Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Scotland with the "Highlights of Ireland & Scotland" tour. Discover the vibrant streets of Dublin, explore the medieval charm of Kilkenny, and marvel at the exquisite crystal of Waterford. Experience the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the cosmopolitan allure of Galway. Venture to Northern Ireland's awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway and cross the Irish Sea to Scotland. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Edinburgh, with its royal heritage and stunning architecture. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and local experiences, including optional excursions to traditional Irish pubs and Scottish evenings. Travel in comfort with a private, air-conditioned motorcoach, and enjoy accommodations in charming hotels across both countries. Whether you're captivated by the rugged coastlines or the vibrant cityscapes, this tour promises a memorable exploration of two of Europe's most captivating destinations. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Leopardstown or The Bonnington Dublin Hotel
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover the vibrant Irish capital. Why not end the day with an optional dinner evening at the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret? Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with this popular optional outing, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. ...more ...less
Day 2: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Leopardstown or The Bonnington Dublin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions to start your day in the “Fair City” with an orientation drive along statue-lined O’Connell Street; elegant Georgian squares with their tall red brick townhouses, multi-hued doors, and wrought-iron decorated windows; Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College; and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Toast Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.
Day 3: Dublin,Kilkenny,Waterford,Tramore
Location: Kilkenny, Waterford, Tramore
Accommodation Name: Majestic Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kilkenny, with its medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm, is your first destination today. There is time to stroll through pretty lanes with vibrantly painted houses and enjoy a morning coffee. Continue on to Waterford, famous for its exquisite crystal, before arriving at the seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local flavor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 128 mi/ 205 km
Day 4: Tramore,Blarney,Ring Of Kerry,Killarney
Location: Blarney, Kenmare, Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney Court Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first of today’s highlights is Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish handicrafts and handmade crystal. At Kenmare, join part of the Ring of Kerry, and stop for spectacular photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View before arriving in the popular resort town of Killarney.Today’s Distance: 165 mi/ 265 km
Day 5: Killarney,Adare
Location: Killarney, Adare
Accommodation Name: Woodlands House Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Killarney this morning, there is time for an optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride along the National Park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Then to Adare, renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. Its main street is punctuated with beautiful stone buildings and thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, ruins, and a picturesque village park. Go medieval with an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 58 mi/ 92 km
Day 6: Adare,Cliffs Of Moher,Galway,Sligo
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Sligo
Accommodation Name: Southern Hotel Sligo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breathtaking scenery awaits you today. Start with a visit to the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher and fantastic views over the Atlantic and Clare coast. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren and stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Your destination for tonight is Sligo.Today’s Distance: 194 mi/ 309 km
Day 7: Sligo-Derry,Northern Ireland,Giant’s Causeway,Belfast
Location: Derry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Belfast or AC Hotel Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches to Derry, the walled city on the banks of the Foyle River. Continue on to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear how millions of years ago, the more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed. Overnight in the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built.Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 317 km
Day 8: Belfast,Alloway,Scotland,Glasgow
Location: Belfast, Alloway, Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Moxy Glasgow Merchant City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the capital city of Northern Ireland before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Cairnryan. On your way to Glasgow, stop in Alloway, the birthplace of Scottish poet Robert Burns.Today’s Distance: 87 mi/ 140 km
Day 9: Glasgow,Fort William,Fort Augustus,Culloden Moor,Highlands
Location: Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Culloden Moor, Highlands
Accommodation Name: Strathspey Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and proceed via wild Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis and Fort Augustus. In the afternoon, look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster, on the way to Culloden Moor where the Jacobite Rising, with Bonnie Prince Charlie at its helm, came to a tragic end at the hands of the Hanoverians.Today’s Distance: 202 mi/ 325 km
Day 10: Highlands,Pitlochry,St. Andrews,Edinburgh
Location: Cairngorms National Park, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park or Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park to Pitlochry, the Victorian mountain resort set amid beautiful scenery. Then, head to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing. Finally, cross the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Our optional suggestion for this evening - no trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!Today’s Distance: 176 mi/ 284 km
Day 11: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park or Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Get the royal treatment and discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 25 & 26, and August 1, 2, 8 & 9, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 12: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
Full English breakfast daily and 3 dinners are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided, providing expert insights and assistance throughout the journey.
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi is provided for transportation.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in various hotels across Dublin, Tramore, Killarney, Adare, Sligo, Belfast, Glasgow, Highlands, and Edinburgh.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the destination is not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the Guinness Storehouse dinner, Taylors Irish Cabaret, and others are not included.
Meals
Full English breakfast daily, 3 Dinners
UNESCO Sites
Forth Bridge|Giant?s Causeway and Causeway Coast|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable hotels including Clayton Leopardstown and The Bonnington Dublin Hotel in Dublin, Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Killarney Court Hotel in Killarney, Woodlands House Hotel & Spa in Adare, Southern Hotel Sligo in Sligo, Leonardo Hotel Belfast and AC Hotel Belfast in Belfast, Moxy Glasgow Merchant City in Glasgow, Strathspey Hotel in the Highlands, and Novotel Edinburgh Park and Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield in Edinburgh. ...more ...less
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Ireland and Scotland.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes meals as detailed in the itinerary, with a full English breakfast daily and 3 dinners.
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Is there an opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin?
Yes, there is an optional excursion to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin where you can learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques of Guinness, along with a tasting and dinner.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour is fully guided, and there is a morning sightseeing tour in Edinburgh with a Local Guide.
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What are some of the optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities include a dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse, a visit to Taylors Irish Cabaret in Dublin, a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, and a medieval banquet in Adare.
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Is there any special event included in the Edinburgh itinerary?
For departures on specific dates in July and August, tickets are included for the performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour includes some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of Ireland & Scotland
12 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Edinburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Tramore, Blarney, Kenmare, Killarney, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Sligo, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Alloway, Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Culloden Moor, Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9030-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology