The word “craic” means – entertainment, fun – and that is, to be sure, what we will enjoy during this late summer trip to the Republic. To Kilkenny, Kerry, Connemara, Galway and the midlands of Eire – 10 days of full on “craic” awaits us.
We meet at Holyhead Port and board our coach to be luggage free. We then board for the enjoyable afternoon sailing to Dublin Port. Once in Eire we make our way to Kilkenny, arriving in time for an included evening meal.
No time to waste so let’s get going. We set off for a village, famous in all Ireland for its football prowess (Gaelic that is!) and for its 3’ gauge steam railway. Lunch is included as we sample traditional Guinness (optional) and soup & sandwiches in Dick Dunne’s bar. We can’t go to Eire without getting a whiff of the horses – so – to Kildare next for the National Stud & Japanese Gardens.
We are off to Kerry, by train from Kilkenny to Waterford, where we break our travels to visit the excellent Waterford and Suir Valley Railway.
Then on (by train) to the most famous
railway station in all Ireland (possibly
the world!), Limerick Junction. Finally to
Tralee via Mallow arriving comfortably
in time for a Guinness! Our Hotel arrangements in Tralee are on
a bed & breakfast basis allowing
you complete freedom in the
evenings.
A relaxed day with time
for “local” stuff in the morning
before heading to Listowel for the
unique Lartigue Railway. This is a superb re-creation of the famous Ballybunion Railway and provides a fantastic insight into how this unusual railway operated.
Today we head to Cork by train and on to
Cobh for the excellent “Queenstown” experience in the superbly restored old station building, telling the story of Irish emigration to America. We then head to Killarney for a superb boat trip and complete the day with a scenic drive back to Tralee.
The beautiful Dingle Peninsular is Kerry at its best and is the setting for one of Inside Track’s best days out. We will track the Tralee and Blennerville Railway, trace the line to Dingle, and marvel at the spectacular views around Slea Head. Today’s highlight visit will be hosted by Donal at the Blennerville Windmill which has railway connections including a model layout. A gem of a day on the Emerald Isle!
Reluctantly we are leaving this lovely area today, heading north to the “midlands” of Ireland. However, this is no ordinary transfer day, as we cross the Shannon at Tarbert, and break our journey in Ennis. Onwards then to Athenry with enough time to visit the castle before boarding a train to Athlone and the excellent Sheraton hotel for a three-night stay including two evening meals.
Think the scenic part of the holiday is over – no way (!). We set off by train to Galway City. Spend some time here to absorb the atmosphere in Eire’s most vibrant city outside Dublin, then head north through stunning Connemara towards Westport. This wonderfully scenic tour will include photo stops and a leg stretch at a remote railway junction. From Westport enjoy a terrific rail journey all the way back to Athlone.
The craic just gets better and better. Today we head up to the north coast to catch the iconic branch line train from the middle of nowhere to Ballina. Our coach transfers us from Ballina to Sligo where we catch a train to idyllic Carrick. Let’s sing traditional songs as we sail on the Shannon and then head down to Dromod to meet Michael and his amazing collection of everything and anything including a steam train ride.
We are heading home today, but we will still have fun as we let the train take the strain heading back to Dublin, before our coach takes us onto the ferry so that we can enjoy the crossing luggage free.
One of our favourite Hotels to be sure, a warm welcome, lovely Irish food, traditional breakfast, and sited in the heart of Tralee’s historic town. Perfect for our four night stay. As in Kilkenny, there is no lift, but once again porterage can be arranged.
A truly up-market hotel located on Patrick Street in the very heart of Kilkenny. Luxurious rooms, concierge, lifts, spacious dining room and bar, this place has it all. It’s certainly not cheap but being so central means one can get out and about to be immersed in the atmosphere of this vibrant city. We will dine here together on the first night (included) and then the world is your lobster!
This is modern establishment and a well know top-end chain. It boasts lovely rooms and full-on facilities including a gum and spa. Two evening meals out of three nights are included here to conclude our Irish Craic.