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

• 19 Days in Britain and Ireland, incl. London and Edinburgh

  This 19-day expedition covers 42 destinations across Scotland and Ireland. From Edinburgh Castle to Loch Ness, Trinity College Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, travelers immerse in rich history. The tour provides 18 breakfasts, 5 dinners, with stays at Moxy Edinburgh Airport and Dublin One Hotel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    London

    Begin with two full days in London. Visit Westminster Abbey right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid crowds. "The Tube is super easy to navigate - get an Oyster Card right at Heathrow to save time and money." Take the Thames Clipper river bus to Greenwich for excellent city views away from tourist spots.

    
  • Days 3-4

    York & Edinburgh

    Travel north through Stratford-upon-Avon. Book theatre tickets ahead if you want to catch a show. The medieval walls in York are best at sunset when crowds thin out. Stop at Hadrian's Wall's Housesteads Fort before 10 AM on your way to Edinburgh. Plan about 4 hours for the York-Edinburgh drive.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Scottish Highlands

    Start with Edinburgh Castle early. "The Royal Mile gets packed by 11 AM - do your shopping early or late afternoon instead." Drive through Fife to St. Andrews, then up to the Highlands via Pitlochry. The mountain roads need extra time for photos and passing other vehicles.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Glasgow & Lake District

    Take a boat trip on Loch Ness, visit Culloden Battlefield, and drive through scenic Glencoe. "The Glencoe Visitor Centre cafe gets overwhelmed at lunch - pack a picnic instead." Move on to Glasgow to see its Victorian buildings and art museums.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Dublin

    Take the Cairnryan-Belfast ferry or fly from Glasgow. "Book Trinity College's Book of Kells tickets online - the queue can be 2+ hours otherwise." Start with a walking tour of old Dublin before checking out Temple Bar's traditional pubs.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Northern Ireland

    Travel up through County Donegal's coast to Giant's Causeway. "The Causeway parking lots fill by mid-morning - arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM for the best experience." Leave time to stop along the beautiful Antrim Coast.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Western Ireland

    Head to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. "Visit the Cliffs in late afternoon when tour buses leave - the light is better for photos too." Take your time on the Dingle Peninsula's narrow roads and add extra time to your schedule.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Southern Ireland & Wales

    Start at Blarney Castle early to kiss the stone without waiting. Visit Waterford, then take the ferry to Wales. Book Cardiff Castle's 'House Tour' ahead for special access.

    
  • Days 18-19

    Bath & London

    See Bath's Roman sites in the morning. "The Roman Baths are least busy during lunch hours." Visit Windsor Castle on your way back to London. Book tickets online and go after 2 PM when morning crowds leave.

    

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• 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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