| This tour is suitable for anyone who enjoys wonderful scenery, fascinating history and steam train rides. You should be able to walk a reasonable distance, primarily on flat ground on hosted city tours and during visits to gardens, castles and stately homes. |
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| Page updated on: 07 December 2010 |
The Trains and Treasures of Ireland
| 01 to 11 May 2010 |
Day 1. Saturday. 01 May 2010.
Arrive in Dublin this morning and transfer to the comfortable Best Western Ashling Hotel, located virtually adjacent to the main
Heuston Railway Terminal. Because flights can arrive at various times throughout the day we can not provide a single included
transfer. Geoff Cooke, your tour escort, will meet you at the airport to offer any assistance you may need. Taxi fare from the
airport directly to the hotel is typically about 25 Euros, or about $34. A convenient and economical way to reach the hotel is on the
Airlink Coach which will take you to the Heuston Station, a very short walk from our hotel. The current Airlink fare is 6 Euros, or
about $8.50.
Day 2. Sunday. 02 May.
This morning we take the hop–on/hop-off open top double-decker bus tour of the city of Dublin, including a visit to the Guinness
Storehouse where the exhibits include a steam locomotive and you get a free pint at the end of the tour. You can use this service
throughout the day to access the famous sites. The route makes a great loop past the most important sites. Following the tour,
there are a number of options to enjoy in this vibrant city. For the railfan there is a chance to ride the DART suburban system, as
well as the LUAS downtown street trams.
Day 3. Monday. 03 May.
This morning, join our railcar at Dublin's Connolly Station for Wexford. This is a particularly pretty line which closely follows the
Irish Sea coast, then climbs through rugged coastal headlands. CIE (the Irish Railways) have recently replaced their long-haul
coach fleet with all new equipment. Our coach will collect your luggage at the hotel and drive to Wexford station to meet us there.
Upon arrival at Wexford we drive to New Ross, the ancestral home of the Kennedy family. We visit the “Dunbrody”, a recreated
sailing ship that carried emigrants to America in the 1840’s. Guides in period costume will explain the harsh conditions
endured on board. This afternoon we drive to the Rock of Cashel for a conducted tour. Here is a spectacular group of medieval
buildings atop an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Highlights include a 12th century round tower, the High Cross and
Romanesque Chapel, a ruined 13th century Gothic cathedral, the 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars
Chorale. Later this afternoon we motor to Killarney, where we will spend the next four nights at the comfortable International
Hotel, located right in the heart of the village.
Day 4. Tuesday. 04 May.
The day is devoted to the incomparable circuit drive around the Ring of Kerry. We motor south to traverse the towering
headlands overlooking the south coast, then climb over a high mountain pass to the Queen’s View, with its glorious vista of the
Lakes of Killarney. This is justly the most renowned scenery in Ireland.
Day 5. Wednesday. 05 May.
Enjoy a free day in Killarney. Options range from riding on a horse-drawn “punt” cart for a tour of the gardens and parks of
Killarney, touring the stately Muckross House, taking the short train ride to near-by Tralee (small added fare paid at the depot), or
just relaxing in the very pretty town of Killarney, which offers many fine shops and excellent restaurants. Those wanting a full-day
excursion can book a tour around the Dingle Peninsula from our Irish partners Deros Tours. The Dingle Peninsula lies at the
southwestern tip of Ireland and is rugged and remote. This tour takes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is currently priced at 27
Euros.
Day 6. Thursday. 06 May.
Today we will take to the rails again as we travel to the city of Cork and then on to Cobh. Our train trip is through classic Irish
countryside, first rolling hills and green pastures, then along the rivers to the coastal port of Cobh. The town was once known as
Queenstown and from here nearly 2,000,000 Irish sailed to homes in the New World, Australia and New Zealand.
We visit the Cobh Heritage Center, discovering Cobh's unique history, which is dramatically recalled during “The Queenstown
Story”, a multi media exhibition shown in the lovingly restored Victorian Railway Station. Themes include the “Titanic”,
emigration and the terrible potato famine. Later we’ll take a walk into town to see the Lusitania Monument and the magnificent
cathedral. This afternoon we return by train to Killarney.
Day 7. Friday. 07 May.
This morning our coach takes us north to Listowel, to ride Ireland’s most unusual railway, the Lartigue Monorail. When
completed in 1888 this was a “wonder of the Victorian age”. A short section of the famous monorail has been rebuilt. To ride this
unique train, and to watch the fascinating switching movements needed to turn the locomotive, is an unforgettable experience.
We continue to Limerick to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We’ll explore the mighty castle citadel and its adjacent recreation
of a late 19th/early 20th century Irish village. Later we take a fast cross-country/cross-island train back to Dublin’s Heuston
Station. Once again our accommodations are at the Ashling Hotel adjacent to the station.
Day 8. Saturday. 08 May.
Enjoy a remarkable three day steam train tour of Ireland operated by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, the Dalriada
International Railtour. Each year a series of one-time only all-day steam-powered trips are offered on the regular Irish Railway
mainlines. Engines from the late 19th to the early 20th century are featured, with seats in restored historic “carriages” (coaches).
This is not a charter, and other passengers will enjoy the journey with us. Limited catering and refreshments are available on
board. Our journey will start today at Dublin (Connolly) Station. J15 Class steam locomotive No 186 will take us to Whitehead
where the 2-6-4 WT locomotive No 4 will take over for the journey to Carrickfergus, Larne Harbour and Belfast Central.
Day 9. Sunday. 09 May.
Today is the second day of our steam tour. No 186 will take us from Belfast Central to Bangor and Whitehead where number 4
will continue to Ballymena, Coleraine, Lisburn and back to Belfast Central.
Day 10. Monday. 10 May.
This morning, No.4 will take us from Belfast Central back to Dublin (Connolly). Transfer to our hotel with the rest of the day at
leisure.
Day 11. Tuesday. 11 May.
Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your return home, or extend you visit by catching a ferry to Wales and on to
England.
Arrive in Dublin this morning and transfer to the comfortable Best Western Ashling Hotel, located virtually adjacent to the main
Heuston Railway Terminal. Because flights can arrive at various times throughout the day we can not provide a single included
transfer. Geoff Cooke, your tour escort, will meet you at the airport to offer any assistance you may need. Taxi fare from the
airport directly to the hotel is typically about 25 Euros, or about $34. A convenient and economical way to reach the hotel is on the
Airlink Coach which will take you to the Heuston Station, a very short walk from our hotel. The current Airlink fare is 6 Euros, or
about $8.50.
Day 2. Sunday. 02 May.
This morning we take the hop–on/hop-off open top double-decker bus tour of the city of Dublin, including a visit to the Guinness
Storehouse where the exhibits include a steam locomotive and you get a free pint at the end of the tour. You can use this service
throughout the day to access the famous sites. The route makes a great loop past the most important sites. Following the tour,
there are a number of options to enjoy in this vibrant city. For the railfan there is a chance to ride the DART suburban system, as
well as the LUAS downtown street trams.
Day 3. Monday. 03 May.
This morning, join our railcar at Dublin's Connolly Station for Wexford. This is a particularly pretty line which closely follows the
Irish Sea coast, then climbs through rugged coastal headlands. CIE (the Irish Railways) have recently replaced their long-haul
coach fleet with all new equipment. Our coach will collect your luggage at the hotel and drive to Wexford station to meet us there.
Upon arrival at Wexford we drive to New Ross, the ancestral home of the Kennedy family. We visit the “Dunbrody”, a recreated
sailing ship that carried emigrants to America in the 1840’s. Guides in period costume will explain the harsh conditions
endured on board. This afternoon we drive to the Rock of Cashel for a conducted tour. Here is a spectacular group of medieval
buildings atop an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Highlights include a 12th century round tower, the High Cross and
Romanesque Chapel, a ruined 13th century Gothic cathedral, the 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars
Chorale. Later this afternoon we motor to Killarney, where we will spend the next four nights at the comfortable International
Hotel, located right in the heart of the village.
Day 4. Tuesday. 04 May.
The day is devoted to the incomparable circuit drive around the Ring of Kerry. We motor south to traverse the towering
headlands overlooking the south coast, then climb over a high mountain pass to the Queen’s View, with its glorious vista of the
Lakes of Killarney. This is justly the most renowned scenery in Ireland.
Day 5. Wednesday. 05 May.
Enjoy a free day in Killarney. Options range from riding on a horse-drawn “punt” cart for a tour of the gardens and parks of
Killarney, touring the stately Muckross House, taking the short train ride to near-by Tralee (small added fare paid at the depot), or
just relaxing in the very pretty town of Killarney, which offers many fine shops and excellent restaurants. Those wanting a full-day
excursion can book a tour around the Dingle Peninsula from our Irish partners Deros Tours. The Dingle Peninsula lies at the
southwestern tip of Ireland and is rugged and remote. This tour takes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is currently priced at 27
Euros.
Day 6. Thursday. 06 May.
Today we will take to the rails again as we travel to the city of Cork and then on to Cobh. Our train trip is through classic Irish
countryside, first rolling hills and green pastures, then along the rivers to the coastal port of Cobh. The town was once known as
Queenstown and from here nearly 2,000,000 Irish sailed to homes in the New World, Australia and New Zealand.
We visit the Cobh Heritage Center, discovering Cobh's unique history, which is dramatically recalled during “The Queenstown
Story”, a multi media exhibition shown in the lovingly restored Victorian Railway Station. Themes include the “Titanic”,
emigration and the terrible potato famine. Later we’ll take a walk into town to see the Lusitania Monument and the magnificent
cathedral. This afternoon we return by train to Killarney.
Day 7. Friday. 07 May.
This morning our coach takes us north to Listowel, to ride Ireland’s most unusual railway, the Lartigue Monorail. When
completed in 1888 this was a “wonder of the Victorian age”. A short section of the famous monorail has been rebuilt. To ride this
unique train, and to watch the fascinating switching movements needed to turn the locomotive, is an unforgettable experience.
We continue to Limerick to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We’ll explore the mighty castle citadel and its adjacent recreation
of a late 19th/early 20th century Irish village. Later we take a fast cross-country/cross-island train back to Dublin’s Heuston
Station. Once again our accommodations are at the Ashling Hotel adjacent to the station.
Day 8. Saturday. 08 May.
Enjoy a remarkable three day steam train tour of Ireland operated by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, the Dalriada
International Railtour. Each year a series of one-time only all-day steam-powered trips are offered on the regular Irish Railway
mainlines. Engines from the late 19th to the early 20th century are featured, with seats in restored historic “carriages” (coaches).
This is not a charter, and other passengers will enjoy the journey with us. Limited catering and refreshments are available on
board. Our journey will start today at Dublin (Connolly) Station. J15 Class steam locomotive No 186 will take us to Whitehead
where the 2-6-4 WT locomotive No 4 will take over for the journey to Carrickfergus, Larne Harbour and Belfast Central.
Day 9. Sunday. 09 May.
Today is the second day of our steam tour. No 186 will take us from Belfast Central to Bangor and Whitehead where number 4
will continue to Ballymena, Coleraine, Lisburn and back to Belfast Central.
Day 10. Monday. 10 May.
This morning, No.4 will take us from Belfast Central back to Dublin (Connolly). Transfer to our hotel with the rest of the day at
leisure.
Day 11. Tuesday. 11 May.
Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your return home, or extend you visit by catching a ferry to Wales and on to
England.
| Star attractions Two steam locomotives will operate the three day steam tour from Day 8 to Day 10 |
| Number 184. GSWR 0-6-0 J15 Class |
| Number 4. LMS 2-6-4WT |
| This tour has run with great success. Click here for some photographs Our next tour to Ireland will be in 2012. Click here to register your interest |