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.

 

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

  • Drawing room at the Merrion Hotel Dublin

    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...

  • Hayfield_Reception

    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...

  • Killarney_Interior

    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...

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.

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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...