Best of Ireland and Scotland

Welcome to Dublin International Airport, where you will pick up your rental car. Dublin is a vibrant and historic capital city with many historic buildings, Georgian streets, and colourful gardens.

Overnight in Dublin

Today why not spend the day exploring some of Dublin’s fine Museums and Galleries, an interesting part of our expertly crafted Ireland holiday tours. Trace the city’s history from early Viking origins, through to the medieval magnificence of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, where Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once Dean. Visit Dublinia at Christchurch, which brings the turbulent history of medieval Dublin vividly to life. You should also stop by the 16th century Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth 1, and now home to the famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. This afternoon and travel across the rich midland pastures. We recommend a visit to Belvedere House, Gardens and Park. The magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere, stands in 160 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. Belvedere is one of the finest of Ireland's historic houses, and together with gardens and park has been exquisitely restored. Before you cross the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, you can visit Clonmacnoise a 6th century Christian site. Arrive at Galway, which has long traded with Spain and the Spanish influences in the city are many. Of note is the Spanish Arch, a gateway to the old city walls and the Spanish Parade, where wealthy merchants and their families enjoyed a stroll along the promenade.

Overnight in Galway

Today travel through the wild and rugged Connemara region, famous for the savage beauty of its lake and mountain scenery. Visit Connemara National Park, where Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam freely through 5,000 acres of scenic mountains, bogs, and grassland. You can also visit the magnificent Kylemore Abbey a beautiful mansion in a lakeside setting against a mountainous backdrop. Irish Benedictine nuns, with a tradition of over 300 years run this unique Abbey set in the midst of the Connemara, overlooking Pollacappul Lake. On your return, you can take a scenic drive through Leenane where you have an option to board the Sea Cruise through Killary Fjord which will reveal some of the hidden coastal and mountain scenery of the Connemara.

Overnight in Galway

Leave Galway this morning, and travel south through Galway and into County Clare, known as the “land of castles”. Why not visit Rathbaun Farm and see the animals being tended or enjoy a traditional tea and scones break. Travel on through the strange lunar landscape of the Burren region or visit the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular 5-mile long cliff, which rises almost 200m above sea level. Stop in the heritage town of Kilrush, before boarding a ferry to Tarbert (ferry not included) in north County Kerry. Arriving in Tarbert continue through Listowel and on to Tralee and Killarney.

Overnight in Killarney

A superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula (170 km.), taking in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney travel through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continue to Cahersiveen, the birthplace of National hero, Daniel O’Connell, drive through the peat bogs to the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous because of its brightly colored houses. The road continues with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.

Overnight in Killarney

This morning breath-taking landscapes will unfold in front of your eyes as you drive around the Dingle Peninsula before arriving in Dunquin, on the westernmost tip of the peninsula, where you can visit the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre. This living history museum explores island living, from the land, the sea, and the language, to the weather and the seasons, as well as the distinctive character of the Blasket Islanders. Weather permitting you can embark on a 2 to 3-hour boat trip around the nine main Blasket Islands. The islands are remote, unspoiled, unpolluted, and spectacularly beautiful and home to an incredible number of breeding seabirds, with the surrounding seas home to dolphins, porpoises, Atlantic seals and even the occasional whale or orca. Then head to the medieval city of Limerick.

Overnight in Limerick

This morning spend an hour or two in Limerick, either exploring its history and architecture or purchasing some of the splendid crafts on offer. Perhaps visit the Hunt Museum, exhibiting one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Leave Limerick and travel eastwards towards Straffan in Co. Kildare. En route, a small detour will bring you to the imposing Rock of Cashel which rises dramatically from the flat countryside. The rock is crowned by a group of buildings, both ecclesiastical and royal, including a round tower, a 13th-century Romanesque chapel and the beautifully restored Hall of the Vicar Choral. Continue through the rich pastures of Ireland’s midlands for last-minute shopping and sightseeing.

Overnight in Dublin

Today make your way back to Dublin International Airport in time to drop off the car before checking in for your onward flight to Scotland. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you pick up your car, and drive the short distance to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland situated upon a volcanic plug with a wonderful view over Stirlingshire, or you may choose to visit Bannockburn – a new, interactive visitor centre depicting one of the most important battles in Scottish history – or the Wallace Monument, commemorating William Wallace, famous from the Braveheart film.

Overnight in the Stirling area

This morning leave Stirling and drive towards the west coast via Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the whole of Great Britain and known for the tranquil beauty of its wooded shores and islands. Continue northwest along Loch Fyne and its beautiful landscape. Pass by Inveraray Castle and the charming homeland of the Duke of Argyll, the head of the Campbell Clan on your way to Oban. The castle testifies to the power and wealth of the Campbells, one of the most powerful of the Highland Clans. Or you can choose to travel via the rugged landscape of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, one of the most scenic valleys in Scotland. Overnight in Oban or the Fort William area

This morning drive north and take a ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye or continue via Loch Lochy to Kyle of Lochalsh and take the bridge to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic of the Hebridean Islands.

Overnight in the Isle of Skye

Travel east today for Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Continue for the Inverness area via Loch Ness. You may choose to stop at Urquhart Castle, which is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch Ness. If you dare, take a cruise on Loch Ness, most famous for the elusive monster!

Overnight in Inverness or area

This morning drive east of Inverness where you can visit Cawdor Castle and its beautiful gardens or drive south via Aviemore where you can explore the impressive Cairngorm Mountains located in the Cairngorm National Park. Continue to Pitlochry where you may choose to visit the smallest distillery in Scotland, the Edradour Whisky Distillery. Why not stroll through the Victorian village before traveling south towards Perth.

Overnight in Perthshire or area

Today, visit St Andrews, named after Scotland’s patron saint. St Andrews is the famous home of golf, played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Continue along the coast via the small fishing villages of Elie and Pittenweem. Cross the Forth Bridge with its spectacular views of the Firth of Forth. Drive towards your hotel in the Edinburgh area.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh! Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city. Visit some of its many attractions such as the famous Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Family’s official residence in Scotland.

Overnight in Edinburgh

This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Return the vehicle to Edinburgh Airport with time to check-in for your return flight home.