Punkey’s Birthday Trip

The Boone Family

Saturday 28th June – Monday 7th July 2025

Number of Travellers: 5
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable birthday celebration through the heart of Scotland and Ireland, where ancient landscapes meet vibrant city life. This meticulously crafted itinerary blends the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands with the charming allure of Dublin and the Irish countryside. From exploring historic castles and distilleries to cruising along scenic lochs and delving into the capital cities’ rich cultural tapestries, this adventure promises a captivating blend of nature, history, and authentic experiences. Traverse dramatic glens, savour local delicacies, and connect with family roots in the welcoming spirit of these remarkable lands.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 28th June | Welcome to Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Sunday 29th June | Cairngorms Journey | Overnight: Aviemore

Day 3 | Monday 30th June | Highland Exploration | Overnight: Glencoe Village

Day 4 | Tuesday 1st July | Glencoe and Loch Linnhe | Overnight: Glencoe Village

Day 5 | Wednesday 2nd July | Transfer to Ireland and the K Club | Overnight: Co. Kildare

Day 6 | Thursday 3rd July | Bennettsbridge and Artisan Crafts | Overnight: Co. Kildare

Day 7 | Friday 4th July | Wicklow Mountains Adventure | Overnight: Co. Kildare

Day 8 | Saturday 5th July | Discover Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 9 | Sunday 6th July | Dublin's Cultural Treasures | Overnight: Dublin

Day 10 | Monday 7th July | Departure

Highlights

  • Explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
  • Take a steam train through the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Wander through the picturesque Wicklow Mountains.
  • Enjoy a vintage afternoon tea bus tour through Dublin’s charming streets.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 28th June - Welcome to Edinburgh

Arrive in the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh today and settle into your lovely accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore the winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Full of history, the capital is very accessible by foot. Wander up the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral (which has been a working church for over 900 years) and Edinburgh Castle, which offers sweeping views over the city. As evening descends, delve into the city’s hidden history with a fascinating vaults tour, uncovering tales of its past beneath the bustling streets.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham

Day 2 - Sunday 29th June - Cairngorms Journey

After breakfast, meet your guide and embark on a scenic journey into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rugged beauty. The route will take you through stunning vistas, offering ample opportunities to capture the natural splendour of the Scottish Highlands. Stop at a local estate where you can enjoy a delightful gourmet lunch at a local estate that is set amidst the serene surroundings. Savour the local flavours while immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere. Arrive at your accommodation this evening with time to settle in – it is mid summer in the Highlands so it wont get dark until close around 11pm. If you are feeling brave you could go for an evening dip in a local loch or drive the mountain road to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Overnight: Aviemore | Ravenscraig Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 30th June - Highland Exploration

Step back in time this morning as you board the Strathspey Railway, where the rhythmic chug of the locomotive and the scent of coal smoke set the scene for a nostalgic journey through the rolling countryside. Disembark and continue your journey through the past at the Highland Folk Museum, an immersive open-air site where thatched crofts, traditional blackhouses, and costumed guides bring Scotland’s history to life. In the afternoon, you’ll journey to one of Scotland’s highest whisky distilleries, nestled in a landscape of rugged beauty. The crisp mountain air enhances the aroma of honeyed heather and smouldering peat as you sip a dram of their signature malt, a perfect balance of warmth and smoothness. The road then winds through the Highlands towards Glencoe, where towering peaks and dramatic ridges tell stories of ancient battles and lost clans.

Overnight: Glencoe Village | Glencoe Inn & Gathering
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 1st July - Glencoe and Loch Linnhe

This morning take a boat trip out on to Loch Linnhe, where you can explore the landscape from the water. Keep an eye out of seals lounging on the rocks and dolphins playing in the wake. Heading towards the Glenfinnan where – if we’re lucky – you’ll witness the billowing steam and rhythmic chug of the Jacobite Express as it arches gracefully across the iconic Viaduct. After your boat trip, ascend into the sky aboard the Nevis Range gondola. As you rise above the rugged landscape, a vast panorama unfolds—rolling glens, distant lochs, and the mighty presence of Ben Nevis, its summit often wreathed in mist. At the top, breathe in the pure mountain air and take in the Highlands from a new vantage point. Returning to Glencoe spend the rest of the afternoon at the Glencoe visitor centre, where you can learn not only about the area’s geology, and dramatic landscapes, but the tragic history of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, a dark stain on Scotland’s past.

Overnight: Glencoe Village | Glencoe Inn & Gathering
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 2nd July - Transfer to Ireland and the K Club

Savour a final morning in Glencoe, where the Highland air carries the scent of heather and the mountains stand sentinel over the glen. Take a quiet moment to soak in the last views of this breathtaking landscape before departing for Glasgow airport where your guide for Scotland will depart. Upon arrival in Dublin, meet your Irish guide and set off towards The K Club, a grand country retreat where history and luxury intertwine. As you approach, the estate unfolds before you—manicured lawns, ivy-clad walls, and the gentle flow of the River Liffey. Settle into your elegant surroundings, then unwind with a peaceful riverside stroll or a quiet drink by a crackling fire, embracing the warmth and charm of your Irish welcome.

Overnight: Co. Kildare | The K Club
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 3rd July - Bennettsbridge and Artisan Crafts

Journey into the heart of the Irish countryside with a day trip to Bennettsbridge, a picturesque village where time seems to slow. Rolling green fields and the gentle flow of the River Nore set a tranquil scene as you arrive. Visit a Nicholas Mosse Pottery where skilled artisans shape and decorate exquisite handcrafted ceramics using time-honoured techniques. Watch as delicate patterns come to life, each piece telling a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Enjoy lunch at the Riverside cafe, eating from pottery made on site. After lunch visit the ruins of Baltinglass Abbey, originally founded in 1148 and then on to Athgreany Stone Circle. Shrouded in myth and mist, the Bronze Age Stone Circle—known as the Piper’s Stones—is said to be a group of dancers, petrified for eternity as punishment for reveling on the Sabbath. The lone outlier stone is the piper, forever frozen mid-tune, encased alongside his spellbound companions. As the day winds down, return to The K Club for a peaceful evening—perhaps with a quiet moment in the gardens or a final drink by the fire, reflecting on the charm of the Irish countryside.

Overnight: Co. Kildare | The K Club
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 4th July - Wicklow Mountains Adventure

Set out for a day of adventure in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, where winding roads lead through heather-clad hills, glacial valleys, and tranquil lakes. With your guide, choose how to explore—perhaps wandering the ancient ruins of Glendalough, where monastic stone towers and serene lakes whisper tales of Ireland’s early Christian past. Or, step into the elegance of Powerscourt Estate, strolling through its magnificent gardens, ranked among the finest in the world. For those drawn to the open road, a scenic drive through Sally Gap offers breathtaking vistas at every turn, from sweeping moorlands to hidden valleys bathed in golden light.

Overnight: Co. Kildare | The K Club
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 5th July - Discover Dublin

Bid farewell to the tranquillity of The K Club as you journey into the vibrant heart of Dublin. You’ll guide will leave you here this morning giving you free time to explore the city. Step aboard a charming vintage bus for an afternoon tea like no other, where delicate pastries and fine teas are served against the backdrop of Dublin’s iconic streets. Later, immerse yourself in Ireland’s brewing heritage, the Guinness Storehouse, with a fascinating journey through the history of the country’s most famous stout. Follow the brewing process from grain to glass before enjoying a perfectly poured pint, decorated with your face, while enjoying the panoramic views stretching across the city’s rooftops.

Overnight: Dublin | Leinster Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 6th July - Dublin's Cultural Treasures

Set out on a private walking tour of Dublin, where every street and square holds a story. With your guide leading the way, wander through the city’s historic heart, from the elegant Georgian avenues to the lively cobbled streets and feel the pulse of Dublin’s past and present. Continue on to Trinity College, home to one of Ireland’s greatest treasures—the Book of Kells. Step into the hushed grandeur of the Long Room Library and admire the intricate beauty of this illuminated manuscript, a masterpiece of medieval artistry. In the afternoon, explore EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive experience that brings to life the stories of those who left Ireland and shaped the world beyond.

Overnight: Dublin | Leinster Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Monday 7th July - Departure

After a memorable birthday journey through Scotland and Ireland, transfer to the airport for your departing flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from pick up on Day 2 to drop off on Day 8
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Edinburgh vaults tour
    • Luxury lunch in the Cairngorms
    • Strathspey Railway
    • A donation in your name to the Highland Folk Museum
    • Dalwhinnie Distillery
    • Gondola ride
    • RIB on Loch Linnhe
    • Powerscourt Estate
    • Vintage afternoon tea on a bus
    • Guinness Storehouse Stoutie experience
    • Private walking tour of Dublin
    • Trinity College & the Book of Kells
    • EPIC entry
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights, including flight from UK to Ireland
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of the Scotland portion of the trip is £2,975 per person (GBP) and is based on availability at the time of booking.

The price of the Ireland portion of the trip is €3,670 per person (EURO) and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Get in Touch

Tel: 1-888-351-5707

Email Rachael

Accommodation

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: 0131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com

Ravenscraig Guest House

141 Grampian Road | Aviemore |
PH22 1RP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1479 810278
Web: ravenscraighouse.co.uk

Glencoe Inn & Gathering

Glencoe Village | West Highlands |
PH49 4HP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1855 811 245
Web: crerarhotels.com/the-glencoe-inn

The K Club

Co. Kildare |
W23 YX53 | Ireland
Phone: +353 1 601 7200
Web: kclub.ie

Leinster Hotel

7 Mount Street Lower | Dublin | Dublin |
D02 WK33 | Ireland
Phone: +353 1 233 6000
Web: theleinster.ie

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Luxury Picnic

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Guinness

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Trad Music

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Cairngorms - Loch Insh
Virtuoso

Punkey’s Birthday Trip

Saturday 28th June – Monday 7th July 2025