Overview
Take a journey by rail and coach through Ireland's picturesque landscapes on this 2-day trip departing from Dublin. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in Cork and learn about the history of Cork on a city tour. Then visit Victoria Station, where you’ll learn about generations of Irish emigrants as you tour the fascinating Queenstown Story Heritage Centre in Cobh.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 6 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local guide
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Breakfast
Overnight accommodation
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Check in at the Customer Service Desk 20 minutes before the departure time listed. Railtours Ireland Representatives will be waiting in the main concourse area with your travel pack in bright yellow jackets so that they are easily located.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Clients are advised to be on time at meeting points given by hosts 20 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME, guides and coach drivers as tours will proceed without them.
• Wheelchair accessibility: As long as the passenger has some mobility then this tour would be suitable. Trains in Ireland are wheelchair friendly however buses/coaches are not. The guest would have to be able to climb the steps on to the bus. Mobility Scooters cannot be accommodated on this tour.
What to expect
Day 1 Dublin – Cork
-
12 hours Admission ticket included
Overnight in the Cork Metropole Hotel
Day 2 Cork, Blarney Castle and Queenstown Story
-
Cobh Heritage Centre The Queenstown Story
1 hour 20 min Admission ticket included
On arrival at Cóbh (pronounced: Cove), 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 to which your entrance is included. When Queen Victoria visited Ireland in 1849 she came to Cóbh and the town was renamed Queenstown in her honour –it was renamed Cóbh after Irish independence in 1922.
Cóbh was of course the final port of call of the RMS Titanic and this theme is well expounded. 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.
The Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Cork –marking the United States’ entry to the First World War –and the small number of survivors were brought to Cóbh for refuge. Cóbh is also the headquarters of the Irish Navy and you will most likely see some navy ships. -
Blarney Castle & Gardens
3 hours Admission ticket included
We visit the historic Blarney Castle –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.
You depart Blarney at 13:30 hrs approximately. -
St Colman’s Cathedral
15 min
St. Colman’s Cathedral, overlooking Cobh is dedicated to St. Colman who founded the diocese in 560 A.D. Colman was a poet bard to the Court of the King of Munster, at Cashel in Tipperary. Influenced by St. Brendan and St. Ita, he left Palace life to become a priest. He received grants of land at Cloyne, on the eastern shore of Cork Harbour, from the King of Cashel. There he founded his monastery, traces of which still survive.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 6 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel between 2 and 6 days before the start time: 50% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Dublin).
Additional Information
- WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Railtours Ireland First Class ltd very successfully offers hosted railtours for the independent traveller. Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 2-Day Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Tour from Dublin
How long does 2-Day Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Tour from Dublin take?
It takes about 2 days.
Where does it start?
Check in at the Customer Service Desk 20 minutes before the departure time listed.
What's included?
- Local guide
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Breakfast
- Overnight accommodation
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Which places does it visit?
It visits Cobh Heritage Centre The Queenstown Story, Blarney Castle & Gardens, St Colman’s Cathedral.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Railtours Ireland First Class
