Celtic Connection, Scotland & Ireland
15 Days / 14 Nights
We begin in Edinburgh home of the National Museum of Scotland and onward to St. Andrews Golf Club and the highland town of Perth. Home of Scone Palace and the revered Stone of Destiny. Onward toward the Isle of Skye we include Loch Ness en route and watch out for the monster! This beautiful coastal journey includes Dunvegan Castle, home of the Chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years and the historic valley Glen Coe, also known as the “Valley of Tears.” Overnight in Oban town so be sure to sample some of the famed local whiskey.
We cross the sea into Belfast Ireland and while here will visit the Titanic Belfast centre with a great display of the infamous ship’s creation and journey. While in this city we also explore the troubled past of this once divided city. We then head to Galway city on the west coast and explore the wilds of Connemara. Galway city itself is a vibrant place with a noted Spanish quarter and lively Celtic music scene. Onward to the southwest and famed Kerry and Killarney for idyllic landscapes, including the Cliffs of Moher en route. We conclude with visits to ancient Kilkenny, Wicklow and onward to depart Dublin.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
Arrive in Edinburgh and get to know the historic centre of Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle and Princess Gardens. Wander along the Royal Mile and relax in one of the cafes or pubs or visit the museums such as the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
DAY 2 –ST ANDREWS & PERTH
Leave Edinburgh via the spectacular Forth Road Bridge. Visit St Andrews Castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews. St Andrews is also the famous home of golf, played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Continue to Perth where you can visit the Scone Palace regarded as a national treasure and revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland.
Overnight: Perthshire area
DAY 3 - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands today and be enchanted by its beautiful scenery. On your way visit the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland, and don’t miss out on a tasting. You should also spend some time in the principal city of the Highlands this evening, Inverness. Visit the Victorian Market or Craig Patrick above the city.
Overnight: Inverness area
DAY 4 – ISLE OF SKYE
A visit to Loch Ness is a must today, in search of the Loch Ness Monster, as well as the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Travel to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic of the Hebridean Islands.
Overnight: Isle of Skye area
DAY 5 – OBAN
Enjoy your morning on this beautiful island. During your tour you can take in the dramatic scenery of the famed Cuillin Mountains. Visit Dunvegan Castle, the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Continue through the historic valley Glen Coe, also known as the “Valley of Tears.” The main valley road brings you through the beautiful mountains, with their deep gullies & impressive waterfalls.
Overnight: Oban area
DAY 6 – GLASGOW
Drive along the banks of Loch Lomond towards Glasgow. Loch Lomond has the greatest drinking water capacity of any lake in Great Britain. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Glasgow. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery where you can explore its 22 themed galleries showcasing an astonishing 8,000 pieces of art.
Overnight: Glasgow area
DAY 7 – WELCOME TO IRELAND
Travel to Northern Ireland today. Depending on your time of arrival spend the day exploring the city of Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast, located in the heart of Belfast. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience.
Overnight: Belfast area
DAY 8 – GALWAY
Depart Belfast for Galway this morning. Visit Kilbeggan Distillery en route, the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery. Explore the Distillery’s Museum and learn how Whiskey has been produced here since it was founded in 1757. Continue to Galway and spend your evening in the city.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 9 – CONNEMARA
Discover the wilderness of Connemara today. Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrens, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey. Afterwards visit Connemara National Park.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 10 – CLARE/KERRY
On the way to Kerry, you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. Soon after that you will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.
Overnight: Killarney area
DAY 11 – RING OF KERRY
The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland. Quiet valleys and idyllic spots await along the way. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape on the peninsula will delight you. The mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream accounts for luscious growth of surprising flora such as subtropical Palm trees.
Overnight: Killarney area
DAY 12 - KILKENNY
Leave Killarney and travel eastward. En route visit the Rock of Cashel, possibly the most
photographed site in Ireland. Spend your afternoon in Kilkenny and visit either Kilkenny
Castle or the Smithwick’s Experience.
Overnight: Kilkenny area
DAY 13 – WICKLOW
On your way to Dublin visit the monastic settlement of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains. Much of what is to be seen today dates from the 10 to 12th century. One of the most attractive features is the fine 34m high round tower. Beautifully scenic walking trails take visitors on a circular route by the lakes from the Car park.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 14 - DUBLIN CITY
Discover all Dublin has to offer. You will notice that Dublin is split in half. The northern side is a lively area with lots of attractions such as the General Post Office. The southern side on the other hand has a more refined feel with its Georgian squares.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 15 - DEPARTURE
Travel to Dublin Airport and take your flight back home