Ireland & Scotland: Charming B&Bs with Castle Stays
Your choice of B&Bs + luxury castle stays
Adventure through Ireland and Scotland, staying in your choice of B&Bs and castle hotels with the ease of an included rental car. Start in Dublin then choose where to go, exploring landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry. After a royal castle stay, head to Scotland to visit Loch Ness, the Highlands, and Edinburgh Castle, with more B&Bs and a luxury castle hotel stay in Peebles.
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
- 3 nights in your choice of B&B’s throughout Ireland
- 2 nights in Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin at Cabra Castle Hotel, or similar
- One-way economy class airfare 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
- 3 nights in your choice of B&B’s throughout Scotland
- 2 nights in Peebles at Cringletie Hotel
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
Admire stunning views of the Irish and Scottish countryside.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher or Guinness Storehouse.
Search for the "Nessie" monster in Loch Ness.
Make your choice of B&B's in Ireland and Scotland.
Enjoy the royal treatment with castle hotel stays.
Take an enchanting journey through Ireland and Scotland, staying in comfortable B&Bs and elegant castles along the way.
Starting with five nights in Ireland, you'll arrive in Dublin, exploring the city’s cultural highlights including Trinity College and Dublin Castle. The trip continues with your choice of B&Bs and scenic drives through Ireland’s countryside, visiting iconic spots like the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy a luxurious two-night stay at castle hotel near Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin, relaxing and relishing the natural beauty before flying to Scotland.
In Scotland, the adventure continues with five nights exploring the historic city of Edinburgh and the breathtaking Highlands with your choice of B&Bs. Visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, then drive north to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The trip concludes with a luxurious castle stay in Peebles, offering relaxation and fine dining amidst the picturesque Scottish Borders.
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
- 3 nights in your choice of B&B’s throughout Ireland
- 2 nights in Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin at Cabra Castle Hotel, or similar
- One-way economy class airfare 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
- 3 nights in your choice of B&B’s throughout Scotland
- 2 nights in Peebles at Cringletie Hotel
- Breakfast daily
Admire stunning views of the Irish and Scottish countryside.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher or Guinness Storehouse.
Search for the "Nessie" monster in Loch Ness.
Make your choice of B&B's in Ireland and Scotland.
Enjoy the royal treatment with castle hotel stays.
Take an enchanting journey through Ireland and Scotland, staying in comfortable B&Bs and elegant castles along the way.
Starting with five nights in Ireland, you'll arrive in Dublin, exploring the city’s cultural highlights including Trinity College and Dublin Castle. The trip continues with your choice of B&Bs and scenic drives through Ireland’s countryside, visiting iconic spots like the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy a luxurious two-night stay at castle hotel near Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin, relaxing and relishing the natural beauty before flying to Scotland.
In Scotland, the adventure continues with five nights exploring the historic city of Edinburgh and the breathtaking Highlands with your choice of B&Bs. Visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, then drive north to experience the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The trip concludes with a luxurious castle stay in Peebles, offering relaxation and fine dining amidst the picturesque Scottish Borders.
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:
Day 1. Welcome to Ireland!
Arrive in Dublin Airport (DUB) and pick up your rental car to start off the Irish leg of your adventure. Drive to your first Irish B&B of choice to settle in and get acquainted with your surroundings for the next few nights. Spend the afternoon exploring the city center of Dublin, perhaps strolling along the River Liffey, visiting the famous Ha'penny Bridge, or enjoying your first pint of Guinness at a cozy local pub.Â
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..
Visit http://www.reserveabandb.com/ now.
Day 2. Irish B&B
Begin your day with a hearty Irish breakfast at your B&B before returning to Dublin to explore the city's iconic attractions. Visit Trinity College to see the illuminated manuscripts of the Book of Kells, then head to the lively Temple Bar district for lunch. Take a walk through the historic grounds of Dublin Castle to get a sense of how the city looked (and also felt) before industrialization. Find a local eatery to savor the flavors of Ireland before returning to your B&B.
Day 3. Irish B&B
Fuel up with a good night's rest and an energizing breakfast, then hit the road early and drive toward the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most stunning natural wonders. Along the way, you can explore the Burren, a unique limestone landscape, and enjoy lunch in a coastal village such as Doolin.
Take in the breathtaking ocean views and rugged cliffs as you walk along the scenic pathways, making sure to snap photos to share with friends and family when you return home.
Day 4. Irish B&B — Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin
Enjoy this morning purely to relax after the busy days of travel and sightseeing. Sleep in, enjoy a peaceful breakfast, and perhaps explore your B&B’s surrounding area by foot. Once you're ready, make your way to either Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin to stay at your castle hotel for the next two nights.
From the moment you arrive through the acres of beautifully manicured gardens to this magnificent 19th century 4-star castle hotel in the Cavan countryside, you will feel welcomed and thoroughly spoiled. Set on 100 acres of parklands and gardens, with the magnificent backdrop of Dún a' Rà Forest Park, there is much to explore both indoors and out. Cabra Castle is one of the most unique luxury hotels in Ireland and is also one of the best-known castle wedding venues in Ireland. (Please note: Cabra Castle accommodations are not located within the main castle building).
Built in 1760, this upscale hotel is lavishly decorated with tall ceilings and grand staircases. Guest rooms are designed in a historic fashion with all the modern amenities a traveler needs to stay comfortable including a satellite TV, tea/coffee maker, and more. The Cabra Castle Hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, as well as a bar perfect for relaxing with a drink.
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.
Day 5. Co. Cavan or Co. Dublin
Use today to fully soak in your castle hotel experience! Take time to explore the castle grounds, which may include sprawling lawns, century-old decor, and even woodland trails. From there, head back out to Dublin to visit any attractions you might have missed earlier in the week. This may include the EPIC Immigration Museum or even the Guinness Storehouse.
Day 6. Dublin — Scotland
Wake up bright and early to return your rental car at the Dublin airport, then locate your gate to board your flight over to Scotland.Â
Once arrived, pick up your rental car, drive over to your designated B&B, and take some time to settle in and get adjusted to your surroundings.Â
Fly from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)
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.
Day 7. Scottish B&B
It's time to explore Edinburgh! Start your day with a visit to the grand Edinburgh Castle, perched high atop Castle Rock, offering views of the entire city. There are some tours available at the castle, or you can choose to enter solo and take hold of your own exploration. Afterwards. walk the Royal Mile, a historic street lined with shops, pubs, and medieval buildings, leading down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In the afternoon, you can visit the National Museum of Scotland or take a peaceful stroll through Princes Street Gardens. End your day by dining at one of Edinburgh’s traditional restaurants, sampling local fare like haggis or fresh seafood.
Day 8. Scottish B&B
Craving something more adventurous? Spend today exploring the legendary Loch Ness to bear witness to sights you never thought you'd see. Drive along its scenic shores, stopping to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which sits perched above the loch with spectacular views.
You might choose to take a boat tour in search of the elusive Nessie or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. Afterward, make your way to your next B&B for a peaceful evening in the Highlands.
Day 9. Scottish B&B - Peebles
Make your way south to Peebles, a charming town in the Scottish Borders. You’ll stay at a luxurious castle hotel, surrounded by lush gardens and countryside. Take time to explore the estate, with its walled garden and peaceful walking trails. In the evening, enjoy a fine dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant, which prides itself in using high-quality local produce to craft unforgettable meals.
Check-in - Cringletie House Castle Hotel
Cringletie is a former Scottish Baronial castle, located near Peebles, and only 30 minutes south of Edinburgh.
It provides relaxing accommodation in 12 individually designed bedrooms, all offering outstanding views over the gardens and the Scottish countryside beyond. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
The hotel is set in 28 acre grounds where guests can enjoy a woodland walk or a stroll through beautiful walled gardens.Cringletie is also home to the 2 AA Rosette award-winning Sutherland Restaurant.
The region boasts not only spectacular scenery but some of the best mountain biking in the UK, fishing on the Tweed as well as other field sports and of course, golf.
Day 10. Peebles
As your time in Scotland comes to a close, your final hours should be spent in the moment. Take a walk through Peebles, visit a local market, or explore nearby historical sites like Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Enjoy one last restful night at the castle hotel, reflecting on your journey through the stunning landscapes of Ireland and Scotland before your departure tomorrow.
Day 11. Depart Scotland
Enjoy one last hearty breakfast, then drive to Edinburgh Airport to drop off your rental car and board your return flight home., Take one last moment to savor the memories of your enchanting trip through Ireland and Scotland as you bid farewell to these lands of legends, landscapes, and castles.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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