7 DAY
SCOTLAND - NORTHERN IRELAND - DUBLIN
TOUR - £204

Departs on Mondays & Fridays
- in association with Celtic Adventures -

Book the Scottish Leg before or after the Irish leg
(which departs on Mondays)

IRELAND ITINERARY

Run by 'Celtic Adventures'...

Day 1 - Edinburgh to Portstewart

Leaving Edinburgh and heading through Scotland’s Largest city Glasgow, travel down the beautiful Ayrshire coast to the ferry at Troon. Whilst crossing the Irish Sea sail past the beautiful Isle of Arran, the famous Mull of Kintyre and the distinctive volcanic plug, Ailsa Craig before arriving at the port of Larne in Ireland.

Hear about the dramatic history of this Island before visiting and taking in the views from Belfast Castle. Visit murals in both Unionist and Republican areas of the city and learn about ‘The Troubles’ that have shaped the political landscape of Northern Ireland. Its then North to the stunning beaches and coastline of County Antrim. Hear Celtic mythology at the world famous Giants Causeway, it’s then the short journey to scenic Portstewart passing the impressive Dunluce Castle.

Day 2- Portstewart to Donegal

Starting with a dramatic morning walk through Downhill, the ruined home of the Bishop of Derry enjoy some beach football before  heading to Northern Ireland’s second city – one of the finest preserved walled cities in Europe - Derry. Visit the sites of ‘the Seige of Derry’ and the infamous ‘Bloody Sunday’, before a relaxed pub lunch. Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland, travel through the Hills of Donegal towards the west coast and our destination for the night - the lovely Donegal town.

Day 3- Donegal to Dublin

In the morning explore the wonderful Marble Arch Caves and then journey along beautiful loughs, before heading through the Boyne Valley hearing of the most well known battle in Irish history. It’s then on to Dublin the capital and Ireland’s biggest city and a chance to visit it’s many attractions including the Guinness factory, Kilmainham Jail, the many art galleries and museums, and of course the pubs of lively temple bar.

Day 4- Dublin to Edinburgh

Take the morning to explore the city (or recover) before heading North out of Dublin. It’s then over the border and a visit to the beautiful town of Hillsborough, the official residence of the British Monarchy in Northern Ireland and also home to an impressive fort. Go through Belfast on the way to the port of Larne to catch the ferry back to Scotland.

SCOTLAND ITINERARY

Run by 'MacBackpackers'...

3 Days of breathtaking scenery and magical mystical stories from our passionate Guides. We guarantee you a wonderful experience.

Includes 3 full days of touring on our comfortable buses, with our friendly fun guides, telling you stories galore.

Accommodation is guaranteed and booked for you at our cosy wee hostels. All you have to do is pay on arrival. (usual price £12.50 - £13.50 per night).

Departs Edinburgh every Friday and Mondays.

Arrives back to Edinburgh between 5pm/6pm.

Skye is Scotland's most spectacular island and a “must see” during your time in Europe. It is steeped in myth and legend, and historical tales of Viking invasion and Clan rivalry. Not only do you have this amazing island adventure, but also we visit the dark shores of Loch Ness, delightful Eilean Donan Castle and the haunting Glen Coe.

TYPICAL ITINERARY:

Day 1:
Departing Edinburgh, we head North over the Forth Road Bridge, across the Kingdom of Fife towards the beautiful Highlands. Our first stop is at the village of Dunkeld - a Highland gateway village and once the ancient capital of Scotland. Heading into the heart of the highlands, we pass through the Grampian mountains, where we hear tales of Roman invasion, and a very rebellious Scotland.

Driving via Inverness, we then head down the shores of Loch Ness along the north of the Loch in search of a certain monster called Nessie, and take in the views of Urquart castle, a ruined stronghold on the shores of the Loch. Then, heading through Glen Morriston, we are now on our way westward to Skye.

Over the Skye Bridge we arrive at the village of Kyleakin where we will be spending the next two nights in our cosy wee hostel, with it's real fire and wonderful coastal views.

Day 2:
And now our adventure gets even better - a day exploring one of Scotlands most famous Islands. Before heading to its northern tip, we pass through the mighty Cullin mountains on to Portree the island's Capital, where we stop for supplies and also for a wee look at this village, with its quaint little fishing harbour.

The Trotternish peninsula is the focus for the rest of the day, stopping at amazing waterfalls and the seriously haunted ruined Macdonald stronghold perched atop a sea cliff. We scramble up one of the island's amazing rock formations, a small mild hike to suit all, so leave your high heels at home. Now it is time to bring it down for a little chill time and to pay our respects to the “little people” at the enchanting Faerie Glen. As the sun goes down we head back to the village of Kyleakin in time for a pint at the local pub.

Day 3: Departing Skye we head to the mainland, where our last full day of adventure begins at one of Scotland's most picturesque castles - Eilean Donan, as featured in the movie Highlander.

It's then a very scenic drive through the lands of Kintail, where every mountain has a story of romance, adventure or betrayal. Gliding through the colours and scenery of Glen Shiel and Glen Garry, we head down to Fort William and then on to the breathtaking Glen Coe, the scene of Scotland's most haunting Clan massacre. This glen is definitely one of Scotland's jewels. While hearing the tales of its dark past, you also have a chance to absorb its amazing atmosphere.

Continuing south over desolate Rannoch Moor we then head out of the Highlands and down to Stirling, to pay homage to William Wallace - the hero of Scotland's struggle for independence - at the Wallace Monument.Edinburgh is our final destination, arriving back in our dynamic Capital for some heart-felt goodbyes.

*Please Note…tours may alter from this itinerary due to weather, road works etc.

We stay in one of these excellently located hostels