Aran Islands Rail Tour - Dublin

Set on the West Coast of Ireland, in the mouth of Galway Bay, Inis Mór is a bastion of the traditional Irish language, culture and music, unique in its geology, archaeology and history.

Check-in at 7:35am and depart from Dublin Heuston Station. 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. Your route takes you into the midlands and the Bog of Allen, vast tracts of peatland. Before then, we pass through the country town of Tullamore and then to Clara across the gentle farmlands of north Offaly.

The train crosses the Shannon River which marks the historic border between the province of Leinster and Connacht – the historic province of the West of Ireland. You are now heading due west, surrounded by peat bog on both sides of the line.

On the last few kilometres before Galway, you will get your first glimpse of Galway Bay. Arrive at Galway where you will be brought to the Aer Arann mini-coach for transfer to Connemara Airport for your short flight to Inis Mór. Flight times may vary occasionally to cater for the numbers flying.

Irish is the spoken language on the Aran Islands, although the locals will be more than happy to speak to you in English. For many, the highlight of the tour is the formidable pre-Christian fort of Dún Aonghusa, with spectacular sea cliffs on the western side and unspoilt views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Notes on Aran: Your tour of Inis Mór begins and ends at the island's airport and includes stops at 'Seven Churches' (15 minutes), Dún Aonghusa (75 minutes) and Kilronan village for lunch (45 minutes).

On arrival back to Galway, you will be brought to the Tourist Office. You should now have some time in Galway city centre for exploring and/or shopping.