12-Day Private Tour – Ireland and Scotland

Today, your Northpoint Irish tour begins by meeting and greeting your private tour guide driver.

We then leave Dublin city and travel up through the breathtaking Dublin Mountains passing by the famous Sally Gap and arriving at the 6th Century monastic settlement of Glendalough. This is nestled in a glaciated valley of 2 tranquil lakes. Founded by St Kevin, it features a 30m high round tower, medieval churches and a 12th century Cathedral. Its a great spot for picnics and has a network of well maintained walking trails.

Next we drive to beautiful Powerscourt, passing through the quaint village of Enniskerry on the way.

Powerscourt gardens were recently voted the 3rd best gardens in the world by National Geographic. It features formal gardens, terraces and ornamental lakes set against the stunning background of the Sugarloaf mountain.

There is a great cafe here serving fabulous cakes and coffees just in case the mountain air hasn’t woken you up yet!

• Falconry Experience in Glendalough

Leaving Kilkenny we pop over to the Rock of Cashel which is one of Irelands most spectacular and most visited tourist attractions.

Perched on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale it has the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland.

Among its treasures are a round tower. a Romanesque chapel, a high cross, an abbey, a Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century Tower House, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and Cormac’s Chapel.

The Rock of Cashel is iconic in its historic significance and has the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Its surviving buildings are remarkable – Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only remaining Romanesque fresco in the country.

Next we meander west into County Kerry and Killarney with its world famous Killarney National Park –  an expanse of rugged mountainous terrain including the McGillycuddy’s reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.

At the foot of these you will discover the stunningly picturesque and famous lakes of Killarney.

Arrive in Killarney for the evening at your leisure.

• Jaunting
• Kayaking
• The Rock of Cashel
• Muckross House

Dingle is a vibrant, coastal town and peninsula in County Kerry, Southwest Ireland. Its renowned for its rugged Atlantic scenery, traditional Irish culture, its brightly coloured buildings and over 38 pubs.

It’s the gateway town to the Dingle peninsula and is a very popular destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, famous for the Slea Head Drive and the highest mountain pass in Ireland – the breathtaking Conor Pass.

We will explore the Slea Head Drive for an iconic 30 mile scenic coastal drive that starts and ends in Dingle town. It offers dramatic views of, ancient beehive huts, famine cottages, dramatic steep sea cliffs, gorgeous sandy beaches and the Great Blasket Islands. The nearby Blasket Centre in Drumquin tells the story of its unique community that lived on the island until 1953.

Dingle has been been compared favourably to the nearby Ring Of Kerry but is less crowded, more intimate and is celebrated for its rich Irish culture. This includes a strong traditional music scene and is famous for its fresh fish, local pubs and the Dingle Distillery which makes award winning whiskey, gin and vodka.

There is also the famous Drumquin Pier on the Slea head trail, often used as a photo location synonymous  with Ireland, and is recognised for its narrow winding path down to the sea.

Other key sites include the Gallarus Oratory – a well preserved dry stone chapel dating back over a thousand years, cruises of Dingle bay and for the adventurous there are excellent deep sea fishing trips to test your skills and your sea-legs.

There is also an Aquarium in Dingle which is home to Irelands largest collection of sharks, penguins and Asian otters.

Inch beach (filming location for the movie Ryan’s Daughter) is just a few miles up the coast. This is a massive and very long sandy spit  – great for walks and popular for polo matches, gliding activities, and surfing.

• Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
• Dingle Bay Cruises / Dingle Fishing Trips
• Sheepdog Demonstrations
• Pottery Making
• Blasket Island Boat Excursion
• Great Blasket Centre at Drumquin
• Dingle Distillery
• Traditional Irish Music Sessions

Exploring the Burren and Galway city.

Leaving Killarney we meander northward past Tralee and into County Clare via a ferry crossing over the mighty River Shannon.

We continue our way up along Clare’s coastline past Lahinch and the quaint village of Doolin and into Lisdonvarna – home of the famous matchmakers festival.

Next we say hello to “The Burren” which means “rocky place” in Irish and you will soon see why!

Its a national park and has a unique Glaciokarst landscape which means its composed of  limestone with lots of holes and scoops embedded within it after being dissolved by water over millennia.

At over 500 square kilometres in area it has over 70% of Irelands native flowers and its the only place in the world where alpine and artic plants grow beside Mediterranean plants naturally.

We will take time here to relax our minds and really start to let the noise of the outside world fade away….

After the serene Burren we then pass through Ballyvaughan and on to Galway to spend time exploring’s medieval streets and taking in the sights, sounds and smells.

This city lives and breathes history and is known as the “City of the Tribes”. It is the cultural heart of Ireland’s west coast and is a  where the river Corrib flows into Galway Bay. We will see such sights as the Spanish Arch, the long walk, Salthill Promenade (popular for walks along Galway Bay) and the Latin Quarter &  Quay street – famous for its brightly coloured pubs, restaurants, cobbled streets and buskers.

• Popular Venues for Irish music include Tig Cóilí, The Crane Bar and Taaffes Bar
• Perfumery
• Ailwee Caves
• Food Tour

We will then embark on a walking tour of the Galway city to witness the vibrancy of this bustling and artistic bohemian hub famous for its traditional music and festivals.

We begin our way back to Dublin through the heart of Ireland making our first stop at the monastic site of Clonmacnoice – a spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon.

Its ruins include  two round  towers, three high crosses, a Cathedral, 9 nine churches and several hundred early christian graveslabs.

We’ll the meander up to Seans Bar in Athlone (irelands oldest pub) where you can opt to pull your own Guinness at its pull your pint experience. The vibrant town of Athlone is perched on the banks of the River Shannon in County Westmeath  and is known for its charming pubs, boat rides on the river and its winding ancient streets. Things to do include Athlone Castle, shopping, nature trails and live music in the likes of Seans Bar.

Returning to Dublin we pass through Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe. Its home to Dublin Zoo, the Irish Presidents residence, the Papal Cross and herds of Fallow deer.

• Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery Tour
• Sean’s Bar, Athlone
• Trim Castle
• Guinness Storehouse
• Templebar

This morning we head to the mystical Boyne Valley to soak up the tales and the folklore. This will include a tour of the prehistoric monument of Newgrange in County Meath with a dedicated tour guide specialist.

Built circa 3100 B.C it is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the neolithic period and is a World Heritage Site comprising a number of Henges, burial mounds and other standing stones.

Royal Hillsborough visit.

We explore Belfast, the Capital city of Northern Ireland, which is a city with  a unique, fascinating and at times turbulent history.

In the afternoon we arrive at Titanic Belfast for your unforgettable Titanic Experience. On this Discovery Tour you will see how the worlds most famous ship was built and hear about the tragic personal stories forever liked to its history. In this interactive visitor centre you’ll learn about the shipbuilders and designers who built the Titanic and what happened in its last dramatic hours.

Belfast has many attractions including the St. Georges Market now a food and craft market popular with city visitors.

Belfast itself has a real resurgence in the recent few years as is evident in its many lively city restaurants, shops and traditional pubs.

Evening in Belfast at your leisure.

• Newgrange
• Hillsborough Castle
• Belfast Black Taxi Tour
• Belfast Grand Opera House

We leave the Emerald Isle and say farewell to Belfast as we set sail for magical Scotland!

Your guide will ensure you are at the port of Belfast in plenty of time for the 2 hour crossing – then you can relax and enjoy the vessels onboard amenities as you glimpse Scotland coming into view on the horizon.

Upon disembarkation we will make our way northward to visit Scotland’s west coast and then stopping at Loch Lomond and the Trossach’s National Park. This National Park offers tranquil and classic Scottish landscapes with glens, forests and lochs – perfect for an interesting and relaxed drive.

Next we meet the charming village of Luss which is highly regarded for its charming 19th-century sandstone cottages, stunning mountain views, and relaxed romantic atmosphere.You’ll feel you’ve stepped back in time as we wander along the narrow streets in this lovely village.

Near the end of our trip today on our final leg to Oban, we will pass by Kilchurn Castle which is a 15th-century castle and one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

It sits surrounded by water and is an iconic majestic sight to behold as we make our way along the coast once more and then on to Oban.

We arrive at Oban by late afternoon to relax and enjoy an evening at your leisure. Oban is known as the “Gateway to the Isles” and the “Seafood Capital of Scotland.” It is an ideal stop to explore the West Highlands and offers stunning coastal scenery, historic sites, a busy harbour scene and an excellent whisky distillery which is conveniently located in the town centre.

Oban Distillery is one of Scotlands oldest distilleries and offers tours and of course the all important tastings!

Oban is also renowned for its fabulous fresh seafood with its award winning restaurants as well as casual food on its pier such as Oban Seafood Hut.

Suggested activities:

• Kilmartin Glen: Known for its ancient standing stones and cairns.
• Inveraray: A beautiful town with a Gothic-style castle and jail. The ancestral home of the Clan Campbell.
• Oban Whisky Distiilery Tour.
• McCaig’s Tower – a prominent colosseum like folly, or tower, on a hill overlooking Oban.

• Kilmartin Glen
• Inveraray
• Oban Whisky Distiilery Tour
• McCaig’s Tower

After we’ve all had a hearty breakfast we leave Oban to continue our exploration north and twist along the coast to Castle Stalker which is a must-see picturesque castle sitting on its own island.

The photographers among you will get stunning shots if the light is right and there is a lovely beach to walk along to soak up the ambience.

Glencoe is next on the itinerary and is known for its spectacular scenery such as its towering peaks and deep glens.

Its iconic views were shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers and it offers an unforgettable experience as its misty atmosphere provides an ethereal  landscape –  perfect for photography and simply soaking up natures splendour.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the last place we see before our ferry trip to Skye. Its a fabulous and iconic 1901 railway viaduct with a curving 21-arch span and was featured in several of the Harry Potter movies.

The small port of Mallaig is where will take a 45 min ferry to the Isle of Skye. All facilities are to be found on board if you would need a snack or a cheeky drink and there is every chance we may even see a school of dolphins or orcas on our voyage!

We arrive at Armadale Port on Skye and then we will snake our way along Skye’s east coast to Portree for our 2 nights stay so we can fully explore this magical part of Scotland.

Arrival at Portree for the evening at your leisure.

• Whisky Tasting at Talisker or Torabhaig distilleries on Skye
• Castle Stalker

Portree is the vibrant capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye. Its renowned for its picturesque, colourful harbour-front buildings, bustling fishing port, and central location ideal for exploring the Skye peninsula.

As the island’s main hub it offers extensive amenities, including local book and gift shops, restaurants, and the Aros Centre. This is a popular visitor attraction and community cultural centre offering exhibitions, cinema, live music, comedy, galleries and workshops.

Portree is perfect for accessing Skye’s top sites like the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle.

The iconic, brightly painted houses surrounding the natural harbour are the town’s most famous attraction. Portree offers a lively atmosphere and is a fantastic base for walkers, photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

Skye itself is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides and a premier destination renowned for its raw, dramatic landscapes. It is often described as breathtaking, magical and surreal due to its unique geological formations. 72 miles long and full of twisty roads, Skye is steeped in history and features numerous ruins and Iron Age forts.

The island is dominated by rugged mountainous terrain, including the Cuillin range, the Trotternish Ridge, and famous, dramatic ancient landslip features like the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.

With its rugged, surreal landscapes and deep rooted Gaelic culture, Skye has often been described as Scotland in miniature and captures the essence of the Highlands.

Must-see locations that we will see are the Fairy Pools (crystal-clear waterfalls), The Fairy Glen (whimsical, cone-shaped hills), Kilt Rock (a waterfall into the ocean) as well as  Quiraing (ancient landslide featuring unique escarpments) and the Old Man of Storr – an iconic 55m tall pinnacle of basalt rock offers stunning views of the Sound of Raasay and will be a premier location for the photographers.among you.

We then return to Portree for evening at your leisure.

• Boat Trips for Eagle Watching
• Coastal Views
• Local Craft Shops

This morning we leave Portree and rejoin mainland Scotland by the Skye Bridge which provides stunning views and there are viewpoints near the Kyle of Lochalsh for great photo opportunities.

As we make our way east we stumble upon the deeply iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Its special appeal comes from its picturesque location on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet. Its rich history as a defensive fortress dates back to the 13th century, and is famous for its role in films like Highlander and James Bond, making it one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. You might even say that this fantastic castle symbolises Scotland.

We will then stop at the Loch Cluanie viewpoint to stretch our legs and take in another great photo opportunity before we set off once more to the world famous Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart with its conic, romantic ruins on its banks. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw great conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence.

Loch Ness of course is probably one of the world’s most famous lakes and is a relatively narrow but very deep and long freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined.

This fame is thanks to the”Nessie” monster legend, which originates from ancient folklore and gained prominence from 1933 to the present day. We will be driving north up along nearly its entire length so keep your cameras handy – you never know!

We finish the day at the coastal town of Inverness where we will overnight.

This vibrant town is praised for its blend of relaxed atmosphere, good pubs and restaurants as well as offering a mix of history, culture, scenic beauty, along with a charming walkable city centre.

Inverness offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Edinburgh, with plenty of charm and personality and is often referred to as “The Capitol of the Highlands”.

• Loch Ness Cruise experience the ambience of the loch
• Loch Ness Centre
• Battlefield of Culloden site
• Clava Cairns – a 4,000 year old Bronze age burial site
• Inverness Castle Viewpoint and Museum
• Victoria Market Food Hall and Leakey’s bookshop
• Inverness Botanic Gardens: a free entry garden with a tropical house
• Merkinch Local Nature Reserve: for bitdwatching and scenic walks
• Tomatin Distillery for a whisky tasting session

After a hearty breakfast we start our journey southward this morning leaving Inverness and making our way to Edinburgh on a scenic drive through the heart of the country, encompassing castles, cities and the Scottish Highlands.

We take a small 10-minute detour from Inverness to Culloden – site of the final and violent battle of the Jacobite Rising and it offers a visitor centre with an interactive exhibition.

The Cairngorm herd is a unique and enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts among you as it is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. This a scenic journey into the Cairngorm Mountains where you can feed and pet the friendly reindeer.

Newtonmore Highland folk museum which showcases replica buildings & period artefacts and offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of Scottish Highlanders from the 1700s to the 1960s.

This immersive living museum features over 30 buildings and period artefacts showcasing traditional domestic routines. We will experience people dressed in traditional attire as they show daily life, cooking, farming and how they entertained themselves.

Just a few miles south we have the option of visiting the Dalwhinnie Distillery where we can have a look at the workings of a real working distillery to discover its iconic malt whiskies or as they like to call it – their “Gentle Spirits”.

We travel southwards again to the charming little town of Pitlochry situated on the picturesque river Tummel.

Pitlochry combines Highland wilderness with charming town amenities and you can stroll through Victorian streets and their independent shops, cafes, pubs and sample local produce.

Perth, located in central Scotland, offers a blend of history, art, and natural beauty. It’s known as the “Fair City” thanks to its picturesque backdrop on the banks of the River Tay. The new Perth Museum is home to the legendary Stone of Destiny, or Stone of Scone, which was used for inaugurating Scottish kings for centuries.

Also to be found in Perth there is Scone Palace, gardens, art galleries and the Black Watch Museum displaying military artefacts at Balhousie Castle.

As we continue south and just before we arrive in Edinburgh we will pass the visually stunning Firth of Forth bridge while driving parallel to its entire length on the Queensferry Crossing.

Its an iconic three-tower bridge that happens to be a world heritage site and an amazing feat of engineering for the age it was constructed in.

After an eventful day we breeze into Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.

Dominated by Edinburgh Castle, and built on an ancient volcano, its a historic and cultural hub known for its dramatic and hilly landscapes.

It’s divided into its medieval Old Town with its narrow “closes” leading to the Royal Mile and the neoclassical Georgian New Town known for its elegant Georgian architecture.

Edinburgh and its dark stone buildings come with rich literary and cultural heritage, gothic architecture and a very lively and walkable city centre.

It is this contemporary liveliness contrasting with its past that gives Edinburgh a certain attraction and distinct character that makes it a great place to stay and explore.

Evening in Edinburgh at your leisure.

• Dalwinnie Distillery – Take a peek at the ins and outs of the working distillery to discover the essence of this unique location and its iconic malt.
• The Falkirk Wheel – an engineering marvel featuring 4 giant wheels to lift and lower boats between 2 canals.
• Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery – Scotch whiskey producer offering tastings, an interactive museum & tours of its 1890s distillery.

Suggested Option: Walking Tour of Edinburgh (dependent on flight departure schedule)