Explore Ireland & Scotland
From the Cliffs of Moher to Loch Ness
Spend 10, 12 or 14 nights traveling across Ireland and Scotland. Stay in cozy bed and breakfasts and explore cities, countryside and coast with your own car. This Celtic adventure is totally up to you!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay in Ireland - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in the Dublin area at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
- 4 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Ireland
- One-way, economy-class flight from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay in Scotland - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Edinburgh Airport
- 5 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Scotland
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Blarney Stone and bagpipes, oh my! This vacation gives you equal time in Ireland and Scotland.
- Stroll through the streets of cosmopolitan Dublin and enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub.
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Dive into a local delicacy of oysters in the seaside city of Galway on Ireland's west coast.
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Hike up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh for fantastic views over Scotland's historic capital.
Feel at one with nature amongst the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Kick off your 10-night vacation in Ireland! Stay one night in a hotel near Dublin before making your way to the bed and breakfasts of your choosing. Head west to the colorful coastal city of Galway, stand in awe at the Cliffs of Moher and drive the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Feast on tasty eats in Cork, Ireland's foodie destination, before heading to Dublin. Cap of your Irish stay with a pint of Guinness at its birthplace.
From Dublin, fly into Edinburgh and perhaps drive over to St. Andrews on the northeast coast, famed as the birthplace of golf. Then head up to Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Tour Scotland's scenic wonders like the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, explore cultural Glasgow, then finish up your trip in Edinburgh. You get to create your own itinerary in both Ireland and Scotland, and the options are endless!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- A Dublin city-center hotel stay
- The Scottish Explorer Pass
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay in Ireland - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 1 night in the Dublin area at Dunboyne Castle Hotel, or similar
- 4 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Ireland
- One-way, economy-class flight from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual car rental for the duration of your stay in Scotland - upgrade to automatic available
- Pick up and drop off at Edinburgh Airport
- 5 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Scotland
- Breakfast daily
-
Blarney Stone and bagpipes, oh my! This vacation gives you equal time in Ireland and Scotland.
- Stroll through the streets of cosmopolitan Dublin and enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub.
-
Dive into a local delicacy of oysters in the seaside city of Galway on Ireland's west coast.
-
Hike up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh for fantastic views over Scotland's historic capital.
Feel at one with nature amongst the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Kick off your 10-night vacation in Ireland! Stay one night in a hotel near Dublin before making your way to the bed and breakfasts of your choosing. Head west to the colorful coastal city of Galway, stand in awe at the Cliffs of Moher and drive the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Feast on tasty eats in Cork, Ireland's foodie destination, before heading to Dublin. Cap of your Irish stay with a pint of Guinness at its birthplace.
From Dublin, fly into Edinburgh and perhaps drive over to St. Andrews on the northeast coast, famed as the birthplace of golf. Then head up to Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Tour Scotland's scenic wonders like the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, explore cultural Glasgow, then finish up your trip in Edinburgh. You get to create your own itinerary in both Ireland and Scotland, and the options are endless!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Enhance your vacation with:
- A Dublin city-center hotel stay
- The Scottish Explorer Pass
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Ireland!
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
With a sophisticated combination of traditional old-world opulence and contemporary design, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa sets a new precedent and fresh interpretation for hotels around Ireland. As one of the leading 4-star hotels in Ireland, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa features unique attributes that emphasize the beauty of its estate. Standing on 21 acres of mature manicured lawns and gardens, the hotel's most unique attribute is the peaceful oasis it offers guests, while also being located in such close proximity to Dublin's city center and surrounding golf courses.
The hotel is situated on the grounds of a former castle; the original castle was destroyed during the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland. The 18th-century Georgian house that we see today is at the heart of the hotel, blending seamlessly with the stylish, modern bedrooms and restaurant in the contemporary wing. The historic mansion, once home to the Lord of Dunboyne, today serves as one of Ireland's foremost exclusive hotels on Dublin's doorstep.
Its 145 large, comfortable rooms boast free WiFi, air-conditioning, HD TV, and much more. Relax at Seoid, meaning jewel in Irish, the decadent on-site spa. Unwind in the crystal steam room, enjoy an herbal sauna, pamper yourself with a mud treatment, and more. Take a stroll through the lavish garden, then indulge in a delicious meal at the Ivy Restaurant. Feast your eyes on its carefully prepared seasonal menu, then taste the award-winning flavors of the in-house chefs, who've earned 2 AA Rosettes from 2013 to date.
Compliment your trip to Ireland with a stay at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club. Idyllic from top to bottom, the hotel is 10 minutes from the Dublin airport and a short drive from the M50, M1, and M2 motorways. The romantic estate offers 52 inviting guestrooms, including family rooms and master suites. Nestled in the countryside, an 18 hole golf course stretches over 300 acres of meticulous lawns and Japanese gardens. The Roganstown Leisure Centre boasts a gym, heated pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness classes, and more. Pamper yourself with treatments at Sakura Spa or Roganstown Hair Salon during your stay. Spend an afternoon on the links, then discover the fine dining at McLoughlin's Restaurant or kick back at O'Callaghan's Bar with your favorite bar food and a fresh pint.
Located just outside Dublin's city center, you'll have easy access to Ireland's vibrant capital by either local bus or taxi. Enjoy close smooth access to the M50 for day trips, sightseeing, and self-guided tours. Start each morning with the hotel's Vitality Breakfast, which offers a wide selection of cooked foods, cereals, pastries, fruit, and more. An on-site bar and lounge, as well as restaurant Grain & Grill, are also open daily for lunch and dinner. 297 spacious guestroom are brightly decorated and are soundproofed to ensure the best night's sleep possible.Â
A hidden gem in Ireland, the Barberstown Castle Hotel is located in the village of Straffan, Co. Kildare. This elegant hotel was built in a 13th-century castle expanding over 20 acres of grounds and provides close, easy access to Dublin.
Guest rooms are individually furnished each boasting an old world charm. matched with all the modern amenities a traveler needs. These include free Wi-Fi, a TV, private bathroom, and lavish touches like chandeliers.
The hotel's fine dining restaurant blends the best of Irish and French cuisine with seasonally fresh, locally sourced produce. There is also live music on the weekends. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea and freshly baked scones in the Edwardian tea rooms. Other amenities at the hotel include bicycle rentals, a library, garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Both central Dublin and the airport are about a 30-minute drive away; free parking on-site makes it easy for visitors with cars, while nearby buses for guests without. The quaint town of Straffan is about 1.5 miles away, while the impressive Powerscourt House and Estate is about 40 minutes away.
Day 2. Dublin area - Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Today you'll head toward your first B&B. Get settled, and start exploring the area! Your B&B hosts can provide great recommendations on local restaurants, experiences and more!
A Tip For Your Trip: Please note the check-in time indicated for your B&Bs; since these are private homes, your arrival time needs to fall within that window, unless special arrangements are made in advance.
Check-in - Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Staying in an Ireland Bed and Breakfast offers travelers the complete flexibility of creating their own itinerary. You must select your accommodations ahead of time directly at http://www.reserveabandb.com. To ensure the best availability, it's recommended that you pre-book your B&Bs as far in advance as possible. Enjoy your choice of accommodations from small towns to quaint villages to countryside manors.
All Irish B&B's pride themselves on providing their guests with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast each morning and quality accommodations that cater to every need. Draw on the local knowledge, personal touch and warm welcome of your Irish hosts. Learn about all the best local restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions and activities. Your hosts specialize in the best services available from golf to walking tours of the area, to adventure breaks and much more.
Why Stay in a B&B?
- Most bed and breakfasts are owned by the B&B operators themselves, who usually live on the premises. It's natural to expect that B&B operators who live in their own B&B's will bring a different perspective to the job.
- At B&B's, "customers" are truly guests, and it shows. The B&B owners will gladly help you find the best restaurant in town, the best pubs, point you to the best tourist attractions and local amenities and much much more. Many B&B's depend on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Combine those two factors and it's easy to see why B&B owners go out of their way to make sure your stay provides some great memories of Ireland.
*B&B check-in is between 3:00pm and 6:00pm..
Day 3. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
If you're staying in the area, consider driving down the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare's most-visited natural attraction: the Cliffs of Moher! Rising 700 feet above sea level, these rugged cliffs are truly a wondrous sight to behold. For the more adventurous spirit, walk along the Cliff Walk for amazing views.
Cliffs of Moher • County Clare, Ireland
Day 4. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
If you happen to be in this region, perhaps explore the famous Dingle Peninsula on the westernmost tip of Ireland (and Europe!) Begin in Dingle Town, arguably one of Ireland's most charming towns. Stroll up and down Green Street as you pass cozy pubs and eclectic shops.
Head west of Dingle and drive along the stunning coastline, stopping at interesting points along the way. Go for a walk on the locals-only Beál Bán beach, then explore Gallarus Oratory, a 1,300-year-old stone church.
Gallarus Oratory • Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Day 5. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Today, if you're staying near Dublin, explore the city's historical and spiritual highlights, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral.Â
You could also take a deep dive into Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.
Christ Church Cathedral • Dublin, Ireland
A Tip For Your Trip: It's a good idea to choose a B&B for your final night that is in close proximity to the airport, so you have an easy trip there the next day.
Day 6. Ireland Bed & Breakfast - Edinburgh, Scotland
Say goodbye to Ireland today as you fly from Dublin to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, pick up your second rental car and make your way to your first Scottish bed and breakfast!
Fly from Dublin to Edinburgh
Check-in - Scotland B&Bs and Small Hotels
These Scotland B&Bs and Small Hotels give you the chance to stay in some of the most charming independently owned B&B’s and quintessentially Scottish small hotels and inns in some of the most picturesque locations in Scotland – so you feel like you’re staying in a special home away from home. The collection ranges from working farms and former vicarages to Victorian town houses and country homes, and each has been chosen for its character, charm and individuality - and of course for the warm welcome you are sure to receive. Each boasts comfortable accommodations and en-suite facilities, as well as an excellent, traditional breakfast – guaranteed to provide a truly memorable stay. Your voucher entitles you to your choice of Category 1 B&B or hotel. The B&Bs are mostly private homes, which provide breakfast but limited additional services; the small hotels typically provide access to additional food and bar services.
Upon purchase of your B&B vouchers, please visit the following website to determine what your accommodation options are in the area(s) you’ll be visiting, and where you would like to stay: www.circlehotels.co.uk. It is highly recommended that you request your accommodations as far in advance as possible (a minimum 45 days in advance), since the properties are small and availability is limited, especially in high season. Requests MUST be placed through the reservations office of The Circle, by email. If you book directly through the B&B or hotel, your voucher will not be honored, and you will be responsible for paying for your reservation directly to the B&B/Hotel. Is this were to happen, you will not be eligible for a refund of any unused vouchers. Please note: these vouchers can be redeemed for B&Bs offered by The Circle in England and Wales, as well.
When planning your itinerary, remember that B&Bs are generally not located in major city centers so you will want to expand your search to outside of the city proper. Please be advised that due to the size of the properties, if you are travelling in a group or with another reservation, The Circle might not be able to accommodate you at the same property and may require members of your group to stay in multiple properties or be flexible to an alternative property, which could accommodate your group.
Your voucher entitles you to properties at the Category 1 level. If you would like to upgrade to any of the higher-level B&B’s or hotels, you can do so at an additional supplement as follows, payable directly to The Circle at the time of confirmation:
Supplements for travel January 2025 – December 2025:
Voucher Plus B&B or Category 2 hotel - additional £10 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Voucher Premium B&B or Category 3 hotel - additional £20 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 4 - additional £30 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 5 - additional £40 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 6 - additional £50 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 7 - additional £60 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 8 - additional £70 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 9 - Price on Application**These supplements vary based on the location of the property, room type, and dates of stay. B&Bs/Hotels which fall under this category will be noted as POA (Price on Application) in The Circle’s online guide.
Please Note: Supplement fees paid directly to The Circle can only be charged via American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Day 7. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
Depending on where you're staying, perhaps travel north today and explore the vast beauty of Inverness. Along the way, break up the drive and stop in cultural Perth or Dundee. Once you get up to Inverness, check out the River Ness, Fort George, and the many castles, museums, and galleries in the area.
If only for a day, it might be fun to give in to the myth of "Nessie," the famous monster of Loch Ness. Visit the most famous of all Scottish Lochs - explore and let your imagination run wild!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 8. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
If your location permits, make your way westward to the picturesque Isle of Skye, where you'll find rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval castles. Take a photo at the haunting Old Man of Storr or go hiking in the lush Faeire Glen.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Day 9. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
You might want to keep your urban spirit going and head to the hip city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. The many hot spots there include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Pollok Country Park, Buchanan Street, and the Necropolis. Glasgow is renowned for its shopping, music, artistic culture, and friendliness.
Kelvingrove Museum • Glasgow, Scotland
Day 10. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
What better place to cap off an incredible vacation than Edinburgh? In Scotland's capital city, be amazed by historic architecture, a hilltop castle and plenty of pubs.
Start the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a 12th-century fortress that makes an indelible mark on the skyline. Imagine yourself as part of a fairytale as you wander the grounds of this former royal residence. In the evening, venture to one of Edinburgh's theaters to experience a play, musical or performance. This is an art-lover's town!
Edinburgh Castle • Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 11. Depart Scotland
Your Irish and Scottish B&B adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, head to Edinburgh airport, drop off your rental car and head for your departure gate.