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Touring Ireland: Ireland by Train from £745pp for 7nts

A touring holiday designed specially to give a flavour of the contrast of the country, and for those who prefer to use public transport rather than driving, but still want to visit some of the highlights of the country, including Dublin, Wicklow, Belfast and the Giants Causeway.

Day One - Dublin

Your first base is the Georgian city of Dublin.

Your Hotel

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this welcoming guest house. Comprising two imposing Georgian townhouses, it is situated in a remarkably peaceful leafy avenue just to the South of Dublin city centre. Yet you are just a short walk from St Stephen’s Green, a pint or two of Guinness in a local bar, or a delicious meal in one of Dublin’s many fine restaurants.

Day Two & Three - exploring Dublin

Time to explore the city, with a guided walking tour of the city included  to help you get your bearings and learn some of the history from a local expert. Once home to literary greats such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, the city boasts an abundance of Georgian architecture, as well as cosy bars and lots of great restaurants. Enjoy them all by walking in the area around Merrion Square and St Stephens Green, wander into Trinity College, with the famous Book of Kells on display, head to the Guinness Storehouse to sample this most famous of drinks in it historic homeland, pay a visit to one or both of the city cathedrals, cross the Liffey on the Ha’penny bridge and visit the GPO, site of the famous 1916 Easter Rising, and take in the Dublin Writers Museum, or catch an Irish play at the Abbey Theatre.

Day Four to - Galway

Today catch a morning train to the contrasting city of Galway.

Your Hotel

Your base is a boutique style hotel in the Canal Quarter, just round the corner from the Spanish Arch. Privately owned and very individual this is ideally situated to enjoy Galway, known as the City of the Tribes, after the 14 affluent tribes who ruled during the middle ages. This thriving city is the most westerly in Europe and enjoys a strong artistic heritage and a flourishing arts, music, theatre and film scene. Enjoy the atmospheric pubs and restaurants - perhaps trying some oysters - its pretty medieval streets and its lively weekend markets.

Day Five - to the Aran Islands

Today you will enjoy a full day tour to Inis Mór, the largest of these magical islands, reached by ferry or flight from just west of the city. These three rocky limestone outcrops that make up the Aran Islands are a bastion of traditional language, culture and music, unique in their geology and archaeology and unrivalled in their potent sense of history. Each has their own distinct atmosphere and character, but the dramatic landscapes and endless sea form a backdrop to a labyrinth of meandering stone walls and tiny, tightly packed fields. In between, a network of narrow winding roads and grassy lanes sweep from pristine beaches and craggy shores to the dizzying cliffs that mark the edge of Europe. The islands have lured legions of writers, artists and visitors over the centuries, their enigmatic ancient monuments, early Christian remains, holy wells and historic lighthouses adding to their sense of timelessness and mystery. This serenity makes the islands a precious sanctuary from the rush of modern life, and their isolation guarantees their place as a stronghold of traditional culture. You will return to Galway in the early evening.

Day Six - to Belfast

Time to return to Dublin then connect to the Enterprise train to Belfast, arriving late afternoon in the capital of Northern Ireland.

Your Hotel

Your hotel is a locally-owned guesthouse, close to the University area, a mere 10 minute walk from the city centre. This AA four star rated accommodation comes highly recommended for offering great value for money and a comfortable base to enjoy the city. There is complimentary WiFi throughout all rooms with free, secure car parking. There is a light and airy breakfast room and within a few minutes’ walk a host of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, as they say "in Belfast the craic is never far away".

Day Seven - Exploring Belfast

The city is compact and easy to get around on foot or public transport. Although there has been much new development in the city there is still a genuine heritage and a truly warm welcome for visitors. The Cathedral quarter is the historic cultural heartland of the city, whereas the Titanic Quarter of east Belfast - where the legendary liner was built - is full of reminders of a proud maritime and industrial past. Here the brand new, state of the art, Titanic Visitor Experience is a must visit destination, and a suitable memorial to the tragedy of 100 years ago.

Other must-see destinations range from the grand Victorian City Hall, to Stormont, the home of government, from the Ulster Museum - where the Girona exhibition of Spanish Armada Gold is unmissable to the historic pubs, such as the Crown Liquor saloon - a rather unique National Trust property. This morning we will arrange a private Black taxi tour where you can learn about the city's recent turbulent history and its remarkable resurgence and optimism.

Day Eight

Time to return home, from Belfast or onwards to Dublin

Prices & Dates

This holiday is available from February to mid-December 2012.

The price is £745 per person for holidays in March, £795 per person for April & October, £825 for May to September, based on two sharing an ensuite double or twin room for 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis. The holiday includes a walking tour of Dublin, day tour to the Aran Islands, a political "black taxi" tour of Belfast, ticket for the Titanic Visitor Experience, return train travel between Dublin & Galway, Dublin & Belfast.

A Wee Touch of Luxury

You can upgrade to 5 star hotels in both Dublin and Belfast and to first class on the Dublin to Belfast rail journey.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

All our holidays include a map of Ireland with suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.