Celtic Highlights

Ireland and Scotland

Green pastures, majestic castles, oak casks stacked to the rafters with single malt whisky and some of the finest seafood in the world: we bring you these Celtic wonders across Scotland and Ireland on this incredible trip.

If you can’t decide between Ireland or Scotland for your next vacation, this is the perfect option for you.

Nature reigns supreme in the Scottish Highlands where landscapes are exhilarating, threaded through with history and myths of dramatic resonance. Around steely lochs and imposing peaks, your private Driver Guide will expertly guide you through Scotland’s past and present.

Travel past Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to the coastal town of Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, before venturing north to Inverness. Landscape and history can’t help but impress in this area, all capped off by two nights in Edinburgh.

It is then time to skip across the Irish Sea to explore Ireland’s capital city Dublin and enjoy its modern culture, music and vibe. Marvel at Ireland’s history at the Rock of Cashel, hear tales from the past and stop in charming towns as you travel south. Cork and Kerry, both known for their culture, history and hospitality, are the perfect bases from which to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

The hospitality and friendliness of the Irish is world renowned and it’s our pleasure to introduce you to some of the finest storytellers and musicians in the land as we gather around open fires and in cosy pub corners along this Celtic tour.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • 12 nights: Oban, Inverness, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork, Killarney
  • Explore the beauty of Scottish coast; lochs and highlands before travelling to Ireland’s capital, the ancient east and onto the Wild Atlantic way
  • Enjoy tastings at Scottish and Irish distilleries
  • Sing-along in music sessions in Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork and Killarney
  • Gastronomic highlights guaranteed
  • Hotel suggestions: Oban Manor House, Kingsmills Hotel Inverness, Roxburghe Hotel Edinburgh, Merrion Hotel Dublin, Hayfield Manor Cork, Killarney Park Hotel
  • Suggested Airport: Scotland – Glasgow, Edinburgh; Ireland – Dublin and Shannon
  • Regions Visited: Scotland: West Coast, Highlands, Edinburgh. Ireland: Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East, Cork, Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way

Map

ACCOMMODATION

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

5 Star Hotels Ireland
The Killarney Park located in the center of Killarney Town has for many years being the destinations leading…
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Merrion Hotel, Dublin

5 Star Hotels Ireland
Many of the 142 bedrooms and suites overlook period landscaped gardens. Guests can dine in the 2-star Michelin…
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Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

5 Star Hotels Ireland
Hayfield Manor Hotel is Cork City's only five-star Hotel located in the leafy and tranquil University Region. The…
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Transport

When you tour Ireland with Ireland Chauffeur Travel, you travel in style and luxury. We provide the very best touring transport so your private chauffeur driver will guide you around Ireland in the latest luxury Mercedes and Land Rover Range Rover vehicle models.

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Experiences

Why not enhance your tour with some of these recommended Experiences along the way! These can be arranged with your Travel Advisor when customizing your itinerary (please note Experiences are not included unless requested)

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Walk the Gateway to the Isles

The coastal resort town of Oban is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. As the “Gateway to the Isles” is has a spectacular natural setting - its beautiful bay looks out over the islands of Kerrera and Mull, while high above the town is McCaig’s Tower dominates the skyline. The tower is a granite folly reminiscent of Rome’s Coliseum in its circular shape. It was commissioned by wealthy banker John Stewart McCaig and was intended to become a museum containing statues of his family. Work began in 1897 but McCaig died before it could be completed. It’s well worth taking a walk up to the tower site to enjoy superb views of the town and bay especially at sunset.

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Oban Whiskey Distillery

Nestled beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban is one of Scotland's oldest sources of single malt Scotch whisky. Take a tour of the senses at Oban Distillery by knowledgeable guides exploring each part of the whisky making process. Your tour will finish with a sample of our Oban 14-year-old single malt with some crystallised ginger. Oban Town is known as the "Gateway to the Isles". It occupies a beautiful setting in the Firth of Lorn. Oban Bay is a near perfect horseshoe bay, protected by the island of Kerrera and the famed Isle of Mull.

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Inveraray Castle & Gardens

Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell is a unique piece of architecture and was the first of its size and type to be built on the West Coast of Scotland. We can arrange a private tour of the Castle, exploring the many historical rooms and gardens.

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Loch Ness Drive

Loch Ness is famous for its fabled Monster is the deepest lake in the British Isles and its mystery is enhanced by the dark peaty colour of its waters. The Caledonian Canal runs from Inverness down the geographical fault line known as the Great Glen. Less than 10 miles southwest, the canal runs into Loch Ness, home to the mysterious monster, 'Nessie'. Loch Ness which is 24 miles long, one mile wide and can reach depths of over 700ft is the largest body of fresh water in Europe.

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Culloden Battlefield

One of the most famous battle sites in Britain where Scotland's Jacobite Pretender Bonnie Prince Billie took on the mighty Williamites in the last pitched battle to take place in Britain. Nearby in Cawdor is Cawdor Castle a beautiful 15th century tower house which has recognized connections with Shakespeare's Mac Beth.

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Highland Shopping

House of Bruar, nestling at the side of the famous Bruar Falls, for a variety of shopping opportunities in Scotland's most prestigious country store. There is also an extensive range of Scottish foods for the gourmet and a fabulous country kitchen restaurant. Nearby Queen View overlooking The River Tummel is one of Scotland most celebrated beauty spots.