Dublin to Kilkenny Rail Tour: Explore Medieval Streets and Waterford Crystal Factory
4.5
154 Ratings
Dublin Heuston
Embark on a full-day rail tour from Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford Crystal. Explore medieval streets, visit the famous Waterford Crystal factory, and enjoy a scenic rail route back through the Suir Valley.
Duration: 12 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kilkenny Castle - We arrive in Kilkenny at 09:00 – known as the Marble City and situated on the river Nore. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone, thus the name the Marble City.

Kilkenny is dominated by its castle, the front gate of which is our meeting point (or as directed by your host).

There are several nice pubs that serve food: ‘Paris Texas’ on High Street and ‘Langton’s’ on John Street Lower both have a nice atmosphere and do great food. Further up High Street is the Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Canice. This beautiful cathedral dates from the 13th century and, after the reformation in 1539, became Anglican. It is well worth a visit (even if it is closed) for photographs, etc.

  • House Of Waterford Crystal - From Kilkenny, the tour continues to Waterford – a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced shure). A visit to the new Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is included in your tour, where you will see craftsmen engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world-famous crystal glass.
What's Included
  • Information pack
  • Admission to Waterford Crystal visitor centre
  • Return Rail Tickets
  • Reserved seats on the trains
  • Expert guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry to Kilkenny Castle
Additional Information

Embark on a comprehensive, day-long rail excursion from Dublin to the photogenic destinations of Kilkenny and Waterford Crystal in the southeast of Ireland. Accompanied by a guide, take a train journey to Kilkenny, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and charm. Wander the city’s medieval avenues on a guided tour, and utilize some leisure time before heading to Waterford City. Here, visit the much-respected Waterford Crystal factory, the birthplace of various splendid creations, including the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. Conclude your expedition with a breathtaking train journey back through the Suir Valley.

  • Children U16 cannot book independently. They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
  • WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
Location
Dublin Heuston
Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(154 Ratings)
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Suipingagnes_l
Jun 18, 2024
Perfect Day @ Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh Castle, with its rich history and beautiful structures, has been a place where I long for going. Our guide, Jule, made this experience even more enjoyable. Jule is knowledgeable about the Castle and is good at presenting the stories of the Castle in vivid manner. She is also considerate and attended to our needs throughout the tour. It's a wonderful half day. Thanks, Jule.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_s
Apr 27, 2024
The Best Tour and Wonderful Day - The best tour I have EVER taken !! Our guide Paddy was the best ever, wonderful knowledge and very nice. I would recommend this tour and tour company to everyone. A very relaxing day with great history, beautiful landscape, and a great experience at Waterford Crystal.
Review provided by Viator
Matthew_l
Apr 20, 2024
Outstanding - Our guide was Paddy- fantastic! He knows everyone and all the history. Very safe and fun! The Waterford factory was outstanding! What craftsmanship!!
Review provided by Viator
David_h
Apr 3, 2024
The entire trip. It was... - The entire trip. It was an unforgettable experience. The people, the sites all of it were amazing. That's all you're getting.
Review provided by Viator
Wendy
Mar 22, 2024
Loved the crystal tour! - We had a great train journey to the Kilkenny Castle and to the Waterford crystal factory. John was an excellent guide who loved sharing his knowledge of Ireland with our group. Beautiful weather added to the views on this scenic train ride. Crystal making was shared in great detail with an up close look at all the steps. Really enjoyed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3632yacharlesb
Mar 16, 2024
Railtour Ireland tours - This is a fantastic tour. We were lucky to have John Todd as our guide. We have been blessed to tour with John before. Railtour Ireland is a fantastic company to travel with
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phoebedaggee
Mar 16, 2024
John the dream tour guide! - John Todd was a dream tour guide! The day began nice and early with a chipper John who welcomed us to the family for the day. He entertained us on the train ride to Kilkenny with stories of Ireland. He showed us around Kilkenny and provided us with history and fun facts. Next, we went to the beautiful Waterford and learned about the process of making Waterford crystal. It was so cool! The whole trip John provided us with the perfect balance of guidance and freedom to explore. He checked in frequently to make sure we were having a good experience. And let me tell you, we were! I am looking forward to more tours with John in the future!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissafu8743bj
Mar 15, 2024
A day with John - Wow what a day! John Todd was the most thoughtful and incredible guide. The first train ride to Kilkenny was easy to navigate and extremely beautiful. John shared his knowledge and fun facts about the entire country with us. In Kilkenny we got to learn about the castle as well as journey around the town on our own. Our host was sure to collect us all and make sure everyone was comfortable every step of the way. Next we were off to Waterford to learn about the amazing crystal! John was also able to share with us some wonderful facts about its Viking history and show us Vikings triangle with some extra time. He even gave us a beautiful map of Ireland to keep take with us on the train ride back to Dublin. A keepsake I will cherish forever. I can’t say enough good things about this beautiful tour. Highly recommend, and if you are able ask for John!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Troy_c
Feb 1, 2024
The train and friendly... - The train and friendly people .tour guide was wonderful.know a lot about the area .The crystal factory was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Alicia_r
Apr 20, 2024
Not a must see. - Train ride was wonderful. Castle was ok. Not enough information. Self guided. Shops were overpriced. Waterford factory was disappointing.
Review provided by Viator
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July 2024
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