Ireland and Scotland Tours and Trips
Traveling to Ireland Vs Scotland: An Overview
Looking for more information before you book Ireland and Scotland tours? From transport to highlights of the trip, we’ve got you covered.
Getting from Ireland and Scotland
One of the most popular ways to get from Ireland to Scotland is by boat. The shortest crossing between the two is only two hours long and connects the eastern coast of Northern Ireland with the west of Scotland.
If you’re after speed, there are plenty of low-cost flight routes between Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Cork, Aberdeen, and more. Flight times between Ireland and Scotland are an hour and a half. The fastest and cheapest from the Republic of Ireland to Scotland is from Dublin to Glasgow which only takes an hour and can be as little as USD 18 each way. Most tours of Ireland and Scotland either start or end in Dublin and Edinburgh, so plan your international flights accordingly.
Many of the best tours of Ireland and Scotland travel around the countries by bus or coach, from where you’ll be able to appreciate more of the countryside and historic castles and spaces that lie off-the-beaten-path. Of course, to get between the two nations, you’ll need to choose between the ferry or the flight, so you may need to factor in the cost of additional transport. Private tours of Ireland and Scotland can benefit from private car transfers instead for a premium.
Best Time to Visit Ireland and Scotland
The best time to visit both Ireland and Scotland depends on what you are looking for. For the best weather and lots of events, visit in the high season—but be prepared for crowds (including hordes of people in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival) and more expensive prices. Instead, travel in May or wait until September/October. The weather is still fairly warm and dry, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are a lot cheaper than in the summer on both accommodation and travel. This way, you can enjoy your Ireland and Scotland tour without having to share the experience with hundreds of other tourists.
For a seasonal guide, check out our article on the best time to visit Ireland. Read our article and learn the month-wise information about the best time to go to Scotland.
Highlights of an Ireland and Scotland Trip
- Follow the footsteps of the stars across two countries. In Northern Ireland, jump on a Game of Thrones tour. Parts of the iconic series were filmed here and you can easily tour the locations and pretend that you’re in Westeros. In Scotland, you can live out your Harry Potter fantasies on The Jacobite Steam Train near Loch Shiel. This is the iconic spot where the Hogwarts Express goes over the impressive viaduct bridge on the way to school and is a popular tour spot for the whole family.
- Tour the Western Isles of Scotland and Ireland. The West Coast of Scotland is home to dozens of stunning islands, all with their own culture, beautiful beaches, and clear waters, such as the Isle of Barra, which looks like a Caribbean Island — we’re not joking! On the Irish side, the West Atlantic Way is a legendary road trip route known for its coastal beauty and small fishing villages.
- Soak up the academic history and culture at the Trinity Library in Dublin. As one of the most famous and gorgeous libraries in the world, bibliophiles will be in their element. While in Edinburgh, check out the National Museum of Scotland, where you can see Scottish contributions to science, art, and more, including the world’s first prosthetic limb!
- Learn all about Scottish art in Glasgow. Scotland’s second city is bursting with creativity and art, including the Rennie Mackintosh Museum. On the other side of the water, join a street art tour of Dublin and see the bright and colorful creativity of the city.
- Wander the national parks. Both Ireland and Scotland tours are filled with stunning natural beauty, from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Scotland to Killarney National Park in Ireland. Hike, spot wildlife, and experience beautiful views.
Ireland and Scotland Travel Tips
- Ireland and Scotland self-drive tours are a great way to keep costs low and add some more flexibility to your trip. As the weather in Ireland and Scotland isn’t always the most reliable, a self-drive option allows you to shift your plans slightly to get the most out of the destinations you love.
- Pub culture is real in both Scotland and Ireland. Carve out some time to visit a local pub, especially if they have live folk music on. Many pubs in the major cities and towns will have local acts, which give you an insight into the rich culture of the area.
- In both countries, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing! The weather changes every hour, so be prepared with waterproof jackets, hats, and sunblock. It’s not uncommon to have four seasons in one day!
At a Glance: Ireland Vs Scotland
| Ireland | Scotland | |
| Annual visitors | 7 million | 3.2 million |
| Ideal duration | 7 days | 8-10 days |
| Transportation |
Direct flights into Dublin from all around the US and Europe. Buses and trains are popular when you’re in the cities, but you might need a car to get outside the cities. |
Direct flights into Edinburgh, from around the US, Europe, and Asia. Trains and buses are popular, but you may need a car to explore further. |
| Top destinations | Dublin, Galway, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, Waterford | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Loch Lomond |
| Top activities |
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| Affordability |
USD 147 per day on average. Dublin is notoriously expensive and accommodation across Ireland can be pricey. |
USD 183 per day on average. Edinburgh can be expensive, but outside of the capital, prices come down pretty quickly. |
FAQs for Ireland and Scotland Tours
1. How many days do you need for Ireland and Scotland?
On average, you’ll need at least two weeks to explore both Scotland and Ireland. With multiple cities, national parks, and monuments along the way, there’s a lot to see and do! Find more itinerary options in our guide on how many days to spend in Ireland. Also, check out our article on how many days to spend in Scotland to plan your holiday.
2. How long is the ferry from Ireland to Scotland?
The shortest ferry between Ireland and Scotland only takes two hours and goes from Cairnryan to Larne. Larne is around 30 minutes away from Belfast and Cairnryan is around six miles away from Stranraer in Southern Scotland, which is two hours south of Glasgow.
