Ireland and Scotland B&B Experience Upgrade
Chart your own course with open Bed & Breakfast vouchers
Make your own adventure with this Ireland and Scotland vacation. Enjoy 6, 8 or 10 nights split between countries in the Bed & Breakfasts of your choice! With this upgrade, enjoy multiple tours and admission to top attractions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI) and from Dublin (DUB)
- One-way flight from Edinburgh to Dublin – additional bag fees may apply
- Car rental in both countries for the duration of your stay
- 4 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Scotland
- 4 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland
PLUS!
- 3-Day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Admission to King John's Castle
- Admission to the Blarney Castle
- Admission to the Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to the Bunratty Castle
Please Note: Room availability for winter travel is reduced in rural areas, as some B&B owners close for the winter season.
Great Ways to Explore
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With a local host, you can get the inside scoop on your destination.
- Explore Edinburgh, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and beyond!
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Stop in for a pint at Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland’s capital city.
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Travel at your own pace and enjoy seeing Ireland on your watch with this self-drive vacation.
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Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland - maybe indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea!
Begin your adventure in beautiful, culture-rich Scotland! This vacation package will immerse you in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Scotland. See all the sights you've always dreamed about with your Scottish Explorer Pass. Make sure you keep it handy, as it will provide you with admission to over 120 attractions!
As you map out your stay in Scotland, think about which sights you'd like to see along the way. Stay in quaint Bed & Breakfasts throughout Scotland and experience the authentic local flavor of each area. Scotland ranges from bustling cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, to breathtaking natural landscapes, like Inverness and Loch Ness. Be sure to take advantage of your freedom and see a little bit of everything!
Although you won't want to leave Scotland, Ireland will be waiting for you! Explore the lush green, rolling hills, and rich cities of this beautiful country. Having a rental car will make it easy to see everything you want to at your own pace. See ancient castles, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, and have your breath taken away by the Cliffs of Moher in Clare - make the experience your own!
The great thing about Bed & Breakfasts is that they are much more than just resting places. They are cozy, homey, often historic, and provide a genuine local experience. Friendly hosts will always be there to greet you, guide you, and make sure your trip is all that you want it to be and more. They will be the "go-to" people when you have questions about what to do, what to see, and where to go. Take advantage of these resources and fill your days will beauty and fun you will never forget.
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 to Edinburgh (EDI) and from Dublin (DUB)
- One-way flight from Edinburgh to Dublin – additional bag fees may apply
- Car rental in both countries for the duration of your stay
- 4 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Scotland
- 4 nights in your choice of Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland
PLUS!
- 3-Day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Admission to King John's Castle
- Admission to the Blarney Castle
- Admission to the Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to the Bunratty Castle
Please Note: Room availability for winter travel is reduced in rural areas, as some B&B owners close for the winter season.
-
With a local host, you can get the inside scoop on your destination.
- Explore Edinburgh, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and beyond!
-
Stop in for a pint at Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland’s capital city.
-
Travel at your own pace and enjoy seeing Ireland on your watch with this self-drive vacation.
-
Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland - maybe indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea!
Begin your adventure in beautiful, culture-rich Scotland! This vacation package will immerse you in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Scotland. See all the sights you've always dreamed about with your Scottish Explorer Pass. Make sure you keep it handy, as it will provide you with admission to over 120 attractions!
As you map out your stay in Scotland, think about which sights you'd like to see along the way. Stay in quaint Bed & Breakfasts throughout Scotland and experience the authentic local flavor of each area. Scotland ranges from bustling cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, to breathtaking natural landscapes, like Inverness and Loch Ness. Be sure to take advantage of your freedom and see a little bit of everything!
Although you won't want to leave Scotland, Ireland will be waiting for you! Explore the lush green, rolling hills, and rich cities of this beautiful country. Having a rental car will make it easy to see everything you want to at your own pace. See ancient castles, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, and have your breath taken away by the Cliffs of Moher in Clare - make the experience your own!
The great thing about Bed & Breakfasts is that they are much more than just resting places. They are cozy, homey, often historic, and provide a genuine local experience. Friendly hosts will always be there to greet you, guide you, and make sure your trip is all that you want it to be and more. They will be the "go-to" people when you have questions about what to do, what to see, and where to go. Take advantage of these resources and fill your days will beauty and fun you will never forget.
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.
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland!
Arrive in Edinburgh, collect your rental car, and check into your first bed and breakfast. These charming Bed & Breakfasts throughout Scotland that will serve as your homes away from home for the next few nights.
You might want to choose a property near Edinburgh for (at least) your first night. This way, you can relax, settle in, and also see all that Edinburgh has to offer! Explore the city by foot and be sure to visit Holyrood Palace, Princes Street Gardens, Arthur's Seat, and Edinburgh's Old Town. Break out your explorer pass and head to Edinburgh Castle!
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.
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 2. Scottish Bed & Breakfast
You might want to keep your urban spirit going and head west to the hip city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. A bunch of 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.
Take a drive south and visit the historically beautiful Melrose Abbey and Culzean Castle, using your explorer pass!
Day 3. Scottish Bed & Breakfast
Head north today and explore the vast beauty of Inverness. Along the way, break up the drive and stop in cultural Perth, Dundee, and/or St. Andrews. Once you get up to Inverness, check out the River Ness, Fort George, and the many castles, museums, and galleries in the area. Be sure to use your explorer pass and explore the historic Culzean Castle!
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 4. Scottish 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 and use your explorer pass to visit 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! Nothing like snuggling up in a quaint B&B in the Scottish countryside!
Day 5. Edinburgh - Dublin, Ireland
Say "see ya' later" to Scotland and say "hello" to Ireland! As soon as you collect your rental car at Dublin Airport, you'll be off to explore Ireland at your own pace! Not only will you see all of the Irish sights you've dreamed about, but staying in Bed & Breakfasts along the way will give you an authentic feel for how the Irish really live - don't be afraid to talk to the locals!
For your first night, you might want to stay somewhere near Dublin, such as the the old city of Drogheda just north. Head into the capital and enjoy your first night in the vibrant city.
Fly to Dublin!
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 6. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Leave the Dublin area today and make your way west to County Clare, where you can take advantage of your included admission to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher! Take tons of photos at these dramatic sea cliffs, then drive down to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park where you can tour this fascinating 15th century castle.
Continue your journey to the city of Limerick, located right on the River Shannon. Park your car and explore the pedestrian-friendly city by foot, and don't forget to use your included admission to King John's Castle!
Cliffs Of Moher Admission
See Ireland's most visited sea cliffs; these dramatic cliffs rise over 700 ft above sea level and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views.
On a clear day, see as far as the Aran Islands! Take a leisurely stroll along the guided path, climb the castle at the top of the hill, or see how many different species of birds you can spot - you may even see a puffin or two!
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission
Be transported to farm life in 19th century Ireland during your visit to Bunratty Folk Park! You will be charmed as you visit the farm houses and cottages and watch the tasks of rural Irish families. Set on 26 acres, this folk park is an uncanny recreation of an old Irish village, down to the furnishing in the shops and homes.
Costumed characters bring the village to life as you watch bakers, policemen, and schoolteachers go about their days. Explore a school, a pub, a grocery story, a hardware store, a post office, and more! For a fun treat, see the baking of the griddle bread next to the fire and be sure to taste it hot with fresh creamery butter.
Also on site is Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. See the best examples of medieval furniture, stroll through walled gardens, and pay close attention to the historical detail that fills the castle.
King John's Castle
Enjoy sweeping views and get a glimpse at a Norman soldier’s life while exploring this medieval fortress! Reach out and touch the past through the interactive exhibit, then join in the living interpretation and re-enactment with costumed guides who reveal the secrets and scandal of castle life. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history!
Day 7. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Make your way to the quaint, colorful city of Cork. You'll be greeted by friendly locals, old world charm, and tons of shops and restaurants. Get lost in the Old English Market, gawk at the beauty of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, and stroll through St. Patrick Street.
Take advantage of your included admission and explore the Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone! Head slightly east and spend some time in the charming Cobh Harbour!
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since.
Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.
Day 8. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Head north where you'l find Kilkenny, a medieval city with deep religious roots. Here you can explore well-preserved churches and monasteries.
Take a walk down the city's "Medieval Mile," where you'll encounter breathtaking sites from the 13th century St. Canice's Cathedral to the Black Abbey Priory. Don't forget to leave time to explore Kilkenny Castle!
Kilkenny Castle Admission & Self-Guided Tour
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, it has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Remodeled in Victorian times, this former principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde is a grand country house set on 50 acres of rolling parkland, with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. It also features a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, as well as a tearoom and the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Day 9. Depart Ireland
Say goodbye to Ireland, for now, and depart from Dublin Airport.
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.