Celtic Connections: Scotland and Ireland Highlights Tour 21 days
Updated: Sep 1
See the very best of Scotland and Ireland on this incredible 21-day Celtic Connections: Scotland and Ireland Highlights tour. Beginning in the historic Scottish capital of Edinburgh, it leads you through rugged scenes of the Scottish Highlands where long countryside walks are rewarded with whisky distillery tastings. From there, you’ll head to the Outer Hebrides to dig deeper into the ancient land’s Celtic heritage.
After 10 sensational days in Scotland discovering castles, stone circles, and distilleries, hop on over to the Irish capital of Dublin where you’ll delve into delights of historic sites like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Christchurch Cathedral. Next, swap the city for the countryside on a 4-day escape to Killarney National Park. Spend your days rambling around the valleys, loughs, and forests, indluging in spa treatments and afternoon tea in between. Finally, take the wheel of a luxury car for a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, a bucket-list driving route.
Find out more about what you can expect on this epic Celtic Connections: Scotland and Ireland Highlights Tour by reading this day-to-day itinerary, as well as how to secure it for yourself this year.
Itinerary of the 21-day Scotland and Ireland Highlights Tour
A long weekend in Edinburgh and Sterling Castle (4 days)
The Scotland and Ireland highlights tour begins in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and the root of northern culture and heritage. Staying at a landmark city hotel that encapsulates the regional history, explore Edinburgh’s world-renowned sights with a private guide. Wander along the Royal Mile where bagpipers busk among flame throwers and other mesmerizing street entertainers. At the top, enter the intimidating gates of Edinburgh Castle where your guide will deep-dive into its harrowing history. As a comedy capital, what better way to enjoy some after-dinner entertainment than laughing your head off at a renowned comedy club?
On day two, explore the grand halls and grounds of Holyroodhouse Palace, where royal families have resided since the 17th century, before being seated for a quaint afternoon tea in the palace courtyard. Spend the afternoon wandering up to the peak of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park where you can sit and ponder the sweeping views of Edinburgh and the unimaginable history it holds before descending to the city for a Michelin dinner.
Day 3 is yours to explore Edinburgh at your own leisure. Take the time to enjoy a slow morning to luxuriate in your hotel’s amenities before heading out to explore in the afternoon. From shopping the city’s boutiques and sipping coffee at its cafes to getting lost in other worlds at its museums, there’s something for everyone to indulge in.
On day 4 of the tour, pick up your luxury hire car for a road trip through the Cairgorms and Scottish Highlands, stopping at Stirling Castle along the way. As Scotland’s most historically pivotal castle, you’ll spend the day here exploring everywhere from the Great Hall to the defensive walls on a fascinating private guided tour.
Road Trip to Inverness via the Cairngorms (3 days)
After an incredible day at Sterling Castle, continue to your luxury country estate hotel situated in the heart of the Cairngorms, a rugged undulating landscape where herds of deer roam among coniferous forests and babbling brooks. The next three days will be spent enjoying a balance of adventure and relaxation as you explore the Cairngorms and reconnect with nature.
On the first full day in the Cairngorms, allow one of Scotland’s Great Trails, the Speyside Way, to show off the national park’s stunning scenes of nature. After walking in the fresh Scottish Highlands a few hours, reward yourself with a long lunch at a traditional Scottish countryside pub before returning to your hotel for a restful afternoon at the spa.
The second day in the Scottish Highlands will be dedicated to delving into the the world of Scotch whisky which holds great historical and cultural value in this land. A private driver will pick you up from the hotel bright and early and take you to three distilleries of your choice in Speyside (where the country’s best distilleries are found) to get a glimpse into the refined whisky distillation process before sharing a few of its finest blends in a tasting, stopping for a luxurious lunch in between.
The final day of your stay in the Highlands is yours to spend as you wish, whether that’s horseback riding through the Cairngorms or golfing in one of the world-class links courses.
The Highlands to the Hebrides (4 days)
From the Highlands, enjoy a wildly scenic drive to the Outer Hebrides, the rugged archipelago that flanks Scotland’s West Coast, where you’ll spend the next four days immersing in its Celtic and Viking roots. Begin with a private heritage tour of the Isle of Lewis & Harris discovering the ancient Callanish Stone Circle, the age-old thatched roundhouses of Arnol Blackhouse, and the 2000-year-old Dun Carloway broch.
The next day, discover the history and the processes of Harris tweed, a material that has defined Scotland through the ages. Afterward, drive south for an afternoon at the famous Isle of Harris Distillery for a premium tour and tasting before ending the day with fine dining at one of the island’s best restaurants.
Having seen the best of Lewis & Harris, hop over to the Isle of Skye for some seriously impressive landscapes. Visit Old Man Storr, a striking rock pinnacle that stands as a point of significant beauty along the Trotternish Peninsula where tall crumbling cliffs meet the Atlantic. Finish off an exhilarating day with a pint and pub dinner in the cute town of Portree.
On your final day in the Hebrides, enjoy a relaxing morning at your quaint luxury hotel before travelling to your next destination.
Discovering the Past and Present of Dublin (3 days)
After a week spent in rural Scotland, three days exploring the bustling Irish capital of Dublin from a landmark hotel will be an exciting contrast. Start with a private guided city tour with a passionate local history-enthusiast stopping at Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. The afternoon is saved for a visit to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Whisky Distillery.
The next day, swap medieval history for modern history as you delve into The Troubles on a tour that highlights the places and events of the civil conflict that greatly impacted everyday life in Dublin. But fear not, the day will end on a high with dinner at one of Dublin’s most sought-after restaurants.
Your last day in Dublin is yours to spend as you wish. We recommend simply wandering around the city and absorbing the unique atmospheres of its different neighbourhoods.
Rock of Cashel and Killarney National Park (4 days)
From Dublin, enjoy the scenic southwest road trip to Killarney National Park where you’ll spend the next few days amongst the most breathtaking landscapes in Ireland. On the way, stop for a private tour of the Rock of Cashel, an awe-inspiring 1000-year-old ruined cathedral that once seated the kings of Munster. Afterward, settle into the luxury manor hotel and spa where you’ll spend the next three nights.
Rise early in the morning to explore the undulating Killarney landscape featuring mountains, fairytale forests, valleys,, and serene loughs on horseback. On your return, stop for a wonder around Ross Castle, a ruin of marked beauty overlooking Lough Leane. After a full and adventurous day out, the next day is reserved for a relaxing morning treatment at the spa followed by a leisurely afternoon tea and a soak in the hot tub.
On the final day in Killarney, enjoy another opportunity to explore the park’s landscapes. This time, you’ll get to drive through the park, stopping along the way to see its most famous scenes and viewpoints including the Gap of Dunloe, Lady;s View, and Torc Castle.
Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip (3 days)
Where better to finish the Celtic Connections tour featuring the best of Scotland and Ireland than on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, a world-renowned driving route. From Killarney, head west along the Ring of Kerry, where rugged beaches meet dramatic cliffs and rockstacks, ruins, waterfalls, and more, returning to your hotel in Killarney for the night.
The next day, begin north along the west coast to the quaint village of Ballybunion where you’ll join the coastal path for an easygoing walk to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most astonishing viewpoints along the Wild Atlantic Way., finishing with a traditional Irish pub lunch.
Finally, continue winding your way along the coastal roads until you reach the musical city of Galway where listening to live folk music whilst sipping on a Guinness at the pub is a way of life. Spend the evening soaking up the hearty Irish atmosphere as you hop from one pub to the next. Don’t get carried away because you’ll be up bright and early the next morning for an adventure around the Aran Islands to spot seals, puffins, and other seabirds around the rugged coast. Upon returning to the mainland, you’ll be transferred back to Dublin for your onward journey.
Personalise your Scotland and Ireland Highights Tour itinerary
This 21-day itinerary has been carefully curated to highlight the very best of Scotland and Ireland, making it an ideal trip for anyone looking for an in-depth exploration of these fascinating countries. However, Lore Luxury Travel specializes in creating bespoke itineraries that perfectly fit our clients unique needs, tastes, and preferences. Talk to us today to find out how we can make this incredible Scotland and Ireland itinerary more personal to you. Find out more by by contacting us here.