Depart from Dublin Heuston Station in the early morning on your train to Limerick, and enjoy breakfast on board (own expense) while taking in Ireland’s lush central landscape. Upon arriving in the ancient city of Limerick, enjoy a tour of this city that was once the key settlement for Vikings in Ireland, and is more recently known as the setting of Frank McCourt’s harrowing memoir Angela's Ashes.

Following this rich bit of history, board your northbound coach to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Explore the fine medieval castle, complete with 15th- and 16th-century furnishings, tapestries and traditional works of art. Then tour Folk Park for a taste of Irish village life at the turn of the 20th century, including a schoolhouse, post office, doctor’s office and more. 

Next up, take a break for a traditional Irish pub lunch (own expense) at Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin, where you’ll enjoy a steamy bowl of seafood chowder or some crispy fish and chips with a cup of tea (or a pint of Guinness). Then head for the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous natural sites.

After a stroll along the cliffs, sit back for a scenic drive along the rocky coastal edge of the Burren and Galway Bay before arriving in Galway. Depending on what time you get to Galway, you may have time for a quick walk through the cobbled streets before catching your evening train back to Dublin. Have a leisurely dinner aboard (own expense) before returning to the train station.