Ireland’s Wild South + Scotland – 14 Day Tour

Your adventure starts off in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, also known as the Fair city. Our direction is south to the rebel county of Ireland, Cork and its wild Atlantic coastline.

Along the way, we take a stop off at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone and home of the High Kings of Ireland. After lunch we continue our journey towards Cork, which is the starting point of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and where that evening you can relax and savour its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.

Rise and shine for an adventure along the wild and spectacular coastline of Cork and climb over mountain passes to reach the majestic setting of Killarney.

Along the way we will stop off at a Stone Age tomb called the Altar Wedge Tomb, which sits dramatically on the waterfront overlooking Toormore Bay. We continue our journey towards one of Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head. You have the option of visiting the Mizen Head Signal Station* or take a stroll along the golden strand of Barleycove beach.

After we have satisfied our hungry souls, we will make our way over the mountainous terrain that separates Cork and Kerry before arriving in the picturesque town of Killarney. It is home to Ireland’s first national park with spectacular glistening lakes, beautiful nature, great food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

*Mizen Head Signal Station only available from Mid-March to October.

Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to unlock the real beauty of the world famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry offers dramatic landscapes of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches, glistening lakes, picturesque villages and spectacular mountain ranges.   

Even better, we will take you on an incredible tour of the spectacular Valentia Island where you can delve into its incredible history and heritage, explore its magical setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and if you are lucky get a glimpse (weather permitting) of the dramatic Skellig Islands (Star Wars famed).

After a well-earned bite to eat, we slowly make our way back to Killarney stopping off at many spectacular viewing points to learn of their historical importance and the opportunity to take that picture that will ensure an everlasting memory of paradise.

Dingle is our destination today, as we explore this dramatic and beautiful peninsula that is littered with archaeological and historical wonders. Our first stop off is at Inch beach, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long and where we take a short stroll along its golden sands and watch long rolling waves that come crashing ashore.

Once aboard we head due west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. We continue our journey around this rich and vibrant peninsulas exploring its vast Gaelic culture and learning a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way. We will also visit Dingle town, a picturesque fishing town that is famed for Fungi the dolphin who has been a local for almost 30 years, before making our return journey to Killarney.

Before departing for Doolin that afternoon, you have the opportunity to relax, discover Killarney town or take an adventure exploring Killarney’s National Park and Lakes.

At midday, we will visit Muckross Park which is home to beautiful gardens and a 15th Century Franciscan Friary called Muckross Abbey which is one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the Killarney National Park.

That afternoon after a bite to eat, we make our way north along the edge of Europe to the spectacular setting of the Cliffs of Moher, where we will overnight in the vibrant coastal village of Doolin and a chance for you to experience great traditional music sessions, fantastic seafood and of course meet the locals.  

This morning we make our to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This ‘must see’ wonder of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, stretches for almost 10 KM and will capture your eyes and imagination as you gaze out in awe of its impressive setting.

Take the opportunity to explore the fantastic interpretation centre that will show you how this marvelous creation was shaped by nature’s hand and learn about its unique geological makeup.

Afterwards, we will have lunch in the surf town of Lahinch before heading on a tour exploring the dramatic landscape and history of the wild Burren. Experience its unique ecosystem and the spectacular Poulnabrone wedge tomb, which dates back to the Neolithic period.

That evening take the opportunity to sample Doolin’s famed culinary delights and lively atmosphere.

This morning we depart Doolin heading north towards Galway, the Bohemian capital of Ireland. Along the way explore the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren and the Atlantic waves that roll into jaws of Galway Bay.

Take the opportunity to soak in Galway’s vibrant streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.

In the afternoon, we take the road back east, crossing the River Shannon on route to the fair city of Dublin where are tour comes to an end. We really hope you have had an amazing time exploring some of Ireland’s most unique destinations and remember Ireland is now forever your home away from home.

Arriving back toThe Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 8 at 6pm 

This morning you have the opportunity to explore Dublin before that afternoon we take an afternoon flight to Edinburgh.

Your adventure starts off in Edinburgh, Scotland’s hilly capital. Our direction is north west to Stirling where we will take our first stop on our amazing adventure at Stirling Castle.  

The castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold for the Stewart kings and queens.

It dominating setting upon a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

Afterwards, we continue our journey north to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. A perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast and where we will our first night beneath the foothills of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. 

Today’s adventure takes us first to Steall Falls, a dramatic and beautiful route through Nevis Gorge, one of the best short walks in Scotland. 

From here, we take the road north-west towards the Isle of Skye, famous for its wild picturesque scenery that will take your breath away. The Island is 50 miles (80km) long, the largest of the Inner Hebrides and its capital is Portree where we will perch our feet up for two nights. The following day we will discover this magical island as we will explore its unique landscapes, wildlife, rich history and geological wonders.   

Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to explore the real beauty of the Isle of Skye. Our first stop is at the Old Man of Storr, one of Scotland’s most iconic places. The Old Man is a unique rock feature and offers stunning views out over the Sound of Raasay. 

From there, we make our around the top of Skye to Duntulm Castle where you can have a picnic lunch and explore this magnificent setting. Afterwards, we will make our way to Neist Point Lighthouse, one of the most famous in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye and offers stunning views of the high cliffs and the lighthouse itself. It is a landscape photographers dream.

That afternoon, we make our way back to Portree where experience its vibrant streets, fantastic culinary delights, meet the locals or simply relax.  

We depart the beautiful setting of the Isle of Skye, making our way east through undulating valleys and along picturesque lakes to Fort Augustus which sits on the edge of Loch Ness. Here we will stop for a nice bite to eat before making our way north for a quick visit of Boleskine Burial Ground (the final resting place of all the Frasers of the region) and for fans of Outlander, this is a place you really must visit, however, there is no guarantee you will meet Jamie Fraser!! 

Onward we go and in search of the Loch Ness monster we take a stop at Dores. The village of Dores and its beach by the Loch is probably the most spectacular viewing point for you to get that memorable and lucky photo of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch itself is over 37 miles long and has more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. 

Afterwards, we make the short drive to Inverness where you can explore this colourful ancient cathedral city in the Scottish Highlands and sample its lively atmosphere.

This morning we take a short drive to Culloden which is a powerful moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil. 

You have the opportunity to explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, experience the battle in the immersive surround cinema and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. There is no escaping the emotions Culloden stirs up inside you as you discover how a bloody fight that lasted only an hour changed life in the Highlands forever.

That afternoon, you have free time to explore the beautiful highland city of Inverness, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest. 

Our adventure today brings us to the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park on the British Isles which was established in 2003.   

Five of the UK’s six highest mountains lie inside the park, alongside 55 Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft – which can be found here too. There are huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, more wildlife than you can imagine and where we you can take a variety of walking routes or take a watersports adventure on Loch Morlich.

Later that afternoon, we make our way south towards the hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburgh where we will say our goodbyes as our spectacular tour comes to an end. We really hope you have had an amazing time exploring some of Scotland’s most unique destinations and in your wee heart you will have memories that will last forever. 

p.s. If you have the time, take the opportunity to soak in Edinburgh’s vibrant colourful streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.