Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
12 Days
Visiting: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Tramore, Blarney, Ring Of Kerry, Killarney, Adare, Cliffs Of Moher, Galway, Sligo, Sligo-Derry, Northern Ireland, Giant’S Causeway, Belfast, Alloway, Scotland, Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Culloden Moor, Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9030-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the treasures of Ireland and Scotland on your affordable tour from Dublin to Edinburgh. In Dublin’s fair city, you’ll drive along the statue-lined O’Connell Street and see the elegant Georgian squares with their red-brick townhouses. You’ll also see Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. En route from Dublin to the seaside resort of Tramore, take a stroll through the pretty lanes of Kilkenny, and see the city famous for its Irish crystal—Waterford. In Blarney, home of the fabled Stone of Eloquence, time to browse or buy irresistible Irish handicrafts and crystal. On your way to Killarney, stop for spectacular photo opportunities along the Ring of Kerry. You’ll travel to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the cosmopolitan seaside city of Galway. Drive along Donegal Bay, with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches, to Derry. Continue to the north coast’s awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway—40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed by volcanic eruptions some 60 million years ago. An amazing sight!Next, to Belfast, where the Titanic was built. You’ll board a ferry for an Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan, then on to Glasgow. Your budget-minded travel through Ireland and Scotland delves into the lush and rugged country of Scotland with magical scenes such as the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, wild landscapes of Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness, and Scotland’s famed whisky region. From the spectacular Cairngorms National Park to the beautiful Victorian resort of Pitlochry, and the home of golf, St. Andrews, you’ll cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh for royal Scottish history in the home of historic scientists, inventors, and novelists. Your value-minded tour of Ireland and Scotland is chock-full of priceless experiences, sights, and memories brave and true!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Location: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover the vibrant Irish capital. Why not end the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse? Toast Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover the vibrant Irish capital. Why not end the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse? Toast Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.
Day 2 :
Location: Dublin
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions to start your day in the “Fair City” with an orientation drive along statue-lined O’Connell Street; elegant Georgian squares with their tall red brick townhouses, multi-hued doors, and wrought-iron decorated windows; Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College; and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with a this popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.DUBLIN Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions to start your day in the “Fair City” with an orientation drive along statue-lined O’Connell Street; elegant Georgian squares with their tall red brick townhouses, multi-hued doors, and wrought-iron decorated windows; Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College; and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with a this popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. (B)
Day 3 :
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Tramore
Kilkenny, with its medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm, is your first destination today. There is time to stroll through pretty lanes with vibrantly painted houses and enjoy a morning coffee. Continue on to Waterford, famous for its exquisite crystal, before arriving at the seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local flavor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 128 mi/ 205 kmDUBLIN–KILKENNY–WATERFORD–TRAMORE Kilkenny, with its medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm, is your first destination today. There is time to stroll through pretty lanes with vibrantly painted houses and enjoy a morning coffee. Continue on to Waterford, famous for its exquisite crystal, before arriving at the seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local flavor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 128 mi/ 205 km (B,D)
Day 4 :
Location: Tramore, Blarney, Ring Of Kerry, Killarney
The first of today’s highlights is Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish handicrafts and handmade crystal. At Kenmare, join part of the Ring of Kerry, and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort town of Killarney.Today’s Distance: 165 mi/ 265 kmTRAMORE–BLARNEY–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEY The first of today’s highlights is Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish handicrafts and handmade crystal. At Kenmare, join part of the Ring of Kerry, and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort town of Killarney.Today’s Distance: 165 mi/ 265 km (B)
Day 5: Killarney,Adare
Location: Killarney, Adare
In Killarney this morning, there is time for an optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride along the National Park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Then to Adare, renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. Its main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings and thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, ruins, and a picturesque village park. Go medieval with an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 58 mi/ 92 kmKILLARNEY–ADARE In Killarney this morning, there is time for an optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride along the National Park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Then to Adare, renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. Its main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings and thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, ruins, and a picturesque village park. Go medieval with an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 58 mi/ 92 km (B)
Day 6: Adare,Cliffs Of Moher,Galway,Sligo
Location: Adare, Cliffs Of Moher, Galway, Sligo
Breathtaking scenery awaits you today. Start with a visit to the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher and fantastic views over the Atlantic and Clare coast. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren and stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Your destination for tonight is Sligo.Today’s Distance: 194 mi/ 309 kmADARE–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–SLIGO Breathtaking scenery awaits you today. Start with a visit to the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher and fantastic views over the Atlantic and Clare coast. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren and stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Your destination for tonight is Sligo.Today’s Distance: 194 mi/ 309 km (B,D)
Day 7 :
Location: Sligo-Derry, Northern Ireland, Giant’S Causeway, Belfast
Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches to Derry, the walled city on the banks of the Foyle River. Continue on to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear how millions of years ago, the more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed. Overnight in the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built.Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 317 kmSLIGO-DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–BELFAST Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches to Derry, the walled city on the banks of the Foyle River. Continue on to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear how millions of years ago, the more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed. Overnight in the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built.Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 317 km (B)
Day 8 :
Location: Belfast, Alloway, Scotland, Glasgow
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital city of Northern Ireland before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan. On your way to Glasgow, stop in Alloway, the birthplace of Scottish poet Robert Burns.Today’s Distance: 87 mi/ 140 kmBELFAST–ALLOWAY, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW Enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital city of Northern Ireland before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan. On your way to Glasgow, stop in Alloway, the birthplace of Scottish poet Robert Burns.Today’s Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km (B)
Day 9 :
Location: Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Culloden Moor, Highlands
Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and proceed via wild Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis and Fort Augustus. In the afternoon, look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster, on the way to Culloden Moor where the Jacobite Rising, with Bonnie Prince Charlie at its helm, came to a tragic end at the hands of the Hanoverians.Today’s Distance: 202 mi/ 325 kmGLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM– FORT AUGUSTUS–CULLODEN MOOR–HIGHLANDS Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and proceed via wild Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis and Fort Augustus. In the afternoon, look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster, on the way to Culloden Moor where the Jacobite Rising, with Bonnie Prince Charlie at its helm, came to a tragic end at the hands of the Hanoverians.Today’s Distance: 202 mi/ 325 km (B,D)
Day 10 :
Location: Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Travel through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park to Pitlochry, the Victorian mountain resort set amid beautiful scenery. Then, head to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing. Finally, cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Our optional suggestion for this evening - no trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!Today’s Distance: 176 mi/ 284 kmHIGHLANDS–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH Travel through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park to Pitlochry, the Victorian mountain resort set amid beautiful scenery. Then, head to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing. Finally, cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Our optional suggestion for this evening - no trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!Today’s Distance: 176 mi/ 284 km (B)
Day 11 :
Location: Edinburgh
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Get the royal treatment and discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 25 & 26, and August 1, 2, 8 & 9, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.EDINBURGH A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Get the royal treatment and discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 25 & 26, and August 1, 2, 8 & 9, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Day 12 :
Location: Edinburgh
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.EDINBURGH Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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International Travel
Meals
Full English breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
UNESCO Sites
Forth Road Bridge|Giant?s Causeway and Causeway Coast|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Accommodation
Dublin:Clayton LeopardstownDublin:The Bonnington Dublin HotelTramore:Majestic HotelKillarney:Killarney Court HotelAdare:Woodlands House Hotel & SpaSligo:Southern Hotel SligoBelfast:Leonardo Hotel BelfastBelfast:AC Hotel BelfastGlasgow:Moxy Glasgow Merchant CityHighlands:Strathspey HotelEdinburgh:Novotel Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh:Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.