Irish Highlights
A roundtrip from Dublin featuring the highlights of Ireland including Waterford Crystal, your newfound 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle and the irresistible Ring of Kerry. You’ll also learn about the devastating Irish famine and peer over the edge at the Cliffs of Moher.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- Wicklow: Enjoy traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with your host Catherine Fulvio, one of Ireland’s top culinary stars, with her family on hand to share their story.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration with a Local Specialist at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- New Ross: Visit the port town of New Ross. On the quayside, perhaps see the Dunbrody replica famine ship and statue of John F. Kennedy.
- Lahinch: Gain a deeper understanding of the Cliffs of Moher on a guided walk with a Local Specialist in conservation. Learn how wildflowers support rare bird species like the red-billed chough and explore the cultural ties between the land and local communities. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Explore Dublin with a Local Specialist
- Discover Galway, Limerick and Waterford
- Visit Bunratty Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the famine ship in New Ross
- View St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and King John's Castle in Limerick
- See the Cathedral of Galway and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
- Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
- Scenic Drive the Ring of Kerry
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry across the Shannon estuary
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
| Additional Offers |
ID: 8911430
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ID: 8919627
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ID: 9003261
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ID: 8911436
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ID: 8911438
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ID: 8911440
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ID: 8911442
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ID: 9165743
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ID: 9165745
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ID: 8911430
|
ID: 8919627
|
ID: 9003261
|
ID: 8911436
|
ID: 8911438
|
ID: 8911440
|
ID: 8911442
|
ID: 9165743
|
ID: 9165745
|
Choosing where to stay in Ireland and Scotland is an important part of your travels – it's your home away from home. It’s where you rest at the end of an adventure-filled day, it’s where you start every new exploration. From hotels, castles, manors and even bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll find the very best places to stay in Catherine’s Collection, selected for you based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands. This is us taking you personally.
Hotels
Only the best for you, our friends. We’ve carefully curated a roster of the top hotels in Ireland and Scotland, selected for service, quality and style. Find your perfect pick amongst our expert recommendations.
Castles
It’s the dream to stay in a castle – and we can help make it a reality. From classic aesthetics with plush modern comforts to contemporary luxury and chic interiors tucked inside stately castle walls, your options for elegance are endless.
Estates & Manors
All the charms and comforts of elevated countryside living, meet the hospitality and service of top-tier hotels. Relax on expansive estates, explore the surrounding regions and experience the recreation and activities that each has in store.
Bed and Breakfasts
Cozy, comfortable and classically Celtic. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast brings you closer to the daily life of your destination. Our personally-vetted picks combine charm, character and hospitality for an experience you’ll always remember.
Who should travel to Ireland and Scotland? We may be biased, but we think everyone – and we can’t wait to meet you all (honestly). Families, solos, groups and every person under the rainbow (of which Ireland has many) will find a travel experience that perfectly fits their needs and desires. Our Celtic Experts can recommend the best places to stay, top activities and the ideal way to travel around our homelands based on who’s traveling with you.
Couples
The roads of Ireland and Scotland are marked with milestones, so why not commemorate your own on a vacation here with us? Anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and everything in between, our Celtic Experts will help you find the perfect trip and plan those special moments to celebrate your love.
Families
Family travel in Ireland and Scotland is exciting, bonding and brilliant. With activities to suit every generation of your family and brilliant stays to relax in, we’ve got everything you need to start writing your Celtic story together. So gather your clan and prepare for a lifetime of memories.
LGBTQIA+
Everyone in and under the rainbow is welcome here in the Celtic Isles. From friendly faces and friends you’ll meet, to an open culture known for cheer and hospitality, this is where to go when flying solo, on a romantic adventure, traveling with your chosen family or bringing the whole community together.
Groups
Take your group on an unforgettable trip to Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations. Whether you're traveling with family or friends or organizing a group event, our Celtic Experts will create a custom itinerary just for you. Choose from our flexible itineraries or work with us to design the perfect experience for your group.
Your next vacation deserves to be filled with unforgettable experiences – and with us, it’s all about the personal connection to our Celtic homelands. There are so many things to do in Ireland and Scotland, and you'll find the very best in Catherine’s Collection. We’ve hand-selected a variety of activities based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands and can help recommend experiences for your next vacation. This is us taking you personally.
Trace Your Irish and Scottish Ancestry
With nearly 120+ million people across North America who can claim Irish or Scottish heritage, seeking a link through history is a deeply important aspect of travel for so many of our guests. We want to help you build the bridge to your personal history, reconnecting you to your Celtic Roots. However deep you wish to explore, our Celtic Experts can arrange private and prescheduled genealogy and ancestry consultations. We will take you personally every step of the way.
The History & Culture & of Ireland & Scotland
Our Celtic homelands are a rich tapestry of heritage, myths and legends. Meet amazing and warm people who are the beating heart of what makes a Celtic welcome so unique. Experience traditional music and dancing, the glories of storytelling and the tales of times gone by. Ireland and Scotland have some of the best histories in the world and you feel it as you walk around.
Food & Drink
How do you get the bold flavor of Celtic culture? You taste it. Follow your appetite through the Celtic Isles. Eclectic and modern, traditional and hearty, walking food tours and Michelin-star sit downs, Ireland & Scotland are rich lands for foodies. With herds of Shepherd’s Pies to try, seaweed’s umami flavors to explore and plenty of pints to be pulled, prepare your palate and raise a glass for tasteful journeys through the full-bodied flavors of our homelands.
Outdoor Adventures in Ireland & Scotland
Bold highlands, kinetic coastlines, rolling green hills and serene forests – call us biased but there’s no better place for outdoor experiences than in Ireland & Scotland. Whether you want something leisurely-paced or are prepped and packed for a fully active adventure, you'll always find just the right activity for you and your group here in the Celtic Isles. Jaunt through the beautiful, red deer-filled spaces of Killarney National Park, walk the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast or take to the rugged spaces of Scotland’s Isle of Skye – we've got the right fit for your active travel.
Ireland & Scotland – a Golfer’s Paradise
Test your swing in the homeland of golf. From the most hallowed and historic Scottish links to the vibrant rolling greens of Ireland, there’s no better place to enjoy the great game than in the place where it was born. We are proud to offer custom, handcrafted golf vacations that show off the best golf courses in Ireland and Scotland, filled with history, style and challenges for every level of skill. Your transportation, accommodations, tee-times and off-the-course activities are all taken care of. All you have to remember is to pack two pairs of pants, in case you get a hole in one.
Travel that Matters in Ireland & Scotland
Connect more deeply with Ireland and Scotland through experiences that give back. Sprinkled throughout all our activities are our carefully selected and culturally vivid MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These deeply special activities share with you who we are, what we are protecting and where we’ve come from, while ensuring your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you experience.
We are working to ensure that a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is included across our tours, and cannot wait to match you to one that illuminates your travels in the Celtic Isles.
Choosing where to stay in Ireland and Scotland is an important part of your travels – it's your home away from home. It’s where you rest at the end of an adventure-filled day, it’s where you start every new exploration. From hotels, castles, manors and even bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll find the very best places to stay in Catherine’s Collection, selected for you based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands. This is us taking you personally.
Hotels
Only the best for you, our friends. We’ve carefully curated a roster of the top hotels in Ireland and Scotland, selected for service, quality and style. Find your perfect pick amongst our expert recommendations.
Castles
It’s the dream to stay in a castle – and we can help make it a reality. From classic aesthetics with plush modern comforts to contemporary luxury and chic interiors tucked inside stately castle walls, your options for elegance are endless.
Estates & Manors
All the charms and comforts of elevated countryside living, meet the hospitality and service of top-tier hotels. Relax on expansive estates, explore the surrounding regions and experience the recreation and activities that each has in store.
Bed and Breakfasts
Cozy, comfortable and classically Celtic. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast brings you closer to the daily life of your destination. Our personally-vetted picks combine charm, character and hospitality for an experience you’ll always remember.
Who should travel to Ireland and Scotland? We may be biased, but we think everyone – and we can’t wait to meet you all (honestly). Families, solos, groups and every person under the rainbow (of which Ireland has many) will find a travel experience that perfectly fits their needs and desires. Our Celtic Experts can recommend the best places to stay, top activities and the ideal way to travel around our homelands based on who’s traveling with you.
Couples
The roads of Ireland and Scotland are marked with milestones, so why not commemorate your own on a vacation here with us? Anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and everything in between, our Celtic Experts will help you find the perfect trip and plan those special moments to celebrate your love.
Families
Family travel in Ireland and Scotland is exciting, bonding and brilliant. With activities to suit every generation of your family and brilliant stays to relax in, we’ve got everything you need to start writing your Celtic story together. So gather your clan and prepare for a lifetime of memories.
LGBTQIA+
Everyone in and under the rainbow is welcome here in the Celtic Isles. From friendly faces and friends you’ll meet, to an open culture known for cheer and hospitality, this is where to go when flying solo, on a romantic adventure, traveling with your chosen family or bringing the whole community together.
Groups
Take your group on an unforgettable trip to Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations. Whether you're traveling with family or friends or organizing a group event, our Celtic Experts will create a custom itinerary just for you. Choose from our flexible itineraries or work with us to design the perfect experience for your group.
Your next vacation deserves to be filled with unforgettable experiences – and with us, it’s all about the personal connection to our Celtic homelands. There are so many things to do in Ireland and Scotland, and you'll find the very best in Catherine’s Collection. We’ve hand-selected a variety of activities based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands and can help recommend experiences for your next vacation. This is us taking you personally.
Trace Your Irish and Scottish Ancestry
With nearly 120+ million people across North America who can claim Irish or Scottish heritage, seeking a link through history is a deeply important aspect of travel for so many of our guests. We want to help you build the bridge to your personal history, reconnecting you to your Celtic Roots. However deep you wish to explore, our Celtic Experts can arrange private and prescheduled genealogy and ancestry consultations. We will take you personally every step of the way.
The History & Culture & of Ireland & Scotland
Our Celtic homelands are a rich tapestry of heritage, myths and legends. Meet amazing and warm people who are the beating heart of what makes a Celtic welcome so unique. Experience traditional music and dancing, the glories of storytelling and the tales of times gone by. Ireland and Scotland have some of the best histories in the world and you feel it as you walk around.
Food & Drink
How do you get the bold flavor of Celtic culture? You taste it. Follow your appetite through the Celtic Isles. Eclectic and modern, traditional and hearty, walking food tours and Michelin-star sit downs, Ireland & Scotland are rich lands for foodies. With herds of Shepherd’s Pies to try, seaweed’s umami flavors to explore and plenty of pints to be pulled, prepare your palate and raise a glass for tasteful journeys through the full-bodied flavors of our homelands.
Outdoor Adventures in Ireland & Scotland
Bold highlands, kinetic coastlines, rolling green hills and serene forests – call us biased but there’s no better place for outdoor experiences than in Ireland & Scotland. Whether you want something leisurely-paced or are prepped and packed for a fully active adventure, you'll always find just the right activity for you and your group here in the Celtic Isles. Jaunt through the beautiful, red deer-filled spaces of Killarney National Park, walk the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast or take to the rugged spaces of Scotland’s Isle of Skye – we've got the right fit for your active travel.
Ireland & Scotland – a Golfer’s Paradise
Test your swing in the homeland of golf. From the most hallowed and historic Scottish links to the vibrant rolling greens of Ireland, there’s no better place to enjoy the great game than in the place where it was born. We are proud to offer custom, handcrafted golf vacations that show off the best golf courses in Ireland and Scotland, filled with history, style and challenges for every level of skill. Your transportation, accommodations, tee-times and off-the-course activities are all taken care of. All you have to remember is to pack two pairs of pants, in case you get a hole in one.
Travel that Matters in Ireland & Scotland
Connect more deeply with Ireland and Scotland through experiences that give back. Sprinkled throughout all our activities are our carefully selected and culturally vivid MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These deeply special activities share with you who we are, what we are protecting and where we’ve come from, while ensuring your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you experience.
We are working to ensure that a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is included across our tours, and cannot wait to match you to one that illuminates your travels in the Celtic Isles.
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Vacations
On our Guided Vacations, we handle all the driving, organization and everything else, taking away the hassles of trip planning and igniting the wonder of travel in Ireland and Scotland. You get escorted travel, iconic sightseeing and frequent VIP access, making Guided Vacations the perfect choice for families, groups, couples or when you’re flying solo. Your Travel Director is there every step of the way, connecting you with locals and Celtic culture at every turn through exclusive activities and stays in the best hotels, castles and manors.
Private Chauffeur
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Chauffeur Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Vacations
On our Guided Vacations, we handle all the driving, organization and everything else, taking away the hassles of trip planning and igniting the wonder of travel in Ireland and Scotland. You get escorted travel, iconic sightseeing and frequent VIP access, making Guided Vacations the perfect choice for families, groups, couples or when you’re flying solo. Your Travel Director is there every step of the way, connecting you with locals and Celtic culture at every turn through exclusive activities and stays in the best hotels, castles and manors.
Private Chauffeur
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Chauffeur Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
