The 'Emerald Isle Express' is hauled by steam locomotives owned by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), with guests travelling in "beautifully preserved" Craven Coaches, including a bar car serving draught Guinness. Run by UK tour operator Steam Dreams Rail Co, the trip is planned from September 6-11, with guests staying overnight at luxury hotels along the way. And the price? Places on board the real-life Thomas the Tank Engine are available in four different classes, ranging from a 'Non–Dining' option costing £1,195/€1,360pp to full 'Pullman Style Dining' with meals included at £1,995/€2,270pp. Passengers, most of whom are expected to come from Britain, with some from the US and Australia, will start their journey in Dublin, chugging cross-country on vintage carriages hauled by the RPSI's No.85 Merlin and No.4 Tank Engine. Steam Dreams also manages the UK's Cathedrals Express and Flying Scotsman steam train tours, and is returning to Ireland … [Read more...] about All aboard! A €2,270 steam train tour is coming to Ireland
Ireland train tours
Injured James Shannon ruled out for Ireland Wolves
Cricket Ireland has confirmed that James Shannon will return home to Dublin after succumbing to a shoulder injury, with Simi Singh – currently training in India - joining the Ireland Wolves squad as a replacement for the final three 50-over matches of the Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka. Pete Johnston, Head Coach of Ireland Wolves, said his participating in the games had been slowing his recovery.“James flagged some soreness in his right shoulder at the beginning of the tour, but with careful monitoring and rehabilitation work by our medical staff here in Sri Lanka, we hoped he could complete the tour and return to throwing 100% pain-free,” he said.“After this last game, it has now become clear that James’ shoulder is still hampering him and playing in these games is slowing down his recovery from the injury. “With the Oman Quadrangular series and Afghanistan series in India on the horizon, we felt it best for him to return home and focus on his … [Read more...] about Injured James Shannon ruled out for Ireland Wolves
Joe Schmidt names three uncapped players in Ireland squad for November internationals
26-year-old Addison’s inclusion is no surprise given his early season form since making the move from Sale last summer, while Arnold gets the nod ahead of team-mate Rory Scannell having been involved in Ireland training last year. Addison was invited to train with Ireland during the summer tour of Australia and could be in line to make his debut against Italy in the opening game of the window in Chicago next weekend. There is a recall for Ulster inside centre Stuart McCloskey and Munster's Darren Sweetnam, while Rob Herring is one of four hookers named even though he has been out with injury in recent weeks. Rory Best returns to captain the side having missed the Australia series win, with Peter O'Mahony and Johnny Sexton named as vice captains. Elsewhere, Schmidt’s selection is along expected lines with Ross Byrne the only other uncapped player in the squad. The Leinster out-half toured Australia with the squad last summer and was as an unused replacement for the decider. … [Read more...] about Joe Schmidt names three uncapped players in Ireland squad for November internationals
Stream train tour for the ultimate vintage getaway
As a fan of steam trains a visit to the Isle of Man’s Vintage Railways with Great Rail journeys was a perfect way to spend a few days. Exploring a new place with a guide who knows and loves the area makes for a great holiday. And an escorted tour with Great Rail Journeys proved to be the perfect way to discover the delights of the Isle of Man and its rich history. Our six-day trip covers the length and breadth of the island and gives the traveller a wonderful insight into its vintage transport as well as the diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. We started with a ferry journey from the port of Heysham, near Lancaster and arrived four hours later in picturesque capital Douglas. Our base for the trip is the Claremont Hotel, a short stroll from the ferry terminal, and it commands a stunning position overlooking the bay. It’s well worthy of its four stars and the rooms are well furnished and comfortable. Bathrooms are sumptuous and everything is finished to a high standard. … [Read more...] about Stream train tour for the ultimate vintage getaway
This Irish tour has been named one of the world’s Top 10 travel experiences
Wild Wicklow Tours ranks No.1 in Ireland and No. 10 globally on a list of the planet's best travel experiences, announced today. Run by Denis and Angela O'Reilly using local guides, the tour is a daytrip offering a full immersion in the garden county with stops in Wicklow National Park, the Sally Gap and the famous monastic settlement at Glendalough. "It's unbelievably brilliant," Denis told Independent.ie Travel, reacting to the news. "We're 21 years in business this May... we've kept it small and never grown into a monster so we can keep the quality. "Our team is spectacular. Their effort has made this possible." Running from 9am to 6pm, tickets cost €33/28pp, and the tours stop for coffee in Avoca, lunch in Laragh, and a tipple of Jameson overlooking Lough Tay (above). Other winners highlight the popularity of day trips among overseas visitors, from coach hubs including Dublin, Galway and Killarney. Ireland's Top 10 travel experiences Wild Wicklow Tour, from … [Read more...] about This Irish tour has been named one of the world’s Top 10 travel experiences