BritRail Question....and others :)

The following website will show you train schedules throughout the UK: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/. You can enter the specific date and time you wish to travel and it will give you possible itineraries. Galway is a good base for sightseeing as there are several day tours offered from town. Check this website for ideas: http://www.galwaytourism.ie/. Also Rick's Ireland book has several suggestions. I took the ferry to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands (company provides bus service from Galway to ferry dock)--but it needs good weather to be a pleasant trip. I had a rental car so I drove around the Connemara Peninsula which is beautiful, but this can also be done by a day trip bus tour as can visiting the Cliffs of Moher (a bit overated I thought) and the Burren.

Thank you, Tamara! I have to admit I was getting a little cross-eyed trying to figure this out and I appreciate you taking the time to respond!!

Ferries have recently moved from Stranrarer itself to Loch Ryan which is north of Stranrarer and as a result you would have to change at Ayr to a coach that takes you to Loch Ryanwhere the ferry now departs from. You don't mention what time you want to leave but it looks like you would have at least 5 connections involved so you might want to split up the journey if feasible by going from Avimore to Glasgow on day 1 and then Glasgow Central to Belfast on day two. Take a look at the following sites for more information: http://www.seat61.com/Ireland.htm
http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/personal/home/search I always tell people who are going to Ireland to spend time both in the North and Republic. I can't speak much about Galway as I only was there as part of a grand rail day out, but I can recommend for your Belfast time that Ken Harper's taxi tours--the political one specifically are worth it.

Thank you, Thomas! Appreciate the advice and great direction!!