Celtic Highlights: Ireland and Scotland | Ireland Chauffeur Travel

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.

We just got back from an incredible trip touring Ireland and Scotland. This was a trip that had been on our bucket list for many years. We are in our 70’s and we knew we wanted a private tour (no driving for us!) and after much research, we found Ireland Chauffeur Travel. Over the course of the next 17 months, we worked with many wonderful people at ICT, who answered our endless questions and emails to finalize our amazing itinerary. A very big thank you to Grainne Leamy, who was kind beyond words. In the end, we had an awesome itinerary…great lodgings, much anticipated dinner reservations, beautiful sites to visit, and the most essential part of our trip…our driver guide.
Our personal driver guide, Paul Feehan, was the BEST!! He was professional, courteous, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable of Ireland’s history, food, and landmarks in addition to being an expert driver. We felt safe the entire trip. Paul took wonderful care of us, always checking to make sure that we had the best experience possible. He listened to us and took the time to make what we wanted…happen. Basically, Paul made our wishes come true. By the end of the trip, he understood us all so well, that he knew what we wanted before we did! Paul started out as our driver guide but by the time we said goodbye in Edinburgh, he had become our friend. We cannot thank him enough for all he did to make this trip exceptional!
We will always remember this trip to Ireland and Scotland with fondness and we can thank Ireland Chauffeur Travel and Paul Feehan for that!

Mitchell Family – April 2023

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

Glasgow

Oban

Inverness

Edinburgh

Dublin

Cork

Killarney

Shannon

Accommodation

Merrion Hotel, Dublin

The Merrion Hotel Dublin

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

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 Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud or The Cellar Restaurant and Bar. The intimate No 23 cocktail bar waits as does the Tethra Spa which boasts an 18m pool, steam room, fully equipped gymnasium and two private treatment rooms. The Merrion offers six private dining and meeting rooms.

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 hotel is positioned in mature gardens with fine oak trees, a private garden, and an aviary. The hotel has a wonderful fine dining restaurant which we highly recommend as well as a newer bistro-style venue for more informal dining options. Hayfield Manor is celebrated for Corks most spacious and luxurious rooms ranging from Manor House to Executive Suites. There is also a swimming pool and spa for those who wish to really relax and unwind after a day’s touring. The city centre is a ten minutes walk through the university quarter and along the banks of the River Lee.

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 5 Star Hotel. The hotel combines excellent services with intimacy and friendly staff who make staying at the hotel a memorable experience. The hotel has an excellent spa facility, music in the bar on summer nights and a choice of excellent restaurants. Located in the center of town this is an ideal base to enjoy the nightlife of Killarney at leisure and perhaps an evening show.

Celtic Highlights

Ireland and Scotland

View Gallery

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.

View our Fleet

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)

Fireside Storytelling

Ireland is the land folklore, legends and storytelling. At Ireland Chauffeur Travel, we adore Ireland’s famed fireside storytelling sessions and we want to share that with you. We will arrange an authentic, engaging and private storytelling and music session with one of our favourite famed storytellers … and all in the comfort of your hotel or local pub

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Edinburgh Castle and City Walking Tour

A walking tour provides a great insight into the history, culture and traditions of the capital. Climb Castlehill to explore the mighty castle, a fortress and former royal residence, now a major part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scotland’s crown jewels are among the national treasures on display within the castle walls. Known as the ‘defender of the nation’, Edinburgh Castle remains an active military base.

Book of Kells at Trinity College

The Book of Kells Exhibition is a must-see on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed, and which displays the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the Vulgate text which St Jerome completed in 384AD, intermixed with readings from the earlier Old Latin translation. The book is written on vellum (prepared calfskin) in a bold and expert version of the script known as “insular majuscule”.

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is in the heart of Georgian Dublin. It houses over 2,500 paintings and approximately 10,000 other works in different media. The Yeats museum is a special favourite, with works by Jack B Yeats, his father John Butler and other members of this artistic family. We can arrange private guided tours as well as a very special after-hours tour of the gallery.

Brú na Bóinn & Boyne Valley

Newgrange, an ancient wonder of Neolithic Age in Europe. Newgrange is a large grass covered mound covering an area of over one acre with large kerbstones which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The tour of the monument involves travelling through a chamber into the center of the tomb. Here you will experience a re-enactment of the magical process of the center chamber lighting up with a thin shaft of early morning winter sunshine.

There is an exhibition of ancient life in the Boyne Valley to support the monument that is worthy of a visit as well as an excellent audio-visual show. The tour can be combined with visits to the lesser known monuments of Knowth and Dowth and Ireland’s most important battle site where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690.

Guinness Storehouse

Wander through the seven floors that make up the Home of the Black Stuff, and learn about its rich heritage and see how our famous drink is actually brewed. Once you reach the top you’ll get to sit back and enjoy a pint of perfection as well as an unequaled panoramic view of the city.

Garden of Ireland

Wicklow is rightly known as the Garden of Ireland due to the spectacular natural scenery which couple mountains with lakes and meandering glens and a long coastline. The Sally Gap, a high mountain drive is akin to being in the Wild West and the lush landscapes of Glendalough, the Glen of the two lakes nestled deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Here St Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century that still stands today in its same peaceful abode. There are also the delightful villages of Roundwood and Avoca where picturesque mountains meet pretty hamlets.

Irish Castles and Forts

County Meath is an archaeological voyage of unparalleled importance which has many attractions dating from very ancient to medieval times. The Hill of Tara stands in the centre of this fascinating county, once the seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland. Little remains today of the ancient capital with the exception of raised mounds, a giant “Stone of Destiny” and a Chamber for Hostages. Trim Castle to the west is almost perfectly intact and one of Ireland’s most interesting castles. Used for many film sets, including Braveheart, the castle sits proudly on the banks of the Boyne and has many ruins in the area that make a perfect guided walk.

Cork Food Trail

A relaxed but highly-focused walking tour with an engaging and experienced guide. This culinary walk has lots of stops, including the English Market, with frequent, generous tastings along the way. Expect to be brought to places that are off the usual food route and visit markets, cheesemongers, fishmongers, butchers, bakers and more and meet the people who produce some of the best food in Ireland. As you stroll, you will learn about the history of the city and have the opportunity to view the interesting architecture.