Best of Ireland and Scotland
15 Day Ireland & Scotland Tour of Dublin | Operated by Trafalgar
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15 Days
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3 Countries
Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland -
21 Cities
Dublin, Kildare, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Galway, Ballina, Donegal, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Culloden, Scottish Highlands, St. Andrews, Edinburgh -
20 Meals
6 Dinners, 14 Breakfasts -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Explore the Celtic heritage and hospitality of Ireland and Scotland on this grand adventure through beautiful landscapes and enchanting cities. Our first day sees us delve into the whimsy of the Irish capital, before joining our fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.
Drive through the streets of Dublin, joining your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour past the stately Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city. Stop for a pint of 'the Black Stuff' in Temple Bar, admire the colorful performers on Grafton Street or consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to tap your feet to the lively sounds of Irish music at an Irish cabaret.
Dive Into Culture and gain insights into Ireland’s strong tradition of breeding world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. Enjoy a guided walk admiring the powerful steeds that have made racing history and stroll around the tranquil Japanese gardens. We travel to the House of Waterford Crystal this afternoon and Dive Into Culture yet again to witness this delicate craft, watching talented master crafters at work in their workshop.
Bend over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to County Kerry. We journey to 1930s Ireland this evening for an unforgettable experience, visiting the working farms of Muckross, where we'll learn about traditional farming and meet the families who ply the land. Your visit will help to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland and you’ll Connect With Locals, savoring delicious local flavors during your Be My Guest visit to the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.
The astounding beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula accompanies us on this soul-stirring coastal journey around the Ring of Kerry – a dramatic landscape of mountains, loughs and lakes which have inspired writers and poets for centuries. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with the Macgillycuddy's Reeks peaks in the distance.
Drive to Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, known for its thatched cottages. The imposing stone cathedral, built on the site of an old prison and Eyre Square on our next stop in Galway, where we'll enjoy some free time to explore the city before continuing our journey northward. This evening we dine in our hotel.
Head north to Donegal with its 'Diamond' center before joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century walls. See the neighborhood of the Bogside, known for its murals that depict events of the 'Troubles' like the Battle of the Bogside, which sparked the conflict.
Tread in the footsteps of Finn McCool and along the other-worldly Giant's Causeway 'steps' that descend into the sea during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit will help to conserve this iconic landmark. We arrive in Belfast later and visit the Titanic Belfast Experience where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the capital of Northern Ireland.
Join your Local Specialist in Belfast this morning for an included city tour which will take you to Queen's University and the Baroque Revival-style City Hall. We board our ferry in Belfast and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland, driving through the Ayrshire countryside bound for Glasgow, our home for the next two nights.
Delve into Scotland’s intriguing cultural capital and stroll through the town to admire views of George Square and the River Clyde, once the heart of Scotland's shipbuilding industry. We head to a whisky distillery next where we’ll Dive Into Culture and learn how to make Scotland's favorite honey-colored drink with a chance to sample a wee dram. We then have some free time to explore the city.
Journey along the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the tragic site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds at the 'Glen of Weeping'. Continue to Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then, cross to the Isle of Skye, where we'll spend this evening dining in our hotel.
We leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the site where three lochs meet. View Eilean Donan Castle before traveling along the banks of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster that bears its name. The bloody battlefield of Culloden is our next stop, where we spend a poignant moment reflecting on the many men who lost their lives in the brief but brutal battle between the Redcoats and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites. This evening we spend the evening dining at our hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, we pass Pitlochry before arriving in St. Andrews to see its famous golf course on which golfing greats have clamoured to play for centuries. We cross the scenic Firth of Forth to enchanting Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Join your Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour which includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, surveying the city from the imposing Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyrood in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. As our memorable holiday comes to an end, we join our Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner to reminisce over shared experiences.
For now it’s time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and our newfound friends, after our unforgettable Celtic sojourn.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Stop in Donegal and see The Diamond, a hub for music and cultural gatherings in the town.
- With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.
- Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
- Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
- It's 1930s Ireland revisited. Visit the working farms of Muckross taking you back to a time of traditional farming. Learn how to churn butter and dine in the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.
- In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore with an expert, who'll explain how your visit helps conserve this iconic natural landmark.
- Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult Price: €34 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 2)Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €89 Explore Waterford's History and Local Pub (Available on Day 3)Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever". Afterwards, we stop off for a drink in one of the area's oldest pubs for a pint or drink of your choice.
Adult Price: €28 Irish Folk Fun (Available on Day 3)Join a magical entertainment experience, where you'll get the chance to see Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €33 Visit Muckross House and its Gardens (Available on Day 4)Come with us to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons, alongside the shores of the lake. The 19th-century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Adult Price: €25 Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride (Available on Day 5)Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €28 Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 5)A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic Roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Adult Price: €37 Celtic Steps (Available on Day 5)Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond.
Adult Price: €43 Dinner and Drinks in Londonderry (Available on Day 7)Join us and the the rest of the group for a cozy and relaxing evening of dinner and a drink in a locally-loved restaurant.
Adult Price: £55 Dinner at Derry's Walled City Brewery (Available on Day 7)Dine this evening at the popular Walled City Brewery - located in the heart of Derry city! Learn about the history of the brewery with a visit to the brewing area, before digging into a 3-course meal accompanied by an in-house taster beer for each course.
Adult Price: £55 Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips (Available on Day 8)What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £50 Glasgow City Evening (Available on Day 9)You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, drinks, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £62 A Stirling Evening (Available on Day 10)See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly wonderful experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.
Adult Price: £61 Loch Lomond Boat Trip (Available on Day 11)Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savor the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £22 Isle of Skye Drive (Available on Day 11)An opportunity to travel around the Isle of Skye with your Local Specialist. You’ll hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean Island and discover its dramatic scenery and rock formations.
Adult Price: £23 Local Crafts on Skye (Available on Day 11)Join us this morning to gain a real insight into crafts on the Isle of Skye. First we’ll drive up to Slig Hotel to take in magnificent views of the Cullins. Then, we’ll meet local weaver Bev and see a traditional hand spinning demonstration on a spinning wheel with a drop spindle; with time to browse around her workshop. Next we’ll visit Love from Skye, to see a selection of Celtic jewelery and handmade gifts. We’ll finish off our whistle-stop tour with tea and scones at a local hotel.
Adult Price: £21 Highland Farm Experience (Available on Day 12)Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £24 Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle (Available on Day 13)Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria.
Adult Price: £30 Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen (Available on Day 13)Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £70 Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 13)Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.
Adult Price: £85 Rosslyn Chapel (Available on Day 14)We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £29