2-Day Rail Tour: Galway, Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Banquet in Bunratty Castle

This 2-day rail tour from Dublin offers an immersive experience exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of Western Ireland. Key highlights include visits to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the charming city of Galway, and a medieval banquet at the historic Bunratty Castle. The package features 4-star accommodation, transport, and admission to attractions. Travelers can expect knowledgeable guides, a comprehensive itinerary, and opportunities for free time. While some have noted issues with time management, the tour generally receives positive reviews for its value and ability to provide a quick, yet memorable, adventure. Continue reading to discover more details about this captivating exploration of Ireland’s natural and historic wonders.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best 2 Day Tours In Dublin.

Key Points

• Explore the highlights of Western Ireland, including Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway Bay, on this 2-day guided tour from Dublin.
• Experience a medieval banquet with traditional Irish entertainment at Bunratty Castle.
• Visit the charming town of Galway and the scenic Burren coast during the tour.
• Includes 4-star accommodation, transportation, and admission to all major attractions.
• Tour starts and ends at Dublin Heuston Station, providing a convenient meeting and pickup location.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Galway Rail Tour offers a comprehensive 2-day guided exploration of Western Ireland’s top attractions, departing from Dublin.

Highlights include visits to the iconic Bunratty Castle, the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, the unique lunar landscape of the Burren coast, and the charming Galway Bay.

Travelers will enjoy free time in Galway, Bunratty, and Doolin, as well as a medieval dinner banquet with traditional Irish entertainment at Bunratty Castle.

The tour includes 4-star accommodation, round-trip transport, and free entry to Bunratty Castle and Folk Village Park, providing a well-rounded and immersive experience in a short time frame.

Itinerary Details

The 2-day Galway Rail Tour commences with a departure from Dublin to Galway and Bunratty Castle. Tourists will arrive at Bunratty Village around 7:30 PM and check into their 4-star hotel. The evening will be highlighted by a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, featuring a mead reception and four-course feast alongside traditional Irish entertainment.

Day	Destination	Activity
1	Bunratty	Medieval Banquet
2	Bunratty	Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
	Cliffs of Moher	Scenic Views
	Burren Coast	Photo Stop
	Galway	Train Departure

The second day will unveil the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the unique Burren coast, and a scenic route around Galway Bay before the train departs for Dublin.

Day 1: Galway and Bunratty Castle

Travelers depart from Dublin, making their way to the historic Bunratty Village in Western Ireland.

The first day starts with a visit to the iconic Galway City, where travelers explore the charming streets and maritime heritage.

They then head to the picturesque Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century fortress.

After checking into their 4-star accommodation in Bunratty Village, travelers attend a medieval banquet at the castle, complete with a mead reception and a four-course feast.

This immersive experience transports them back in time, with traditional Irish entertainment adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Day 2: Bunratty and Cliffs of Moher

After an evening of medieval revelry, the group ventures out to explore the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This open-air museum offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s past, with historic buildings, traditional crafts, and costumed performers.

The highlights include:

• Touring the 15th-century Bunratty Castle, complete with period furnishings and stunning views
• Wandering through the Bunratty Folk Park, where thatched-roof cottages and shops recreate an authentic 19th-century Irish village
• Observing skilled artisans demonstrating traditional skills like weaving and blacksmithing
• Taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of a bygone era

Next, the group departs for the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders.

Meeting and Pickup Information

To begin the tour, guests meet at Dublin Heuston Station about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

This is the meeting point for the 2-day guided tour of Western Ireland. Once the group is assembled, the coach departs for the first destination – Galway and Bunratty Castle.

At the end of the tour, the group returns to the same meeting point at Dublin Heuston Station, where the journey concludes around 21:45.

This convenient location makes it easy for participants to start and end their adventure in the heart of the city.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes a night’s accommodation, dinner and breakfast, gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as admission to the featured attractions.

However, anything not explicitly mentioned as included is excluded, such as:

• Food and drinks not specified in the itinerary
• Additional activities or excursions outside the tour
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

The tour’s inclusions provide travelers with a comprehensive experience, allowing them to fully enjoy the highlights of Western Ireland without worrying about extra costs.

This well-rounded package ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey for participants.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left 19 reviews for the Galway Rail Tour, awarding it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers have praised the tour’s organization, knowledgeable guides, and the experiences at the attractions. However, some feedback suggests the need for better time management between travel and sightseeing. The tour is recommended for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience in a short time frame.

Positive Remarks	Negative Feedback
Excellent organization	Time management issues
Knowledgeable guides	Rushed between attractions
Enjoyable experiences	Limited time at some sites
Comprehensive itinerary	–
Value for money	–

Additional Information

Confirmation for the Galway Rail Tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

This tour is suitable for all travelers, though children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Due to the nature of the tour, operational changes may occasionally occur affecting the itineraries.

Special requests for room types can be accommodated, subject to availability.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 6 days in advance.

The key additional information for this tour includes:

• Confirmation within 48 hours of booking
• Children under 16 must be accompanied
• Operational changes may affect itineraries
• Special room requests accepted (subject to availability)
• Free cancellation up to 6 days in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour has no restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. However, meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the tour price, so you may not need to bring additional provisions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Medieval Dinner?

There’s no age restriction for the medieval dinner, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The tour welcomes all travelers, providing a family-friendly dining experience with traditional Irish entertainment.

Is There an Option to Extend the Stay in Galway?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the stay in Galway. Travelers have free time to explore Galway on their own, but the tour itinerary is fixed and doesn’t provide additional days in the city.

Can I Request a Specific Room Type at the Hotel?

Yes, travelers can request specific room types at the hotel, subject to availability. The tour operator will accommodate special requests for room types as part of the booking process.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

According to the tour information, guests can request specific room types, subject to availability. As for the cancellation policy, the tour offers free cancellation up to 6 days in advance of the tour date.

Sum Up

This two-day rail tour through Western Ireland offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. From the charming town of Galway to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the medieval splendor of Bunratty Castle, this guided adventure provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the natural wonders and historic grandeur of Ireland in a short time frame.