Train to Ireland's Ancient East
- The Suir Valley
Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City
Visit part of Ireland's Ancient East, where there are Medieval and Viking cities to be explored!
Enjoy a full day tour to a big chunk of Ireland's Ancient East - in Ireland's sunny south east. We visit the ancient city of Kilkenny or as it is known "The Marble City". We continue on to explore the historic Viking City of Waterford where we visit The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. The tour returns to Dublin via the lovely Suir Valley.
- Return Rail Travel.
- Reserved Seats on the train.
- Railtours Ireland Host throughout.
- Visitor Attraction Admissions.
1 Days
From
$156pps
From price is based on 1 adult.
"Highly recommended"
Aug 2018 by Emily G
I have been a number of these trips and love them. This trip was one of the shorter ones, but, it was a packed day of fantastic tours, events and wonderful locations. These trips are incredibly well organised and always move smoothly. Highly recommended.
"MUCH MUCH better on rail than on any bus"
Jul 2018 by Roger O
This was our 3rd day trip in three days and in hindsight, all of our tours should have been with Railtours Ireland. The space, the convenience, the comfort and the attentive service qas MUCH MUCH better on rail than on any bus. The tour was interesting and informative. Liam is an absolute gem. Knowledgeable, witty, father-like and overall just a superb ambassador for Railway Ireland and Ireland in general. The additional service to be returned to our hotel made a great day end on a fabulous note.
Keep up the great work at Railway Ireland and please ensure to recognize and reward Liam. He was the ABSOLUTE best and now represents for us, the face of Ireland!!!
"one of the best days we had in Ireland."
Nov 2017 by ICS20
My parents and I booked a Railtours day trip out to Waterford. It ended up being one of the best days we had in Ireland. The scenery was lovely – what a treat to get out to the countryside. And both Waterford and Kilkenny were beautiful. But the true star of the day was our guide, Paddy. He was an absolutely delight. Paddy made the time fly by with both the history of the area, and his fun jokes and stories. We have many pictures and many happy memories of our jaunt out to Waterford. Thank you, Paddy, and thank you Railtours! We feel very lucky to have taken this tour.
"Fantastic Trip to Waterford and Kilkenny"
Aug 2017 by Schwartzkin
We booked this trip to Waterford and Kilkenny from Dublin. It was fantastic. We meet our group at the train station and the Railtour workers wearing bright yellow. Our tour guide, Liam, was great. He knew the history of the area as well as the history of the Irish people. He was warm and friendly. Our first stop was to the town of Kilkenney where we took a city tour. We then headed to Waterford. We stopped for lunch and then toured the factory. The craftsmanship was unbelievable. We had some free time to shop and then headed back. The train ride home takes you through rolling hills and beautiful countryside. I woudl definitely do it again.
"Wonderful Tour Guide"
Jun 2017 by Finksbug
We took this trip with Liam, who was a wonderful, thoughtful, knowledgeable guide as well as a very wonderful person. The tours of Waterford and Kilkenny were very informative and the restaurant choice was ideal as well. We were so glad that we added this tour to our trip to Ireland and that it was Liam who shared it all with us! Thanks, Liam!
"Fun tour of two interesting towns with a great chance to see the countryside from rail"
Jun 2016 by Dennis B
Fun tour of two interesting towns with a great chance to see the countryside from rail. Paddy (our guide) was great at adjusting the itinerary based on the interests of the group so we could see things that attracted our attention. Be sure to allocate time in Waterford to see the tower down the street along with the replica Viking boat. Kilkenny Castle was fantastic. Love how they have researched it like a team of detectives to restore it to the original shape where they can. Appreciate that Paddy also researched info for us on Ireland not related to our tour. Will help make the rest of our stay better.
"Well worth the money, lovely rail trip with beautiful scenery"
Jul 2015 by Margaret B
Well worth the money, lovely rail trip with beautiful scenery. Liam was our tour guide and he was wonderful. Liam was very knowledgeable and took excellent care of us bon the tour.
"The day couldn't have been much better"
Jun 2015 by Janice B
Our tour guide, Liam was the absolute best! He is a wonderful tour guide and conversationalist. The day couldn't have been much better.
"Took the train tour which allows one to see the sights from a more personal level."
Jun 2015 by Tammy B
Kilkenny was great. Took the train tour which allows one to see the sights from a more personal level. The crystal factory was incredible. Again, the Irish people are wonderful, the driver and guide were great.
Visitor Attraction Admissions Included: Kilkenny Road Train and House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre.
- Return Rail Travel.
- Reserved Seats on the train.
- Railtours Ireland Host throughout.
- Visitor Attraction Admissions.
Book any two day tours and receive a Free Upgrade: 48hr Hop-on-off Dublin City Sightseeing Tour Tickets.
DAY
1
1
Dublin to Kilkenny & Waterford
Check-in is 20 minutes prior to Train Departure Time.
Check in beside the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket!
Check-in for 07:25 departure from Dublin Heuston Station, opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern & Western Railway, now the official principal station of Iarnród Éireann, Ireland’s national railway company. As your train departs, we travel in a south westerly direction, through Dublin's western suburbs and then through the lush fertile countryside of Co. Kildare. Our journey takes us through the Curragh which is famous for its racecourse, home of the Irish Derby, and there are many stud farms in the vicinity, see the best of Irish bloodstock training as your train passes. We pass through Co. Carlow, birthplace of the father of Irish Railways - William Dargan and then enter Co.Kilkenny.
At 09:00 we arrive into Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, situated on the river Nore. We have over two hours free time to explore all this medieval city. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone thus the name the Marble City. Kilkenny is dominated by its castle. A guided tour of Kilkenny by Road Train is included April to October. Admire Kilkenny Castle and its rose garden. We depart Kilkenny by train at 11:40.
We arrive into Waterford at 12:20, a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir, and we pass Jerpoint Abbey, from the 12th century en route. On arrival in Waterford Station we are transferred to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre for a guided tour, where you will see craftsman engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world famous crystal glass. Our lunch stop is here at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre (not included). You are of course welcome to have lunch yourself at any of the many attractive local authentic pubs and bars in Waterford city. We depart Waterford by train at 16:25 and travel west through the beautiful Suir Valley through Co. Tipperary. We pass Tipperary town and change trains at Limerick Junction for your Dublin bound express. You don't need to worry about this change as your host who has been with you since the start of the tour in Dublin will still be there to escort you onto the train and your reserved seats.
20:00 Arrive back to Dublin Heuston Station.
