Scottish & Irish Gold (14 Nights)

Truly a journey of discovery and knowledge, the Scottish and Irish Gold Tour is jam-packed with every must-see stop and spot on the grid. Take fourteen days to investigate the history, culture and landscape of these magnificent countries – though they may be small, they’re certainly mighty.

From Glasgow to Dublin, we’ve drawn up an itinerary that fits in every famous landmark as well as some of Ireland and Scotland’s hidden gems, with time to explore and investigate each one.

You’ll be stopping in Glasgow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Belfast, the Ring of Kerry, Dublin and a huge list of other places throughout the two weeks, taking in different ways of life and indulging in an ever-present backdrop of stunning scenery. Surrounded by vistas on every side, this tour is as beautiful as it is busy.

This trip is the vacation of a lifetime – if you’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and Scotland, the Scottish and Irish Gold Tour is the right way to do it.

Day 1: Glasgow City Tour

Your Scottish adventure begins at 2:30PM, when you arrive at your hotel in Glasgow and meet your tour director. You’ll set out on an introductory tour of Glasgow, viewing its most famous attractions such as parks, squares and museums. At Kelvingrove Museum, you’ll view awe-inspiring art collections. That evening you can enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow travellers.

Day 2: Loch Lomond & Inveraray Castle

castle-450Today you’ll take a short cruise of Loch Lomond, admiring the gorgeous views of the Highlands before travelling to Inveraray. Here, you’ll explore the town before taking a tour of Inveraray Castle, home to the Campbells and also used as a filming location for internationally-acclaimed TV drama “Downton Abbey”. Then you’ll journey through Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas, before travelling down the coast to your next hotel in Ballachulish.

Day 3: Isle of Skye & Clan Donald Centre

Journey down the idyllic “Road to the Isles”, pausing for some photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Then travel on a ferry to the Isle of Skye, visiting the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. You can drive through the island and return to the mainland via bridge, pausing for pictures at Eilean Donan Castle before continuing on your journey. Travel along the gorgeous shoes of the famous Loch Ness, where the mysterious Loch Ness monster is said to reside. Keep your binoculars at the ready! Finish up your day at your hotel in Nairn, a manor house sitting on fabulous grounds near the North Sea.

Day 4: Culloden Battlefield & Sheepdogs

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, just a stone’s throw distance from Nairn, is your first destination today. Here, you can learn about the battle that took place on 16th April 1746, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart and his army were defeated by the British Government forces. Take a walk around the moorland to discover monuments commemorating the troops involved in the battle. Then, you’ll continue through the Highlands, taking in the wonderful scenery, before arriving at Leault Farm where sheepdogs herd sheep.

Day 5: Blair Castle & Whisky Tasting

Start off your fifth day with a tour of Blair Castle, home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle dates back to 1259 and has undergone many renovations through the ages, transforming from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle. Here you’ll learn the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and the Atholl Highlanders. After, you’ll visit Blair Athol Distillery and observe how whiskey is made, maybe indulging in a wee tipple before you depart. The afternoon is free to explore the hotel gardens and facilities, or to have a root around the town of Pitlochry.

Day 6: Glamis Castle, St Andrews & Scottish Evening in Edinburgh

Today take a trip to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother and the legendary backdrop of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Travel across the Tay Bridge to visit St. Andrews, the world-famous “Home of Golf” where you can view the Old Course and the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse while on a scenic drive. If golfing isn’t for you, you can explore the town instead, learning about the ruined cathedral and castle. Then you’ll drive south to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, and enjoy a traditional Scottish Evening with a dinner of haggis and a bagpipe show.

Day 7: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

Start your last day in Scotland off with a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh; wander through the wide streets and elegant mansions of New Town, a 200-year-old Georgian town. Walk part of the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city, before visiting Edinburgh Castle. The castle is Edinburgh’s most famous attraction and offers some simply stunning views of the city. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy. (On July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.)

Day 8: Titanic Belfast & Vibrant Dublin

Today you’ll say farewell to Edinburgh, driving south along the coast to Ayrshire. You’ll take a ferry to Belfast from Cairnryan, eating a light lunch while sailing. After arriving in Belfast, you’ll travel to the Titanic Belfast exhibition to learn more about the ill-fated cruise liner and the people who built it. Then it’s on to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. You’ll check in at your hotel, located in the city centre, before dining independently.

Day 9: Clonmacnoise & Galway

You’ll depart Dublin today and travel onwards to the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise is full of interesting things to discover including opulent high crosses, church ruins and round towers. Afterwards, drive on to Galway. Here you’ll undertake a gentle walking tour of the area before checking into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore the shops, pubs and other facilities in the area before dining at your hotel that evening.

Day 10: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise

Today, take a trip through the middle of Connemara to Leenane, where you’ll depart on a cruise of Killary Harbour. The harbour is a 9-mile-long fjord, littered with beautiful scenes of hills where traces of lazy-beds (potato-crop ridges from the 19th century) can still be spotted. Pause for a light lunch before a tour f Kylemore Abbey, a decadent mansion which resides near a stunning lake. Then you’ll return to Galway, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city.

Day 11: Cliffs of Moher & Irish Night

Today, you’ll travel south around Galway Bay to reach the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. These sandstone cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and offer breathtaking views of the ocean. Afterwards, you’ll take in a sheepdog demonstration; real, trained sheepdogs tending to a flock of sheep. Then you’ll take a ferry trip across the River Shannon before driving onwards to Killarney. Here, you’ll visit Ross Castle via a horse-drawn jaunting cart ride through Killarney National Park. In the evening, you’ll attend an Irish Night, consisting of a lively trad music show and dinner.

Day 12: Ring of Kerry Tour & Muckross House

Today you’ll undertake the epic journey around the Ring of Kerry, a snaking road running through hills, mountains and coastline. You’ll visit the Skellig Experience to learn all about the nearby Skellig Islands, before having a casual lunch. Pause at Moll’s Gap to take in the stunning views before touring Muckross House. The remainder of the day is free to explore Killarney independently.

Day 13: Blarney Castle & Waterford Crystal

Journey to Blarney Castle today, pausing to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” and tour the castle itself. Afterwards, stop in Dungarvan at the Marine Bar to enjoy an authentic, creamy Irish coffee and a traditional Irish music session before checking into your hotel in Waterford. View some glass blowing and cutting by skilled craftspeople at the House of Waterford Crystal that afternoon and learn about the intricate trophies created there.

Day 14: Waterford Walk & Dublin Restaurant

dublinKick off your final day in Ireland with a walking tour of Waterford City, learning its long and interesting history. Afterwards visit the Medieval Museum for a tour before heading on to Kilkenny. In Kilkenny you can pause for a look around the city center, before travelling back to Dublin. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers at O’Connell’s Restaurant.

  • Scottish Evening in Edinburgh
  • Jarvey’s Irish Night
  • St Andrews
  • Whisky Tasting
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
  • Farewell Dinner At O’Connell’s in Dublin
  • Glasgow (1 night) Jurys Inn Glasgow
  • Ballachulish (1 night) Ballachulish Hotel, Isles of Glencoe Hotel
  • Nairn (1 night) Newton Hotel
  • Pitlochry (2 night) Atholl Palace Hotel
  • Edinburgh (2 nights) Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Norton House Hotel & Spa
  • Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (1 night) Royal Marine Hotel

     

  • Galway (2 nights) Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa – Galway
  • Killarney (2 nights) The Malton Hotel
  • Waterford (1 night) Granville Hotel
  • Dublin (1 night) Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
  • Sightseeing by luxury coach
  • Professional tour director
  • 14 nights in hotels listed
  • Full breakfast daily (B) except on day 1
  • 10 dinners (D) including Scottish Evening in Edinburgh, Jarvey’s Irish Night,O’Connell’s Restaurant in Dublin, 7 table d’hote dinners
  • 3 lunches (L)
  • Welcome get-together drink
  • Tours of Glasgow, St Andrews and Edinburgh
  • Loch Lomond scenic cruise
  • Ferries to the Isle of Skye, from Scotland to Ireland and across River Shannon
  • Blair Athol Distillery whisky tasting and tour
  • Reserved seats for Edinburgh Military Tattoo on July 30 to August 20 departures
  • Walking tours of Galway and Waterford
  • Killary Fjord catamaran cruise
  • Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
  • Irish coffee and music session at the Marine Bar in Dungarvan
  • Visits and admissions to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Inveraray Castle, Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Blair Castle, Glamis Castle, St Andrews, Edinburgh Castle, Titanic Belfast, Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Skellig Experience, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, House of Waterford Crystal and Waterford’s Medieval Museum
  • Audio headsets and group photo
  • Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
  • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
  • Free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotel lobbies

NOTE

Go Irish Tours reserves the right to substitute visits, entertainment and other features when cannot be visited for reasons beyond our control.

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About Ed


Hi.
My name is Ed short for Edgar. Mixed blood of Latvian and Ireland
I have lived in Mullingar town for most of my life. Traveling around the country is my favorite pass time activity, I have been to many places, and love to explore all the nooks & crannies of Ireland. The beauty of Ireland's landscape is unbelievable sometimes you feel like in a different country. From the serenity of the walk at Glendalough to the humbling feeling of being beside Cliffs of Moher is truly amazing to experience.
When I travel throughout Ireland the hospitality is the one thing that stood out most! Cork is my personal favourite as the people are so nice and welcoming my highlight was the Titanic experience where you feel like one of the passengers who are about to board the ship from the heartbreak pier that still stands to this day.
In Ireland you will always get the warmest welcome in any B&B. My other hobbies are cooking horse riding and fishing. I can’t wait to share the experiences with you for your Trip of a lifetime to this amazing Green Isle.
Sláinte (Cheers)

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About Donna


Hey, my name is Donna and I'm from the town of Mullingar in the Heart of Ireland.

One of my passions is exploring and from my experience, Ireland is a beautiful country to explore. I have so many recommendations but for newcomers to Ireland I definitely opt to send you to Westport for Croagh Patrick & Clew Bay, perfect for hiking scenery and beautiful seafood, 

My favorite place in Ireland is Galway City - I love going for a meal with my friends, followed by a stroll down the cobbled streets, before popping into one of the Traditional Irish Pubs like  An Púcan.

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About Rita


Hi, I’m Rita and I am living in Kilkenny, the Marble city.

Born in Portugal, I fell in love with Ireland from the moment I landed here. I intended to stay for 6 months, and 6 years after I just cannot imagine my life without the Irish ‘craic’. 

Working in Events & Tourism for the last years has been so rewarding - bringing people to see all the magical, undiscovered spots in this country is what I wake up for every day. I have made memories that will last a lifetime, and I work towards creating the same experiences for others visiting the Emerald island. 

My favourite place in Ireland is probably the Dingle Peninsula, where bumpy roads bring the Atlantic ocean and green mountains together. The seafood is just as brilliant as the landscape, which I couldn’t forget to mention, being the foodie that I am!

You could say I am biased when I pick Kilkenny as one of my other top spots - I just can’t get enough of this lively mediaeval city branded by its hospitality.

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About Tina


Hi my name is TinaMarie, I have been working in Travel for over 15 years now and still love it as much as when I just started. There is something very special about bringing people to Ireland because we live here we take pride in our wonderful little country and want the whole world to experience what we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep.

Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite county and city in Ireland is Galway simply due to the dual aspect living you can have in this area the beauty and serenity of the Connemara countryside and the diverse cultural living of Galway city. Come and see firsthand how friendly and welcoming the Irish people are , Stop waiting and make the trip of a lifetime!

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About Sinéad


Hey! My name is Sinéad. I'm from Longford, the heart of the midlands. I'm a countryside girl at heart, depsite living in the capital for a few years while studying. I love the hustle bustle of Dublin city centre, there's always so much going on and so much to do. Although, you can't beat the tranquility of the Irish countryside in my opinion!

Apart from my hometown, one of my favorite place in Ireland has got to be 'The Kingdom' (Kerry). The scenery is just unparalleled. From the idyllic wild Atlantic coasts to our selection of well-known mountain ranges, and everything in between. The ring of Kerry is definitely a must see, the nightlife is pretty great too!!

On my weekends I love to cheer on my local Gaelic football teams. I'd definitely recommend catching a GAA match on your travels!

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About Jessica


Hi, my name is Jessica,

I'm from the town of Mullingar, known as the hidden heartlands of Ireland. Travel is my passion, every weekend I try to visit a few different counties here in Ireland and also explore new and exciting countries. Unfortunately there is just not enough time to visit everywhere I want too on our beautiful island of Ireland, Naturally the next best thing is to help make others dreams come true with the trip of a lifetime to our fair isle!

My two favorite places in Ireland is Galway and Kerry. They are full of great culture, food, scenery, and of course many traditional Irish pubs!! There is always a great lively buzz no matter what time of year you visit.

I look forward to working with many of you in the near future to offer my knowledge, guidance and support for your trip of a lifetime.

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About Ronan


Hey!

My name is Ronan and I'm from Mullingar (the heart of the Midlands). I have a passion for travelling and have been all over the world. However, my most favourite place in the world is the west of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way. From seeing Basking sharks in Keem bay in Achill Island (Mayo), to having a lovely relaxing pint of Guinness in Salthill in Galway, to taking in the majestic Cliffs of Moher in Clare and kayaking alongside dolphins in Dingle bay (Kerry) - it's all just amazing. Oh, and not to forget the delicious Skellig chocolates while looking out at Skellig Michaeal in Kerry, yum!

I love all things sport and food - when I'm not travelling around Ireland I'm cooking up a storm in the kitchen and watching some local GAA (our national sport). I can't wait to help you out and make your trip to Ireland, the trip of a lifetime!

Céad mile fáilte mo chara - (A thousand welcomes my friend).

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