Ireland & Scotland Adventures

Day 1 - Monday 8^th September - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – or one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland. Arriving at the airport this morning, we collect our pre-booked rental car, and it’s time to make our way to the first stop along the Wild Atlantic Way. Connemara is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) known for its windswept landscapes of mountains, beaches and bog. Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest hotels, set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range. Today we want to check in, relax and spend the afternoon on-site enjoying the estate.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Tuesday 9^th September - Inis Oirr Adventure

Today, explore Inis Oirr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. We meet a local guide and begin with a scenic flight over Galway Bay and the dramatic Connemara coastline, before stepping into the island’s beautiful and rugged terrain. Visit the Arts Centre to learn about its history, culture, and traditions, then take part in a craft workshop with local expert Máirtín. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh lobster before heading out to explore some of the island’s highlights, such as the underground church, shipwreck and the 15th-century O’Brien’s Castle.

Overnight: Connemmara | Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Wednesday 10^th September - The Cliffs of Moher

This morning we head south to Co. Clare Co. Clare where we meet Cormac, a local who will lead us on a walk along Ireland’s famed Cliffs of Moher, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Visually stunning, the Cliffs stand at 702 ft at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast. Cormac is passionate about the history, geology and heritage of this area and holds a wealth of knowledge on the surrounding landscape. Take in the views, stop by the visitor centre, and take the opportunity to snap some breathtaking photos. A small boutique 4-star manor house awaits us this evening. Gregans Castle Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Burren region, offering fine dining, sumptuous comfort and two resident donkeys just waiting to meet you.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 11^th September - The Burren National Park

The Burren striated, limestone landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle-earth in JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy–and on a guided hike through this otherworldly region, it’s easy to see why! We meet local author and producer, Tony, for a walk in this rugged, limestone escarpment that comes alive in the spring and summer with wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. Pause for lunch at a local tearoom with an option to visit the adjoining Burren Perfumery, the oldest working perfumery in Ireland. This evening we enjoy a private whiskey tasting in the nearby town of Ballyvaughan. Margaret has one of the largest whiskey collections in Ireland and is more than happy to share her knowledge with us. 

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 12^th September - Depart

This morning, we drive to the airport, drop our rental car, and take our flight to Scotland.  On arrival in Scotland, you will pick up your rental car at the airport and make your way into the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.

Enroute you have the option to take a slight detour to Linlithgow Palace, which was used for filming scenes of Jamie’s incarceration in Wentworth Prison in the TV series Outlander.  It is also the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.  You will notice the scenery change from rolling hills to rugged mountains, ancient pine forests and open glens as you make your way into the Cairngorm National Park.  Settle in to your cosy accommodation for the evening, perhaps raise a glass to the rest of your adventure.

Overnight: Kingussie | Star Hotel
Room Type: x1 King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 13^th September - Visit Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns

Head north this morning to visit Culloden Battlefield and its richly researched and engaging visitor centre. An expert guide will share stories of one of the most harrowing battles in Scottish history as you walk across the rough moor where the Jacobites and the Government fought in 1746. Take the opportunity to visit Clava Cairns – a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones.  If you want to continue exploring, there is the option to visit a favourite dolphin watching spot on the coast.  Be sure to grab a warming coffee at the local bakery to enjoy as you watch!  Return to your cosy Highland guesthouse this evening and relax.

Overnight: Kingussie | Star Hotel
Room Type: x1 King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 14^th September - Highland History

Bid farewell to the Cairngorms as you journey south today.  On the way, stop to discover the Highland Folk Museum, an open-air museum nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms. Explore historic buildings and exhibits that showcase traditional Highland life, from the 1700s to the 1950s. Keen Outlander fans may recognise the reconstructed township from the 1700s as it was a filming location in Season 1 when Claire joins a group of women washing garments amongst other scenes.  Wander through recreated cottages, farms, and workshops, each telling the story of Scotland’s rural past. With its immersive displays and beautiful surroundings, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and customs of Highland communities through the centuries.

There are many hikes you can enjoy enroute, from hidden Lochs and forest waterfalls.   Arriving at your luxurious Castle hotel, your evening is free to explore the wonderful surroundings or just relax and enjoy.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 15^th September - Blair Castle & A Whisky Experience

Today, visit Blair Castle, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Explore its rich history, which has seen both turbulent and peaceful times, with the castle expanding and adapting over 750 years. The family’s story unfolds in 30 rooms, set against a backdrop of fine 18th-century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture. Outside, the 18th-century gardens offer a nine-acre walled garden, a wooded grove, a gothic folly, a kirk ruin, and an extensive deer park.

Later, indulge in an exclusive private tasting at one of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Tucked away in the charming town of Pitlochry, Blair Atholl Distillery invites you to explore time-honoured whisky-making traditions and savour a curated selection of its renowned, richly flavoured malts.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tuesday 16^th September - Edinburgh at Leisure

Today you will make your way back to the City.  Once you have dropped your rental vehicle at the airport, you are free to enjoy exploring Edinburgh. Visiting beautiful places like Dean Village, The Royal Mile or the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art showcases an impressive collection, while the cobbled streets of Stockbridge are lined with independent shops and inviting cafés. A peaceful walk along the Water of Leith weaves through wooded paths and past historic buildings, and for a panoramic view, there is no better vantage point than the summit of Arthur’s Seat, overlooking the city and beyond.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Townhouse Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Wednesday 17^th September - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast