Emerald Pullman Private Rail Tour

My husband and I had an amazing time on The Emerald Pullman private rail tour. Our guides (David, Mervyn, and Jim) were superb - we loved the passion they showed for their country and its vast history as they described what we were seeing along all stretches of our tour. The volunteers who staff the Emerald Pullman kept us safe, fed, and comfortable - loved the Guinness on the train! It was a joy to get to know them and our guides throughout the journey. The hotels were excellent - especially Brian and his Abbeyglen Castle hotel. His singing and entertainment was definitely a highlight to our trip. It was such a nice treat to celebrate our anniversary during our dinner on our first night there. We lucked out in getting what I think is one of the best rooms at the hotel with a balcony overlooking the valley! I highly recommend this tour - especially if it is your first time to Ireland (as it was for us). It provided a great overall tour of Ireland/Northern Ireland and we hope to come back again some day and explore more.

Recently, I went to Ireland with my mom and sister. This was an exciting first time visit for all of us. My sister researched sightseeing tours and came across Railtours Ireland First Class. We booked the September departure! What a fantastic journey across Ireland in a private heritage train. The hosts were wonderful and shared many stories as we rolled along the rails. An open bar, many snacks and live music maintained a festive atmosphere! Gorgeous accommodations along the way. Truly a family trip I will cherish forever ♥️

My husband and I had a wonderful time on our trip through Ireland and Northern Ireland. The guides David, Jim, and Mervyn were fantastic. The train was comfortable and the scenery was fabulous. The staff on the train were very personable and we enjoyed talking with them. Killarney and Clifden are wonderful towns and we really enjoyed the hotels there. Our favorite activity was watching the sheep herding by the shepherd and his dog. We saw so many rainbows; yet, the rain was nearly always when we were inside a bus or train, so all the outdoor activities were great. Just know that the climb up Blarney Castle is not easy, so make sure you really want to do that activity.

We had the Ireland/Northern Ireland trip of a lifetime. Itinerary was perfect and the staff were well organized, fantastic hosts. On-board service was supplemented by volunteers of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland - what a treat. Everything was first class...highly recommended.

This was so much more than a tour of Ireland. Travelling on the Emerald Pullman was a treat in itself, admiring the beautiful countryside, whilst enjoying afternoon tea, served by the wonderful railway volunteers or getting to know fellow passengers over a drink. Travel around the more inaccessible places was by luxury coach, which also transported all our luggage. Accommodation and food in all 3 hotels were excellent, and, as our host at Abbey Glen had already spent time with us on the train, our stay there felt like a house party with friends. The included visits to places such as Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle and The Giants Causeway, as well as small villages and larger cities introduces you to the varied history and culture of Ireland. Surprises such as the sheep dog demonstration, Celtic Steps show and stop at Maam Cross, also added much to the fun! It was a busy week but there are opportunities to take time out or do your own thing and the relaxed but seemless organisation meant it didn’t feel regimented. We saw so much of Ireland but it was the Railtours team, volunteers and fellow passengers, who make this a unique and memorable experience.