The Emerald Isle Belle
The romance of rail, the spirit of Ireland
from $14,590* pp twin | $17,790* solo
Step aboard the Emerald Isle Belle and experience the romance of steam travel on an extraordinary journey through Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. Hauled by magnificent steam locomotives and travelling in lovingly restored heritage carriages, this privately chartered rail tour will combine the golden age of travel with the wild beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Beginning in Dublin, you’ll journey through the rugged beauty of Donegal before following the famed Wild Atlantic Way across the rolling countryside of Mayo and into the lakes and mountains of Killarney. Along the way, discover dramatic coastlines, charming towns, breathtaking scenery and the warm hospitality for which the Irish are renowned. Meanwhile, each destination offers its own unique character, history and local traditions to explore.
As the journey unfolds, settle into your seat, savour a pint in the famous Guinness Bar Car and watch the countryside drift by beyond your window. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery, authentic Irish charm and the timeless appeal of steam travel. Ultimately, this is a journey you’ll remember long after the final whistle has blown.
To make your holiday even more seamless, we’ve included return flights, two nights in Dublin before your rail adventure begins and transfers throughout. You can simply relax and enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Your holiday inclusions
Departs 20 June 2027 - 12 night package
- Return Economy class airfare from Sydney to Dublin including all taxes and fees
- Private car transfer from airport to hotel
- 2 nights Dublin pre-tour accommodation
- Dublin day tour including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Book of Kells and Dublin Castle
- Private car transfer from hotel to Dublin Connolly Station
- 9 day Emerald Isle Belle tour by private steam train
– 2 nights Donegal accommodation
– 2 nights Westport accommodation
– 3 nights Killarney accommodation
– 1 night Dublin accommodation - Train journeys: Dublin to Sligo, Ballina to Westport, Westport to Killarney, Killarney to Dublin
- Luggage courier service to transport luggage directly to and from each hotel
- Coach transfers between the train and hotel or, if in walking distance, a staff escort while on tour
- A team of engaging and helpful Belle Trains staff both on board the train and at all hotels while on tour
- Meals per itinerary
- Private car transfer from hotel to airport
Why not make even more of your journey? Extend your stay, fly from another Australian city or upgrade to Business Class. Let us tailor the perfect itinerary for you (additional costs may apply).
Emerald Isle Belle Trains
Your steam train experience
Throughout the tour Belle Trains will use the locomotives of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI). Their locos are straight from steam central casting in terms of visual appeal and performance, and the experience has been likened to waking up on the Isle of Sodor, the fictional home of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends!
Guests will experience the charm of travelling by steam through the verdant scenery of Ireland aboard a private train of inviting 1960 ‘Craven’ carriages, meticulously cared for by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. The Irish version of the Mark 2 carriages built in the UK in the 1960’s for the last days of steam, the carriages have large picture windows with sliding stoplight through which the sound of steam echoes and the odd smut adds extra authenticity!
Unlike most of the world, Ireland’s railway network eschewed the traditional 4’8.5″ gauge choosing instead a 5’3″ broad gauge which makes their carriages wider than a standard UK vehicle.
It’s likely that two express steam locomotives will appear on the tour: No.171 “Slieve Gullion”, which recently returned to the mainline and “Q” class No.131.
The RPSI team form an important part of the Irish ‘craic’ – their friendly staff are omnipresent and in particular in the lively hub of the train, the wood-panelled bar car, which is the only railway bar in the world to serve draught Guinness!
Package fares and information
from $14,590* pp twin
from $17,790* solo
Signature passengers will be welcomed aboard with a glass of Buck’s Fizz and will travel in the charming RPSI Craven Carriages, seated at shared tables of up to four guests. Along the way, enjoy complimentary tea and coffee and a specially crafted light lunch showcasing locally sourced seasonal ingredients on days 1, 3, 5 and 8 of your tour.
Complimentary tea and coffee are available throughout the journey, while the onboard bar carriage offers a range of additional beverages for purchase, including draught Guinness.
On touring days 1, 3, 5 and 8, Signature passengers will also enjoy a three-course evening meal at their hotel, rounding out each day with excellent food and warm Irish hospitality.
from $19,990* pp twin
from $25,990* solo
Prestige guests are welcomed on board with a glass of sparkling wine and travel in beautifully restored RPSI Craven Carriages, lovingly restored with curtains at the windows, table lamps and fresh flowers.
Each table, designed for up to four passengers, will be exclusively reserved for two guests providing spacious luxury, comfort and (thanks to a guaranteed window seat) unobstructed views of the passing scenery. Parties of two will be allocated their own tables, whilst groups of four will enjoy two tables across the aisle forming a small private space. Single passengers will share a table with a maximum of one other passenger.
Enjoy a light lunch onboard on tour days 1, 3, 5 & 8 showcasing locally sourced seasonal ingredients and including a glass of house wine or a pint of Guinness. Additional drinks can be purchased from your carriage steward or in the onboard bar carriage.
A three-course dinner is included at your hotel on days 1, 3, 5 and 8 whilst on tour.
from $24,490* pp twin
from $31,490* solo
Our Prestige Deluxe package offers the finest rail seating and most exclusive accommodation for an unforgettable journey. Travel in a beautifully restored RPSI Craven Carriage, featuring gleaming wood panelling, ambient lighting, table lamps, fresh flowers and guaranteed window seating.
Tables are reserved exclusively for two guests, providing extra space, comfort and uninterrupted views throughout the journey. Single travellers will share with only one other passenger.
Enjoy two nights either at The Grace, Westport Estate, a new luxury retreat set withing the historic grounds of Westport House on the Wild Atlantic Way, or the beautiful Knockranny House Hotel where you will be staying in one of their exclusive and palatial suites.
The package also includes lunch on touring days 1,3 5 and 8, all evening meals on tour, a generous onboard drinks package with welcome champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks and more, plus all excursions, priority booking and an exclusive Prestige Deluxe excursion.
Full itinerary
Your day-by-day journey through the Emerald Isle
Terms and conditions
Please read carefully
Call 1300 766 537 or complete the enquiry form below
The Emerald Isle Belle
*Fares are in AUD per person as noted in either double/twin or solo accommodation. Subject to limited availability. Valid for new bookings only, not combinable with any other offer. Fares are subject to currency and fuel surcharge fluctuations and may be withdrawn or varied at any time. To be read in conjunction with the Booking Terms and Conditions which passengers will be bound by, including those linked above and available from Cruise Express. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal without warning at any time.
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Head Office - Sydney
Central Coast NSW
Perth WA
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