The Celtic Way - 2027 July Tour - 25 Days Ireland and Scotland

•   Arrive in Dublin and check into your accommodation.

•   4PM: Walking tour of Dublin: Meander through Ireland’s lively capital, soaking in the history of Trinity College, the musical charm of Grafton Street, and the Victorian elegance of St. Stephen’s Green.

•   Free time to explore the city centre at your own pace.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): Kick off the tour with a welcome dinner at an iconic Irish pub, where traditional music and Irish dancing will lift your spirits.

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin

• 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

Morning activities: Sightseeing from Dublin to choose from

• Guinness Storehouse
• Book of Kells at Trinity College
• EPIC Museum
• Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
• Valuation Office (ancestry)
• Optional: Parliament Tour

Afternoon - Evening Activities:

• Guided walking tour of Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval gem with winding streets, ancient churches, and a vibrant arts scene.
• Free time to explore the majestic Kilkenny Castle and the artisan stalls at the Makers Market.

Dinner (6:30 PM): Dine at The Left Bank, followed by an evening at the intimate Hole in the Wall Pub, alive with traditional Irish music.

Overnight: Overnight stay in Kilkenny

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 150 km (~1hr 50 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Guided walking tour of Cork, a city buzzing with culture, and a visit to the iconic English Market, a food lover's paradise since 1788.

•   Visit the picturesque seaside town of Cobh, last port of call of the Titanic.

•   Explore the moving Cobh Heritage Centre & Migration Museum, telling stories of emigration and resilience.

•   Optional: Titanic Experience or a private genealogy session.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In town, with an optional stop at a local pub for Irish music.

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Cork

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive on the legendary Ring of Kerry, where dramatic coastlines, green hills, and folklore meet.

•   Enjoy a warm Irish coffee stop at the Red Fox Inn, a local favorite.

•   Free time in the lively town of Killarney.

•   Lunch: Enroute

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): At J M McNeill’s, followed by live Irish music in a nearby pub where locals and travellers mingle.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Killarney

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 92 km (~1 hr 11 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Enjoy a morning tea break in Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with thatched cottages and rich Norman history.

•   Lunch at Dirty Nelly’s (12:30 PM), near the legendary castle walls.

•   Visit the impressive Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a living history museum capturing rural life through the centuries.

•   Optional: Step back in time at the unforgettable Bunratty Medieval Banquet.

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Attend the banquet or enjoy a relaxed meal in town.

• 8:00PM onwards: Breandán Breathnach Memorial Lecture - 'In Safe Hands: The Role of Clare Musicians in Dublin's Traditional Music Legacy' - presented by Mick O'Connor, musician, collector, music historian and author.
• Venue: Community Centre for both events.
   

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Clare

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, filled with windswept views and crashing waves.

•  Visit the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, steeped in ancient mysticism.

•  Gaze over the Atlantic from the soaring Cliffs of Moher, a must-see natural wonder.

•  Explore the surf town of Lahinch and stop for lunch.

•  Visit the music-filled village of Doolin, where every pub echoes with Irish song.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In a welcoming Doolin pub with traditional music.

• 8.00PM onwards - Céiliúradh Ceoil á chraoladh beo ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and featuring TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award Winners and guest performers. Venue: Community Centre.
• Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Taylor's Cross Céilí Band
• Céilí at the Quilty Tavern - Dal gCais Céilí Band
   

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Clare

•  8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 120 km (~1 hr 30 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Discover the peaceful village of Glenmask, tucked in Ireland’s remote west.

•  Visit the tranquil and sacred Ballintubber Abbey, where pilgrims have walked since 1216.

•  Arrive in Galway, known for its arts, music, and vibrant street life.

•  Visit the Claddagh Ring Exhibition and browse local heritage shops.

•  Lunch: At Corley’s Pub, where traditional charm meets hearty fare.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway, with an option to enjoy more live music.

8.00PM onwards - Fiddle Recital. Venue: Community Centre. 
Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Kilfenora Céilí Band

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Galway

•  8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Visit the quaint village of Cong, film site of The Quiet Man, and explore Cong Abbey.

•  Take a peaceful 2-hour boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island, rich in monastic history.

•  Afternoon Tea (4:30 PM): Scones, jam, and cream at the elegant Mrs. T’s Tearoom in Ashford Castle.

•  Lunch: In Cong at leisure

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway

8.00PM onwards - Fiddle Recital. Venue: Community Centre. 
- Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Kilfenora Céilí Band

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Galway

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 80 km (~1 hr 20 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive through Connemara, a land of lakes, stone walls, and timeless beauty.

•   Full-day visit to the romantic Kylemore Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens, Gothic chapel, woodland trails, and famed Connemara ponies.

•   Lunch: At leisure on site

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Westport, a town known for its charm and community spirit.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Westport

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 104 km (~1 hr 20 mins total)

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive through Sligo, land of myth, poetry, and majestic hills.

•   Visit Drumcliff, burial site of W.B. Yeats, and admire Benbulbin, the mountain that inspired many of his works.

•   Optional: Explore Sliabh Liag, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): At hotel with live Irish music.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny, Donegal

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 30 km (~30 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Visit the mystical Grianán of Aileach Ring Fort, with panoramic views across the North.

•   Enjoy tea and light lunch in a private local home—a unique and heartfelt cultural experience.

•   Explore the powerful living history of the Doagh Famine Village.

•   Return: 5:00 PM to Letterkenny

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In town

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 34 km (~30 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Optional tour of Derry City Walls and the Town Hall Museum, steeped in conflict and culture.

•   In Belfast, take the emotional Peace Walls tour to learn about Northern Ireland’s complex past and its hopeful future.

•   Visit the impressive Belfast City Hall and its beautiful stained-glass windows.

•   Optional: Visit the Titanic Museum or enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Hotel.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Belfast

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunadry

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 37 km (~40 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Visit Down Cathedral and pay your respects at St. Patrick’s Grave.

•   Explore Armagh, Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

•   Tour both St. Patrick’s Cathedrals and visit the Cultural Centre.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Armagh

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Armagh

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 135 km (~1 hr 40 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Farewell celebration, with music, laughter, and lasting memories.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunadry

Travel: Morning flight Belfast → Inverness, then scenic drive and ferry from Ullapool → Stornoway

Activities:

• Check into your hotel: The Cabarfeidh Hotel or Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, both offering comfort, charm, and traditional Hebridean hospitality.

• Explore Stornoway town, with highlights: Lews Castle, a neo-classical castle built in the 19th century with stunning grounds overlooking the harbor; quaint local shops; and the bustling harbor reflecting the island’s fishing heritage.

• Evening: Attend the Hebrides Celtic Festival, a vibrant celebration of Gaelic music, dance, and culture. Enjoy live performances and soak in the unique atmosphere.
  Luxury Tip: Arrange a table at a harbor-side restaurant for fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the bay.
  Overnight Stay: Stornoway

Activities:

• Experience a unique festival where the whole of the Hebrides comes alive with culture and music.
• Full day enjoying Hebrides Celtic Festival performances, music, and cultural events.
• Optional short walks along nearby beaches or through the town.
• Overnight Stay: Stornoway

Overview: The northern part of the largest island in the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) archipelago in Scotland.

Activities:

• Explore historic sites and the beautiful, diverse landscapes of Lewis.
• Visit the Callanish Standing Stones, an iconic Neolithic site dating back around 5,000 years. It is one of Britain’s most impressive stone circles, older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
• Evening: Return to Stornoway, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides and the administrative capital of the Western Isles. Known for its bustling harbor, fishing heritage, Harris Tweed industry, and the scenic Lews Castle.
• Overnight Stay: Stornoway

Travel: Drive from Stornoway to Harris, take the ferry to Uig on Skye, then drive to Portree.

Activities:

• Visit the breathtaking Eilean Donan Castle en route.
• Enjoy views of the Cuillin Hills and surrounding Scottish scenery.
• Evening: Explore Portree town, have dinner at the harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood or local cuisine.
• Overnight Stay: Portree

Overview: The Isle of Skye, the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is known for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes, dramatic mountains, and moody scenery.

Activities:

• Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, Skye’s northern jewel.
• Witness cliffs, rock formations, and sweeping coastal views.
• Return to Portree and explore the harbor.
• Overnight Stay: Portree

Activities:

• Continue discovering Skye’s iconic landscapes, including optional visits to the Old Man of Storr or Quiraing.
• Enjoy photography, short walks, and time to take in the island’s serene beauty.
• Evening: Return to Portree, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and soak in Highland hospitality.
• Overnight Stay: Portree

Travel: Drive Skye → Glencoe / Fort William (~2 hours)

Activities:

• Stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct for photos (30–45 minutes).
• Optional short walk to Loch Leven viewpoint (~30 minutes).
• Drive through Glensheil to Loch Ness, stopping at Fort Augustus for photos.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy the Highland scenery.
• Overnight Stay: Glencoe / Fort William – Kingshouse Hotel or Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Activities:

• Travel through Rannoch Moor, with possible photo stops at Doune Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Stirling Castle.
• Evening: Explore Stirling town center and enjoy dinner locally.
• Overnight Stay: Stirling – local boutique hotel or central B&B

Travel: Drive Stirling → St Andrews (~2 hours)

Activities:

• Explore St Andrews Castle (~1 hour).
• Visit St Andrews Cathedral (~1 hour) and the University, with connections to Patrick Hamilton, the first Protestant martyr, and note that Prince William and Kate studied here.
• Walk along the world-famous golf course and nearby beach.
• Evening: Relax in town and enjoy dinner with sea views.
• Overnight Stay: St Andrews – Old Course Hotel or central B&B

Travel: Drive St Andrews → Edinburgh (~1.5 hours)

Activities:

• Afternoon: Explore Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and St Giles’ Cathedral.
• Optional: Short hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views.
• Overnight Stay: Edinburgh city center – Apex Grassmarket or Radisson Blu

Activities:

Group breakfast and farewells.

Option to stay an extra day to explore Edinburgh or fly home.