Ireland and Scotland in 12 Days
Discover the beauty of Ireland and Scotland with this 12-day journey through both countries. Start in Scotland and experience Edinburgh, the Isle of the Sky and Inverness. In Ireland, you will visit Dublin, Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher. Witness stunning scenery and explore exciting attractions. Below is a sample itinerary of the cities and sites to take in during your twelve days in Scotland and Ireland. Old Sod Travel can customize this itinerary based on your own travel needs and desires.
Image courtesy of Aervisions
Ireland and Scotland: Itinerary Inspiration
Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland: Edinburgh's Warm Embrace!
Welcome to Edinburgh. A driver will meet you to take you to your hotel. Check-in and then head out to explore. Check out the Palace of Holyrood House, visit Carlton Hill, walk up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with incredible views or visit the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland.
Image courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Day 2 - Castles, Gardens, and Guided Delights: Edinburgh Uncovered!
Enjoy a half-day private guided tour of Edinburgh. After your tour, grab a bite to eat and then visit Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a free visit to the Royal Botanic Garden
Image courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Day 3 - From Mainland to Island Magic: Discovering the Isle of Skye!
Meet your private driver guide and begin your journey to the Isle of Skye. It's about a 5-hour drive, but there are plenty of stops to make along the way to stretch your legs. Depending on the route your driver chooses, they will offer some suggestions. Arrive in Portree. Walk around and enjoy dinner.
Image courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Day 4 - Skye's Natural Treasures: A Day of Wonder and Discovery!
There is so much to explore today including The Old Man of Storr, Lealth Falls, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Duntulm Castle, Gold Cave and Fairy Glen. After your day of exploration, head back to Portree and enjoy dinner.
Image courtesy of Visit Scotland / Richard Elliot
Day 5 - Discovering the Highlands: Dunvegan, Eilean Donan, and Loch Ness!
Before departing Isle of Skye, check out Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point. Then head to Inverness, checking out the Eilean Donan Castle on your way. Once you arrive, go on a Loch Ness Cruise and explore Inverness.
Image courtesy of Visit Scotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Day 6 - Through the Cairngorms: A Journey to Aberdeen via Scotland's Breathtaking Highlands!
Today is all about the highlands. Check out Ness Walk in the morning then check out a few sites like Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle. Travel to Aberdeen for your final night in Scotland. Take the route through the Cairngorms and make a few stops along the way. Enjoy your final night in Scotland!
Image courtesy of Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
Day 7 - Emerald Isle Awaits: Arrival in Dublin and a Private Guided Tour!
Fly from Aberdeen to Dublin. A driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you arrive, take an hour-long private guided tour of Dublin. After your tour, enjoy your first Irish dinner.
Image courtesy of Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
Day 8 - Discovering Dublin's Icons: Trinity College, Book of Kells, and Guinness Storehouse!
Today, spend more time exploring Dublin. Take a tour of Trinity College, followed by the Book of Kells Experience. Afterwards, enjoy strolling or taxiing to the Guinness Storehouse where you will participate in the Connoisseur Experience, which is about 75 minutes long. Enjoy exploring a bit more of Dublin before dinner.
Image courtesy of Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
Day 9 - Royal Treatment: Horseback Riding and Luxury at Ashford Castle!
Meet your private driver guide and make your way to Ashford Castle. Stop at some sites along the way, then arrive at Ashford Castle for horseback riding. Explore the grounds before dinner.
Image courtesy of Aervisions
Day 10 - Ireland's Wild West: Uncovering Connemara's Hidden Gems and Natural Wonders!
Enjoy breakfast at the castle before doing the Hawk Walk. Afterward, meet up with your driver and spend the day exploring the Connemara region. A few sites to see include Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a sheepdog demonstration, the town of Clifden and Ireland's only glacial fjord, Killary Fjord. Head back to Ashford Castle at the end of the day.
Image courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
Day 11 - Wild Atlantic Way: Discovering the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Adare's Charm!
This will be your final day with your private driver guide. You will head to the picturesque village of Adare for your final night. On your way there, visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a 50 minute cruise to view them from the water. You will also want to visit the lunar like landscape of the Burren.
Image courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
Day 12 - Slán Abhaile: Safe Home - Departure from Shannon Airport
Fly home from Shannon Airport. A private driver guide will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Shannon Airport for your flight home.
Inspired? Let's Plan Your Adventure
Start planning your trip-of-a-lifetime, today. Our expert travel consultants will help bring your dreams to life. Call us at 443.229.8300 or contact us:
Who Is Old Sod Travel?
We are a small, independent business specializing in planning luxurious trips to Ireland, Scotland, and England. We work with you to create a tailor-made Ireland tour filled with the amazing scenery, singular experiences, and lifelong memories you’ve been dreaming of.
Our focus is solely on highly customized travel to Ireland and the British Isles. This allows us to identify the best hotels and guesthouses, and to know the owners personally. We know the best hiking trails, golf courses, and fishing guides. The best restaurants, pubs, and scenic vistas.
We know where the good seats are at the Edinburgh Tattoo and how to get tickets for Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer games or a Hurling match at Croke Park. We know which sites and attractions are truly worth seeing and where you’ll want to spend extra time.
Our Travelers' Memorable Experiences