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Celtic Culture – Ireland and Scotland

Highlights

A trip to Scotland and Ireland promises an enchanting journey through rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and centuries of history.

At a Glance

A trip to Scotland and Ireland promises an enchanting journey through rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and centuries of history.

Price

From $ 4,550 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

A trip to Scotland and Ireland promises an enchanting journey through rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and centuries of history. Whether venturing to the Cliffs of Moher, taking a boat trip to the Aran Islands from Galway or visiting the historic treasures of Trinity College, you will be encapsulated by the beauty of Ireland. Visitors to Scotland can explore the rugged beauty of the Highlands, dotted with ancient castles, and picturesque lochs, peruse the historic charm of Edinburgh, visit the incredible glens in Fort William, and absorb the magic of the Isle of Skye.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin — Welcome to Dublin!

Welcome to Ireland! Arrive at Dublin Airport and meet your driver who’ll take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Once you’re rested, wander the cobblestone streets and follow the sound of traditional music wafting from the pubs and restaurants, before discovering the historic campus of Trinity College Dublin and stop to see the famous Book of Kells, 1200 years old. Then check out the Guinness Storehouse one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, celebrating this world-famous beverage!

Day 2: Dublin — Explore Dublin

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore the wonderful city of Dublin! Your first stop is the Emigration Museum EPIC. Over the centuries more than 10 million people have emigrated from Ireland, and you'll discover why they left, where they went and how they shaped the world. A walking tour of Dublin City centre departs at 1pm and provides an excellent overview of Dublin, from the must-sees to some of its hidden corners, with a professional tour guide. Afterwards take the Jamieson Distillery Tour to partake in a special whisky-tasting experience. Finish the night off in true Dublin style by visiting the Temple Bar for a night on the town! If you are keen to experience live music and a lively bar, this is for you. There are also great restaurants around this area to dine at beforehand.

Day 3: Galway — Welcome to Galway!

Depart from Dublin and make the 3-hour drive to Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Take a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets of Galway City, known for its colourful buildings and lively atmosphere. Explore museums and galleries - the Galway City Museum, Nora Barnacle House, and the Galway Arts Centre all offer intriguing exhibits and displays. Afterward, spend an enjoyable evening in one of the city's welcoming pubs, where you can listen to talented musicians playing traditional Irish music. Tig Cóilí, The Crane Bar, and Tigh Neachtain are popular venues for these lively music sessions.

Day 4: Galway — Explore Galway

Today you’ll head out to explore the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher on a day cruise from Galway! Get ready to admire the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way coastline of Connemara and Clare before docking at the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór. You can explore a traditional Island culture that has survived modern life before passing the iconic Cliffs of Moher on the way back to Galway.

Day 5: Edinburgh — Hello Scotland

It’s time to say goodbye to Ireland and head to Scotland for the second part of your Celtic adventure. Fly to Edinburgh from Shannon Airport. Edinburgh is a relatively small capital city and easy to get around. Its skyline is dominated by the Castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic hill offering panoramic views. The contrast between the medieval lanes and buildings of the Old Town and the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, is captivating. Options for your first day include climbing the extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat, walking the Royal Mile, and taking a moment for yourself in Princes Street Gardens. If you want to toast to your first night in Scotland, head to the Dome on George Street for a celebratory cocktail!

Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 6: Edinburgh — Explore Edinburgh

Spend the morning around Princes Street and George Street, taking a walk up Calton Hill, where you’ll discover the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed leaving just the twelve columns you see today! Head up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle and enjoy a tour around this majestic historic building, taking in the incredible views over Edinburgh! After your tour, you can indulge in afternoon tea at the Castle - a must-do British tradition! Finish your day by visiting the Johnnie Walker Experience where you can try this famous Scottish Whisky and gain an insight into this famous Scottish brand, as well as enjoying a truly sensory experience with exhibitions and performances.

Day 7: Inverness — On the road to the Scottish Higlands

Pack up your bags, pick up your hire car and head north into the Scottish Highlands to Inverness, just over 3 hours from Edinburgh. On the way, there are some excellent places to break up your journey. Your first stop is the small, pretty town of Dunkeld, where you should make a beeline for Aran Bakery. Aran was set up by a Great British Bake-Off Semi-Finalist who grew up in Dunkeld, where you can treat yourself to delicious treats. Further up the A9 lies the House of Bruar, an upmarket department store with classic tweed clothing & outdoor wear, known as specialists for Scottish country clothing. If you’re more into history than fashion then you can stop off at the nearby Blair Castle. Unique amongst Scottish castles, its history takes you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie's own stay in the castle. Continue north through the wild countryside of the Cairngorms National Park to reach Inverness. Head to your hotel to drop off your bags before taking a short drive to Loch Ness where your boat cruise goes in search of the elusive monster.

Day 8: Fort William — Dive into the heart of the Higlands

A fantastic drive this morning takes you through the heart of the Highlands with some great mountain scenery to reach Fort William, the capital of the outdoors. After checking in to your guest house, get out and explore the area. You can visit the stunning Stean Waterfall which has a drop of 120m and is the second highest waterfall in Scotland! A visit to the Ben Nevis Distillery to experience the history and the taste of the local Whisky is something you won’t regret, and it will warm you up after being out in the Scottish weather! There is no better feeling.

Day 9: Isle Of Skye — Scotland's Hidden Gem

It’s time to head to the most beautiful of all the Scottish islands – Skye. On your way to the bridge linking Scotland’s mainland to Skye, stop to admire Eilean Donan Castle, the ruin that sits on its own island and has been featured in many films and TV series over the years! Once you arrive on Skye and drop off your bags at your accommodation in Portree, head out to explore. There’s so much to see and do within a short drive depending on the weather and how far you wish to venture from the road. Highlights include Fairy Glen, Sligachan Old Bridge, Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Quiraing in just the north Skye alone. If you’re after an off-the-beaten trail experience, drive to Elgol and catch the ferry to access the superb walk around Loch Coruisk. You won’t be disappointed.

Day 10: Isle Of Skye — Explore Skye

Today you’ll have the chance to see Skye from the sea! Head out in sea kayaks to explore the dramatic Scottish coastline with a new perspective! Enjoy a picnic on a beautiful remote beach, and see wildlife including seals and dolphins, all with an experienced guide. In the afternoon, get your trainers on and head out to explore the 3.1km Scorrybreac Trail by the shore of the beautiful Portree Bay and enjoy views out across the sea to the Island of Raasay. Bring your camera as this walk offers a chance to see the Sea Eagles that nest on the high cliffs nearby. Finish off your day with fine dining at Scorrybreac Restaurant and try their tasting menu. This special restaurant incorporates local wild venison, freshly caught seafood from local fishermen and locally foraged plants and shoreline sea vegetables in their recipes and is an authentic Skye experience!

Day 11: Oban — Head back to mainland Scotland

Head back to mainland Scotland via the short ferry ride to Mallaig and take the scenic route to Oban along the coast, passing beautiful lochs and romantic ruined castles. You are passing through some of the most beautiful places in Scotland so there is no need to rush, just relax and enjoy the scenery! Once you reached the picturesque port of Oban and dropped your bags at your hotel, we suggest you pay a visit to Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel which is just a 10-minute drive from the town and well worth a visit! It is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles built before 1240 and guards the seaward approach from the Firth of Lorn to the Pass of Brander – the heart of Scotland. It has a vast history which is worth researching before your visit so you can truly appreciate its heritage!

Day 12: Glasgow — The last day as a tourist

A scenic drive from Oban takes you past beautiful Loch Lomond where you can take a boat trip on this the largest freshwater lake in Britain. Then it’s on to the city of Glasgow, to immerse yourself in the culture of Scotland’s biggest city! A visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum never leaves people disappointed, and it is considered one of the finest buildings in Glasgow! It has 22 galleries to explore with everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more. Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a great place to wander around for some fresh air while in the middle of the city! With free entry and no need to book, you can arrive when you want and look around the exotic plants and vast greenhouses, or even bring a book and relax around nature! If you truly are looking for your Scotland fix, you must visit the National Piping Centre. The Museum of Bagpiping holds three hundred years of piping heritage. Check out the shops on Buchanan Street! A hub for shopping, this pedestrianised street is great for some retail therapy or to bring home some souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family! There are often some great buskers playing music on the street, maybe even some bagpipers if you are lucky!

Day 14: Glagow — Depart from Glasgow Airport

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, including your Celtic Discovery trip of Ireland and Scotland! We hope you have long-lasting memories and plenty of beautiful photographs to cherish as you reflect on your road trip.

A trip to Scotland and Ireland promises an enchanting journey through rich landscapes, vibrant cultures, and centuries of history.

Services

Included:

accommodation
transportation
visits
immersive experiences
personal crafting
unique roadbook creation
assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded)

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Salomé Deroyer

travel expert: Scotland England Ireland and Wales

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