Explore Ireland & Scotland Upgrade
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 the coast with your own car. This Celtic adventure is totally up to you! This upgraded package includes a city center hotel stay in Dublin and a Scottish Explorer Pass.
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 Dublin city center at the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street, or similar
- 6 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
- 7 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Scotland
- Scottish Explorer Pass
- 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.
-
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 14-night vacation in Ireland! Stay one night in a hotel in Dublin city center 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.
- 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 Dublin city center at the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street, or similar
- 6 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
- 7 nights in your choice of B&B's throughout Scotland
- Scottish Explorer Pass
- 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 14-night vacation in Ireland! Stay one night in a hotel in Dublin city center 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.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, claim your luggage and pick up your rental car, then head to your city center hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring this vibrant capital city!Â
Maldron Hotel Kevin Street is perfectly located for a breakaway in the heart of Dublin City Centre. The hotel overlooks St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St Stephen’s Green is less than a 10-minute stroll from the front door. This hotel offers stylish rooms, friendly service, great food, and parking in the ideal location for exploring this fair city.
Across the street from Croke Park stadium, The Croke Park's location makes it a unique destination, close to both Dublin airport and Dublin's city center. Dublin Airport is 15-minute drive away, while the National Botanic Gardens are a 25-minute walk. Connolly Metro Station is a 15-minute walk, while Trinity College Dublin can be reached in 25 minutes on foot.
In a world of bland offerings, service by numbers and generic experiences, The Croke Park bucks the trend by offering guests a personable and memorable stay. This luxury 4-star hotel boasts spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and more. Guests can enjoy hot towels on arrival, free parking, and a European bistro.Â
Day 2. Dublin - Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Today you'll leave Dublin and 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!Â
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. 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 this is where your staying, explore the scenic highlights of County Galway. Drive along the tiny coastal roads to Connemara National Park, with rugged mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Don't miss a stop at Kylemore Abbey, a Gothic abbey on the edge of the water.
Day 4. 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.
Day 5. 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.
Day 6. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Why not head to County Cork today? Pay a visit to Blarney Castle, one of Ireland's most famous castles. Kiss the Blarney Stone for the "gift of gab" and wander the gorgeous gardens.
Head out for an evening in Cork City. Often called Ireland's "real capital," Cork City is filled with unique restaurants and nightlife.
Day 7. 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.
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 8. 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!
You can start utilizing your included Scottish Explorer Pass, to discover attractions near your B&B, and all along your Scottish journey. It provides access to over 70 of Historic Scotland's iconic properties and attractions!Â
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 – December 2024:
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.Â
Please Note: Supplement fees paid directly to The Circle can only be charged via American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Scottish Explorer Pass (7-day)
The 7-day Scottish Explorer Pass is a flexible, one-price admission ticket to 77 Historic Scotland properties and attractions – castles, cathedrals, palaces, and a historical whiskey distillery. Other benefits include skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, free entry to Historic Scotland’s program of daytime events, and a 20% discount on audio tours at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle & Glasgow Cathedral. An easy and money-saving way to see Scotland’s top attractions, the 7-day Explorer Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days and does not become valid until you activate it at your first site. Please present your voucher in exchange for the Scottish Explorer Pass at any of the following exchange points: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, or Glasgow Cathedral. It does not become active until your first site visit.
Day 9. 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!
Day 10. 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.
Day 11. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
Travel south to stunningly gorgeous Glencoe today. Drive a bit farther to explore the mountainous countryside of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, where you can see the largest inland stretch of water in Britain.
Take a worthwhile drive to Stirling Castle, which is just as beautiful as it is historic. Stirling Castle is an important icon of national pride and a symbol of Scottish independence! And entrance is included in your Scottish Explorer Pass!
Day 12. 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.
Day 13. 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 (included in your Explorer Pass), 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!
Day 14. Scotland Bed & Breakfast
If you're still in the Edinburgh area, perhaps begin your last day in Scotland with a hike up Arthur's Seat for incredible views over the city.
Then head to Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Lining the cobblestone streets are beautiful buildings, shops selling tartan, and quiet enclosures perfect for an afternoon respite. Duck into a pub at night and enjoy a good glass of Scottish whiskey, or one of the local gins.
Day 15. 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.