Scottish and Irish Dream

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience
Reviews

4.6

Regal majesty and scenic splendor

Discover Scotland’s castles, art, and history as you tour its cities and the Highlands. Cross over to Ireland for music, a medieval castle banquet, and the beauty of the Ring of Kerry.

Trip details

Tour start Glasgow

Tour end Dublin

Days

Nights

Meals

Available Promotions for this tour

Highlights

Inveraray Castle

Find yourself in the home of the Downton Abbey series as you tour the locale where it was set and filmed.

Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.

St Andrews

Cross the modern Tay Bridge to the medieval town of St Andrews, the "Home of Golf”.

Titanic Belfast

Get an in-depth look at how the ship was built in Belfast's shipyards—and the inside story of its fateful maiden voyage.

Blarney Castle

Kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of gab at this historic castle, with beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Cliffs of Moher

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf below.

Skellig Experience

This prizewinning interpretive center gives visitors a rich and evocative experience of "the islands at the edge of the world".

Irish Night in Dublin

Stroll St Stephen's Green, raise a pint, and delight in Ireland's thriving, historic-meets-modern capital - and enjoy a night of Irish entertainment in a scenic seaside suburb.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 31st to August 21st departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

Dublin Castle

Tour the impressive State Apartments at Dublin Castle - once serving as living quarters, they are now the site of state ceremonies and presidential inaugurations.

Ring of Kerry

Make sure your camera is at the ready for this winding route with incredible mountain and coastline views — one of the most iconic coastal drives in the world.

Itinerary

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Day 1Glasgow City Tour | Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel. Set out on a panoramic tour of the highlights of Glasgow, a city built on industry but now known for its stunning Victorian architecture and creative cultural scene. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing one of Europe’s finest art collections. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group at the hotel, then you are free to explore the city and dine as you wish.

Day 2Loch Lomond Cruise | Inveraray Castle

Embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond with views of Highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray and have lunch on your own before touring Inveraray Castle, which you may recognize from the “Downton Abbey” series. Drive through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful places, and continue on to Ballachulish on the shore of Loch Leven. (B, D)

Day 3Isle of Skye | Loch Ness

Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (B, D)

Day 4Culloden | Sheepdog Demo

Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the historic battle. Walk around the serene moorland to see monuments commemorating the troops. Immerse yourself in farm life at a local farm as you watch dogs herd sheep. Travel to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)

Day 5Blair Castle | Whisky Tasting

Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the hotel gardens and museum, or browsing around Pitlochry town. (B, D)

Day 6Glamis Castle | St Andrews | Scottish Evening*

Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth”. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”. See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course on a panoramic drive. Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. July 31 – August 21 departures enjoy an evening free to dine independently. (B, D*)

Day 7Edinburgh Castle | City Tour

Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, from the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses of the Royal Mile to the elegant mansions and wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town”. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. July 31 – August 21 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Day 8Belfast Ferry | Titanic Belfast | Dublin

Say farewell to your Scottish guide and embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Immerse yourself in the history of the Titanic through displays at Titanic Belfast. Drive on to Dublin, where you have a free evening to explore the city’s excellent restaurants and famed pubs. (B)

Day 9Dublin | Merry Ploughboy Pub

Explore Dublin independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and choose one of four top attractions to visit with your included voucher: GPO Museum, Teelings Distillery, or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. At 2:00 PM meet your new Irish guide/driver and tour group in the hotel lobby. Join a local guide for a Dublin City tour, and then take a guided tour of Dublin Castle. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner and show at Merry Ploughboy Pub. (B, D)

Day 10Blarney Castle | Killarney

Head for Blarney Castle today, stopping for a photo opportunity at the Rock of Cashel along the way. You might choose to climb the steep winding staircase to kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which legend says will give you the gift of the gab. Drive through Macroom, built around a fine old castle, and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in Killarney, picturesquely set beside lakes with Ireland’s highest mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, forming a backdrop. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. (B, D)

Day 11Ring of Kerry | Skellig Experience

Take the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding route with awesome mountain and coastline views. Stop off in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Moriarty’s. Enjoy lunch before crossing to Valentia Island and the Skellig Experience, which tells the story of nearby islands. Watch a demonstration of highly skilled dogs herding flocks of sheep. Spend a free evening in Killarney. (B, L)

Day 12Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet

Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches high above the Atlantic. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time before heading out for a memorable medieval-style feast complete with songs and harp music evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

Day 13Galway City | Dublin

Drive north to Galway for a panoramic tour of the city with some free time on your own to explore. Travel across the country to Dublin. Spend the final night of your tour independently exploring the pubs in the lively Temple Bar area or experiencing one of Dublin’s fine restaurants. (B)

Day 14Tour Ends in Dublin

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner. >

Where you’ll stay

Hilton Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland

One of Glasgow’s most stylish hotels, Hilton Glasgow offers 319 contemporary bedrooms providing...

Ballachulish Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel...

Muthu Newton Hotel Nairn, Scotland

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled...

Atholl Palace Hotel Pitlochry, Scotland

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a...

Norton House Hotel & Spa near Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-...

The Beautiful 4-Star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge Dublin, Ireland

This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features that give...

Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney, Ireland

The Killarney Towers Hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the excitement and...

Bunratty Castle Hotel Bunratty, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of the historic countryside of Bunratty, this hotel is an ideal base for...

Academy Plaza Hotel Dublin, Ireland

This modern and centrally located hotel offers 285 rooms of several types. All public areas are...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

Full daily breakfast and many meals*
Scottish & Irish entertainment
Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
Welcome drinks with your group
Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
All entrance fees to attractions
Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

A travel backpack
Travel adapter
Rain poncho
Luggage strap and tags
Documents wallet

We take care of everything: authentic experiences, expert local tour directors, and more. Check out the CIE Tours difference!

See what people are saying about this trip

Harvey Eugene Baxter, Jr

5 months ago

Driver and guide did great. Food was excellent

Trip was set up with timely visits. Every day was well set up

CIE Tours Customer

6 months 2 weeks ago

Highly recommend

Great itinerary with really nice hotels. The dinner "events" were lots of fun. The Scottish guide and driver were amazing! The Irish driver/guide was not impressive, but we enjoyed the tour nonetheless

Alton Jerry Warden