Country
Ireland
Duration
15 Days/14 Nights
Travel Type
Self Drive
Pipes and haggis, jigs and reel, this is the ultimate Celtic combo-itinerary. Spend 1 week in Scotland and 1 week in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland discovering breathtaking locations, incredible food, and unforgettable memories!
Inclusions
14-night accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels
Daily breakfast
Car rental (automatic compact) Ford Focus (or similar) for 15 days (6 days in Great Britain / 9 days in Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland). Includes: VAT, liability insurance, fire insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW) with deductible, theft protection (TP) with deductible, taxes, unlimited mileage, cross-border fee, one-way drop off fee, airport surcharge (please see rental company for complete details)
Exclusions
International flights / flight from Glasgow to Belfast – Fuel, additional insurance, tolls, young driver surcharge, congestion zone charges in certain cities in Scotland – Entrances to museums, monuments and sites unless indicated above – Meals other than breakfast – Ferries – Optional excursions – Personal expenses – Any other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT
– Cars drive on the left-side of the road in Scotland/Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland
– Scotland/Northern Ireland uses miles per hour, while the Republic of Ireland uses kilometers
– Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used
1
DAY 1 WELCOME TO SCOTLAND
Arrive in Edinburgh, pick up your rental car and head into the city. Get to know the historic center of Edinburgh with Edinburgh Castle and Princess Gardens. Wander along the Royal Mile and relax in one of the many cafes or pubs, or visit some museums, such at the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery.
Accommodation : Edinburgh for 1 night
2
DAY 2 ST ANDREWS – PERTH
Leave Edinburgh via the spectacular Forth Road Bridge. Visit St Andrews Castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews. St Andrews is also the famous home of golf, played on the Old Course since the 15th century. Continue to Perth where you can visit the Scone Palace regarded as a national treasure and revered as the historic jewel in the crown of Scotland.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Perth for 1 night
3
DAY 3 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands today and be enchanted by its beautiful scenery. On your way, visit the Edradour Whisky Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland, and don’t miss out on a tasting (not included)! We suggest spending some time in the principal city of the Highlands this evening, Inverness. Try visiting the Victorian Market or Craig Patrick above the city.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Inverness for 1 night
4
DAY 4 ISLE OF SKYE
A visit to Loch Ness is a must today, in search of the Loch Ness Monster, as well as the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life, and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. After lunch, travel to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most scenic of the Hebridean Islands.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Isle of Skye for 1 night
5
DAY 5 OBAN
Enjoy your morning on this beautiful island. During your journey, take in the dramatic scenery of the famed Cuillin Mountains. Visit Dunvegan Castle, the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Continue through the historic valley Glen Coe, also known as the “Valley of Tears.” The main valley road brings you through the beautiful mountains, with their deep gullies and impressive waterfalls.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Oban for 1 night
6
DAY 6 GLASGOW
Drive along the banks of Loch Lomond towards Glasgow. Loch Lomond has the greatest drinking water capacity of any lake in Great Britain. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of Glasgow. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery where you can explore its 22 themed galleries showcasing an astonishing 8,000 pieces of art.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Glasgow for 1 night
7
DAY 7 DEPARTURE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND (BELFAST)
After breakfast, drive to Glasgow airport, return your rental and take your flight to Belfast, Northern Ireland (flight not included). Arrival in Belfast and pick up your hired car. Depending on your time of arrival, spend the day exploring the city of Belfast. We suggest a visit to Titanic Belfast, located in the heart of Belfast. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building’s giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four “ship’s hull” shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Belfast for 1 night
8
DAY 8 GALWAY
Depart Belfast for Galway this morning. Visit Kilbeggan Distillery en route (not included), the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. Explore the distillery’s museum and learn how whiskey has been produced here since it was founded in 1757. Continue to Galway and spend your evening in the city.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Galway for 2 nights
9
DAY 9 CONNEMARA
Discover the wilderness of Connemara today. Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrons, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey. Afterwards visit Connemara National Park.
Meals : Breakfast
10
DAY 10 COUNTY CLARE - COUNTY KERRY - KILLARNEY
On the way to Kerry, you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. Soon after that you will arrive at the Cliffs of Moher. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Killarney area for 2 nights
11
DAY 11 RING OF KERRY
The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland. Quiet valleys and idyllic spots await along the way. The breathtaking beauty of the landscape on the peninsula will delight you. The mild climate influenced by the gulf stream accounts for luscious growth of surprising flora, such as subtropical palm trees.
Meals : Breakfast
12
DAY 12 KILKENNY
After breakfast, leave Killarney and travel eastward. En route, visit the Rock of Cashel, possibly the most photographed site in Ireland. Spend your afternoon in Kilkenny and visit either Kilkenny Castle or the Smithwick’s Experience at your leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kilkenny area for 1 night
13
DAY 13 WICKLOW - DUBLIN
On your way to Dublin, we suggest a visit to the monastic settlement of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains. Much of what is to be seen today dates from the 10 to 12th centuries. One of the most attractive features is the fine 34m high round tower. Beautifully scenic walking trails take visitors on a circular route by the lakes from the car park.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Dublin area for 2 nights
14
DAY 14 DUBLIN
Discover all Dublin has to offer. You will notice that Dublin is split in half. The northern side is a lively area with lots of attractions, such as the General Post Office; the southern side, on the other hand, has a more refined feel, with its Georgian squares.
Meals : Breakfast
15
DAY 15 DEPARTURE FROM IRELAND
Breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Dublin Airport to return your rental car and take your return flight home.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Edinburgh – Jurys Inn Edinburgh 4*
Perthshire – Bridge of Cally Hotel 3*
Inverness – Royal Highland Hotel 3*
Isle of Skye – Royal Hotel Portree 3*
Oban – Logh Melfort Hotel 4*
Glasgow – Jurys Inn Glasgow 4*
Belfast – Jurys Inn Belfast 4*
Galway – Connacht Hotel 3*
Kerry – Castlerosse Hotel 4*
Kilkenny – Hotel Kilkenny 4*
Dublin – Sandymount Hotel 4*
|
Rates in $ CA, per person, in double occupancy |
|||
| Daily Departures – 2024 | Land Package – including car rental | ||
| January – April October – December |
4239 | ||
| May June |
5105 | ||
| September | 5760 | ||
| July – August | 5295 | ||
| Supplement | |||
| Single | on request | ||
Tour Code: A
All Ireland Hotels: 15 – 18 March; 23 – 26, 30 – 31 December
Dublin Hotels: 10, 24 – 25 February; 18 – 19 May; 27 – 30 June; 13 – 14, 27 – 28 July; 22 – 25 August;
29 August – 2 September
Galway Hotels: 29 July – 6 August
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
Celtic Connections – detailed itinerary
Celtic Connections – detailed itinerary
