3-Week Ireland and Scotland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Ireland And Scotland tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffIreland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar

• 16 Days in Scotland & Ireland, incl. Glasgow and Dublin

  8-day Irish exploration featuring Titanic Belfast, Galway's medieval quarter, and Waterford's crystal heritage. Includes stays at Great Southern Killarney and traditional entertainment at Kate Kearney's Cottage.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Scottish Lowlands

    Begin in Glasgow with a city tour. A previous visitor suggests "The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is incredible - get there when it opens at 10am to avoid the crowds." The next day take a Loch Lomond cruise for about an hour before visiting Inveraray Castle. Your route continues through the stunning Glencoe to Ballachulish for the night.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Scottish Highlands

    Travel the beautiful "Road to the Isles" and take a 45-minute ferry to Skye. Visit Armadale Castle ruins then continue to Loch Ness. A past traveler shared: "Our guide's knowledge of Highland history made every mile fascinating." Start your next day at Culloden Battlefield before the crowds arrive at 11am. Later watch a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a local farm.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Eastern Scotland

    Visit Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry. A visitor tip: "Book your whisky tasting for afternoon sessions when the distillery is less crowded." See medieval Glamis Castle then head to St Andrews the birthplace of golf. Spend time in Edinburgh exploring the castle and Royal Mile. A helpful suggestion: "Have dinner in Grassmarket - more authentic and better value than the tourist spots."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Northern Ireland & Dublin

    Take a morning ferry to Belfast. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Stop at the Titanic Belfast museum before continuing to Dublin. The next day visit Sean's Bar in Athlone Europe's oldest pub on your way to Galway. A traveler notes: "The walking tour of Galway gives great insight into Irish history."

    
  • Days 10-12

    Western Ireland

    Discover Connemara and take a fjord cruise at Killary Harbour. Visit Kylemore Abbey early before tour buses arrive at 10am. Experience the Cliffs of Moher but prepare for weather. A practical tip: "Bring waterproof shoes for the cliff walks - it's often muddy." Head to Killarney to see Ring of Kerry highlights and enjoy traditional music at Kate Kearney's Cottage.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Southern Ireland & Dublin

    Start at Blarney Castle early to beat the crowds at the stone. Stop for authentic music at the Marine Bar in Dungarvan. Tour the House of Waterford Crystal and explore medieval Kilkenny. A visitor shares: "The crystal workshop tour is fascinating - book the first morning slot for the best experience." Finish with two days in Dublin using the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to visit sites like the Guinness Storehouse.

    

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• 15 Days in Ireland & Scotland, incl. Dublin and Edinburgh

  The ultimate Irish-Scottish tour takes in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Visitors climb the Giant's Causeway, circle the Ring of Kerry, and wander Edinburgh Castle. Premium accommodation spans 14 nights with guidance from an expert Travel Director.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Dublin

    Begin your trip in Ireland's capital. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College during your two full days here. A recent visitor suggested: "St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College were incredible, but don't miss the local pubs in Temple Bar - just avoid peak evening hours when it gets crowded." Visit Dublin Castle first thing at 9:45 AM before the crowds arrive. The hop-on-hop-off bus helps you get oriented but you can easily walk the city center.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Waterford & Killarney

    Take a 2.5-hour drive southeast to the House of Waterford Crystal. Book a mid-morning factory tour to see the craftsmen at their best. Drive another 2 hours to Blarney Castle and plan to arrive around 3 PM when the lines are shortest. Spend the night in Killarney.

    
  • Day 5

    Ring of Kerry

    Take a full day to drive this scenic route. A recent visitor notes: "The views at Ladies View were breathtaking, but bring motion sickness pills if you're sensitive - the roads are winding." Start at 8 AM to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses at photo spots.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Galway & Northern Ireland

    Drive north through Adare village to Galway (3 hours). The next day, head to Londonderry. Take a 90-minute walk on the city walls to learn about the Troubles. A local guide will share personal stories that bring the history to life.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Giant's Causeway & Glasgow

    Visit the unique rock formations at Giant's Causeway. One visitor advises: "Wear sturdy shoes with grip - the rocks get slippery even when dry." Take the 2.15-hour ferry from Belfast to Scotland and drive to Glasgow. Visit the free Kelvingrove Museum which stays open late on Fridays.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Scottish Highlands

    Drive through Glencoe valley to the Isle of Skye. A recent visitor shares: "The weather changes constantly - pack layers and a waterproof jacket." Break up the long drive with stops at Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Inverness & St Andrews

    Start early at Culloden Battlefield before the tour buses arrive. Drive east through the Cairngorms to St Andrews. Visit the cathedral ruins at sunset and walk the Old Course after 6 PM when golfers finish their rounds.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Edinburgh

    Finish your trip in Scotland's capital. Get to Edinburgh Castle by 9 AM to see the Crown Jewels without the crowds. A traveler suggests: "Book your Royal Mile dinner reservations well ahead - the good spots fill up fast, especially during festival season."

    

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• 15 Days in Ireland and Scotland, incl. Dublin and Edinburgh

  15-day adventure through Ireland and Scotland featuring 25 locations. Experience Waterford Crystal, Giant's Causeway, and Edinburgh Castle. Stay at comfortable hotels including Hotel Killarney and The Highlander Hotel. Includes ferry crossing and luxury coach travel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Dublin, Ireland

    Get an early start at St. Patrick's Cathedral before the crowds roll in. Spend your evening in Temple Bar, but take this local tip: O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row is where you'll find authentic Irish music and local atmosphere. On day two, explore the elegant Georgian squares and visit the Guinness Storehouse. Book the 2PM tour to skip the busiest times.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Ireland's Southeast & Killarney

    Head to Kildare's National Stud Farm for the 9AM training sessions. The Waterford Crystal factory tour is worth your time, even if you're not planning to buy. Next morning, beat the crowds to the Blarney Stone, then make your way to Killarney. Stay near High Street to be close to the evening music venues.

    
  • Day 5

    Ring of Kerry

    Take a full day to drive the Ring of Kerry. Go clockwise from Killarney to avoid tour buses. One visitor notes: "The view from Ladies View was incredible, but bring layers. We experienced sun, rain and wind all within an hour." Pack rain gear no matter what the forecast says.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Western Ireland to Northern Ireland

    Visit the charming village of Adare on your way to Galway's medieval streets. Travel north through Donegal to Londonderry. Take a guided walk along the 17th-century city walls to understand the local history. Stop by the Bogside murals for insights into "The Troubles."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Belfast to Glasgow

    Start early at Giant's Causeway and wear good shoes - those basalt rocks get slippery. Visit Belfast's Titanic Experience (reserve tickets ahead). Take the Belfast to Cairnryan ferry (2.5 hours) to reach Glasgow. Start exploring from George Square in the walkable city center.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Scottish Highlands

    Drive north past Loch Lomond to the dramatic Glencoe valley. Base yourself in Fort William near Ben Nevis for Highland adventures. Include Isle of Skye in your plans for stunning landscapes. One recent visitor warns: "Book accommodation on Skye well ahead - options fill up months in advance, especially in summer."

    
  • Days 13-15

    Edinburgh

    Stop at St. Andrews to see its famous golf course and ruins on your way to Edinburgh. Visit Edinburgh Castle first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. Take this advice from a traveler: "The Royal Mile gets packed by midday. Do your exploring early, then head to local neighborhoods like Stockbridge for a more authentic feel." Finish your trip with a climb up Arthur's Seat for views across the city.

    

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