Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Make your way to your hotel in the Edinburgh city centre. Many travellers opt to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend heading out and exploring the historic city, strolling through the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy some warm Scottish hospitality, not to mention a taste of the local whisky.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

You have the full day to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. The background and history of the city is fascinating and rich, so there is no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums and landmarks to visit, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II. You can easily travel around the city centre on foot, so we recommend strolling along the historic Royal Mile or walking to Castle Hill for a spectacular view of the city.

Spend another night in Edinburgh.

Start your road trip driving into the Highlands. On the way you’ll have many possible stops, such as the picturesque village of Dunkeld and the 13^th-century Blair Castle. Driving through the Cairngorms National Park you could also stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Arriving near Inverness, you can drive to the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, to see where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, marking "the beginning of the end for the Highlands." Nearby you can visit Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Today's journey will take you from Inverness to the famous Isle of Skye. Drive along the shores of Loch Ness where, if time allows, you could take a boat tour in search of its notorious and elusive monster. You can also explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. Later, make a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before arriving on Skye. Your first stop on the island will be at the scenic village of Portree, where you can explore and admire its colourful buildings and dine at a local restaurant.

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Today take full advantage of your time on Skye, a haven for nature lovers. We recommend driving to the northern part of the island and taking your time around all the attractions on the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. There you can enjoy a walk up to “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle and see the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall. Other highlights include the Quiraing rock face, the An Corran Beach at Staffin, where you may spot ancient dinosaur footprints, and the mystical Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
Estimated driving duration: 1.5 hours (without stops)

Head south to the Sleat Peninsula, admiring the beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. You may wish to stop on the way to enjoy a walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills or to sample single malt whisky at the local distillery. This afternoon catch a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on the mainland. On your journey to Fort William, we recommend a stop at Camusdarach Beach and Glenfinnan. Admire the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking Loch Shiel, and the viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Ferry duration: 30 minutes

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig: 30 minutes

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

Today's journey takes you past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers world-famous scenery. You could stop at Rob Roy’s grave at Balquidder and at the beautiful Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin. Alternatively, you could travel the longer scenic route via the seaside town of Oban onto the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen and past the charming village of Inveraray. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, including cairns, standing stones, and castles.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen/Inveraray: 285 km / 180 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

Today’s drive will take you to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Drive through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop for a nature walk, enjoy an optional steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit a local whisky distillery. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and the Outlander TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Glasgow.

Spend the night in Glasgow.

Driving distance: 109 km / 68 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Today, board a flight to Dublin, Ireland for the second portion of your tour. Upon your arrival in Dublin, start exploring this amazing city, with its eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs. You can take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. Alternatively, you could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer.

Spend the night in Dublin.

Start your road trip towards Northern Ireland. Your first stop is the charming 12^th-century Malahide Castle. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, where you can see megalithic passage tombs which are believed to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This is one of Ireland’s most popular and fascinating attractions. Next, stop to admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement. Cross into Northern Ireland to reach the capital Belfast.

Spend the night in Belfast.                                         

Driving distance: 195 km / 121 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

Today you have a full day to explore Belfast, an exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Don’t miss out on the city’s leading attraction, the Titanic Belfast. Experience the story of the world’s largest and most luxurious ship, which was constructed in Belfast in 1909. You can also see the Peace Walls and their famous murals, admire the architecture of the City Hall, or opt to visit the Ulster Folk museum, a complete recreation of an early 1900s traditional Northern Irish town.

Spend another night in Belfast.

Explore the beautiful Antrim Coast. First, pass by the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location. Then, enjoy a scenic coastal walk at Carrick-a-Rede to cross its rope bridge swaying 30m above the sea and providing stunning views of the cliffs below. The highlight of the day is the jewel of Northern Ireland and World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, with its iconic basalt columns. Nearby, visit Bushmills Distillery the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. We also recommend stopping for a view of the breathtaking, medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle, located by dramatic coastal cliffs.

Spend the night in the Donegal area.

Driving distance: 257 km / 160 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

Today, you will get your first taste of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route, a journey past soaring cliffs, buzzing towns, epic bays and hidden beaches. Your first stop is Glenveagh National Park where you’ll explore towering mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands. Drive past the imposing Mount Errigal and over the winding Glengesh Pass to Glencolumbkille, one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Then experience breathtaking views at the imposing cliffs of Slieve League, which, at 600m, are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely day in Donegal. 

Spend another night in the Donegal area.

Driving distance: 223 km / 138 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

Head south to County Sligo, driving past the stunning Ben Bulben, perhaps one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains. Visit the small fishing village of Mullaghmore with its lovely sandy beach. Here, you’ll find Mullaghmore Head, one of the signature discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way. We also recommend a visit to the atmospheric Carrowmore, Ireland’s largest Stone Age cemetery where you can roam around megalithic tombs and stone circles. Continue your drive to Downpatrick Head to enjoy a walk along the majestic sea cliffs and take in the vast views of the rugged coastline.

Spend the night in the Westport area.

Driving distance: 241 km / 150 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Explore the charming town of Westport, dotted with delightful shops, cafés and pubs. Tour the Georgian mansion Westport House and stroll around the beautiful gardens. You can also choose to visit the remote and beautiful Achill Island. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, you can follow the Wild Atlantic Way around the island. Admire the views from the top of Minaun Heights and stop at the beautiful bays of Keel and Keem with their white sandy beaches and clear waters. We also recommend stopping by Slievemore, an abandoned village with the ruins of traditional stone cottages.

Spend another night in the Westport area.

Driving distance: 149 km / 93 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

Visit the striking region of Connemara with its landscapes characterised by rugged mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. Stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16km (9.9miles). Further along, visit Kylemore Abbey where you can admire spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.

Stop by the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre to follow scenic walking trails. Drive the circular Sky Road near Clifden for broad views of the Atlantic and arrive in Galway, a lively and colourful city.

Spend the night in the Galway area.

Driving distance: 182 km / 113 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Enjoy the Galway area at your leisure. We highly recommend taking a ferry to the Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive. At the island of Inis Mór, opt for a traditional horse & carriage tour, the most popular way to get around. Don’t miss the prehistoric fort Dun Aengus overlooking the Atlantic. The ideal way to end the day is to visit one of Galway’s restaurants, join in with the locals and experience traditional live music. 

Spend another night in the Galway area.

Driving distance: 76 km / 47 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2.5 hours (without stops)

Start the day by visiting Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of The Burren. Here you can visit the iconic portal tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.

Next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. On a sunny day the views are expansive, but even a stormy day can be exhilarating with the powerful Atlantic below.

Spend the night in the Doolin/Lisdoonvarna area.

Driving distance: 111 km / 69 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2.5 hours (without stops)

Start the day visiting the 15^th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s. We then recommend stopping at Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with its thatched cottages housing craft shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, explore Killarney National Park set beneath Ireland’s highest mountains. You can visit the 19^th-century mansion of Muckross House, take an optional Jaunting Car tour of the park or a boat trip on the peaceful Lough Leane, departing from the medieval Ross Castle.

Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Driving distance: 206 km / 128 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2.5 hours (without stops)

Take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry, a classic “must do” scenic drive of the Irish countryside. Stop at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Other highlights include the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand. Complete the circle with a visit to the picturesque Torc Waterfall. Today, you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Driving distance:198 km / 123 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

Explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula, characterised by mountains and stunning coastal scenery. Visit the charming town of Dingle, a lively and colourful fishing port. You’ll then join Slea Head Drive, one of the most spectacular routes in Ireland. Along the way, make stops at Coumeenoole beach, the picturesque Dunquin harbour and the Blasket Centre, which tells the story of the Blasket Islanders. Further along, admire the unique Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone church steeped in mystery. Later, drive over the Conor pass, Ireland’s highest road, offering expansive views across the peninsula.

Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Driving distance: 187 km / 116 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Today, you will travel over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. From here, we recommend taking a short boat trip, with the opportunity to spot a seal colony on the way, to Garnish Island, which features a world-renowned garden. You could also visit the 18^th-century Bantry House. Later, travel via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts. Continue to Cork, a buzzing city with a vibrant cultural scene.

Spend the night in the Cork area.

Driving distance: 191 km / 119 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

This morning, you can visit Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then we recommend stopping at the photogenic harbour town of Cobh. It is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912! Continue to Cashel, where you can visit the spectacular Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. The site offers a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, drive to Kilkenny, a medieval town nestled around a majestic 12^th-century castle.

Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.

Driving distance: 208 km / 129 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

If you wish to spend more time exploring Dublin, you can head straight to the city this morning.

Alternatively, we highly recommend a drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate, featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.

Spend the night in Dublin.

Driving distance to Dublin: 123km / 77 miles
Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Driving distance via Wicklow Mountains: 165km / 102 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3 hours (without stops)

To get to Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.