time to kiss the Blarney Stone, tread the streets of Cork City, and be immersed in Irish emigration history in the seaport town of Cobh.

What’s included?

Host on trains
Information pack
Reserved seats on trains
Qualified driver-guide on coaches
All travel by rail and coach from Dublin
Entry/Admission - Blarney Castle & Gardens
Entry/Admission - Cobh Heritage Centre The Queenstown Story
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks, unless specified

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 12h
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Railtours Ireland First Class - Day Tours

About operator:

Railtours Ireland First Class offers visitors to Dublin an extensive programme of day tours to Ireland's best known tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle, Cork and Blarney Castle, the Giants Causeway, Game of Thrones Tour, the Ring of Kerry, Kilkenny and Waterford, Connemara and the Aran Islands. We also have a very popular half day tour - “The Wicklow Mountaineer” – which includes Ballykissangel (Avoca).Tours leave Dublin Daily (except Sundays). Fully hosted by the renowned Railtours Ireland hosts in reserved cars on scheduled trains and with connecting luxury coaches to continue the journeys, we ensure a memorable touring experience! Car Free Care Free Vacation!