Emerald Isle Belle Itinerary
DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE 2027
Dublin to County Donegal, Northwest Ireland
We meet our private train, The Emerald Isle Belle, at Dublin Connolly station. Waiting here will be the meticulously cared for carriages belonging to the RPSI and on the front will be one of their resplendent steam locomotives, either No.171 "Slieve Gullion" or "Q" class No.131.
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​We depart mid-morning and steam around the North of the City, heading westwards to pass through the very essence of rural Ireland - green fields, gentle hills and shimmering loughs – as we travel west into the centre of Ireland to Longford. From here to Sligo, we are joined by a diesel locomotive to navigate the many streams and waterways that form the source of the mighty River Shannon. Arriving mid-afternoon to Sligo, our onward coach transfer takes us past verdant peaks and rugged coastlines to our hotels in Donegal and Lough Eske.
DAY 2 - THURSDAY 24 JUNE 2027
County Donegal
Donegal was recently named the fourth-best region in the World to visit by Lonely Planet. Explore the region at your own leisure or join one of our optional excursions, likely to include a chance to travel along the Fintown Railway on Lough Finn, a visit to the sea cliffs at Sliabh Liag, a dramatic formation which stands three times as high as the Cliffs of Moher, or a day trip by coach across the now invisible border to Northern Ireland and the City of Derry Londonderry, which is now a thriving community with a rich history on the banks of the River Foyle.
The town of Donegal itself overlooks Donegal Bay with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains. Traditionally centred around its historic Diamond, this former market town offers easy exploration and a rich blend of shops, dining, and cultural attractions, including the 15th Century Donegal Castle and the Railway Heritage Museum.
Lindau
DAY 3 - FRIDAY 25 JUNE 2027
County Donegal to County Mayo
After breakfast in our hotels, we travel along the Wild Atlantic Way by coach with views of the sea to the North and the Ox Mountains to the South on our way to Ballina. The old town sits at the mouth of the River Moy and there should be time to explore this unspoilt historic town with a rich modern cultural heritage before joining our train.
Ballina is the terminus of a very rural branch line, where our private train awaits for the southward journey to join the mainline towards Dublin. At Claremorris we change locomotives before taking the line to Westport, arriving in time for dinner.
We have two nights here, where the wild landscape contrasts spectacularly with the warm friendly atmosphere of this colourful town where live music fills the cosy pubs and local produce fills every menu.
DAY 4 - SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2027
Westport
Discover the stunning surroundings and rich history of the Westport region at your own leisure or on one of our optional excursions.
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Optional excursions may include a boat cruise around Clew Bay, a scenic Atlantic inlet with more than a hundred small islands, home to abundant wildlife, oyster farms and whiskey experiences. You may also have a chance to visit Westport House, known as ‘Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home’, with legendary beginnings dating back to Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, or Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery set in 1,000 acres of mountainside in Connemara.
DAY 5 - SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2027
Westport to Killarney
After breakfast in our hotels, we meet our train at Westport station for what promises to be an exciting day of travel by steam. After climbing to Claremorris, we head South-East to cross the River Shannon at Athlone and join the mainline from Galway. We continue east, journeying through some eskers (ancient geological raised embankments of glacial material) to reach Portarlington. Here, we will enjoy a leg stretch during which there will be a good opportunity to admire and photograph both our steam locomotives as we change engines.​
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From Portarlington, we head South-West along the busy mainline towards Cork. After stopping to take water at Limerick Junction we carry on to Mallow the junction for the branch to Killarney and Tralee. The scenery becomes progressively more mountainous, and our locomotive will be working hard as we steam west to Killarney, our home for three nights.
DAY 6 & 7 - MONDAY 28 & TUESDAY 29 JUNE 2027
Exploring Killarney and Kerry
Killarney is known as the gateway to Ireland’s largest National Park, a breathtaking unspoilt expanse of the peaks of the stunning MacGillycuddy’s Reeks sandstone and siltstone mountain range that sweeps down to the world-famous lakes.
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As you might expect, optional excursions may include the chance to explore the National Park by pony trap or boat (in some cases, directly from your hotel!), as well as a journey around the famous Ring of Kerry, a breathtaking 179km (111-mile) scenic driving route circling the Iveragh Peninsula, offering glorious coastal views, beaches, waterfalls, ancient stone forts, and charming villages like Sneem and Waterville.​
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Railway excursions may include journey by steam along the branch line to Tralee and a trip on the unique Lartigue Monorail and a visit to its museum.
Salzburg
DAY 8 - WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE 2027
Killarney to Dublin
After breakfast in our hotels, The Emerald Isle Belle tour heads for the tour’s conclusion in Ireland’s fair capital city.
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Our steam locomotive will have to work hard as it climbs out of Killarney and travels through steep mountainous country to the junction station at Mallow where we join the mainline from Cork to Dublin. After a sprint along this important 100-mile-long double-tracked railway artery we will pass through the Dublin suburbs before negotiating the circular route around the city to arrive mid-afternoon at our original starting point, Dublin Connolly station.
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With sunset at 10pm, there will be ample time both before and after dinner to discover the rich history and culture that is so unique to Ireland and perhaps take a stroll along banks of the River Liffey that runs through the City Centre.
DAY 9 - THURSDAY 1 JULY 2027
Farewell Dublin!
After breakfast in our hotels in Dublin, it will be time to say farewell to Ireland for now, although it will be hard to forget the truly restorative effect of this enthralling island of timeless beauty, vivacious culture and abundant history.
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Those who have booked a transfer to England will depart for the sea and rail connections towards London, whilst those travelling independently may choose to enjoy their hotel’s facilities, extend their holiday or make onward travel connections at the nearby Dublin International Airport.
Emerald Isle Belle Tour Activity Level
Level 1: Relaxed
Read the full description on our mobility requirements webpage linked here. These are intended as a guide, and our friendly team are happy to discuss tour suitability with you should you have any further queries.
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​Please note other levels may apply to excursions and travel connection options.