Wanderlust Crew

  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
  • National Parks
  • Affording Travel
  • Photography
  • Responsible Travel
  • Worldschool
  • Wanderlust Guides
  • Travel Planning
  • Work with Us

Europe , Ireland , Scotland , Travel

The perfect scotland and ireland itinerary.

The Perfect Scotland and Ireland Itinerary

Trips to Ireland and Scotland are some of my favorites to help plan. Both countries are some of my favorites and they can be easily combined. This Scotland and Ireland itinerary will help you plan the best trip!

ireland and scotland itinerary

This post contains affiliate links.

  • Should I go to Scotland or Ireland?

I often get asked by my readers which trip they should take, Ireland or Scotland? While both destinations are amazing and beautiful with so much to offer, and I always try to help them make the right choice for their needs, I don’t think this has to be an either-or choice. If you’re really struggling with the Ireland vs Scotland debate, why not choose both? When you use this itinerary to travel to Ireland and Scotland you’re getting the best of both worlds within two weeks.

Here's a Short Cut

Best Time to Visit Ireland and Scotland

Fly between scotland and ireland, ferry from ireland to scotland, ireland and scotland tours, ireland scotland map, scotland and ireland itinerary, day 1: arrive in dublin, day 2: explore dublin, day 3 & 4: take an overnight trip to the west of ireland, day 5: wicklow mountains, day 6 & 7: northern ireland and back to dublin, days 1-2: explore edinburgh , day 3: scottish highlands, days 4-6: isle of skye, day 7: depart from edinburgh.

The best time to visit Ireland and Scotland is usually off-peak in shoulder season between April-May and September-October. If you go to Ireland and Scotland during these times you’ll avoid the crowds, but still be able to enjoy nicer weather than in the winter.

Getting Between Scotland and Ireland

Trips to Ireland and Scotland offer the best of both worlds and can be done affordably too. Getting from Ireland to Scotland is easy and affordable. There are many companies that offer Ireland and Scotland tours that are great, or you can choose to take the trip on your own.

There are plenty of cheap flights from Ireland to Scotland and from Scotland to Ireland. You can fly with Ryanair for as little as $21 USD! Honestly, that’s cheaper than the cost of a nice dinner! So if you really are having a hard time deciding between Ireland and Scotland, go ahead and do both!

Learn how to find cheap flights to and from Ireland and Scotland by reading my   guide to flying for cheap or nearly free here.

ferry from Ireland to Scotland

If you have your own car or are using this itinerary as part of a larger European trip, you might also consider taking the ferry from Ireland to Scotland or vice versa. This would also work if you’re planning to fly in and out of the same airport. However, if you are flying into Scotland or Ireland and plan to fly out of a different airport, I would not recommend taking the ferry. Especially since flights between Scotland and Ireland are so cheap! If you do decide to go for a rental car in one country and leave it in the other, it will cost you at least $1500 USD ($500 for a cross border fee and $500 for a one-way rental fee). And then you have the cost of the ferry on top of that which is a few hundred dollars. While sailing across the North Chanel is truly beautiful, It’s not worth the expense if you will be renting a car.

Visiting Ireland and Scotland can seem a little daunting on your own and tours can be a great way to go if you’re feeling a little nervous about it. These are some great Ireland and Scotland tours that will help you get a great overview of these two destinations:

This interactive map should help you plan your Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can click on each destination to find more information.

I outline a great Ireland and Scotland itinerary below, but if you want to skip all the planning and simply use this downloadable, printable, detailed itinerary , you can find it here.

Ireland Scotland Itinerary

Get the Full Itinerary I’m giving you a detailed day-by-day Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can do this itinerary in any order you wish, but this seemed the most logical to me. This itinerary begins in Ireland and ends in Scotland, where you can choose to fly home from, or simply fly back to Ireland for a round trip ticket. The choice is yours. I recommend flying in and out of wherever you can   get the best deals .  I generally find Ireland cheaper to fly to from the United States but have occasionally found great deals to Scotland as well.

Ireland could literally take you years to explore! So if you’re planning a trip to Ireland , I’m giving you just a week in this itinerary of things to do in Ireland , but I think it will show you some of the best places to visit in Ireland in a short amount of time. If you’re interested in a longer, more detailed trip to Ireland, you can check out my full  Ireland Itinerary. 

For the first day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, arrive in Dublin airport and adjust to the time change. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city, so you’re sure to visit places while you’re here. Keep yourself awake until a reasonable hour (between 8 pm and 11 pm) and wake up early the next morning.

Now that you’re hopefully feeling well-rested and not too jet-lagged, it’s time to explore the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Don’t miss these stops in Dublin:

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Dublin Castle
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Trinity College Library
  • St. Stephens Green
  • Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Cafe
  • Little Museum of London
  • Take a   Bus Tour   of Dublin
  • Howth Cliffs
  • Phoenix Park

Trips to Ireland and Scotland

Take an entire day to explore the west of Ireland. If you’re self-driving it will take about 3.5 hours to get to the west coast known as the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re feeling nervous about driving in Ireland there are several great day trips from Galway that will take you to the west for this 2-day trip.  This amazing tour   explores the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Killarney National Park, with an overnight stay in Dingle.

Ireland trip

Don’t miss these stops on your trip to the West:

  • Killarney National Park (learn more about   Killarney   here.)
  • Muckross House & Traditional Farm
  • Muckross Abbey
  • Killarney Town
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Blarney Castle

County Wicklow mountains

Spend a day in the beautiful County Wicklow. Be sure not to miss these:

  • Powerscourt Estate: Dating back over 200 years, these are some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland
  • Glendalough: Beautiful lakes surrounded by stunning mountains!
  • Silver Strand Beach: A beautiful and secluded beach
  • Wicklow Gaol: This old jail is a great place to learn some interesting and sad Irish history.
  • Wicklow Town: Adorable Irish town

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Spend two days in beautiful Northern Ireland! You can take the three-hour drive yourself or take  this great two-day tour   that will take you to all the best sites. Be sure not to miss these:

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Dark Hedges

In between your exploration, make sure you also visit the city center and get to experience local dishes and listen to traditional Irish music while you’re in town!

Now that you’ve enjoyed a full week in Ireland, it’s time to hop over the Irish Channel and visit the beautiful and rugged Scotland! Most flights will take you into Edinburgh where you can either rent a car or spend a few days in the city then do some tours in the highlands. If you want to experience a great overview of the country, you can do my full  Scotland Itinerary.

Edinburgh

I normally like to advise people to get out of the big cities and explore the countryside, but Edinburgh has so much to offer that I think it’s worth spending at least 2 days here. You can learn about what to do in Edinburgh in  my detailed guide here,   but be sure not to miss these top spots:

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Holyrood Palace
  • The Royal Mile
  • St. Gile’s Cathedral
  • Scott Monument
  • Grass Market
  • Princes Street Gardens
  • Take a    Harry Potter Walking Tour
  • Visit the Elephant House Cafe where JK Rowling ate
  • Victoria Street
  • Hike Arthur’s Seat
  • Calton Hill
  • Cairngorms National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle, be sure to check out these awesome castle hotels in Scotland.

Scottish Highlands

Spend day 4 exploring the highlands of Scotland. Visit Inverness and try and find the Loch Ness Monster! You can drive here or take   this easy day tour from Edinburgh.   Be sure to read my   guide to the highlands   and don’t miss these sites:

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Fort William

Isle of Skye

You can’t visit Scotland without taking a trip to visit the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Skye. It’s rugged beauty and history combined with its rugged island charm is sure to win your heart! Driving to the Isle of Skye can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect. The roads are one lane so you must share the road with oncoming traffic. If you’re not comfortable driving in those conditions, it might be a good idea to take a tour to the Isle of Skye.

Rabbie’s does an amazing 3-day tour that comes with your own comedic  kilted tour guide to take you through the Isle of Skye while learning all about its interesting past and natural wonders. You can find the  tour here. 

Be sure to read   my complete guide to the Isle of Skye   before going.

Whether you decide to drive to the Isle of Skye on your own or take a tour, don’t miss these sites:

  • The Quiraing 
  • Old Man of Storr
  • Neist Point
  • Dunvegan Castle
  • Fairy Pools
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Museum of Island Life & Flora MacDonald’s Grave

On the last day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, travel back to Edinburgh and either fly home from there or fly back to Dublin to fly home.

I hope this itinerary will help plan many trips to Ireland and Scotland. They are both such amazing destinations and I know you’ll love them! If you need help planning, please feel free to reach out  Facebook   or  Instagram , or send me an email me  [email protected]

Pin this for later

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Wanderlust Crew

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Best of Ireland and Scotland

1345 reviews

Seasonal Sale

Save up to $843

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

Best of Ireland and Scotland Guided Tour

15 Day Ireland and Scotland Tour from Dublin to Edinburgh

15 days, 3 countries and 21 cities

Accommodation

14 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Travel to see the very Best of Ireland and Scotland, from delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you’ll be sharing tales from Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

15 days itinerary trip from Dublin to Edinburgh visiting 3 countries and 21 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Waterford, Adare, Galway and Glasgow

Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, a whisky distillery and Edinburgh Castle

View Eilean Donan Castle, the battlefield of Culloden and the 18th green at St. Andrews

See St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral and Loch Lomond

Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

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.

Three local female weavers in colourful traditional local dress including festooned hats, weaving colourful alpaca wool on the ground

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Large People Preparing To Grow A Small Tree With Soil In The Garden 1198078044

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Large BMG Australia Tasmania Mount Gnomon Farm With Guy Robertson

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Large Aerial View Over Solar Panels And Windmills 1367402534

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Scotland

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

Best of Ireland and Scotland trip reviews

#ttirelandscotland.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Get the Hottest Deals First!

feefo-stars

Exploring Scotland & Ireland

About this tour.

Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour and by foot. Cruise the famed Loch Ness and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Enjoy a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment. Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Walk the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO) and soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys. Visit Ireland’s bustling capital city of Dublin and tour historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Your Tour Includes

  • 6 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • St. Andrews
  • Loch Ness Cruise

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

Activity Level

  • Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring scotland & ireland.

While just about any month is great to visit Scotland and Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring Scotland & Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the region! The countryside comes alive with flowers and shades of green, and the days of sunlight are growing just a bit longer, giving you more time to explore.

Summer: August is the perfect time to visit Edinburgh, as the Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival both take place then. It’s crowded, but the city is alive with many cultural events. And generally, it’s good weather (fingers crossed for not too much rain!).

Fall: Daylight hours grow shorter, and the weather is not quite as hospitable as summer, but the changing colors of the landscape are truly lovely. Fewer crowds make it easier to navigate sites and take your time to enjoy them.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

  • Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Embark on a scenic cruise on beautiful Loch Ness.

Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.

Cultural Experiences:

Embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys along the Causeway Coast.

Explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast.

Discover the heritage of Glasgow with a local guide.

Culinary Inclusions:

Taste apple cider at a family-run farm.

Join in the fun during a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment.

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Highland Evening
  • Titanic Experience
  • Giant's Causeway
  • The Causeway Coast Rail Journey
  • Cider Farm Tour

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

  • *No Hassle Refunds
  • Traveling Well Safety
  • No booking fee, *no change fees
  • Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

  • Tour Extensions

Guided   noun tour guide 977769

Start your trip with 3 nights in London – the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Use your included Oyster card to navigate the city with a local expert – hopping on the Tube and taking a walking tour by Westminster, The houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalger Square, one of London's most iconic landmarks. Take advantage of your included Tower of London pass. You’ll have ample time at leisure to make your stay in London exactly what you want it to be.Your other option is to book a pre stay? Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

  • Overnight Flight
  • You’re on your way to the United Kingdom. Begin in England and enjoy a 3-night stay in London.
  • London, England - Extension Begins
  • Experience London, the esteemed capital of the United Kingdom. Often described as a world within a city, London is a sophisticated metropolis with a timeless style all its own.
  • Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour around Westminster, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
  • Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. The rest of the day is yours to see London your way!
  • London - Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Wish London goodbye as you take a high-speed train through the English countryside to Scotland.

Hotel-Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Hotel-Herbert Park Hotel

Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at a historic pub where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint and learn about a different yet key part of Ireland's history.

Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories!

Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013.

Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Radisson Blu Edinburgh From $200 per night

Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Best western palace hotel inverness, hilton glasgow.

...

Maldron Hotel Belfast City

City hotel derry, herbert park hotel.

Nights 10-11

Stay Longer

Post Night: Herbert Park Hotel From $155 per night

Need More Information?

We're here to help

Call us toll free at 800.340.5158

Trip reviews.

Live, Unedited, & Independent Traveler Reviews

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Filter Reviews: All

5 stars

Fellow Travelers on Tour

Related blog content, an alpine adventure with collette, my first guided tour with collette (i’m coming back for more), the foliage factor: 5 fall trips beyond new england, top 10 phrases to know for your next trip to sicily, get a taste of sicilian street food, the wines of sicily, similar tours.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

London & Paris

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Discover Scotland

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland and Wales

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Shades of Ireland

Shades of ireland featuring northern ireland.

Not seeing the date you want? We can help!

Call our Customer Care Team to inquire about dates beyond what's currently listed and to make an advanced reservation. You can find our full terms and conditions here .

Request a Quote

 alt=

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

  • Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
  • Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
  • I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

View or download.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

Best of Ireland & Scotland

1153 Independent Reviews

Classic Group

Choose Your Group Size

Seasonal Sale

Reserve with a deposit starting from $200

DATES & PRICING

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Choose when you want to travel

Best of Ireland & Scotland Guided Tour

3 countries

Country Roads

Explore Northern Ireland & Ireland alongside Scotland’s Gaelic Grandeur on This 2-Week Guided Tour

Experience centuries of rich Gaelic history as you take High-Tea at the Ardgowan Estate near Glasgow and see the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Glencoe offers a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis ahead of a cruise on Loch Ness and the chance to seek out Scotland’s most infamous bonnie monster. Up in the highlands, a whiskey tasting at a distillery, to uncork tales of smugglers before the vacation embarks on a grand tour of the Scottish capital. Edinburgh doesn’t disappoint with the Royal Mile, home to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Scottish Parliament. Not to be outdone, Dublin impresses with the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College and the millennia old Book of Kells.

View Itinerary

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

MAP & ITINERARY

Start Dublin, Ireland. End Edinburgh, Scotland.

Download Itinerary

Print Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Choose to travel in a Classic or Small Group.

Change view

Selected Version

Tours that average 33 guests and no more than 40.

Small Group

Tours that have no more than 24 guests.

Last Minute Deal

TRAVELING IN A GROUP OF 10+?

Customize this tour for a group >

Our specialists can design a bespoke itinerary for you. You'll experience the Insight Difference with a passionate Travel Director, all tailored to your group's personal interests. 

Three local female weavers in colourful traditional local dress including festooned hats, weaving colourful alpaca wool on the ground

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Large People Preparing To Grow A Small Tree With Soil In The Garden 1198078044

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Large BMG Australia Tasmania Mount Gnomon Farm With Guy Robertson

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

Large Aerial View Over Solar Panels And Windmills 1367402534

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Scotland

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

SEARCH FOR ANOTHER TOUR

#insightvacations.

Discover Inspiring, Magical Moments Captured by Our Guests in Destinations Around the World

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

Latin America

North Africa

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

2023 Ireland & Scotland Celtic Crossing with Sherri Brake

Ireland and Scotland

See more photos

PT

  • Email address verified

About this trip

Travel with Sherri Brake on a grand Celtic Crossing adventure to Ireland and Scotland. Visit historic cities, amazing castles, magnificent mountains, lovely lochs and much more!         

What’s included

  • 9 nights lodging Dublin (2), Belfast (2), Edinburgh (2), Inverness (2), Glasgow (1)
  • Guided Touring
  • Motorcoach Transportion Bus travel in Ireland and Scotland as well as Ferry transfer from Ireland to Scotland
  • 12 meals 9 full Irish or Scottish breakfasts and 3 group dinners
  • Dublin City Tour Including Guinness Storehouse and Glasnevin Cemetery
  • Northern Ireland Belfast and Northern Ireland: Day trip to Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Experience, Belfast city tour, photo stop at Dunluce Castle and visit Beaghmore Stones in County Tyrone
  • Edinburgh City Tour Doune Castle, Double Dead Ghost Walk Tour and Edinburgh Castle St. Andrew’s Castle and graveyard
  • The Highlands Loch Ness boat ride, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Center
  • Haunted Highlights!
  • Free time For shopping and dining on your own
  • Scenic Drives Beautiful drive through Highlands with photo stops en route to Glasgow with lunch stop at Ft. William

What’s not included

  • Travel Insurance We recommend you protect your trip with travel insurance.
  • Airfare Join our group air out of TBD location in Ohio or Pittsburgh, or book your own air and meet the group in Ireland.

Available Packages

This rate is for 2 people in either a double bed or 2 twin beds. You will select your bed choice on the next page. 

Price is estimated until hotels, admissions, meals and transportation including any fuel surcharges can be finalized..

Deposit is fully refundable until August 30, 2022 for early our bird registrations. After August 30, 2022 deposit is refundable except for $100 registration fee until May 1, 2023. After May 1, 2023, all payments are non-refundable.

When registering separately with a travel companion:

If you are traveling with a companion who is not registering with you, each of you will select the double package and indicate your roommate selection on the next page.

This rate is for a single person who will be rooming alone. 

Price is estimated until hotels, admissions, meals and transportation including any fuel surcharges can be finalized.. 

Deposit is fully refundable until August 30, 2022 for early our bird registrations. After August 30, 2022 deposit is refundable except for $100 registration fee until May 1, 2023. After May 1, 2023, all payments are non-refundable. 

Available options

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Click the Google Doc link here for the most up-to-date itinerary

Your Organizer

AH

Photo Gallery

Trip Main

Find Your Tour:

  • England, Ireland and Scotland Tours
  • Ireland Castle Tours
  • Tour for max. 8 guests
  • Tours for Solos
  • Adults Only Tours
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Ireland's Ancient East
  • Ireland Tours from Dublin
  • Wild Atlantic Way Tours
  • Ireland's Ancient East Tours

Arrange a Tour:

  • Private Tours
  • Private Tour Attractions
  • Example Itineraries
  • Genealogy Tours & Family Tree
  • Golf Vacations
  • Garden Tours

2024 Tour Packages:

  • All Ireland Tours & Vacations
  • Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

  • Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1690 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
  • Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
  • Tour Guides / Drivers
  • Reviews of our Tours

Further Information

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Travelguide

About tour packages

  • Choosing a Tour
  • The Tour Hotels
  • The Tour Buses

About private tours

  • Arranging a Tour
  • Private Tour Accommodation
  • Private Tour Vehicles

My Ireland Tour Logo

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 2024

  • Tour highlights
  • Dates & prices
  • What's included

Ireland and Scotland

The two-week duration of our Ireland and Scotland Tours allows enough time to absorb the richness of both the Irish and Scottish cultures at a pace that is comfortable for all. From the historic skyline of Edinburgh to the craggy inlets of Kerry's shores, uncover all that Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland have to offer on this 14-Day Gaelic adventure.

  • €3,690 - €4,390
  • 26 guests maximum
  • Ireland & Scotland
  • Arrival in Edinburgh
  • Departure from Dublin

Tour Gallery

Edinburgh, Shopping on Victoria Street

Day One includes a visit to Edinburgh. Known the world over as Scotland's Capital, famous for its wonderful museums and galleries.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Day Two includes a visit to Holyroodhouse Palace. It is famous as the official Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Located adjacent to the palace is Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat- a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years.

Edinburgh Castle under blue skies

  • Edinburgh Castle

Day Two also includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Dating from the 12th century Edinburgh Castle has been a fortress, royal palace and prison throughout its unstable past.

Kingsbarns Distillery Tour

  • Kingsbarns Distillery Tour

Day Three includes a visit to Kingsbarns Distillery Tour. Located within the majestic kingdom of Fife, Scotland, this tour takes you into the history and heritage of one of Britain's most beloved spirits.

Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry, Scotland

Atholl Palace Hotel

Your base for Day Three and Four is Atholl Palace Hotel. A splendid place to overnight and dine. Dinner is will be served at the Atholl Palace Hotel restaurant, with stunning views over the Tummel Valley.

Boats on Loch Ness

Cruise Loch Ness

On Day Four you will visit Loch Ness. Enjoy a cruise on this famous loch and experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch and what lies beneath.

Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain

On Day Four you will also visit Ben Nevis. You will return to Pitlochry via the rugged terrains Spean Bridge, taking in the backdrop of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

View of Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond

On Day Five journey to Loch Lomond. Enjoy the Bonnie Banks of Scotland's largest lake. Through the lush pastures of Glencoe Valley.

Stirling Castle

  • Stirling Castle

Day Five will also see you visit Stirling Castle. Sitting atop Castle Hill in the town of Stirling, the castle is a symbol of Scotland's national pride and independence.

Glasgow Cathedral

  • Glasgow Cathedral

On Day Six visit Glasgow Cathedral. Known as the oldest cathedral on mainland Scotland and a rare example of an almost complete church from the 13th century.

The Giant's Causeway, on the County Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway

On Day Seven you will visit The Giant's Causeway. One of Northern Ireland's most stunning sights. No amount of photographs can ever do the Giants Causeway justice. 37,000 basalt columns extend from cliffs down into the sea.

Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal

  • Lough Eske Castle

Day Seven also includes a trip to Lough Eske Castle. This 5-star luxury hotel is located in County Donegal, in the picturesque and tranquil north west of Ireland.

Belleek Pottery, County Fermanagh

  • Belleek Pottery

On Day Eight you will visit Belleek Pottery, one of the oldest potteries in the world, established in 1857.

Drumcliffe High Cross, County Sligo

Day Eight also includes a trip to Drumcliffe, County Sligo, where you can read the epitaph on the grave of author W.B. Yeats.

Kylemore Abbey, County Galway

  • Kylemore Abbey

Day Nine brings you to Kylemore Abbey. This is, arguably, Ireland's most beautiful building. Located at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the shores of Lough Pollacappul.

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher

Day Ten includes a visit to The Cliffs of Moher. Take the best possible viewpoint to gaze at the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching a staggering 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long.

Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland

  • Blarney Castle

Day Twelve includes a visit to Blarney Castle. Witness Ireland's most famous Castle and kiss its majestic Blarney Stone... which, if legend is to be believed, will grant you the gift of the gab!

The Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel

Day Twelve also includes a journey to Rock of Cashel. Travel to County Tipperary in the heart of the country to visit the Rock of Cashel. Up until the 17th century, the Rock of Cashel was the seat of kings for the province of Munster.

The world-famous Guinness Storehouse

  • Guinness Storehouse

Day Thirteen brings you to Guinness Storehouse. Located in the heart of Dublin City, you to see how Ireland's most famous export is crafted into a 'black state of perfection'.

Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin

  • Christ Church Cathedral

Day Thirteen also includes a visit to Christ Church Cathedral. At almost 1,000 year old this famous cathedral in Dublin City has a storied history. The legendary cathedral crypt dates back to the 12th Century and holds a 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.

Epic: The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

Day Thirteen also see you travel to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Located in Dublin City's docklands, the museum, via cutting-edge interactive displays, explores the history of the mass emigration experienced by Ireland over the past three centuries.

Tour Itinerary

Become immersed in Celtic culture throughout this two-week tour of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour awaits. Click on the days below to find out what adventures you can look forward to on each day of your tour.

Day 1: Arrival (Edinburgh)

Day 1 itinerary.

On arrival in Edinburgh Airport reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your professional Tour Director (1 Person). There will be 3 group airport transfers this morning between 7:00 am and 1200 noon. To ensure a smooth start to your tour, it is advisable to aim for an arrival time in Edinburgh Airport before 11:00 am, as clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage typically takes around 1 hour.

Board your luxury air-conditioned coach with WI-FI on board and transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City .

This afternoon you might like to take a stroll on the streets of Edinburgh. At 6:30 PM this evening all participants will gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant where you will become acquainted with your fellow travellers, the coming days can be discussed at leisure with your Tour Director. Overnight DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City .

For guests arriving in Edinburgh on the 10th and 17th of August, we have included a ticket to the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo .

Included Today

  • Welcome Dinner
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh

Day 2: Holyrood Palace & Edinburgh Castle

Day 2 itinerary.

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, depart on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City , with a local Edinburgh Step-on Guide. Visit the Holyrood Palace . Known as the official Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Adjacent to the palace is Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat — a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years.

Take a visit to the Scottish Parliament. This modern building was opened in 2004 after decades of Scottish calls for self-determination. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Edinburgh Castle , dating from the 12th century that has been a fortress, royal palace and prison through its turbulent past. It houses the oldest crown jewels of Britain - The Honours of Scotland.

Enjoy the afternoon free as you explore The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh. Overnight and Dine in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City .

  • Evening Dinner

Edinburgh City

  • Holyrood Palace

Day 3: St. Andrew's & Kingsbarns Distillery Tour

Day 3 itinerary.

Depart for the picturesque town of Pitlochry , nestled amongst the stunning forested hills of Highland Perthshire. Enjoy a Kingsbarns Distillery Tour . Located in the majestic kingdom of Fife, Scotland, this tour takes you into the history and heritage of one of Britain's most celebrated spirits. Travel on via St. Andrew's . Scotland's oldest university town. Also referred to as the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St Andrew's Links is the oldest golf course in the world. Enjoy some free time walking its historic cobbled alleyways.

Continue onto the beautiful burgh of Pitlochry , lying on the River Tummel via Perth.

Travel onto the historic Atholl Palace Hotel for your overnight stay.

Evening free on the extensive grounds of the hotel. Dinner this evening will be served at the Atholl Palace Hotel restaurant with stunning views over the Tummel Valley .

Day 4: Loch Ness Cruise

Day 4 itinerary.

Depart for the Scottish Highlands via Cairngorms National Park and Aviemore.

Visit the Capital of The Highlands- Inverness . Travel along the western shores of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus via the scenic Great Glen.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise on Loch Ness . Here you see the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch.

Return to Pitlochry via the rugged terrains of Spean Bridge and Dalwhinnie and the backdrop of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.

Overnight and dine at Atholl Palace Hotel .

  • Loch Ness Cruise

Day 5: Stirling Castle

Day 5 itinerary.

Depart for Glasgow via Stirling & the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond .

Travel via Perth to Stirling to visit one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland – Stirling Castle . Travel on via Crianlarich and journey south along the western shores of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The area is renowned for its natural beauty, history and tranquillity. Stop in the village of Luss before continuing onto Glasgow.

Overnight and dine tonight in Clayton Hotel Glasgow City .

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Day 6: glasgow city tour & glasgow cathedral, day 6 itinerary.

Depart on a morning tour of Glasgow City . Enjoy a panoramic tour of Glasgow's famous Cathedral Quarter with a local Glasgow Step-on Guide. With its pre-industrial roots, Glasgow is now a modern and vibrant city. The great inventors James Watt and Charles Macintosh were born here, to name a few.

Visit Glasgow Cathedral . A truly rare example of an almost complete 13th century church.

Continue to Cairnryan Ferry Port located in Dumfries and Galloway.

15:30 Wave goodbye to Scotland as you board the ferry at Cairnryan for Belfast City , Northern Ireland.

17:45 Arrive in Belfast Port. Continue on to Belfast City .

Overnight and dine in Europa Hotel Belfast .

Included today:

  • Glasgow City Tour
  • Europa Hotel Belfast

Day 7: Belfast City Tour & Giant's Causeway

Day 7 itinerary.

This morning, for your tour of Belfast City , you will be joined by a specialised step on local Belfast City Guide to see and hear all about the history of this once troubled city — including the Belfast Murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road.

Depart for Donegal via the North Antrim Coast. Visit Giant's Causeway . This prehistoric geological phenomenon is the subject of many myths and legends. There are an estimated 37,000 basalt columns extending from cliffs down into the sea.

Continue onto Donegal. Dinner & Overnight in Lough Eske Castle .

  • Irish Breakfast
  • Belfast City Tour
  • Giant's Causeway

Day 8: Belleek Pottery & Drumcliffe

Day 8 itinerary.

Depart for Galway via Fermanagh and Sligo.

Visit Belleek Pottery , one of the oldest potteries in the world, and has been in operation since 1857.

Continue on via Drumcliffe . Located in County Sligo, this is the picturesque final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Here you can read the epitaph on the grave of one of Ireland's greatest poets.

Continue onto Galway.

Tonight, you will overnight & dine in the Menlo Park Hotel .

Menlo Park Hotel

Day 9: sheepdog demo & kylemore abbey, day 9 itinerary.

Today you will tour the sights of wild Connemara via the villages of Moycullen, Oughterard. At Oughterard, enjoy a Sheepdog Demonstration in Glengowla Mines , where you will also have the opportunity to explore the abandoned silver and lead mine.

Continue through the villages of Maam Cross and Recess, before travelling up the spectacular Inagh Valley with the 12 Bens of Connemara on your left and the Maumturks Mountains on your right as you travel to Kylemore.

You will visit Kylemore Abbey . An historic building nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain, on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul — in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings.

Travel on via the shores of Killary Fjord . This is Ireland's only fjord and is a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, on the Mayo - Galway border, Ireland's only fjord, before crossing into Mayo and continuing on to the village of Cong, the film location of "The Quiet Man" for a brief stop.

Return to Galway City via the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and is considered by many as the best fishing lake in Europe.

Tonight you will overnight & dine in the Menlo Park Hotel .

Glengowla Mines - Sheepdog Demo

Day 10: the burren & cliffs of moher, day 10 itinerary.

This morning bright and early, your route will take you down the Atlantic seaboard on the west coast of Clare to Killarney Town .

Travel via the famous Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle and the fishing village of Kinvarra. You will see The Burren , which is Gaelic for rocky land—an apt name for this vast limestone plateau. In the 1640s, Cromwell's surveyor described it as "a savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury".

On the coast, you will visit the Cliffs of Moher . Braced against the ocean, on the coast of County Clare. Here you will stand on the dramatic 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long cliffs, a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, to gaze out on the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue on via County Limerick to Killarney Town .

Tonight, you will overnight & dine in Dromhall Hotel .

  • Cliffs of Moher

Dromhall Hotel

Day 11: the ring of kerry, day 11 itinerary.

This morning, after breakfast, you will set off on the world-famous Ring Of Kerry . It is officially known as the Iveragh Peninsula. You will travel via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Coomakesta Pass with its magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O' Connell, known as "The Liberator", to Caherdaniel. Travel on via the hamlet of Castlecove, the colourful village of Sneem and on via Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Killarney National Park and along the Lakes of Killarney to Killarney town.

Take a break at the Blind Piper Pub . Here you will have a traditional Irish Pub Lunch . Located in the village of Caherdaniel, locals and visitors alike have been drinking here since 1865. Who is the Blind Piper, you may ask? The Blind Piper is Mici Cumba O'Sullivan, who was born nearby in 1835 and became one of Ireland's most famous pipers.

Continue via the pretty village of Sneem, Moll's Gap, Ladies View and along the Killarney Lakes to Killarney Town .

Tonight, you will overnight & dine in the family-owned Dromhall Hotel .

Day 12: Blarney Castle & Rock of Cashel

Day 12 itinerary.

This morning after breakfast, you will depart for Dublin, Ireland's capital city via the village of Blarney. Visit Blarney Castle . Built on this site in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. You will also have an opportunity to shop at Blarney Woollen Mills , boasting a huge selection of Irish arts, crafts and produce.

Today, visit The Rock of Cashel . Rising dramatically from the grassy plains of county Tipperary. This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977, before becoming High King of Ireland in 1002.

Continue on to Dublin City.

Overnight and dine in the Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane .

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane

Day 13: irish emigration museum & guinness storehouse, day 13 itinerary.

After breakfast this morning, you will explore Dublin City .

Visit EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum . Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands.

You will also visit Christ Church Cathedral . Founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here, in the crypt, you can see the mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.

Visit Guinness Storehouse . With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City .

Enjoy a farewell dinner and a Traditional Music Night at The Merry Ploughboy Pub—one of Dublin's iconic trad music venues.

Overnight in Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane .

  • Merry Ploughboy Dinner and Show

The Guinness Storehouse

Day 14: departure (dublin), day 14: departure.

Today marks the end of the Iconic Tour of Ireland & Scotland.

After a final great Irish breakfast this morning, there will be 3 group airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to get you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. The confirmed transfer times will be advised 10 days prior to the tour start date.

Please note when booking flights for this tour: The Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour starts in Edinburgh (Scotland) and ends in Dublin (Ireland).

  • Arrive: Edinburgh Airport
  • Depart: Dublin Airport

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland and Scotland Map

  • View detailed map (opens new tab)

Printable Version:

  • Printer-friendly Itinerary

Also on this page:

  • Tour attractions
  • Accommodation & Vehicles
  • What's Included

Why not visit London, too?

Britain & ireland tour.

18 days • From €4,590 Visit England, Ireland and Scotland on this all-encompassing tour of Britain and Ireland. This 18-day panorama allows ample time to delve into the cultural splendour of both Irish and British traditions, all while maintaining a leisurely pace. In addition to the top attractions you'll see in Scotland and Ireland, with this tour you can also see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare's birthplace, Stonehenge and much more.

England Tour attractions in London, seen on a tour of England and Ireland

England & Scotland Tour

10 days • From €2,490 The very best of the UK mainland in 10 unforgettable days. Your tour starts in London and comes to a close in Scotland, departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow. In between, you will discover the perfect mix of English and Celtic traditions. You will see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare's birthplace, Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle and city, Glasgow, Holyrood Palace and more.

York Minster , an English tour attraction, as seen on our Tours of England and Scotland

Other tours you might like...

UK and Ireland Tour attraction, the London Eye, England

  • From €4,390

Iconic Britain & Ireland

Our biggest and our best, covering all the top attractions from London to Dublin. Read more...

UK Tour attraction, York Minster, England

  • From €2,490

Iconic Britain Tour

This 10-day adventure through England and Scotland takes you to Britain's most iconic destinations. Read more...

Historic Irish Castle Tour of Ireland

  • From €1,790

Historic Irish Castle Tour

Journey beyond the tourist trail while visiting real Irish castles. Read more...

6 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

Experience the true essence of Ireland's history and culture in under a week. Read more...

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Deborah Roberts

October 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

We (my two adult grandchildren along with myself) had a wonderful time on the Scotland-Ireland tour. Paddy was a very good tour guide as well as an excellent bus driver! We learned a great amount of history of both countries from him on the tour as well about the country side & cities we visited! The stay in the hotels, palaces & castles were grand. The food superb! The last evenings entertainment was very delightful! Most enjoyable 14 day tour! Thank you!

Mary Takacs

My Husband and Took the Ireland/Scotland 2 weeks trip with Paddy O’Farrell it was everything we thought it would be and more. I have already shared with a coworkers and one is looking into it for next year. Our weather was great Paddy was so informative and proud of his heritage. Food and hotel were great. Thank you for such a memorable vacation.

Bill Morrison

The 14 day Scotland/Ireland tour was incredible and exceeded all of our expectations. Our driver guide Paddy was knowledgeable, entertaining, and accommodating. I’d highly recommend this tour.

Tammy Trombley Mixer

My wife and I just returned from a 14 day tour of Scotland and Ireland with My Ireland Tours. Our driver was Paddy O’Farrell and you could only be lucky enough to get him as your guide/ driver. This was the trip of lifetime and Paddy made the trip so much more. His knowledge is amazing and his driving was 100% on point. He was personal and funny , and really made the trip that much better. My Ireland Tours was professional and worth every penny we spent.

Bert Christensen

Wow! We we just returned from the 14 day for Ireland experience tour. It was amazing! Our Tour Guide, Shephard, Information Manager, comedian, and Professional - was Mr. Eamonn Broderick. Our group came together and meshed from the first night we met. We encouraged each other and together, enjoyed each stop on this fabulous and phenomenal tour experience. My wife celebrated her 70th birthday on this trip, and My Ireland Tours connected with each Hotel along the way to make it a special experience. They had a card and chocolates in the every room. The weather cooperated too, but it was our driver, Eamonn Broderick, who brought the whole thing together and made every opportunity special.

Anja Hoffmann

Loved the entire 14 day Scotland/Ireland Tour. Our driver/tour guide Paddy O’Farrell made the whole experience that much better. We felt very safe with his superior driving skills and appreciated the knowledge and love he shared about both countries. The itinerary was rich in its history of both countries as well as the beauty of the locations we stopped in. The 26 person group was a bonus, plenty of room on the bus. Hotels/Castles/Palaces were beautiful. Our first tour and it was something we’ll never forget. Thank you!Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Sherry Leads

We did the Scotland and Ireland 14 day tour with Pat as our tour guide. It was fantastic. Pat at one point had to pass another bus and there was 2 inches between his side mirror and the other bus. Pat did not hesitate and its impressive with how little room there is on the road and how Pat negotiated it effortlessly every time. I would not want to drive in Europe . I appreciated the fact that I could see the country and relax in a roomy bus and I didn't have to rely on a garmin. Also a couple of the places we stayed were 5 star hotel quality. The fact that two of your meals a day are taken care of is an added bonus. Thanks for a grand tour of my ancestoral homeland.

Maureen Savoie

October 2023 Scotland Ireland Tour Words cannot do justice to Pat who was our driver and guide, or to the wonderful new friends we made on this 13 day tour. Pat was a wealth of knowledge and saw to our every need. The group felt like family after only a few days. This was a dream come true. So much to see, and do. Loved Edinburgh, Inverness, St. Andrew, our nights in the castles as well as our days at Cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway. Too many high points to list them all. I can't wait to go back.

Maryann Hungarter

We chose the Scotland/Ireland tour and it was more than incredible. Paddy was our tour guide, he was so knowledgeable, funny and somehow kept all 26 of us tourists on schedule. We went to all of our scheduled destinations as well as a couple “off the beaten path” stops that only added to an already amazing trip. We saw more beauty and history than we ever could have imagined. If you get the opportunity to tour Ireland (and Scotland) with My Ireland Tour, you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend and hope to go back again as well with one of their other packages. TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Dom Blasioli

The 14 day Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour was simply incredible. The itinerary was filled with historical landmarks and nightly accommodations at 4-5 star hotels or castles. What enhanced the 2 weeks was our Guide-Driver Paddy O'Farrell as he moved throughout Scotland and Ireland, maintaining a schedule that ensured we had time for meals, made all our stops on time and arrived at our hotels in time for happy hour and dinner. Paddy also mentioned many historical facts and pointed out key landmarks. Highlights in Scotland included: The Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and the Holyrood Palace. We stopped for photo opts at the bridge at St. Andrews, cruised on Loch Ness and visited Sterling Castle. After taking a ferry ride to Dublin, we enjoyed the majesty of the Ireland landscapes. Key points of interest were the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, then stopping in Galway for a sheepdog demo and the Glengowla Mines. Paddy stopped at Pat Cohan's bar where we had a beer and took photos of this iconic bar from 'The Quiet Man'. We visited the Blarney Castle where we kissed the Blarney stone and then spent time at the Blarney Woollen Mills. The trip would not have been complete without a few hours at the Guinness Storehouse and finally a dinner and traditional Irish music at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. Truly a memorable vacation which enlightened all of us about the history and culture of Scotland and Ireland plus incredible pictures to remember all these great moments. I highly recommend this tour and, if you're lucky, you'll get Paddy O'Farrell as your guide.

Mary Martin

My husband and I went on the Iconic Scotland and Ireland tour with My Ireland Tours. It was a total class act. The hotels and the food were fantastic. Both Scotland and Ireland are majestically beautiful. We saw so many wonderful sites. Everything would have been just places on a map without our Driver/Tour Guide Paddy O' Farrell. With Paddy at the helm we were in great hands. He was the ultimate professional! Paddy was very knowledgeable and educational about both Scotland and the Emerald Isle. Our tour bus traveled many miles along the narrow winding roads of both countries. Paddy's driving skills were magnificent. He made time for us to see many places not included on the tour. He always took great care of us all.

Tim O'Leary

My wife and I returned from a 14 day tour of Scotland and Ireland with John Dennany and we are just amazed at the level of service, courtesy and how much can be crammed into 14 days! John was on the spot from day one at the airport right up to day 14 dropping us off again. His entire focus was on making each guest feel like it was their tour. His sense of humor and Irish lilt was very welcome as he explained history, geography and told jokes. He made every effort to accommodate special requests and always found a pub when it was necessary. Even rest room stops offered something to see. I will never forget John and will heartily recommend My Irish Tours to anyone planning to visit Ireland.

Yvette Robinson

I would highly recommend this tour company. Communication was excellent from the start. We did the 14 day Scotland Ireland tour and it was great. The bus was very comfortable and Pat our driver and guide was fantastic, he really made our trip special. His range of knowledge was amazing and he was always available to make sure everything went smoothly. Our accommodations were good and we even stayed one night in a castle. It was so nice not to have the worry of planning and driving. I would definitely recommend My Ireland Tours to everyone.

Harry Covely

Our Scotland and Ireland tour was wonderful. Beginning with our driver picking us up at the airport, everything went as scheduled. John Dennany was very courteous, helpful and knowledgeable during the entire trip. Accommodations were comfortable and the sightseeing was exemplary. Highly recommend this tour company. If you get this guide on your trip you will have a lot of fun and enjoy your time.

Martha Wade

I just returned from the 14-Day Iconic Ireland and Scotland tour with My Ireland Tours and can't speak more highly of this tour and the company itself. From the time I scheduled the tour a year ago until the last moment when the tour ended and I was headed home on the plane, every step was well organized with helpful staff all along the way. The tour itself exceeded all my expectations. All the accomodations were wonderful. Our guide/driver, John Dennany, made a wonderful trip even more amazing. John went out of his way to ensure that each person on our tour enjoyed themselves even ensuring that personal requests were met such as extra stops along the way to visit areas that were significant to the guests family heritage. John took gloomy weather days and turned them into a fun adventure in order to ensure each day was enjoyable for the whole group. When there was a medical emergency within our tour group John again ensured that the guest was first priorty while still ensuring that the rest of the group did not miss out on anything that was scheduled. Even though I just returned, I am already looking at booking another trip with My Ireland Tours. I would highly recommend this tour company to anyone and also would suggest requesting John Dennany as your guide/drive...you will not be disappointed.

Jan Scotland

September 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Can highly recommend this tour company. Communication was excellent from the start. We did the 14 day Scotland Ireland tour and it was great. The bus was very comfortable and Pat our driver and guide was fantastic. His range of knowledge was amazing and he was always available to make sure everything went smoothly. Our accomodation was always very nice, staying one night in a castle was amazing. The food overall was good and the last night we attended a show and dinner which was very enjoyable. The only negative was the breakfasts at the hotel in Edinburgh were a bit chaotic. Taking the tour took all the stress out of driving. Thank you Pat and Shannon for a great holiday.

Naheed Hanif

I was the only solo traveler to a fun group! The guide, Paddy, was absolutely grand! How he remembers all that information, is unbelievable. He definitely makes sure you're ok and treats you like family. The Scotland- Ireland tour was enough to see the highlights of both countries. Although, I wish we were in Dublin for one more day because there wasn't enough time to walk around due to the itinerary. Certain things could have been cut short. I highly recommend this tour overall and would do it again. Some of us would eat outside the hotel for a better feel of the city and for better food options. This really was a great trip.

Kayla Metscher

We did the 14 day Ireland and Scotland tour and it was absolutely perfect. I can't say enough good things about our driver/guide Paddy. He really made the experience so special. The best driver around hands down! The amount of history we learned from him just while driving in the coach from place to place was incredible. I can't imagine trying to do that trip on our own or with any other tour company. The sights and stops were great, the hotels were perfect and locations were convenient, and the breakfast and dinner options were sufficient. It was truly an unforgettable experience! Thank you so much Paddy, and My Ireland Tour!

Donna Young

My Ireland Tour group is fantastic! My husband and I took a 14 day tour to Scotland and Ireland. Paddy was an excellent guide and driver who went beyond our expectations! The tour gave us a great overview of the two countries plus the scenery out in the countryside was spectacular! We would recommend My Ireland Tour to everyone! Thanks for everything you did to make our trip wonderful!

Vicky Stone-Gale

My husband and I just returned from the 14 day Scotland and Ireland tour and if was a fantastic vacation for us. We had never been overseas before and were nervous but our tour driver, Colm, made our trip go smoothly and without incident. We saw places we would have never known to go if we would have been on our own. The entire itinerary was full and we were moving quickly to see everything, but every place we went was well worth the drive. There were times we had to travel 2 hours between spots but Colm made the trip fun and told us stories and gave us so much history. He was extremely knowledgeable. From the time we left Edinburgh until we arrived in Dublin, we had such an amazing experience visiting so many sites. The Lough Eske castle was truly the most beautiful place to stay but the Menlo hotel was not my favorite at all. We were exhausted at the end of our trip but we saw everything we wanted to and more. I highly recommend this company. From the booking until the end it went off without a hitch. Shannon and the team answered emails and questions immediately. I would definitely travel with them again. Thank you for a great vacation!

We just finished the 14 day Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour. Our driver/guide, Pat, was outstanding! He was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, helpful, and patient. You can tell My Ireland Tours has crafted an excellent itinerary that is well planned. Several fantastic hotels were a big plus on this trip, especially the overnight at Lough Eske Castle. My wife and I will definitely plan another trip with My Ireland Tours in the future!

Our 14-day Scotland-Ireland tour experience with My Ireland Tours not only met but exceeded all our expectations. This was due in large part to our driver/tour guide, Pat Prendergast, who was fabulous. We flew into Edinburgh a few days early to golf at St. Andrews and to spend time at the Fringe Festival – as well as to get over any jet-lag. Pat picked up our party of seven from our AirBnb on Saturday morning to take us to the Doubletree, where we started off with an introductory dinner and then the Edinburgh Royal Tattoo, which was an incredible way to start off our tour. The 14-day itinerary was aggressive, but we covered a lot of the highlights in both countries. There was also enough free space on the bus to allow people to spread out a little, and the bathroom stops were timed perfectly. Pat was not only an excellent driver, but engaging and informative. He was flexible should participants want to schedule side trips or need a “shopping/rest” day. Thank you Pat and My Ireland Tours for an incredible vacation!

Sandy Hicks

August 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

This tour was everything and more than what was described when I made my decision to join it! The breathtaking scenery, landmarks, villages, cities, nice hotels, and food were above any expectations I may have had. Our tour guide/driver, Colm Marshall, with his vast knowledge of the history , geography, and folklore truly made our journey a trip of a lifetime! Colm's daily humor and passion for the country helped to give us a depth to what we were seeing and kept us in a sensory overload. The small group bonded quickly and since returning have shared with each other pictures of our adventure! If you are hesitating in any way about making a decision to join an My Ireland Tour please don't! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Dena Naumoff

I just returned from a solo trip to Ireland and Scotland. I couldn't have had a better group of people on my tour. Everyone was friendly and inclusive. I never felt alone. Our driver/guide, Colm, was informative and humorous. He never lost our attention. He made every place interesting. And as the roads were narrow and winding, he was an excellent driver, never putting us at risk. He truly is the best. From the moment I contacted My Ireland Tour, the staff was helpful and considerate of my concerns about booking solo. They were always accessible and made the booking process easy. As to the trip itself, we went to some of the most fascinating sites in Scotland and Ireland, staying at 4 star hotels and castles. Every meal at every place we stayed was great. Our rooms were spacious and extremely clean, with the front desks being accommodating if anything was needed. I highly recommend using My Ireland Tour for any travel you desire in Ireland and Scotland. And try to get Colm as your driver/guide. You won't be disappointed.

Linda Harper

This is a great tour company. We did the 14 day Iconic Scotland-Ireland tour with Colm Marshall as our guide. Colm was knowledgeable, fun and an all around great person to lead us on this adventure. The small group atmosphere made it very easy to get to know and bond with the others. (In fact, we have started a Facebook group, My Ireland Tour, Aug5-18,3023, where we can all share our experiences.) The itinerary was filled with great sites and we were left with some free time to explore on our own. We left lots to see behind for another adventure as seeing 2 countries in 2 weeks is quite an undertaking. The accommodations we great and meals were typical for the regions. I would certainly 100% recommend “My Ireland Tours” to anyone who wants a great introduction to Scotland/Ireland.

Michael Hughes

It's 2023 and we've just returned from our FOURTH tour with My Ireland Tour! I can't think of a better testimonial for this amazing tour company than to say that we've come back, four times now, to enjoy the tours that they provide. This year we did the 14 day Scotland / Ireland tour. The driver / guide, Pat, was absolutely phenomenal! We thoroughly enjoyed his knowledge and expertise. The itinerary was exceptionally well planned and equally well executed. Just the right pace to see everything there is to see without being hectic or hurried. Fantastic hotels were a big plus on this trip, especially the overnight castle stay. To put it very simply, My Ireland Tour is the top touring company for your visit to Ireland.

Jennifer Hedmark

We took the 14 day Scotland and Ireland tour. From our first communication with Keith , we were off to a good start. We can't say enough about Ken O'connell our tour guide. He was both funny, and a wealth of knowledge. He was able to tell us so much about the countries, and all the stops we made in between! We know Ken worked hard but he made it look easy, he is very good at his job! I will not hesitate to recommend My Ireland Tour to anyone!!!! I would love to do another tour with them in the future!

julie kubricky

July 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

I just returned from the Iconic Scotland and Ireland tour and it surpassed all my expectations! Paddy O'Farrell was the best guide. He was personable, funny and told great stories of Scotland and Ireland history and legends. Several times Paddy added extra stops that were not on the itinerary. We stayed in amazing places and saw so much of these beautiful countries. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own. I would love to return again for another tour with My Ireland Tours.

I just took the 14 day Iconic Ireland and Scotland tour with Paddy O'Farrell. Paddy was an excellent tour guide, a very safe driver, always giving us great recommendations and keeping us safe. He was extremely knowledgeable and taught us so much history, was very funny and did a great job herding us and keeping us on schedule. I would recommend this company to anyone who is looking to take a tour of Scotland or Ireland. Wonderful, wonderful memories!! Thank you My Ireland Tour and Paddy!

My wife and I had what has got to be one of the best trips of our lifetime with My Ireland Tours, the Iconic Ireland and Scotland 14 day tour. Becky has always been interested in the monarchy of the U.K. What a treat to have walked where Mary Queen of Scots and other royals walked. We even had lunch in a cute little restaurant where Prince William had his first date, and according to the restaurant manager we spoke to, numerous subsequent dates, with Princess Kate. The magnificence of the beautiful cathedrals we visited along with the many castles and palaces helped to make this a real trip of a lifetime. Thankfully we were told early on In Edinburgh that touching the noise of the statue of Greyfriar's Bobby would bring good luck, because doing so helped us to have wonderful weather for most of the trip. Pat our tour guide/driver was so much more than that. Yes, he was extremely knowledgeable, and constantly kept us informed about the history and geology of the areas we visited, but he also went out of his way to make sure that our trip was as special as it could possibly be. He became a good friend, and my wife even told me the other day that she misses him. Thanks Pat, for all you did to make this a truly wonderful trip. Hal and Becky Gersch.

Lisa Lawson

We are back from a 14 day Scotland and Ireland tour and our entire family loved it! The itinerary was fabulous and we received top notch service from everyone at MIT. We had problems with airline cancellations and everyone was so helpful trying to help us rearrange our schedules in the best way possible to join the tour. Our tour guide, Pat, was the best! We would highly recommend this tour and My Ireland Tours to anyone thinking about traveling to Scotland and Ireland.

Peggy Thiel

Thoroughly enjoyed our 14 day tour of Scotland and Ireland with Paddy O'Farrell as our guide. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Everything was taken care of in terms of hotels, luggage, and meals. We loved all the fun stops we made along the way, and of course, the beautiful scenery of both countries. Would highly recommend anyone!

Lisa Greene

June 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Ben was our tour guide and he was great. He told stories, explained alot about different events in Ireland's history, even sang songs! It was a very busy tour with not much down time, but we got the opportunity to see many areas of Ireland that we probably wouldn't have been able to see on our own. We started in Dublin, went to the EPIC Immigration Museum, the Guinness Brewery, and got to walk around Dublin. We ate at a restaurant called The Church, on our own, and I highly recommend it. They play traditional Irish Music every night and have Irish Step Dancers who were amazing to watch. Staying in Limerick was very nice. I got some photos of the sunset over the River Shannon at 9:30 at night, which was surreal. The sun sets around 8:30 on Cape Cod this time of year. Driving through the country side was beautiful. You see cows, cows, and more cows! But, the different way of life is eye opening! We drove through the Ring of Kerry. We stopped at a little village called Waterville which was beautiful. Killarney was nice also. We only got to spend 45 minutes in Galway City which was a bit of a disappointment. We would have wanted more time there. The Blarney Castle was amazing! And, as gross as it is, you HAVE TO kiss the Blarney Stone while you're there! The grounds at the castle were beautifully manicured and taken care of. The shopping at the Woolen Mills is a MUST! All in all it was a great trip. If you want to see many different spots and areas of the country, this is the way to do it. I do recommend Dramamine for anyone who gets even some motion sickness as being on the bus can be cumbersome and make you a little woozy. Ben was a great tour guide and a really nice guy. I do recommend this trip for groups of adults and teenagers (we had 5 with us, and they enjoyed it)!

Susan Rentz

A good friend and I just returned from a wonderful 14-day journey through Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland with My Ireland Tours. Our tour guide and driver, Paddy O'Farrell, was an excellent driver, making us feel very safe. Beyond that, he was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of the people of Scotland and Ireland, making the trip entertaining. Breakfast and dinner at our hotels were always included, as well as a lunch or two. All were delicious. The hotels were at least 4-star, and they provided excellent, friendly service. We always felt welcome in these beautiful countries. We were also lucky to travel with a very congenial group of people from different parts of the United States. I can highly recommend a trip to Scotland and Ireland as well as traveling with this excellent company, My Ireland Tours.

My wife and I really enjoyed our tour of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. So much history and beautiful scenery. Our tour guide/driver, Paddy, did a superb job driving, explaining all the sights, and giving us insight into the history of Ireland and Scotland. New friends were made with the group of 26 that was on the tour. We highly recommend and appreciate My Ireland Tours.

Joyce Lipkin

We just returned home from a 2 week Iconic Scotland and Ireland tour, expertly guided by Paddy O'Farrell, our driver as well. This tour included the most desired stops in both countries. Paddy led us to some of the most beautiful cities and small towns, always telling us about the history of the countries as we drove along. He was full of stories and jokes to pass the time while we were driving. He played music on the bus when he sensed it was 'nap time' for us! Being on a small tour of only 24 made travelling easier than being with a larger group. All strangers at the outset, our group meshed quite quickly. My Ireland Tour made it so easy to make travel plans - Once booked all arrangements were made for hotels, meals, travel vouchers, and anything else needed for this 2 week tour. At every hotel stop I would like to acknowledge all of the luggage porters who delivered our bags to us in a very timely fashion, and thanks to Paddy for loading the bus at each stop and making sure all luggage was accounted for. We never had to worry about a thing! I highly recommend My Ireland Tour and highly recommend Paddy O'Farrell as a fabulous, careful driver and very knowledgeable guide. FIVE STARS

Denise Close

The 14-day tour of Scotland and Ireland was an incredible experience! The booking was easy and Shauni answered so many questions and kept in contact with updates all through the process. Our driver, Harry Fisher, is a wealth of knowledge, a great driver, and he made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. We lucked out with a super fun group which made stops, bus time, and after dinner just a blast! The itinerary for this trip as a perfect mix of castles, churches, landmarks, landscape, experiences (super cool sheep dog demonstration, Kingsbarns Distillery, chocolate making and Guinness Storehouse, etc). Well done My Ireland Tours! As Harry says, 'It's better to be looking at it than looking for it.' Book with My Ireland Tours!

Just completed the 14 Day Scotland & Ireland Tour with my wife. 5 star, absolutely fantastic trip. Our Tour Guid, Harry Fisher was outstanding! He is very detailed and ensured nothing was left unattended. Harry is an excellent driver and provided all the history and facts that added to the trip experience. My Irelands tour is the best, better than expected for our first tour. Smaller 26 person group was perfect. The entire group came together, became friends and hung out. Enthusiastically recommended.

Took the Iconic 14 day Scotland/Ireland tour in May with with our personal leprechaun Paddy O'Farrell who was our guide and driver. What a fantastic whirlwind of activity! With only 26 folks on the motorcoach, we had plenty of room to spread out since each day included hours of traveling and sightseeing but Paddy maneuvered that huge bus like a warm knife through butter since many of the ancient picturesque and winding roads we traveled were surely not meant for large vehicles or even two lanes!! Paddy alerted us with tidbits of interesting information before encountering sites along the road but he was also a font of historical knowledge, folklore, regional information, stories, suggestions for our free time and all of it interspersed with respect and humor! The itinerary was marvelous but the scenery was out of this world - tiny towns, sheep, majestic ocean/sea views, sheep, castles, abbeys, antiquated ruins, local talent and more sheep. Some hotels were within city limits, allowing us to wander and others were tucked away in wonderlands of beauty but the highlight was spending one night in a castle guarded by a dragon! The culture, the food, the beverages and the people of Scotland and Ireland have made this a trip of a lifetime for us and we will sing the praises of My Ireland Tour forever. Thank you!

Sondra Gordon

The adventure of the Scotland-Ireland 14 day tour, a group of 26, who became 'family', under the watchful and loving care of our amazing guide-driver, Paddy O'Farrell, was a daily joy of discovery, learning, experiencing and enjoying! As we wended our way from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Northern Ireland and then to the Republic of Ireland, there was ongoing history and information communicated by Paddy, with amazing knowledge and insight, making the period of 500 A.D. to the present meaningful by interjecting literary references, politics, and his personal reflections. His love of history and his desire to make sure that we shared his respect and regard for these countries was constant. Our hotels were 4 star, except for Lough Eske Castle, which defied the star categorization by setting its own standard. It was as if we had arrived at 'Downton Abbey', with accommodations fit for Kings and Queens, and a dinner service to match! Since all of the other hotels were chosen to be 'in town', and central, and, unlike most tours, we were able to spend more than just one night in one location. This allowed for a more restful period while never missing any sightseeing destinations. It was one of the reasons I chose to travel with My Ireland Tours. I was not disappointed! And whenever there was something special in an area, a Celtic show, a special photo view, or being at the right place, at the right time, Paddy made sure 'we were there'. He was the 'sheep dog' making sure that his flock were safe, rescuing the occasional strays with good humor and caring. While we toured, or before leaving in the morning, Paddy made sure that the bus was cleaned and windows sparkling, so we could enjoy the magnificent views. He had a personal greeting and conversation for each of us. His close attention to our special need person's requirements was always primary, warm and admirable. 500 photos later, it was time to say farewell to fellow travelers, especially difficult was finding the words to adequately express the admiration and appreciation of our unique, Paddy. I know that everyone thinks that they have had the best tour director, but, we really did!!! Thank you Paddy!

Mimi Limbach

My husband, George, and I, had a fantastic experience on the Iconic Scotland and Ireland tour. Everything was so well organized. The hotels were clean and comfortable, the staff gracious and friendly. Our driver, Paddy O'Farrell, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Scotland and Ireland. I was so impressed by the amount of historical knowledge he shared with us, our cup was overflowing with stories, facts and details that until then were unknown to us. George and I are so grateful we had the opportunity to participate in this adventure...to make new friends, appreciate the struggle and beauty of both countries and to leave with a deeper understanding of the those who went before.

Karen Stanton

May 2023  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Enjoyed an amazing vacation with My Ireland Tour on their Iconic Scotland and Ireland Tour! Our tour guide, Paddy O'Farrell, was incredibly knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had the best time ever. Would definitely recommend!!

kimberly hollopeter

We took a two week tour seeing both Scotland and Ireland, spending about a week in each. Patty was our driver and guide and was absolutely AMAZING. He kept us on track, answered hundreds of questions, got us to all of the sites and made sure we had everything we needed. We stayed in 8 different hotels and our luggage was delivered to our room at each hotel. One of the best parts of this tour is that the bus was purposely not full. We almost had enough room for everyone to have their own seat and being on the bus for long amounts of time that was important to me. Being on this tour was a great way to visit places like Edinburgh, castles, palaces, abbeys, cemeteries, a distillery, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and Dublin. This trip is go go go and not for the faint of heart, but it was amazing and I do not regret going on this tour for one minute. Well worth the price. Just to note, many of the hotels did not have AC and I did get a little tired of the hotel food and eating later at night. With that said, I would highly recommend this tour.

I just returned from the 14 day Scotland/Ireland tour. It was an amazing experience and I learned so much about so many different places. My favorite place of the trip was probably the two days we spent in Edinburgh. We were taken on tours, but we also had free time to explore on our own and we were able to see other sights not on the tour by doing this. The rest of the tour was packed with so many things which I wanted to see that there was very little free time to add additional preferences to our stops. Paddy was an amazing tour guide and driver. He was informative and knowledgeable and was able to fill in gaps that were often left out by the step-on guides that we had. One thing to keep in mind if you have food sensitivities or allergies, be very careful and check with the chef in each hotel. One thing I would change if I could would be the time spent eating. It took 1 1/2 to 2 hours to eat dinner with the group as they spread out starters, entrees, and dessert over a long period of time. I felt we could have condensed that and given us more free time to explore. We did decide to skip a few of the provided meals in some of the towns so that we could explore and eat on our own and that was fun. Overall an amazing experience.

Sarah Bonsall

From start to finish our Scotland/Ireland tour was absolutely fantastic. Our driver Paddy went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. I recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Scotland and Ireland!

Marisa Beasley

I just got back from a 14 day tour of Scotland, No. Ireland and Ireland. It was a whirlwind! We saw so many things and learned so much from our tour guide Paddy. He went above and beyond for our group. He was funny and full of information. He would tell us about the area we were going and give us suggestions for what to see and where to eat when he dropped us off. The one issue our group had was starting our three course two hour dinner at 7:30 each night. By the end of the day we were exhausted and ready for a quicker bite before bed. But I would certainly book another tour with My Ireland Tours! They are organized and well planned! Thank you for an amazing vacation!

Christina Hodel

November 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

No wonder that fairies, leprechauns and other fabulous creatures have chosen to live in Ireland and Scotland. Driving along the picturesque Loch Lomond or through the forest at Lough Eske Castle I was almost expecting to see some of them. It would have been a marvellous addition to the picture of Nessie … But without the help of Eric and his team I would never have been able to enjoy another amazing tour with My Ireland Tour. Thanks again for finding me a vacancy on this tour. We were just 24 people and had plenty of space in a huge and very comfortable coach. Although I was the only non- native English speaker, I never felt lost on contrary this awesome and friendly group made me feel welcome the very beginning. Our tour director Harry Fisher was simply the best. I still envy his outstanding driving skills. If you want to see Ireland / Scotland and meet fantastic people, I highly recommend My Ireland Tour.

Marianne Casale

Just finished our the 14 day tour of Scotland and Ireland. It was a mother-daughters trip and I can say we would do a tour with My Ireland Tour again in a heartbeat. I loved the small size of the tour and the ability to space out on the bus. The smaller tour also gave us an opportunity to meet a wonderful group of people. Our driver Harry was outstanding and did a great job on reading the mood of the bus each and every day. If My Ireland Tour did 2 weeks in Scotland I would book another trip tomorrow. Thank you for a wonderful time - my daughters loved every moment of the trip.

Katie Brandt

October 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

My husband and I loved our trip to Scotland and Ireland with My Ireland Tour. Our driver/guide was fantastic! He was knowledgeable about the history of the area and pointed out interesting places along the drive. The food was amazing. Our hotels were all very nice. This tour allowed us to see many places in Scotland and Ireland in the 2 weeks. I felt the pace was good. There was a nice mix of time with the group and time on our own. I appreciated being able to go on a big trip and not have to plan all of the little details. We could not have asked for a better trip. We highly recommend My Ireland Tour and would go on another trip with them in the future!

Meryl Franke

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Scotland/Ireland tour. Our driver/guide, Pat, not only facilitated each detail of the journey, but helped it come alive with his vast knowledge. My only suggestion would be to use hotels in Galway and Dublin that allow travelers to access the city on their free time. Lodging outside of town restricts ability to see and visit local sites. Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience!!!!

Diana Attia

We just returned from a wonderfully organized and executed tour of both Scotland and Ireland. I always wanted to go, but a recent surprising DNA test validated a suspicion. Yep, very close ties to Donegal, Ireland, so we just had to go. Even met a new family member while there. The lodging selections were all great, and some even fantastic castles. The food provided was also good and it was great at the end of a travel day to have the dinner included. Our guide Harry Fisher was on time, knowledgeable, funny, a great driver and had all of our best interests in mind while managing a 14 day tour. He had a wealth of information and history for all of the stops on our itinerary. I learned a lot. He was very diplomatic and had so much class in how information was presented. He told us history and folk lore stories. Was really fun. Occasionally he even sang a tune for us. I picked My Ireland for a more local experience. The tour company planned every detail very well. Buses were clean, comfortable, stops for bio breaks were great, and we all appreciated the thoughtfulness of our host. Highly recommend this tour company! My only suggestion is more salads at dinner. October weather was on the cooler side, but I prefer that to a hot summer. Enjoyed it and will have many great memories to reflect on for years to come. You must go!

Paul & Sue Johnston

We went on the Scotland and Ireland 14 day tour in Oct 2022. There were 24 people on the tour; 23 0f 24 from the USA and 1 from Switzerland. The group was friendly and a lot of fun. The management of the tour was excellent. The My Ireland office was very prompt in their communication and very personable. The hotels arranged for the tour were top notch and the food was great. Our guide was Harry Fisher. He was an excellent driver, especially with the many tight turns for the coach. Harry was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He knew the history of each area we visited which helped us relate to the sites. Best of all was his humor and his Irish blarney kept us on our toes. We highly recommend this tour company and the 2 country tour.

My husband Rick and I just returned from the 2-week Scottland and Ireland tour. We had a wonderful time. All hotels except one (Menlo Park) were first rate. Our driver and guide Patrick could not have been more knowledgeable and accommodating. We were exhausted when we returned home because it is fast paced, but we feel we really got a great feel of both countries. A great addition to the tour would be a visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast. We were disappointed that we did not have the opportunity to visit there. All in all, a 5 star experience!

Would highly recommend this tour. Took the 2 week Iconic Scotland / Ireland tour and was very happy with all aspects of it. We covered a lot of ground; Scotland, Northern Ireland, & the Republic of Ireland. We saw all the major highlights of these areas that would have been hard to see on our own in the same amount of time. Hotels were great and breakfast and dinner was included for each day. Our Tour guide/leader, Paddy, was fantastic. Very knowledgeable in the historical and political aspects of these regions presented the information in a way to make it interesting to all.

Dennis Knight

Our expectations were exceeded in almost every respect. Paddy O'Farrell became a friend to all on the tour and provided insight to the history and culture of Scotland and especially Ireland while directing us to the myriad of stunning views and memories of a trip well planned, beginning to end.

shelby boyd

I booked a long awaited trip to Scotland and Ireland through My Ireland Tour and it was the best trip ever. I started out in Edinburgh and after touring Scotland for 5 and a half days and then over 8 days throughout Ireland with a great tour guide, Paddy Farrell, I had a great time. I saw castles, even stayed in a couple, ate great food, watched a sheep dog demonstration, Irish dancers, visited beautiful Cathedrals, saw some beautiful countryside! I plan on going back for another tour and highly recommend this company for anyone that want to visit these countries! Thank you My Ireland Tour for a wonderful experience!

September 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

My wife and I highly recommend My Ireland Tour! We particularly enjoyed out tour guide, Harry Fisher, who is kind, knowledgeable and extremely funny. The two week tour included all the highlights of Scotland and Ireland on a lovely roomy air-conditioned coach. The group was small so there was plenty of room on board and the hotels were excellent especially The Loch Eske Castle in Donegal. If you take the tour you will not be disappointed and don't forget to kiss the Blarney Stone!

Virginia Porter

We just returned from the wonderful Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour and must rave about it! It was a trip of a lifetime. Our Tour Director/Driver Harry Fisher is very knowledgeable, fun and accommodating as well as a very skilled driver which we saw firsthand on those hairpin turns. He regaled us with historic facts, stories and tidbits from Edinburgh to Dublin. We highly recommend this tour and Terrific Harry!

Lewis Kanter

We recently spent two weeks touring parts of Scotland and Ireland with the my Ireland tour group. We had a private car and driver for the entire trip. The driver was excellent polite efficient and had a great personality. The places chosen to to go to work wonderful and very enjoyable. The trip was efficiently put together with great feedback opportunities. The local guides which were at various points of the trip were generally excellent. The hotels were variable depending on where we were located some were excellent and some were good. We Had a great time and would recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Scotland or Ireland.

Roy Gursslin

What a wonderful experience! We just returned from 14 days of Scotland and Ireland! Our tour guide went above and beyond. Always there to help and guide us. He really is 'Terrific' Harry as he kept mentioning. Would definitely recommend My Ireland tour to anyone.

Shelley Lang

We took the 14 day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour on August 27-September 9, 2022 that a friend discovered and had booked for themselves. Upon researching this tour, we were so impressed with the small tour size, all the cities and places we would visit, and the quality of the hotels that we tried to book it for our 40th wedding anniversary only to learn that it, and all others this summer, were fully booked! Luckily for us, we got a phone call from Shannon to advise that they had just had a cancellation on the tour we had originally wanted to book! The week prior to the tour we received an email with our detailed tour itinerary which I took with me. I found this document very useful and read it every evening to familiarize myself with where and what we would be doing the following day. Regretfully, the distillery promoted on their website was changed to a very new one and while we learned about the making of their whiskey there was no sampling. The hotels were all 4 star or better. A number didn't have individual room air conditioning but thank goodness their windows did open and fans were provided which made sleeping temperatures more comfortable. Why all European hotels use heavy duvets in the summer is a mystery as the rooms are too warm for them. The food was fantastic and plentiful with dinners all being 3 courses. Our daily dinner menus provided 2 appetizer choices, 3 entrees, and a couple of desserts and all featured local fare. My husband is allergic to onions and the staff knew what dishes contained them and where possible were able to eliminate from the dish he ordered or suggest an alternate dish. The days were long which we expected given the distances covered and the activities and sights included. Dinners were generally around 7pm with a few at 8pm. I took a supply of Power Bars which I was glad to have as there were no coffee breaks or places to buy snacks. Our driver, Paddy, offered to buy us tickets to Celtic Steps, an Irish dance and music show being held nearby. The show was fantasic! We really enjoyed the Traditional Music Night and dinner at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin area. Service was excellent as was the quality of the food and entertainment. We highly recommend My Ireland Tours and wouldn't hesitate to book another one with them.

Debbie Brown

I just came back from the 14 day Scotland & Ireland tour and can't say enough about it. The company handled all of the accommodations, reservations and tours flawlessly. We had a fun group and Paddy our tour guide was the best! Each day was action packed so be prepared for a lot of walking. The hotel accommodations and castles were fun to explore as well as the meals. You do have free time in the late afternoon or after dinner to explore on your own. I came in a day ahead which was helpful to get acclimated before the tour started. Others added a day or two at the end. I know there's no way I would've been able to see everything had I done this on my own. Overall, I can't say enough about the experience and the company. Great communication throughout the entire process. Thank you Shauni and Paddy for an awesome and memorable vacation!!!

Richard Lothamer

We just returned from the Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour and it definitely met our expectations. This was our first bus/coach tour and it provided us with visits to so many amazing sites. The accommodations were first rate, the meals were very good, and the itinerary was superb. Our guide/driver, Paddy, was excellent. He went above and beyond on many occasions for us, for others in need of specific help, and for the entire group by adding extra stops along the way. He was very knowledgeable, pleasant, and entertaining. The specialty tour guides were also very informative and friendly. We also enjoyed meeting the other guests and felt like a family at the end of the tour. We highly recommend this tour!

This was our first trip to Scotland and Ireland, and I don't think we could have selected a better tour company than MyIrelandTour. Our driver/tour guide Mike was outstanding throughout the tour. Mike, being from Dublin had a vast amount of knowledge regarding Ireland as well as Scotland. He made the 14 day tour go by too fast!!! In regard to our tour package, out hotel accommodations, dinners and breakfasts were 5 star. The various attractions and sites that we stopped at were all historical and beautiful. If you plan on visiting Scotland or Ireland or both, I highly recommend that you consider MyIrelandTour!!!!

August 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Best tour ever! Paddy our guide and driver added many interesting stops not listed on the itinerary. Stopping every hour or two made it stress free. Highly recommend this company as they quickly responded to a multitude of questions I emailed before we arrived. Our Scotland and Ireland trip was a trip everyone should have on their bucket list. Amazing and welcoming people throughout the trip.

Isabel Piscopo

The Ireland and Scotland tour was superbly organised and I was very satisfied with all of it. The guide was always present and informative. The accomodation was all very good. In my opinion, this almost perfect tour could be made even more perfect with a one day extension in Belfast and most people on the tour also commented on it. This would have meant that we could have visited the Titanic exhibition which most people wished to visit. It would also have meant that the following day we could have left for Giant's Causeway earlier and arrived at Lough Eske Castle in early afternoon instead of at 6.30. This is such a stupendous place and has so many amenities we would have all wished to have had more time for . Sometimes the dinner timing was changed to an earlier time and while this might have suited clients from the USA it did not really suit us from Europe who are used to dining much later. It meant rushing to get ready for dinner after a long drive and the evening just ended earlier. On the whole, I was very pleased and am thinking of taking a different trip with the same company in the future, perhaps a more luxurious one in some of the great accomodations they offer. I would recommend the company to anyone.

We had a wonderful time on our tour of Scotland and Ireland. The accommodations exceeded our expectations and the food was awesome. The tour itself offered a variety of sights and activities. Our only complaint is that we didn't have enough time at each place. We now have more reasons to go back! Our tour driver (Paddy)was I woboth knowledgeable and flexible. Our family would definitely use this t his your company again.

Edward Corcoran

Just returned from the 14 day Iconic tour of Scotland and Ireland, and it was amazing. The places we visited were all memorable with each having their own mystique. We were treated to very good to excellent accomodations with delicious morning and evening fare. The best of the best was Paddy, our driver, guide, and consul. He made the journey come alive. Although some days were hurried, there was always time for a wee dram with our fellow travelers. Wish our group the best until we meet again.

suzanne kettel

July 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Paddy, our tour guide was absolutely wonderful, so knowledgeable and an awesome person, took great care of all of us. This was the trip of a lifetime for me and I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a tour of Scotland and Ireland. I have over 1000 pictures and so many wonderful memories. Can't wait to go again, this tour company was excellent.

Diane Miller

We had a fabulous time on our 14 day tour of Scotland and Ireland! Absolutely loved the gorgeous scenery and all the historical sights. Our driver and guide Paddy O'Farrell was awesome!! He made our trip so special. We would highly recommend this amazing tour to family and friends! Diane Miller Baton Rouge, LA

Cristina Besore

Great tour of Scotland and Ireland. Hotels were very nice and the food was delicious. Very informative tour guides in Scotland and Paddy was excellent in Ireland. Overall a wonderful experience.

S. Jeffrey Ackerman

My wife and I took the Scotland/Ireland tour the end of May first 10 days of June. We had a wonderful experience with a variety of sites in both countries. Paddy was our driver and was great. I am sure all of their drivers are wonderful but our experience with Paddy would be hard to beat. For me the visit to the distillery, cut glass factory and sheep dog herding demonstration was quite enlightening. Our stay in 2 different castles was a unique experience and both were quite different. My wife, the shopper, liked everything as well but especially the trip to Blarney Woollen Mills where she could by sweaters! We went a day early to adjust to the time change and the overnight travel thinking we might take a nap and go sight seeing. However, we couldn't get in the room until the afternoon (we arrived at 9 AM) so we went sight seeing without the nap. It was nice to be able to do so and if you make the same decision I recommend a visit to the Edinburg Botanical Gardens.

cindy foreman

June 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

We spent 2 weeks this May, 2022 touring Scotland and Ireland with Pat and My Ireland Tours. The daily itinerary was suggested to us but we were able to make changes. We were a party of 11 and this type of tour was exactly what we wanted- not a bus with 40-50 people. We moved at our own pace and Pat was amazing. Not only was he an exceptional driver but an A+++ tour guide. We were constantly surprised by his knowledge of history and many, many fun stories. We all loved his great sense of humor... Pat had suggestions of where to eat, places not to miss. The trip was all we expected and more!

14 Day Scotland - Ireland Tour. This was the trip of a life time. We originally scheduled this trip for 2021 but had to reschedule for 2022. The wait was well worth it! The sites, the hotels and tour bus were worthy of 5 stars. Our guide, Paddy, should be given more than 5 stars. His knowledge and explanation (with a bit of humor) of the sites visited was wonderful. He also made some stops that were not on the tour that were beautiful photo opportunities. My wife had a medical issue a week into the tour and Paddy made sure to find us a 24 hour medical care within a 1/2 mile of our hotel. While we stayed at the hotel for the day, Paddy kept in contact with us to make sure everything was ok. Every thing that we saw and experienced was amazing. The last night at the Merry Ploughboys Restaurant and Pub was the perfect end to a magical vacation. If I were to change one thing about the tour, it would be to have an afternoon off at a 2 night hotel about half way through the tour. We could have used an afternoon of down time to just relax. Still a 5 star tour that we would do again in a heart beat!

Katie Woodard

My mom and I really enjoyed this tour to Scotland and Ireland. Our tour guide Paddy was wonderful: nice, funny, knowledgeable, and on top of everything. Most of the hotels were awesome. Two of them were even castles, which was amazing. The activities were great, and we usually had some free time in the evening before dinner to either relax or explore the town on our own if we need more physical activity after spending a lot of time on the bus. The food was good. They fulfilled dietary requirements. The castles had amazing menus. My only minor complaint was by the end of the tour the meals were getting so repetitive. It felt like I ate 2 different meals over and over.

Samantha Bissett

We used My Ireland Tours to take our first trip to Ireland and they made it better than we could have ever imagined. They took so much stress off of our plates when it came to booking hotels, travel, Covid protocol, and giving us the best tour guides. My whole family agrees that our driver Pat was a highlight of our experience! He was knowledgeable about everywhere we went and was great if we decided we wanted to do something on the fly, he would get it done for us! Our private bus was amazing, we joked that it was almost too comfortable because we always wanted to take a nap in it! We saw so much of Ireland and we know we couldn't have done that without My Ireland Tours. If you want to see all the sights of Ireland I fully recommend setting up a trip with My Ireland Tours and get Pat as your driver!

Mark Spindler

May 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

This is our second tour of Ireland which also included time in Scotland (Edinburgh and Glascow). Our accommodations, for the most part, were very good with the highlight being Harvey's Point in Donegal. Our driver and tour guide, Pat, made the experience very special. His understanding and depth of knowledge of the people and history of Ireland are exceptional. He was able to put into context the complicated history of Ireland and made travel to every destination an adventure. We also appreciated his Irish wit. We highly recommend My Ireland Tours. Well done!

My trip to Scotland and Ireland was a dream I have had for many years. My Ireland Tours did NOT disappoint. The accommodations were excellent, as was the food. I could not have asked for a better tour guide than Paddy. He was one of the best bus drivers I have every had, which was vitally important due to the narrow roads, especially through some of the smaller towns. He gave us a vivid picture of the history of Scotland and Ireland, while adding personal stories, explaining local lore and culture. In addition, Paddy listened to the members of the tour. He broke up some of the long drives as best he could, so we could stretch our legs and take pictures. He was patient and somehow was always in good spirits. This tour has only whetted my appetite to return to these beautiful countries and experience places we were unable to go. You absolutely cannot go wrong with My Ireland Tours, especially if you are lucky enough to have Paddy as your guide. Well worth every dime spent.

Cherri Spaulding

Outstanding!!!!! In a one word description. I took the 14 day Scotland/Ireland tour. This was my 1st trip abroad as a solo traveler so there was much research before I booked this trip. MyIrelandTour has a very fair Covid policy if you need to change your plans so I took the plunge, made final payment & never looked back. Anytime I emailed the company they responded almost immediately. Any questions were answered so I felt very comfortable boarding that plane & making my way across the ocean. I was greeted by our driver Paddy at Edinburgh Airport. Myself & a few others had arrived for pickup. At our first hotel even though it was very early for check in, the hotel was able to get all of us into our rooms. This was so appreciated after the flight. From the driver/guide to the group to the 3-5 star accommodations. The meals, the sites we visited, the scenery when traveling & the knowledge of Paddy & a couple other Step-on Guides made this trip an unforgettable experience I will never forget. It has set the bar very high for any future tours I may take. Key take aways- Mad driving skills by our driver Paddy. Got us where we needed to be on time & safe. Learned so much history from Paddy. He gave enough information but did not talk continuously. He knows the history of the lands. Played some good local music. Did I mention Paddy!!! Just can not say enough great things about him. He is a gem. Our group-could not have asked for a better group to travel with. There were several other solo travelers. Small group but large bus so we could spread out. Max group size is 26, we had 24. Accommodations, clean, friendly staff, welcoming. Restaurants served good food. Always a good selection for your breakfast & dinner. Dinners were all 3 course. Alcoholic beverages are not included. All hotels had a bar. The places we visited were all very interesting & very beautiful. Many we had time to wonder on our own. Quiant little towns. Live Irish show on our last night was entertaining. If you have been considering a visit to this area I highly recommend this tour company. I will definitely use again if I go back.

Carol Jackson

Our tour of Scotland and Ireland was fabulous. Our tour guide Paddy was so informative, kind, humorous and accommodating. The stories he told gave us insight to so much more of the history of such remarkable, historical, beautiful sights! The hotels were very comfortable and the food amazing. We toured with a great group of people! I would highly recommend My Ireland Tours to anyone! It was a trip of a lifetime! Thank you Paddy for making our memories ones that will never be forgotten!

26 October 2022  •  Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour

Popular on this tour

Edinburgh City, shopping on Victoria Street

Edinburgh is Scotland's modern-day cultural hub and its capital city. Read more...

Edinburgh Castle under blue skies

Scotland's number 1 tourist attraction. Built during the 12th century. Read more...

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, as seen on our Ireland and Scotland Tours

This Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family. Read more...

Kingsbarns Whiskey Distillery, St. Andrew's, Scotland

Kingsbarns Distillery

A quaint distillery and visitors' centre located within an 18th century farmstead. Read more...

Castle at the famous Loch Ness, Scotland

Home to the Loch Ness Monster and the deepest lake on the British Isles. Read more...

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill in the Southeast of the town of Stirling. Read more...

Glasgow City Centre

  • Glasgow City

Scotland's most populous city, its people have their own cultural identity. Read more...

Glasgow Cathedral, as seen on our tours of Scotland

Founded by Glasgow's patron Saint Mungo and Scotland's oldest cathedral. Read more...

Murals in Belfast, Northern Ireland

See how Belfast grew from its past political & religious divisions. Read more...

The Giants Causeway, pictured on a tour of Northern Ireland

40,000 basalt columns make up this UNESCO World Heritage site. Read more...

The idyllic Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland

The Antrim Coast

Endless Coastal views and stunning scenery, your camera is essential. Read more...

Belleek Pottery

Discover the magic behind one of Ireland's most ancient crafts. Read more...

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara on a trip to Ireland

One of Ireland's most romantic and aesthetically pleasing buildings. Read more...

Connemara County Galway

Connemara is a rugged and scenic landscape in western County Galway. Read more...

Galway Bay

  • Galway City

This harbour City is found on Ireland's rugged West Coast. Read more...

Cliffs of Moher Irish tours attraction

The views will not disappoint at this most popular tourist attraction. Read more...

The Burren Irish Landscape, part of our Ireland vacations

The Burren takes its name from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". Read more...

Killarney Lakes

Killarney Lakes

Found on the majestic lands of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. Read more...

Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry

  • Ring Of Kerry

Embrace the beauty around every corner of this famous driving route. Read more...

Blarney Castle in Ireland during one of our trips to Ireland

This 600-year-old Irish castle is famed for its legendary kissing stone. Read more...

Blarney woollen Mills

  • Blarney Woollen Mills

Take a step back into the history of Irish industry and craftmenship . Read more...

Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary

A remarkably well-preserved fortress, that has stood for a millennium. Read more...

Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, as seen on our Ireland vacations

Christ Church

1000-year-old home to a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta. Read more...

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin Ireland, part of our all inclusive trips to Ireland

Learn all about the famous drink whose heritage is a story of Ireland itself. Read more...

Epic, The Irish Emigration Museum as seen on a vacation in Ireland

EPIC: Emigration Museum

Trace the fascinating history of Irish emigration through the ages. Read more...

Wild Atlantic Way Logo

This tour features the Wild Atlantic Way

Journey along Ireland's most famous route and see its most popular destinations on The Wild Atlantic Way .

Prices, Availability & Payment

Reviews • What's included • Other tours

Payment terms

For payment terms click here . Alternatively, you can also view our full terms and conditions .

Flexible Cancellations

We have added extra flexibility to our cancellation timeline. This means you can now make unlimited changes to your chosen tour up to 60 days before your arrival . Our cancellation timeline is as follows. For more details, see our terms and conditions .

Up to 60 days before the start of tour:

The Deposit is non-refundable. However, before 60 days you can make unlimited changes for free, including changing your tour dates (including transferring to a tour in 2025), changing your tour and changing tour participants.

59 to 40 days before start of tour:

25% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

39 to 14 days before start of tour:

50% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

Less than 14 days before start of tour:

100% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

The Deposit for the Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour 2024 is €750 per person.

Single Occupancy Supplement

For guests who are travelling alone and are therefore not sharing a room, the single occupancy supplement for the Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour 2024 is €890.

Balance Payments:

The full balance is due 60 days before your tour.

All payments are in Euros.

Credit Cards & Fees:

We do not charge any fees for paying by credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Children's Rate:

Children ages 8 yrs - 17 yrs inclusive receive a 10% discount on the prices. Children must share a room with a least 1 adult. Our tours do not cater for children 7 yrs or younger. You must be 18 or over to travel on our adults-only tours.

Participant Cancellation:

Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing (either by email or standard mail) to My Ireland Tour. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to tour commencement. Cancellation fees apply as indicated below. All cancellation fees include the initial deposit.

About your Tour Guide

45% of our reviews mention their tour guide by name

Perhaps the most vital ingredient of any tour is your tour guide. Acting not only as your guide but also as your driver, their knowledge and experience, passion and personality form the foundation on which any successful tour is built.

That's why we only work with the very best guides in Ireland. As our past guests know, our tour guides are a big reason why we're Ireland's best-rated tour operator, with 1297 five-star reviews out of a possible 1333.

Irish born and bred

All of our driver-guides were born in Ireland and have lived here all their lives. What's more, they are passionate about our country, its culture and its heritage.

Qualified and experienced

Our driver-guides are qualified, experienced professionals who are committed to impeccable customer care and making your vacation memorable for all the right reasons.

Experts in Irish history & culture

Our driver-guides are true experts in their field. Their knowledge of Irish history, culture (and where to get the best pint of Guinness) is second to none.

Committed to your safety and care

Your safety and comfort are paramount to us and to all our driver-guides. All our guides are experienced coach drivers with impeccable safety records.

Tour accommodation

We are very selective in getting just the right accommodation for each specific tour, and we are very proud of the selection of hotels we have put together. Some of these hotels are family-owned, just like ourselves, and we have a long-standing relationship with them all.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Exterior

Tour Vehicles

On a tour vacation, the journey can be just as important as the destination. That's why our tour buses are all of the highest standards, both in terms of luxury and reliability.

We choose our tour vehicles carefully. All our tour buses offer plenty of space to spread out, tinted windows, air conditioning and on-board fridges. It's what you should expect.

We deliberately leave some seats empty. In fact, we use 34-seater coaches, but limit the number of participants to 26. That's because we want all of our guests to be able to spread out, relax and enjoy the journey. This smaller group size is a core principle in our tours.

Please note: the bus shown in the gallery is one of the 34-seater coaches used on our tours for max. 26 guests. For any reason, should one of these become unavailable for your tour, we will endeavour to provide an equally luxurious and comfortable touring bus.

34 Seater Coach, as seen on our Tours of Ireland

What's included in my vacation?

Tour attractions.

  • Sheepdog Demonstration
  • Ring of Kerry

Hospitality

  • 13 Nights Accommodation
  • 13 Evening Meals
  • 13 Breakfasts
  • 1 Pub Lunch
  • Tour Director
  • Airport Arrival Transfers
  • All local taxes
  • Porterage of one suitcase per person
  • Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
  • Ferry Tickets to Belfast on Stena Line
  • Airport Departure Transfers

Not Included

  • Gratuity for the Tour Guide
  • Travel Insurance (required)
  • Blind Piper Pub Lunch
  • Beverages except Tea / Coffee with Breakfast & Evening Dinner
  • Room Service
  • Telephone Charges

Failte Ireland

  • Sample Itineraries
  • Transport Options
  • Genealogy Tours

Other 2024 Tour Packages

  • Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
  • Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
  • 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
  • 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
  • 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
  • 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
  • Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
  • Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
  • Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
  • Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

  • Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
  • Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Thatched cottages of Adare Village in Limerick, Ireland

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

The idyllic Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland

About The Antrim Coast

En route to The Giant's Causeway, you will travel along the legendary Antrim Coast, a route with views so stunning that it is considered a destination in its own right. Prepare to be amazed: here you will find some of the greatest coastal landscapes any travel photographer could hope to capture.

  • Belfast City

An old redbrick building in Belfast city

About Belfast City

Since peace returned to Belfast in the late 1990s, Northern Ireland's capital has undergone an astonishing transformation. Once tied in with sectarian violence and, perhaps cruelly, lumped in with Bosnia, Beiruit and Baghdad on the list of places for globe-trotting tourists to avoid, the city is now a modern, thriving and cosmopolitan hub of hotels, restaurants and family-friendly attractions.

Find out more

Belfast Tour & Murals

Murals in Belfast, Northern Ireland

About Belfast Tour & Murals

You will be joined by a local specialist guide on a city tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. You will see and hear all about the history of this once troubled city including the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road.

Belleek Pottery

About Belleek Pottery

Travelling along the shores of Lough Erne Upper and Lough Erne Lower, you will reach Belleek Pottery, one of the oldest potteries in the world dating from 1857. Today, the visitor centre still displays pieces which date from those early samples over 150 years ago.

Belleek Pottery can be found just off the trail of the Wild Atlantic Way

Visit their website...

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

Blarney Castle and The Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle

About Blarney Castle and The Blarney Stone

Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour of Ireland. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" of which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition that spans centuries.

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

The Burren, in Clare, Ireland

About The Burren

A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed " one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions ".

The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way .

Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

About Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here in the crypt, you can see the Mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.

The Cliffs of Moher

About The Cliffs of Moher

One of the most popular and most eagerly anticipated attractions on any vacation in Ireland , and the views will not disappoint. They rise to a height of 702ft (214m) and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun you will not find.

The Cliffs of Moher are a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information click here .

Connemara County Galway

About Connemara

Connemara, in western County Galway, is a rugged and scenic landscape. Once described as a place of "savage beauty" by Oscar Wilde, Connemara is an expanse of bogs, mountains and lakes.

Connemara is also home to two Wild Atlantic Way's Signature Discovery Points in Derrigimlagh Bog and Killary Harbour .

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, Scotland

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Drumcliffe Cemetery in county Sligo Ireland.

About Drumcliffe

Visit Drumcliffe Cemetery in County Sligo where you can read the epitaph on the grave of W.B. Yeats. Found nestled between Ben Bulben mountain and Drumcliffe bay.

Explore Drumcliffe along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Dublin City

Dublin City

About Dublin City

Dublin is Ireland's capital city. It is known as being a friendly and vibrant place to visit — with an endless list of activities and destinations available to explore and world-famous nightlife.

Edinburgh Castle under blue skies

About Edinburgh Castle

Luring over Edinburgh from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has been a fixture of the skyline since the 12th century. The location of Castle Rock, formed on top of an extinct volcano, made it the ideal location to build a defensive fortress. Edinburgh Castle, over the years, has been used as a place to burn 'witches' at the stake, foil rebellions and house prisoners of war. Today it is Scotland's number 1 tourist attraction.

Edinburgh City, shopping on Victoria Street

About Edinburgh City

Edinburgh has been Scotland's capital city since the 15th century. It is Scotland's second most populous city, after Glasgow, and is the location of both the Scottish government and monarchy. Edinburgh is seen as the cultural hub of Scotland, with its thriving festival scene attracting 4.4 million visitors to the city in the month of August alone.

Epic: The Irish Emigration Museum

About EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, tracks the harrowing history of the 10 million Irish people left the island, for a variety of reasons, over the past 300 years.

A boat in Galway Bay

About Galway City

Galway City is seen as the cultural and artistic hub of Ireland. Take time to enjoy the artisanal food and relaxed, Bohemian vibes of this unique city.

Galway City and Salthill Promenade form part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The county of Galway also includes the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points of Killary Harbour, Cleggan Harbour and Sky Road. For more information click here .

The Giants Causeway, pictured on a tour of Northern Ireland

About The Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site, known in Gaelic as Clochán na bhFomhórach or Clochán an Aifir, The Giant's Causeway is an area of 40,000 basalt columns, formed into a regular interlocking pattern by an ancient volcanic lava flow.

Glasgow Cathedral, as seen on our tours of Scotland

About Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow and the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland (Built in the 12th century). It is located where the patron saint of Glasgow, Saint Mungo, is thought to have built his church. Saint Mungo's tomb is found in the cathedral's lower crypt. Today the cathedral is publicly owned and is the responsibility of the Historic Environment Scotland Group.

Glasgow City Centre

About Glasgow City

With a population of 621,020, Glasgow is Scotland's most populous city (3rd in the UK). The people of Glasgow are known as "Glaswegians" or "Weegies" and are often noted by visitors as have a very distinct, sometimes hard to understand, way of speaking, known as the Glasgow patter. During the industrial revolution Glasgow became a centre of shipbuilding and marine engineering and saw its population and economy grow rapidly. Today Glasgow remains a commercial hub of the UK and a city that continues to attract a large number of tourists every year.

Glengowla Mines - Sheepdog Demo

About Glengowla Mines - Sheepdog Demo

Keith Geoghegan is the owner and operator of Glengowla Mines and Family Farm Experience. The Geoghegan family has been inextricably linked to the mines and farm for many centuries. Their ancestors cultivated the land and worked in the mine. They moved into the Mine Agent's Cottage once the mine shut down and stayed there until 1989.

Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin Ireland

About The Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is more than just a brand, indeed, more than just a beer. And that's not just for the Irish, but for the many millions of Guinness-drinkers worldwide. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares, but it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the top-floor Gravity Bar offering a delightful panorama across the Dublin cityscape which can only be enhanced by a well-earned pint to cap-off your visit.

Highland Folk Museum

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, as seen on our Ireland and Scotland Tours

About Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace, officially known as The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the opposite end of The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. It is the official residence of the British Royal Family, and is often the setting for state occasions in the area. It has been the main residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century.

Killarney National Parks & Lakes

Killarney Lakes

About Killarney National Parks & Lakes

Muckross Estate, in the town of Killarney, County Kerry was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Its grounds became Ireland's first national park and, over time, it has expanded to encompass nearly 25,500 acres. The jewel in the crown of the park is its majestic lakes, Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. These lakes make up a quarter of the park's area and continue to draw admirers in huge numbers ever since the park first opened.

Killarney National Parks & Lakes are located a short distance from the town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way .

Killarney Town

Parknasilla Hotel, Killarney

About Killarney Town

Though perhaps offering fewer historical and cultural attractions than its west-coast counterparts, Killarney more than makes up for this with the welcoming bustle of the town itself and the staggering natural beauty of its neighbouring namesake, the Killarney National Park just five-minutes' drive away.

  • Killary Fjord

Killary Fjord

About Killary Fjord

Ireland's only true fjord, Killary Harbour, stretches 16 kilometres from the Atlantic coast to its head at the magnificent Aasleagh Falls. It forms a dramatic border between the counties of Galway and Mayo and is strikingly beautiful the entire way along.  

Killary Harbour is also one of the Signature Discovery Points found along the Wild Atlantic Way.

King John's Castle

King John's Castle, County Limerick

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

Kingsbarns Distillery

About Kingsbarns Distillery

Celebrating the craft and heritage of Scottish whisky making, Kingsbarns Distillery is a family-run distillery dating back to the 19th Century.

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara

About Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland's most attractive buildings; since 1920, it has also been home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Even today, Kylemore continues to operate as a working Abbey: here, the sisters live, work and pray, as well as welcome visitors from across the globe. Kylemore Abbey's greatest attraction is its location. Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic locations.

Kylemore Abbey can be viewed along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Boats on the famous Loch Ness, Scotland

About Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the second largest loch ( lake ) in Scotland, after Loch Lomond and the deepest on the British Isles. It is most famous for the alleged presence of a creature known as the Loch Ness Monster or "Nessie". Nessie came about through stories past down from generation to generation, a few dodgy photos from the 1930s and an "official" sonar reading from around the same time. It is the U.S equivalent of Big Foot, real only in the minds of those who choose to believe... or is it?

Moriarty's, Kerry

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Mount Stewart House & Gardens, County Down

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

Muckross House, Kerry

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

Muckross House Traditional Farms, Kerry

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

Pitlochry Town, Scotland

About Pitlochry

A Victorian town located 56 miles north of Edinburgh. The town is kept in an impeccable condition throughout the year and still maintains the charm and aesthetics of its Victorian heritage.

Traditional Pub Lunch

Traditional Pub Lunch

About a Traditional Pub Lunch

While the Pub Lunch is a relatively new phenomenon in the Irish food service industry, the tradition of serving food in an Irish pub has been around for centuries. It usually consisted of the household, connected to the pub, cooking up a huge batch of stew and serving it to its patrons. As the market changed, so too did the menu. For decades, all you could expect for an Irish pub lunch was a toasted cheese sandwich and/or a bowl of soup. Today, most pubs in Ireland will serve an extensive selection of international dishes as well as traditional Irish favourites such as lamb stew and bacon & cabbage.

Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry

About Ring Of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is located on the Iveragh Peninsula of southwest County Kerry. It is a circular driving route that takes in a number of seaside villages and picturesque coastal landscapes.

The Ring of Kerry towns of Kilorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare also feature on the Wild Atlantic Way . You can also visit the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point of Skellig Michael , an abandoned 7th century Christian island monastery, from the town of Portmagee during the warmer months of the year.

The Rock of Cashel

About The Rock of Cashel

Ireland has more than its fair share of outstanding archaeological sites, but the Rock of Cashel is arguably the most impressive. The 'rock' from which it takes its name is, in fact, a limestone hill, covered in luscious green, rising from the plain which characterises the surrounding area. The word 'cashel', by contrast, is derived from the Irish Gaelic word caiseal , meaning stone fortress. It was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977 and he became the High King of Ireland in 1002.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

About Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Held annually on the sprawling slopes of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings together bands from the British Armed Forces, the armies of the Commonwealth and international armies. The term 'tattoo' here is taken from the old Dutch phrase doe den tap toe meaning 'turn off the tap' or last call, which in turn became the name for evening entertainment at an army barracks.

St. Andrews

St. Andrews, Scotland

About St. Andrews

Scotland's oldest university town. Also referred to as the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St Andrew's Links is the oldest golf course in the world. Enjoy some free time walking its historic cobbled alleyways.

Stirling Castle

About Stirling Castle

A symbol of Scotland's national pride and independence, Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill in the Southeast of the town of Stirling. The main structure of the castle was built during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. There have been a total of eight sieges of Stirling Castle, most of them occurring during the Wars of Scottish Independence.  

  • Blind Piper Pub

Blind Piper Pub on the Ring of Kerry

About Blind Piper Pub

A family pub that has become something of a 'must-visit' for anyone travelling through the Ring of Kerry in recent years. Set in the idyllic village of Ballycarnahan, and serving some of the best quality pub food in the country.

The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

  • Traditional Music Night

Traditional Music Nights in Ireland

About Traditional Music Nights

Like much of Irish culture, the best Traditional Music Nights can be found in the local pub. These range from a guy sat in the corner playing guitar to a fully-fledged band on stage. On our tours of Ireland , we often spend the last night at the Merry Ploughboy in Dublin City, enjoying the traditional Irish music and dance they have on offer. No matter what city, town or village you find yourself in you can be sure that a pub nearby will have some sort of music night happening. You can check most pubs schedule online, or by popping in when you're in the area.

What is the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is a long-distance touring route , the first of its kind in Ireland. It runs the length of Ireland's western coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, from County Donegal in the northwest to County Cork in the southwest. The initial aim of the Wild Atlantic Way was to give greater visibility to Ireland's west coast in overseas markets. The Wild Atlantic Way is 2,500 km (1,553 miles) long and passes through 3 provinces of Ireland (Ulster, Connacht and Munster). It has given a huge boost to the tourism industry of the region since its launch in February 2014.

View our tours that feature the Wild Atlantic Way...

Atholl Palace Hotel

About Atholl Palace Hotel

Atholl Palace Hotel is the very definition of old-world charm. Nestled in woodland, a mile from the quaint village of Pitlochry. Featuring extensive gardens and an indoor pool.

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane

About Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is a modern hotel in a central location in Dublin City centre. It has a warm, friendly atmosphere, thanks in part to the light wood furnishings and open plan layout.

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

About Clayton Hotel Glasgow

Clayton Hotel Glasgow is centrally located, alongside the River Clyde. The hotel is walking distance from the shopping districts and city centre attractions.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City

Located just a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, DoubleTree by Hilton is the ideal location for anyone looking to explore Scotland's capital. Featuring a chic bar and restaurant and comfortable, stylish rooms.

Dromhall Hotel

About Dromhall Hotel

A family-run, upscale hotel, Dromhall Hotel has been a popular destination in Killarney town since the 1960s. Located within walking distance to both Killarney town centre and the Ring of Kerry. Featuring stunning, old-world decor and modern, world-class spa and dining facilities.

Europa Hotel

Europa Hotel

About Europa Hotel

Situated right across the road from the Grand opera House in Belfast City, the Europa Hotel is an historic hotel with modern facilities and old-world charm.

Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal

About Lough Eske Castle

The Lough Eske Castle, as we see it today, was built in 1861. Before that, it was a building entwined in the history of Donegal. In the 14th century, it was the seat of the powerful O'Donnell clan. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was a base for Edwardian royalty to showcase the glamour and decadence of the day. Today, it is home to an award-winning and prestigious five-star hotel.

Menlo Park Hotel

About Menlo Park Hotel

Menlo Park Hotel is located just outside Galway City. Featuring a sleek restaurant & bar and large modern bedrooms.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour Map

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

  • 34 attractions
  • Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

  • Free time in London
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace
  • Manchester River Cruise
  • Tour of York City
  • York Minster
  • Jedburgh Abbey
  • Tour of Edinburgh City
  • Tour of Glasgow City
  • Tour of Belfast City
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Irish Emigration Museum
  • Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour Map

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

  • 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

  • Roman Baths
  • Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
  • Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
  • Chatsworth House
  • Loch Lomond Cruise

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • 25 attractions

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

  • Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
  • St. Andrews Golf Club
  • Loch Ness cruise
  • Sheepdog Demo
  • Rock of Cashel

14 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

  • Trim Castle
  • Belfast Murals
  • Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
  • Bushmills Distillery
  • Derry City Walls
  • Lough Erne Cruise
  • Devenish Island
  • Jameson Distillery Midleton

10 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • 22 attractions

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

  • Dublin Airport
  • Clonmacnoise
  • Free time in Galway City
  • Free time in Cork City
  • Charles Fort
  • Irish National Stud
  • Traditional Farm Lunch

8 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

  • 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

  • Mikey Ryan's Bar
  • Killarney National Park
  • Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
  • Free time in Dublin City
  • St Patrick's Cathedral

6 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland Map

  • 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

  • Glendalough Monastic Site

Ancient Ireland Tour of Ireland Map

Ancient Ireland Tour

  • 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

  • Dublin Airport arrival
  • Waterford Crystal
  • Kilkenny Castle

 Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour Map

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

  • 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

  • Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
  • Edinburgh City tour
  • Dalwhinnie Distillery
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Isle of Skye
  • Glasgow City tour
  • Belfast City tour
  • Derry City tour
  • Dublin City tour

Deluxe Castle Tour of Ireland Map

Deluxe Castle Tour

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

  • Derry City Tour
  • Free time in Derry City

Historic Irish Castle Tour Map

  • 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

  • Pearse Lyons Distillery

Discover Northern Ireland Tour Map

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

  • 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

  • Derry City walking tour
  • Ulster American Folk Park

9 Day Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour Map

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

  • Cruise Loch Lomond
  • Clydeside Distillery Tour
  • Ferry to Belfast
  • Glenshane Country Farm
  • Giants Causeway
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Carlingford Lough Ferry
  • Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

  • 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

My Ireland Tour Logo

Useful Links:

  • My Ireland Tour Home
  • Ireland Tours
  • Ireland & Scotland Tours
  • Singles Tours of Ireland
  • Ireland Travel Guide
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sustainability Policy
  • Book a Tour

The World Was Here First

10 Tips for Planning a Trip to Scotland and Ireland

Last Updated on January 4, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

The rugged landscape and emerald green nature of the British Isles leave many travellers longing to jump on the next flight to explore these two fantastic countries. However, planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland takes a bit more preparation than simply booking a flight and packing a bag.

While these two countries are, on the whole, quite easy to travel in — especially if you’re an English-speaker — there are a number of things you need to be aware of when visiting the wild north of Great Britain and the Emerald Isle.

Before we left on our amazing road trips through the Scottish highlands and the west of Ireland , there are several things we wished we would have known. To help you avoid some of the mistakes that we made, we’ve compiled a handy list of ten helpful tips for your trip to the region!

Table of Contents

10 Tips for Travel in Scotland & Ireland

Though Scotland and Ireland are both highly developed Western countries, there are a few anomalies that can throw a wrench in your travel plans if you’re not adequately prepared.

It is also worth noting that, while the countries are quite similar, there are some suggestions in this list that apply more to one country over another.

1. Rent a car

While it is certainly possible to get around Scotland and Ireland while relying solely on public transport, the further out of the bigger towns you get the more difficult it will become.

If you don’t want to spend the majority of your days either on a bus or waiting for one, one of the biggest travel tips I could give is to hire a car. We recommend searching for cars on Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major companies.

While fuel prices can be steep, most cars have quite good mileage and both countries are fairly small, so you won’t have to fill up often. Hiring a car will definitely allow you to see the sites you want on your own terms and gives you a certain amount of freedom that the bus just doesn’t.

Glencoe in Scotland

It is worth noting that both countries drive on the left side of the road and it can take some getting used to if you’ve only ever driven on the right.

However, it isn’t too hard and many visitors manage to navigate the change without any incidents. If you’re looking for tips about driving in Ireland for tourists, make sure to tell the rental car company your qualms and they are sure to help you out.

It is also worth spending time in the car park to familiarise yourself with the car before hitting the road.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the majority of rental cars in Ireland and Scotland tend to have manual transmissions. If you are confident driving manually, hiring this kind of car can save you a fair amount of money per day.

There are fewer automatic transmission cars available and they, therefore, tend to be a bit more expensive. However, if you don’t drive a manual or are nervous about driving in Scotland or Ireland , then it might be better to rent an automatic.

Road on Achill Island

2. Wild Camp in Scotland

Camping has long been one of the saving graces for the budget-conscious traveller, with campsites coasting a fraction of the price of even the most discounted of hostel dorm beds.

However, in Scotland, while you can certainly drop some cash on a campsite plot, you don’t have to pay a thing if you choose to wild camp — and it’s perfectly legal almost everywhere.

Wild camping is both a really good way to offset the cost of a car hire and an excellent way to get away from it all and to enjoy the stunning natural scenery all to yourself. So, if you find a good spot, go ahead and pitch a tent and spend the night — this is one of the best Scotland travel tips I could give.

If you do choose to wild camp in Scotland, just make sure to do so safely and respectfully. Exercise leave no trace practices and make sure you leave your sleeping spot looking as if you were never there.

Make sure to camp away from main roads, as well, and be sure that it is legal to park your car where you are overnight. If you are unsure if you’re allowed to camp somewhere, a quick Google search for local laws should set you straight.

This tip applies only when planning a trip to Scotland as wild camping is illegal in Ireland. However, camping is still a popular money-saving option in Ireland , you just need to be at a proper campsite to do it.

As many people choose to camp in Ireland, there are hundreds of campsites throughout the country and they rarely cost more than about €10-15 per night. You also get the added benefit of shower facilities…which isn’t offered if you’re wild camping!

wild camping on the North Coast 500

3. Take advantage of petrol stations.

The Highlands of Scotland are the most sparsely populated area of the UK and larger towns become few and far between the farther north you venture. This is much the same once you get outside of the bigger cities and towns in Ireland.

This being said, I would recommend that you consider filling up your tank when you’re about half full as it can be a long time before you come across a petrol station.

No one wants to be stranded with an empty tank in the middle of nowhere, so make sure to take advantage of whatever stations you come across. You don’t know when the next one will come along.

Petrol prices can be high in this area of the world, especially if you’re visiting from the United States so that is something to keep in mind when figuring out a budget.

Beautiful Scottish countryside

4. It can take a while to travel short distances

One of the best travel tips to keep in mind while you’re road-tripping is that even though your destination might look fairly close by on the map, it can take a while to get there.

This is especially true in the more rural areas, but it can take close to three hours to travel just 60 miles. So make sure to plan accordingly and be realistic about how long it might take you to arrive at your destination.

The same goes when planning a trip to Ireland, especially if you decide to get off of the main motorway and enjoy the bucolic scenery of the smaller country roads.

We recommend getting off the big roads when visiting both Scotland and Ireland because it will help you find some hidden gems and see parts of the countries that few tourists ever even think to, but this can add to your travel time.

If you’re wondering how long it might take you to get somewhere, make sure to check out the travel times on Google Maps rather than just looking at the distance.

If your destination is 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, for instance, don’t expect it to take an hour to drive there as you might in the USA. It will likely take at least 2 hours to drive there.

Wild Atlantic Way Viewpoint @ Tullan Strand

5. The roads are narrow and full of sheep

One of the reasons it might take you a while to get from point A to point B while on a Scottish Highlands or Ireland road trip might be due to the narrow roads.

The farther away from the bigger towns you go, the roads get steadily narrower — to the point where there might only be one lane with passing places every 100 meters or so.

Another thing to know is that there often tend to be several sheep grazing on the side of these one-lane roads and they have little concern for oncoming traffic.

Michael and I spent about ten minutes at one point trying to get some sheep to move out of the middle of the road and had no success until someone came along and let his Border Collie chase them off.

Sheeps in Orkney

6. Be prepared for all weather

It is a well-known fact that this part of the world and rainy weather go hand in hand, so one of the best Scotland travel tips I can give is to make sure that you’re prepared to experience every season in one day.

The most valuable thing you can remember to pack when planning a trip is a waterproof/windproof jacket.

Even though a day might start out bright and sunny with not a cloud in the sky, it can turn at the flip of a switch and, without the proper clothing, you can end up getting completely soaked. So do yourself a favour and dress appropriately.

Glenveagh National Park

7. Make sure to book ahead during the high season

Gone are the days where you could just search for a vacancy sign the day of, or expect to find a table at the local pub without a reservation. No, if you’re planning a trip, especially in the high season of June to August you’re going to have to book ahead.

If you’re not planning on wild camping or cooking for yourself, you are going to need to have accommodation and dinner booked in advance.

8. Get off the main highways

If you’re going on a road trip make sure to get off of the main highways!

As I mentioned in tip 4, even though rural backroads might be windy, narrow, and full of sheep, they will also provide you with some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, with every turn giving way to a gorgeous vista.

The smaller roads are infinitely more scenic than the big motorways and will definitely make your Scotland or Ireland road trip all the more memorable.

Driving along the Sky Road in Connemara

9. Eat local seafood

While British and Irish food may come with several preconceived negative stereotypes, much of the UK and Ireland is actively trying to remedy this and food is much better today than it ever has been.

And absolutely nothing is comparable to the incredible seafood available all along the Scottish coast or the wonderful oysters and salmon available along Ireland’s wild Connemara region .

Though there are many chippies to be found and the battered and fried fish is out-of-this-world delicious, there are also fantastic restaurants where you can get beautifully prepared, freshly caught local seafood.

Ireland especially is having its own food revolution with many local chefs reimagining their local cuisine and giving it a modern twist.

While the city of Cork is most notable for starting this trend, many other Irish cities have followed suit and there are myriad Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the Emerald Isle.

Even if these restaurants lie a bit outside of your Ireland travel budget , there are some more affordable restaurants, especially in bigger towns and cities, that serve incredible Irish food that will knock your socks off.

Seafood Platter at Skerries Bistro

10. Drink (a lot of) whisk(e)y

Nowhere in the world can you find so much phenomenal whisky in such a small area. There are over 100 single malt whisky distilleries actively producing Scotland’s most popular export throughout the country and it would be a shame if you didn’t take this opportunity to tour at least one distillery and see how this wonderful spirit is made.

Ireland is no different and although Irish whiskey dropped in international popularity in the past couple of decades, it is seeing a massive resurgence. There are many fantastic whiskey distilleries throughout the country and it is very worth sampling Ireland’s famous firewater.

If touring a distillery bores you but you still love whisky, most pubs in Scotland and Ireland have impressive collections of Scotch or Irish whiskey at better prices than you could get anywhere in the world.

Head to a cosy pub with some live music and order a peaty dram of a fine single malt. That is a recipe for an unforgettable evening in the Scottish Highlands or Irish countryside.

The Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain

These ten tips will help you have the best trip possible in the British Isles! Make sure to take time to get off of the beaten path and enjoy all of the things that Scotland and Ireland have to offer — you won’t be disappointed!

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland? Have you been? Let us know in the comments!

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Related Posts:

Beautiful Killarney

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Killarney Itinerary

Beautiful Loch Lomond

Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

28 Best Stops on a London to Edinburgh Drive

Avatar photo

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Maggie: I appreciate your advice to rent a car and I agree. However, my wife and I are in our 80’s (I’m 88) and driving for us would be unwise. What advice do you have for us for a 10-14 trip to Ireland and Scotland? David

Hi David – if you’re unable to hire a car there are train and bus connections between major cities in Scotland and Ireland. If you want to venture somewhere a bit more rural, I suggest hopping on some organised day tours 🙂

Hi, Would you recommend exploring on your own or going on one of the many tours offered from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher? We are headed to Ireland in June and want to make the most of our time. Thanks, The Jacksons

It makes far more sense to do a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway city rather than Dublin. You can read about your options here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/cliffs-of-moher-day-trip/

I’m planning on a trip to Ireland and Scotland for 2023-24. What airline do you recommend and what do you think cost would be. I’m planning to visit on my own terms.

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Scotland and Ireland in 2022 to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Since we have not traveled abroad before, your website has given me an excellent place to start planning. My ancestral home is a little town called Methven and we would like to do a handfasting ceremony there, if possible. Any ideas on who to contact for something like that?

Hi Linn, thanks for your kind words and I’m happy that our website has proved helpful in planning your trip! Sounds like you’ve got quite the adventure in the works. Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about handfasting ceremonies so I can’t be of any help in that regard. I hope you’re able to find what you’re looking for!

Experiencing a trip to Scotland and Ireland is on “my bucket list”, and I’ve decided to not wait to be invited, so I’m making plans for myself, in two years. Hopefully the world will be back to normal by then! Thank you for the tips and I will be looking for other resources to help plan my future trip.

Glad we could help, Beth! Hope you’re able to plan an unforgettable trip 🙂

Can you give more tips on how to get affordable yet amazing accommodations throughout a 20 day trip to Ireland. After reading your article, might add Scotland. Family of 4 (2 teens). Thanks!

Hi Teresa! I would recommend having a look at booking.com or Airbnb in order to find accommodation that would suit your family’s particular needs.

Hi Hugo. Not sure with the pandemic if you went to Scotland yet. But my husband and I are also looking into a trip to both Scotland and Ireland. We are also from South Africa and are thinking of going next year in September if all goes well. Have you had any luck with the Campervan idea? That sounds kinda brilliant. Thanks for the tips Maggie will definitely use them.

We are planning a Scotland Ireland trip and want to do it with Campervans. We are from South Africa and have never been to these two countries. do you have a prevered company that we can contact for these campervans to rent?

Thanks for your comment, Hugo! Unfortunately, we don’t have a specific campervan company to recommend as we haven’t done this mode of travel before. Scotland and Ireland are the perfect place for it, though!

I’ve physically never been to Ireland or Scotland but my soul has,for sure, and it has been pulling and haunting me to go for some time now!! I’m starting to plan a trip to mark and celebrate turning 50 in my life and I am so glad I came across your site to help me with the planning process where I’m looking to do a more ‘out of the box’ type trip instead of a more typical, traditional,touristy type visit. Thank you for sharing your experiences,suggestions and tips!!!

Thanks for your comment, Janeen! I’m glad you’ve found our website helpful for planning your trip. Scotland and Ireland ar both beautiful countries with so much to offer travellers and I hope you have an amazing time exploring 🙂 If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact

Planning a road trip around Scotland and Ireland in September. First time visiting, thank for the info.

Great tips! I have been to Ireland 2 years ago and now I’m planning a 3 week trip in Scotland and Ireland. I will definitely use your tips, thank you a lot for sharing.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Cliffs of Moher in Shannon, Ireland

Subscribe to Brendan & get a $50 Travel Credit*

By checking you agree to our website Terms and Conditions  and Privacy Policy .

Cookie Policy  This website uses cookies. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our website’s functionality and performance and better experience for our users. If you require more information please view our cookie policy.

or call your travel agent

  • Travel Agent Login

Ireland & Scotland Vacations

Start your celtic story here.

The Emerald Isles... View Vacation

On street dancing Ireland

Seasonal Travel Sale

Discover deals on our collection of Celtic vacations, including savings on popular September travel dates.

New Deals on September Travel

Image of an itinerary

Best of Ireland Summer 2024

Image of an itinerary

Ireland's Heart & Soul

Image of an itinerary

Irish Encounter

Image of an itinerary

Tastes and Thrills of Ireland

Places to explore.

Ireland and Scotland Pin Drop

Northern Ireland

All Celtic Destinations

Or Build Your Own Vacation

What to do in Ireland and Scotland

Unique Activities

There’s something for everyone, to fit every trip. Find unique experiences you’ll never forget, making memories you’ll always treasure.

Where to stay in Ireland and Scotland

Exceptional Properties

Every property is personally vetted for excellence by our team, and we maintain positive and ongoing relationships with each location for the benefit of both guests and proprietors.

What's Your Travel Story?

Ireland and Scotland Luxury Vacations

An Exquisite Experience

For those who seek exclusive experiences, our luxury bookings offer the finest activities, food and accommodations.

Ireland and Scotland Family Vacations

A Family Adventure

Family is important and every size, structure, and combination travels differently. That’s why we create unique travel for yours so that everyone can be in on the fun.

Ireland and Scotland Romantic Getaways

A Love Story

Love stories are made of many chapters, and there’s always room for a flourish. No greater place than the land of the fae to enrich your fairy-tale romance.

Ireland and Scotland Travel Blog

Ireland & Scotland Travel Blog

For everything you want to know about visiting the Celtic Isles, including the best things to do in Ireland and Scotland, read on.

We are experiencing periods of high call volumes with longer than usual wait times. Please allow up to 24 hours for a callback during regular business hours. Save time and book online under the Tour Dates & Pricing section of your desired tour!

  • Tour Overview
  • Tour Highlights

Tour Dates & Pricing

Day itinerary, departure cities.

Choose Your Departure Year:

Discover the gorgeous scenery, interesting folklore, and friendly people of Scotland & Northern Ireland. We begin our adventure with a tour of Glasgow, Scotland’s most vibrant city, before traveling to Edinburgh with time in medieval Old Town, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a visit to Inverary Castle and a picturesque Loch Lomond cruise, then take an impressive Superferry ride to Northern Ireland, where we begin exploring Belfast’s top sights, including the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum. Soak up breathtaking coastal views during our journey to the geological wonder of Giant’s Causeway and uncover rich history in the walled city of Derry. We also stroll through the castle gardens in Glenveagh National Park, learn how whiskey is made, and observe the skilled craftsmanship at Belleek Pottery. Our tour concludes with an immersive Irish experience at Taylors Three Rock dinner and show, featuring traditional cuisine, music, and dancing.

The Holiday Advantage

Active

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

EACC

Additional Tour Information

Your holiday vacations experience includes:, all accommodations featuring.

  • 3 nights at the Clayton Hotel in Glasgow
  • 2 nights at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast
  • 1 night in Letterkenny
  • 1 night at Mill Park Hotel in Donegal
  • 2 nights in the Dublin area

Attractions & Highlights

  • Glasgow guided city tour
  • Edinburgh Castle and guided city tour
  • The Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Inveraray Castle
  • Loch Lomond Cruise & the Highlands
  • Cairnryan Port Superferry to Belfast
  • Belfast guided tour
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Derry Walls walking tour
  • Glenveagh National Park
  • Crolly Distillery tour & tasting
  • Belleek Pottery tour
  • Taylors Three Rock Dinner & Show
  • Dublin guided tour

14 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Welcome Dinner
  • Farewell Dinner

May 7, 2024 - May 17, 2024

Price Per Person

Final Payment Date: 02/02/2024

May 21, 2024 - May 31, 2024

Final Payment Date: 02/16/2024

May 28, 2024 - June 7, 2024

Final Payment Date: 02/23/2024

June 4, 2024 - June 14, 2024

Final Payment Date: 03/01/2024

June 11, 2024 - June 21, 2024

Final Payment Date: 03/08/2024

June 25, 2024 - July 5, 2024

Final Payment Date: 03/22/2024

July 16, 2024 - July 26, 2024

Final Payment Date: 04/12/2024

July 23, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Final Payment Date: 04/19/2024

August 27, 2024 - September 6, 2024

Final Payment Date: 05/24/2024

September 3, 2024 - September 13, 2024

Final Payment Date: 05/31/2024

September 10, 2024 - September 20, 2024

Final Payment Date: 06/07/2024

October 1, 2024 - October 11, 2024

Final Payment Date: 06/28/2024

Day 1 : Scotland Bound

We begin with an overnight flight across the pond.

Day 2 : Glasgow

This morning we arrive in Scotland and begin our adventures with a guided tour of Scotland’s largest and most colorful city, Glasgow. Later, we settle into our accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know our fellow traveling companions over a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht Britannia

After breakfast we visit imposing Edinburgh Castle, which towers high above the city on Castle Rock. Watch storied history unfold before your eyes as we explore this fortress, once one of the most important military strongholds in the country. We then enjoy a city tour with our Blue Badge Guide, featuring Georgian New Town and medieval Old Town. Our day concludes with stepping aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, which has sailed more than one million miles around the world and served as a vacation home to the royal family for over 40 years. Later, we return to our accommodations in Glasgow.

Day 4 : Inveraray Castle & Loch Lomond

Today we leave the bustle of Glasgow for the scenic splendor of Inveraray. Our sightseeing begins with Inveraray Castle, seat of the Campbell Clan. This sprawling fortress overlooks beautiful Loch Fyne and is nestled among majestic gardens. After an included lunch, we cruise the country’s most picturesque waterway, Loch Lomond, and enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Highlands.

Day 5 : Ferry to Belfast

We bid goodbye to Scotland this morning and board the impressive Cairnryan Superferry for a pleasant trip to Northern Ireland. Take in scenic views of the North Sea as we cross the Irish Sea to Belfast. Explore Belfast during a city tour before we check in to our hotel.

Day 6 : Titanic Belfast

We explore Titanic Belfast, a museum commemorating the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship. Built to resemble the doomed vessel, it extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at one of Belfast’s oldest and largest pubs, Robinsons Bar & Bistro.

Day 7 : Giant’s Causeway

We receive our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning and discover the beauty of Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique geological wonder offers unrivaled landscapes and surreal views. This afternoon, we arrive in the walled city of Derry. Learn about the area’s rich history during a walking tour of the city walls, including views of its iconic Guildhall. We overnight in Letterkenny, also known as “the Cathedral Town,” a bonny metro in the northern region of Ireland that started as a market town in the 17th century.

Day 8 : Glenveagh National Park & Donegal

Our morning begins with a drive to Glenveagh National Park, perfectly located among the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. Enjoy exploring one of Ireland’s most beautiful vistas as you stroll through the castle gardens along Lough Veagh, a serene lake, and watch various birds soar up above. Next, we stop at the Crolly Distillery in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland where Gaelic is spoken. Here, we learn how whiskey is made and have an opportunity to taste “the water of life!” Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us back to our accommodations in Donegal for a wonderful dinner.

Day 9 : Belleek Pottery

Today we observe skilled craftsmanship at work during our guided tour of Belleek Pottery. Watch as they demonstrate how to delicately sculpt and hand paint the world-renowned pottery, then take time to explore the visitor center. This evening, we check in to our hotel in the Dublin area before experiencing Irish Night at Taylors Three Rock Dinner and Show, complete with delicious food, great music, and award-winning dancing.

Day 10 : Dublin

Discover Dublin’s best attractions this morning on a guided tour. View Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, Ha’penny Bridge, and visit the National Museum of Ireland. This afternoon, we’re free to explore Dublin on our own before gathering this evening at a wonderful Farewell Meal to celebrate our adventures.

Day 11 : Fly Home

Airport Pickups

Choose a State:

Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport

Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport

Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport

Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport

Orange County - John Wayne Airport

San Diego - San Diego International Airport

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport

Denver - Denver International Airport

Hartford - Bradley International Airport

Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport

Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport

Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport

Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport

Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport

Miami - Miami International Airport

Orlando - Orlando International Airport

Tallahassee - Tallahassee International Airport

Tampa - Tampa International Airport

West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport

Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Cedar Rapids - Eastern Iowa Airport

Des Moines - Des Moines International Airport

Boise - Boise Airport

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport

Moline - Quad City International Airport

Evansville - Evansville Regional Airport

Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport

Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport

South Bend - South Bend International Airport

Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lexington - Blue Grass Airport

Louisville - Louisville International Airport

Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Lafayette - Lafayette Regional Airport

New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport

Boston - Boston Logan International Airport

Baltimore - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Saginaw - MBS International Airport

Duluth - Duluth International Airport

Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport

Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport

St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Gulfport - Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport

Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport

Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport

Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Bismarck - Bismarck Airport

Fargo - Hector International Airport

Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport

Omaha - Eppley Airfield

Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport

Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Albany - Albany International Airport

Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport

New York - Kennedy International Airport

New York - La Guardia Airport

Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Dayton - Dayton International Airport

Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport

Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport

Portland - Portland International Airport

Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport

Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport

Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport

Charleston - Charleston International Airport

Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport

Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport

Memphis - Memphis International Airport

Nashville - Nashville International Airport

Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport

Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport

Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport

Richmond - Richmond International Airport

Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane - Spokane International Airport

Appleton - Appleton International Airport

Baldwin - Groome Transportation

Eau Claire - Groome Transportation

Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport

Hudson - Groome Transportation

Madison - Dane County Regional Airport

Menomonie - Groome Transportation

Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Charleston - Yeager Airport

Scotland & Northern Ireland

  • Ports of Call:

Stories from Europe, Africa & the Middle East

Activity levels.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Cosmos | Affordable Touring

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

cities & locations

The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).

Ruins of Dunluce Castle on the coastal cliffs in County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Ireland & Scotland Tours

  • Featured Tours

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1540  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Celtic legends, mystical landscapes, medieval castles, and local traditions await you in these enchanting Atlantic isles. Cozy taverns allow you to move at a slower pace, and stunning coastlines will stop you in your tracks. Zicasso’s Ireland and Scotland tours will demonstrate the poetic grandeur these countries have to offer.

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highland, United Kingdom

16  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $7,275

Ireland and Scotland are proudly different countries of sublime landscapes and ongoing tradition. Handcrafted to celebrate the best of both, this private 16-day tour takes in all the famous experiences – like Dublin, Giant’s Causeway, Highland dancing, Loch Ness and Edinburgh – plus all those secrets and cultural memoirs found in between. Click here to learn more about Ireland and Scotland tours on Zicasso.

Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness in Scotland

12  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,455

Mysteries and movie moments cover Ireland and Scotland; the Hogwarts Express, Loch Ness Monster, Blarney Stone, a James Bond castle, and stories from Titanic. These two countries are dominated by landscapes and legend, with something to excite all ages. Handcrafted for curious families, this tour balances the best of Scotland and Ireland for contrasting ages, creating a journey to the heart of the mysteries. Think culture, castles, and all the unusual history.

View of the city of Edinburgh from Carlton Hill, Scotland

When in Ireland and Scotland, go whiskey tasting, loch cruising, castle climbing, and blow bagpipes. Then go Guinness tasting, Gaelic storytelling, folk dancing, and walk the cliffs. Over 12 days this handcrafted tour is filled with iconic local experiences, from hiking in the Highlands to sheepdogs, St. Patrick, St. Andrews and folk dancing. It’s through experiences that you appreciate the charms and contrasts of these two wonderfully welcoming countries. Begin planning your dream vacation by visiting the best Ireland and Scotland itineraries page on Zicasso.

Luxury Scotland Tour: Highlands, Castles, and Lochs

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $4,090

The picturesque beauty of Edinburgh comes second to the natural grandeur of the Highlands and unique fairytale scenery of the Isle of Skye during your luxury Scotland tour. The country has inspired magical stories and freedom fighters, archeological discoveries and elegant architecture spreading from cities to towns, villages to remote woodlands. Relish a chance to enjoy the opulence of Scotland’s iconic accommodations on an intimate group excursion highlighting the proud history and distinctive culture personified in the secluded castles, majestic lakes, and welcoming villages making your tour of Scotland tailored to your tastes.

Powerscourt House and Lake in County Wicklow, Ireland

13  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,910

Exclusive and enchanting, this handcrafted tour explores the finest highlights of two Celtic nations. Private and flexible, it mixes urban and rural highlights, starting with several nights in an Irish castle. Discover Dublin, explore Edinburgh, then bask in the beauty of rural Scotland. Think fjords, abbeys, coastlines, royal legacies, famous distilleries, taking a stroll past karsts and glens. This is a relaxed tour tailored for senior travelers. Visit the Ireland and Scotland tours page on Zicasso for more travel ideas.

Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

Dynamic pricing from  $12,475

This custom tour presents a royal journey through Scotland and Ireland, including two nights in a private castle on a private island. Enjoy gourmet dinners in elegant castles, helicopter tours above iconic coastlines, lunch on the Queen’s yacht, and tasting with the distillers. Handcrafted to deliver opulence and exclusive experiences, it’s a tour defined by the details and a chance to see these countries from your very own angles. For further inspiration, consider browsing our other Ireland and Scotland tours on Zicasso.

Why Travelers Choose Us

Benefits of Using Zicasso

Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Ireland

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $6,365

Travel some of the greatest motorcycling roads in the world on your 14-day Scotland and Ireland tour. These countries are all about the journey, not just the destination. You can expect to see dramatic coastlines, castle-studded highlands, and rolling valleys of improbable greens, winding around lochs to villages from yesteryear. The wondrous wealth of landscapes is packed tightly together and the roads are quiet on your ultimate motorbike tour.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.79 stars based on 89 reviews.

Reviewed By  Cheryl G.

Reviewed By  Linda T.

Reviewed By  Eileen W.

Reviewed By  caroline a.

Reviewed By  Bert M.

Reviewed By  Joaquin S.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  • Sign Up For Emails
  • Get A Free Brochure

Home

  • All Destinations
  • England & Wales
  • Multi-Destination
  • All Travel Types

​Guided Tours

  • Guided Small Groups

Group Travel

Custom private driver, independent adventures.

  • 2025 Early Bird Discount
  • Last Minute Deals
  • 2025 Tours Available
  • Repeat Guest Savings
  • Group Discount
  • Solo Travel
  • Honoring Heroes
  • All Travel Deals & Promotions
  • The CIE Tours Difference
  • CIE Tours Travel Blog
  • Guest Reviews
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Health & Safety

Search Icon

  • Select Month
  • August 2024
  • September 2024
  • October 2024
  • November 2024
  • December 2024
  • January 2025
  • February 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • November 2025
  • December 2025

Last Minute Deals - Travel Soon, Save Big!

Banner Offer Arrow

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

​Our Popular Tours

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Scottish & Irish Sampler

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Jewels of Ireland

Canterbury Cathedral

London Daytripper

Galway Violinist

Evergreen Ireland North

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Scottish Daytripper

CIE Tours Difference

Travel your way with CIE Tours

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Experience the best destinations with our friendly tour guides and luxury coaches.

Our self-drive options put you in the driver’s seat —choose to follow one of our pre-set routes or make your own plan.

Gather a group of friends and family for an unforgettable tour.

Let us design your dream vacation complete with an expert guide and your own private car.

See how our guests rate us

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Why travel with us

We go above and beyond to help ensure your trip is just as amazing as you've envisioned. Some of the big (and small) ways we make your vacation special:

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Incredible Itineraries

Our vacations balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own. 

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

All-inclusive Pricing

Our all-in inclusive advantage means everything on your itinerary is included in one up-front price, including sightseeing and many meals.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Carefree Touring

We're with you every step of the way, mapping out the logistics so you can enjoy the experience.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Explore our FAQ

Get answers to the most-asked questions about traveling to Europe with CIE Tours.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Enjoy award-winning experiences on every tour

CIE Tours' Awards of Excellence honor attractions and hotels that score the most praise from our guests.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

Get a free brochure

Discover the perfect destination for your next trip in the CIE Tours brochure.

See why guests love CIE Tours

People at the Blarney Castle

Our trip was everything I thought it could be and more. CIE was wonderful to work with, and I tell everyone to check them out. Thank you, CIE, for the trip of a lifetime. 

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

CIE Tours treated us as if we were their first and only customer!! Highly recommend—if you are contemplating going to Ireland, give them a call.

Explore our destinations

  • Blarney Castle
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Brú na Boinne Visitor Center
  • Ring of Kerry

Pubs are about more than just Irish beer and whiskey—people come to enjoy music, laughs, and the legendary Irish wit.

  • Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Isle of Skye
  • Blair Athol Distillery
  • Glencoe Mountains
  • Loch Lomond
  • Edinburgh Castle

Head off the beaten path to see the treasures on Scotland's rugged islands on Scottish Isles & Glens

  • Tower of London
  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Cardiff Castle
  • Lake District
  • Canterbury Cathedral
  • Cavern Club
  • Windsor Castle

See castles and cathedrals, Oxford and Cambridge, the Lake District and Liverpool as you circle England on the English Odyssey.

  • Roman Forum
  • Isle of Capri
  • Venice Gondola Ride
  • Sistine Chapel

Every region in Italy has their own unique way to enjoy pasta—and there are more than 600 different pasta shapes to try.

  • Blue Lagoon
  • Golden Circle
  • Reynisfjara Beach
  • Skaftafell National Park
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Northern Lights
  • Lava Center
  • Secret Lagoon
  • Strokkur Geysir

Blame the Vikings for the lack of trees in Iceland's stunning landscapes. They deforested much of the country when they arrived here in the 700s.

  • Trinity College
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Trafalgar Square
  • York Minster
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Waterford Crystal

The McCarthy family built the legendary Blarney castle, with its stone that gives those who kiss it the gift of eloquence.

trip to ireland and scotland 2023

How can we help you?

Costco Travel US homepage

  • Help Center
  • 1-866-921-7925

United States

Start Searching

  • Packages  
  • Hotels  
  • Cruises  
  • Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Vacation Packages

Discover ireland, discover ireland’s historic folklore, dramatic coastlines, buzzing urban hubs, scenery in every shade of green and, of course, that oh-so-tasty guinness..

Whether you’re on a romantic vacation, a family trip or a holiday with friends, the Celtic spirit of Ireland will embrace you from the moment you arrive. The lyrical accent, the legendary Blarney Stone and the lively atmosphere of the pubs are just a hint of Ireland’s magic.

  • East Ireland
  • West Ireland
  • Netherlands

Featured Deals

Dylan hotel: long stay promotion.

Daily Breakfast Private Ground Transportation from Airport to Hotel and Return

Taste of Ireland: Your Way Package

Dublin, Killarney and West Ireland Daily Breakfast, Self-Drive Countryside

East Ireland Explorer

Daily Breakfast Choice of Accommodations

Ireland: Your Way Package

Dublin, Killarney and Galway Daily Breakfast Self-Drive Countryside

London, Edinburgh and Dublin: Your Way

Daily Breakfast $400 London Tour Credit Executive Member Benefit at Select Hotels

Edinburgh and Dublin: Your Way

Daily Breakfast

Dublin: Your Way Package

Daily Irish Breakfast

Dublin and East Ireland: Your Way

Daily Breakfast 4-Day Rental Car

Dublin and London: Your Way

More about ireland.

To the west of Great Britain, the enchanting emerald green landscapes, meandering rivers, and rugged cliffs create the serene beauty that is Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle. On the east coast, Irish folklore and legends come to life in cozy pubs where warm hospitality and traditional music combine to create an authentic Irish experience in the vibrant capital, Dublin. In the harbor city of Galway on the west coast, the Salthill promenade leads to popular beaches, and in town, you'll find eateries, nightclubs, and theaters as you wander through the cobblestone streets. Situated on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, Killarney is a popular gateway to The Ring of Kerry, a scenic southwest drive that makes its way around the Iveragh Peninsula through coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. With a history steeped in Celtic traditions, and marked by sites such as abbeys, castles, and monuments, from the East to the West, Ireland invites visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth of its culture and explore its magical landscapes.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Before You Go

  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
  • December through February: 46° to 46° (Winter)
  • March through May: 48° to 57° (Spring)
  • June through August: 60° to 64° (Summer)
  • September through November: 60° to 49° (Autumn)

Explore More Travel

Europe by land or sea.

Choose from Vacation Packages or Cruises

Experience Culture, Cuisine and History

Last-Minute Summer Travel

It's Not Too Late To Book!

Member Value in Every Package

Rental Car Savings

Book Now, Pay at the Counter

No Cancellation Fees

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Summer 2024 Tours & Vacation Packages Ireland and Scotland

24 ireland and scotland vacation packages in june, july and august.

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland (11 Days) Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Coach / Bus
  • Sightseeing

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland (11 Days)

This is the best way to see Irelamd and Scotland. Trafager handles everything and Travel Diector , Rose Brown is the best. She makes the tour special for each participant and handles the tour like she is doing it for the first time. I have a degree in Environmental Interpretation and 40 years of experience and I have never seen a person handle public education opportunity better than Rose. She is a treasure and Trafager is fortunate to have her on their staff.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days) Tour

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

A wonderful way to see a lot of both Ireland and Scotland. Many great experiences!

Scotland and Ireland with London Tour

Scotland and Ireland with London

Loved the chosen sites, met great people, had clean hotels and good free breakfasts! Communication during the tour between the tour and travelers, especially in relation to leaving/arriving details and posting places within the hotels caused problems multiple times. We lost time that could have been spent at our destinations. Knowing beforehand that our tour guides would not be native English speakers would have been verfy helpful to those of us who struggle with understanding unfamiliar accents. Having written daily details would have solved that problem.

Celtic Twist Tour

Celtic Twist

England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin Tour

England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin

Our tour was London, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, London. This was a bi-lingual tour with emphasis on Spanish - we are bi-lingual so not that much of a bother but non-Spanish speaking tourists would likely not enjoy this aspect. The English of the guides varied widely with the London guide Richard being beautifully fluent and knowledgeable in both languages. It's important to understand you will have multiple guides. We walked an average of 7 miles a day and covered nearly 1,500 miles by luxury coach. This kind of travel can be exhausting if you are not prepared. The first two days the buses arrived 2 hours late due to the Rail Strike in London. Now for the upside: The tour guides were great and kept everything on-task. They knew the areas pretty well and they were accommodating despite their challenged English. The hotels were way better than expected and included excellent breakfasts with lots of options - I would say 3.5 to 4.0 stars. Yes UK hotels can be quirky - like you might not have a huge bed and the shower faucet make take some time to figure out but they were excellently located. I cannot say enough about the general courtesy and service of the UK citizens - they generally put the USA to shame. From servers to museum guides everyone seemed genuinely happy to be working and accommodating of tourists. The food everywhere we went was great and well priced -- more affordable than expected. Still hard to find Coke on ice though! haha. The tour itself was comprehensive and the stops were breathtaking. The two ferry trips were a blast -- these are really mini-cruise ships. We came home exhausted but completely satisfied. We saw attractions we would have never seen like Alnwick and Caerfornan castles on our own that were incredible. Being able to stop in Liverpool was a real highlight and we paid on our own to do the Beatles sites and it was well worth it. (So was the Beatles museum). We would likely use Europamundo again, even if it was bi-lingual because they were so efficient and a great value.

Celtic Highlights Tour

Celtic Highlights

Excellent guides and wonderful sites to visit! They know where to go and what to see!

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups, 14 Days) Tour

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups, 14 Days)

The tour itinerary was full allowing a broad experience to be gleaned from both Ireland and Scotland respectively. The quality of the travel, hotels and experiences were a complete delight to share with the whole group. We gelled as a group and this made the excursion thoroughly enjoyable, despite the wet weather! Our driver was exemplary which made for safe and enjoyable travel on the coach throughout. Our tour guide was highly knowledgeable and experienced which added plentifully to the daily tours. A very enjoyable tour, highly recommended.

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days) Tour

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

We really enjoyed our trip The Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days) with Trafalgar. The Travel Director was excellent, lots of knowledge of local history as well as overall in Ireland & Scotland. The Drivers were great, the Local Specialist were excellent as well. We know this going into the trip but the amount of time on the Coach was a lot. We will consider that in future trips. Overall we had an excellent experience!

Ireland & Scotland Tour

Ireland & Scotland

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

Great trip. Worthwhile.

Taste of Scotland & Ireland - 10 Days/9 Nights Tour

Taste of Scotland & Ireland - 10 Days/9 Nights

tour was good. But I was very upset with the fact that I was lied to about the Edinburgh Military Tattoo being included in m y tour., All some one with your company or CIE needed to do was tell me when I ask 3 different times to be sure I would see it and was told that I would, that I would need to take a later tour I would of have been happy to do so.

Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights Tour

Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights

Took a small bus tour with 7 family and friends to Scotland and Ireland. I prefer not to do bus tours, but with a larger group, I think we made the right call with the small bus experience. You do change tour guides and some of the group leaves and others join you as the tour leaves Scotland for Ireland. The pace was about right with stops at least every 2 hours on long drives and we had plenty of free time in most cities. The sites and activities were well planned out. Tour directors are friendly and knowledgeable, but were not CIE employees, they are contracted out from other companies. Most of the tours will be self-guided, and while you stay in very nice hotels, as a tour group it can be hit or miss on the room you get (most of the time you do not get a view). Breakfast and dinners can be a bit redundant with choices, but quality was good. Clayton hotel in Dublin is more convenient for airport not tor touring downtown, so if you stay an extra day you may want to switch from this hotel to better enjoy the city. Overall, I found the tour to be good value for the money and would recommend to those not comfortable to travel alone or for larger groups traveling together.

Celtic Connections Self-Drive Tour

Celtic Connections Self-Drive

This is the second trip with Indus 1st trip a self drive tour our itinerary was excellent - hotels were great we had a fabulous trip 2nd trip Egypt and dubai - our guide Ramy made our trip so informative , interesting and fun- he knew each one of our names that was impressive - our hotels were excellent the cruise on the Nile was like a dream loved every minute of our tour - definitely recommend people to take this tour

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK

Scottish Isles: Historic Trails & Wilderness Tour

  • Ocean Cruise

Scottish Isles: Historic Trails & Wilderness

What people love about ireland and scotland tours in summer.

The tour was interesting and great. The guides were good and explain the places well. The scenery was beautiful.
Greg and Arther did and excellent job above and beyond great knowledge of all the history and culture made everyone feel so welcome

Destinations

  • Ireland Summer 2024 (227)
  • Scotland Summer 2024 (160)
  • June 2024 (23)
  • July 2024 (22)
  • August 2024 (20)

More Departures

  • Spring 2024 tours (12)
  • Fall / Autumn 2024 tours (21)
  • Winter 2024 / 2025 tours (1)
  • Spring 2025 tours (16)
  • Summer 2025 tours (16)
  • Fall / Autumn 2025 tours (16)
  • Winter 2025 / 2026 tours (1)

IMAGES

  1. Best of Ireland & Scotland Tour 2023

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  2. This is the Perfect Ireland Itinerary for the First Time Visitor Who

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  3. England, Ireland & Scotland 2023

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  4. How to Plan The Best Trip to Ireland & Scotland! [2023]

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  5. Ireland and Scotland

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

  6. CIE Taste Of Scotland & Ireland Tour

    trip to ireland and scotland 2023

VIDEO

  1. We Spent 24 Hours on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

  2. Ireland vs Scotland

  3. Scotland & Ireland Tour 2023

  4. a trip to belfast!

  5. Ireland

  6. Ireland road trip day two 🇮🇪 #travel #solotravel #ireland #roadtrip

COMMENTS

  1. Ireland and Scotland Tours & Trips 2024/2025

    Anne-Marie Deppeler 24 Apr, 2024. 5. Guides were great and the tour was an excellent way to see lots of places in a short amount of time. England, Scotland and Ireland end Dublin. John Borchardt 24 Oct, 2023. 4. Our guide Michelle was excellent. The city sightseeing tours on the bus were a waste of time.

  2. The Perfect Scotland and Ireland Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrive in Dublin. Day 2: Explore Dublin. Day 3 & 4: Take an overnight Trip to the West of Ireland. Day 5: Wicklow Mountains. Day 6 & 7: Northern Ireland and back to Dublin. Scotland. Days 1-2: Explore Edinburgh. Day 3: Scottish Highlands. Days 4-6: Isle of Skye.

  3. Best of Ireland & Scotland Tour 2024

    Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of family of companies. #SimplyTrafalgar. Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH. Book your 2024 Scotland and Ireland tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold and flexible changes. Explore the best of Ireland and Scotland with Trafalgar.

  4. AAA Vacations

    Travel to see the very best of Ireland and Scotland, from delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you'll be sharing tales from Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come. ... 2023 travel date. International airfare is additional. ...

  5. Ireland and Scotland Tours, Trips, and Travel Packages

    Exploring Scotland & Ireland. View Dates Book Now. Request A Quote. 13 DAYS. From $3,799. $3,599 pp*. Save up to $200. *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

  6. Best of Ireland & Scotland Guided Tour

    Explore Northern Ireland & Ireland alongside Scotland's Gaelic Grandeur on This 2-Week Guided Tour. Experience centuries of rich Gaelic history as you take High-Tea at the Ardgowan Estate near Glasgow and see the Queen's residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Glencoe offers a glimpse of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis ...

  7. Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days) by Insight Vacations with

    Start in Dublin and end in Edinburgh! With the In-depth Cultural tour Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days), you have a 14 days tour package taking you through Dublin, Ireland and 23 other destinations in Europe. Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days) includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport ...

  8. Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

    With the In-depth Cultural tour Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days), you have a 15 days tour package taking you through Dublin, Ireland and 19 other destinations in Europe. Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days) includes accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport and more. Expand All.

  9. Taste of Scotland & Ireland

    The perfect combination of two great countries in one itinerary. Start in Glasgow before exploring the Scottish Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and whisky tasting. Visit St Andrews and Edinburgh, take a quick ferry ride to Ireland and get to know the southern part of Ireland, including Dublin, Blarney, Killarney and the Cliffs of Moher.

  10. 2023 Ireland & Scotland Celtic Crossing with Sherri Brake

    Price is estimated until hotels, admissions, meals and transportation including any fuel surcharges can be finalized.. Deposit is fully refundable until August 30, 2022 for early our bird registrations. After August 30, 2022 deposit is refundable except for $100 registration fee until May 1, 2023. After May 1, 2023, all payments are non-refundable.

  11. Ireland and Scotland Tours [14 Days]

    October 2023 Scotland Ireland Tour Words cannot do justice to Pat who was our driver and guide, or to the wonderful new friends we made on this 13 day tour. Pat was a wealth of knowledge and saw to our every need. ... Our Scotland and Ireland trip was a trip everyone should have on their bucket list. Amazing and welcoming people throughout the ...

  12. 10 Tips for Planning a Trip to Scotland and Ireland

    It will likely take at least 2 hours to drive there. Wild Atlantic Way Viewpoint @ Tullan Strand. 5. The roads are narrow and full of sheep. One of the reasons it might take you a while to get from point A to point B while on a Scottish Highlands or Ireland road trip might be due to the narrow roads.

  13. Ultimate Scotland & Ireland Road Trip

    This 14-day road trip takes you across the enchanting landscapes of Scotland and Ireland. Start in the historic city of Edinburgh, and journey across the country from Cairngorms National Park to the mystical Isle of Skye. Then fly over to Dublin, where you'll drive south to lap the Ring of Kerry. With two weeks to spare, you can tick off castles, whisky tasting, hikes, wildlife cruises, and ...

  14. Ireland & Scotland Travel I Ireland & Scotland Vacations

    Ireland & Scotland Travel Blog. For everything you want to know about visiting the Celtic Isles, including the best things to do in Ireland and Scotland, read on. Experience the best of Ireland & Scotland travel - historic cities, famous countryside & unforgettable experiences offered to you by Brendan Vacations.

  15. Scotland & Northern Ireland

    Discover the gorgeous scenery, interesting folklore, and friendly people of Scotland & Northern Ireland. We begin our adventure with a tour of Glasgow, Scotland's most vibrant city, before traveling to Edinburgh with time in medieval Old Town, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a visit to Inverary Castle and a picturesque ...

  16. Ireland and Scotland Tours

    BELFAST-ALLOWAY, SCOTLAND-GLASGOW. Enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital city of Northern Ireland before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan. On your way to Glasgow, stop in Alloway, the birthplace of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Today's Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km.

  17. Best Ireland & Scotland Tours 2024-2025

    Ireland and Scotland are proudly different countries of sublime landscapes and ongoing tradition. Handcrafted to celebrate the best of both, this private 16-day tour takes in all the famous experiences - like Dublin, Giant's Causeway, Highland dancing, Loch Ness and Edinburgh - plus all those secrets and cultural memoirs found in between.

  18. Ireland, Scotland, UK All Inclusive Vacations & Tours

    Discover European tour packages to top destinations, including Ireland, Scotland, England, Iceland, Italy, and European cruises. Ireland, Scotland, UK All Inclusive Vacations & Tours | CIE Tours For a limited time, save up to $1,000 per person on Private Driver vacations!

  19. Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

    Highlights of Ireland & Scotland, a 12 days tour from Dublin to Kilkenny, Waterford and 22 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. APRIL SALE: Book now and get up to 60% off! Ends on 1 May, 2024 ... Trip date: September 2023. Review collected by Cosmos. A.

  20. Ireland Vacation Packages

    Whether you're on a romantic vacation, a family trip or a holiday with friends, the Celtic spirit of Ireland will embrace you from the moment you arrive. The lyrical accent, the legendary Blarney Stone and the lively atmosphere of the pubs are just a hint of Ireland's magic. Dublin. East Ireland. Galway.

  21. AAA Vacations

    From history-filled Dublin to the rolling green hills and dramatic coast, experience Ireland's charms on a journey through the Emerald Isle. Choose how you explore the city of Dublin. Kiss the Blarney Stone at historic Blarney Castle. See Killarney from an Irish jaunting car and pick from a selection of the best restaurants in town with our "Diner's Choice" program. Experience the world-famous ...

  22. Ireland Tours & Vacations 2024 & 2025

    Best of Ireland in 14 Days Tour. 2024. Rick Steves' Best of Ireland tour kicks off with the best of Dublin, followed by Ireland's must-see historical sites, charming towns, music-filled pubs, and seaside getaways — includin... Read more. $4,495 to $4,995 + Air.

  23. The Best of Scotland and Ireland

    The Best of Scotland and Ireland. Save . You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year. 2024 2025. 13 days From $4,995 $4,695 per person. Gallery Map. Most Popular. Explore the natural beauty of three of the British Isles' most scenic countries. ... Jul 27, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail.

  24. 16 Day Scotland & Ireland Tour with Flights

    16 Day Scotland & Ireland Tour with Flights. 16 Day Scotland & Ireland. Edinburgh, Aviemore, Glasgow, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Killarney & Dublin - $4289* from $3539* with code: TZWSCR. Lead Price Travel Date: Oct 19 '24. Promo Valid for Departures: Mar - Oct 2024 | Mar - Oct 2025.

  25. 10 Best Ireland And Scotland Summer 2024 Tours & Trips

    SANTOS VEGA 22 Apr, 2024. 5. Greg and Arther did and excellent job above and beyond great knowledge of all the history and culture made everyone feel so welcome. Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days) Anne-Marie Deppeler 24 Apr, 2024.