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Three of the British Isles most scenic countries combine

You are viewing the 2021 itinerary. Select your departure year
20212022
13 days From £2,795 per person

2021 Tour code: CEG21

About the tour

Three of the British Isles' most scenic countries combine on a holiday that showcases the best of these Celtic beauties. Beginning in Scotland, explore the majestic Highlands before travelling to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, nations boasting incredible cultures and histories.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

We begin our Celtic adventure in Edinburgh. This evening, we enjoy dinner at our hotel. 

Includes
  • Day 1 - Dinner
  • Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 3 - Breakfast
Day 2 - Edinburgh to Inverness

On Day 2, we take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness. On arrival, we visit the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Kyle of Lochalsh and the Kyle Line

Day 3 includes a journey up to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line, where we visit Eilean Donan Castle. After exploring, we return to our hotel via scenic Loch Ness.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Jacobite Steam Train

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Mallaig, stopping off en-route at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. There is some free time in Mallaig before we board the Jacobite Steam Train and travel to Fort William. 

Includes
  • Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 5 - Breakfast
Day 5 - West Highland Line

On Day 5, we rejoin the West Highland Line, journeying from Fort William to Glasgow.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Belfast

We travel to Cairnryan to join the ferry* over to Belfast, where we immediately embark on a guided coach tour of the city. After the tour, we check into our hotel. 

* Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

Includes
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 7 - Breakfast
Day 7 - Giant's Causeway

Our excursion on Day 7 is to the Giant's Causeway, stopping off at Carrickfergus Castle for some free time en-route. We also enjoy lunch in Ballycastle. Our time at the Giant's Causeway is at leisure to explore before we return to our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Hillsborough Castle and to Cork

Today we visit Hillsborough Castle, where the Queen resides while visiting Northern Ireland. After time to look around, we coach to Dublin where we board the train to Cork.

Includes
  • Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 9 - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Blarney Castle

On Day 9, we explore Ireland's most famous castle, Blarney Castle. First built in 1446, the most famous attraction here is the Blarney Stone. Also known as the Stone of Eloquence, kissing the stone is said to give a person the 'gift of the gab'. This evening, we're treated to a holiday highlight as we're whisked off to watch a Celtic Steps show, enjoying an evening of traditional Irish dance and music.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Ireland's natural beauty

We take a full-day coach trip around the stunning Ring of Kerry today, enjoying views of some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery in the whole of Europe. We visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum to learn more about Ireland's rural heritage, before a ride on the Jaunting Cars. The Jaunting Cars have been a traditional mode of transport here since the early 19th century, and a trip on them is like stepping back in time.

Includes
  • Day 10 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 11 - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Killimer

On Day 11 we transfer to Tarbert, crossing to Killimer by ferry. Here, we visit the striking Cliffs of Moher, a beautiful stretch of cliffs which tower over the crashing waves below, and are home to some fascinating, rare seabirds. We then travel to the Burren Centre to learn more about the local history of the area.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Dublin

After a relaxed morning on Day 12, we travel by rail to Dublin, where there's some free time to discover the city. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys Pub. 

Includes
  • Day 12 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 13 - Breakfast
Day 13 - Dublin to Holyhead

On Day 13, we take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, where our tour ends.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, Belfast

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Clayton Hotel Silver Spring, Cork

Clayton Hotel Silver Spring, Cork

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The Address Connolly Hotel

The Address Connolly Hotel, Dublin

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Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

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Cruachan Hotel, Fort William

Cruachan Hotel, Fort William

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Clayton Hotel, Galway

Clayton Hotel, Galway

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Hallmark Hotel

Hallmark Hotel, Glasgow

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Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness

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Castelrosse Hotel Kerry, Killarney

Castelrosse Hotel Kerry, Killarney

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Trains

Irish Railways
Jacobite Steam Train
The Kyle Line
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

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UK Rail Connections
Europe & UK by Rail 2021

Europe & UK by Rail 2021

The definitive guide to our 2021 summer & winter rail holidays to a wide range of destinations in Europe. When ordering for postal delivery, you will only receive our collection of European holidays. If you are interested in UK holidays, please download an ebrochure below.

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The Best of Scotland and Ireland

Three of the British Isles most scenic countries combine

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Helen Laverack
Helen
Luke Simpson
Luke
Lynne Broadley
Lynne
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