Ireland and Scotland Tours for Solo Travelers
A solo trip to Ireland and Scotland shows you so much. Ready for Loch Ness cruises with sonar monitoring? There’s Blarney Stone kissing, checking out Edinburgh Castle, and visiting the Isle of Skye with landscapes that look prehistoric. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Harry Potter bridge), Giant's Causeway has hexagonal basalt columns from ancient volcanic eruptions, and don't miss Distillery whisky tastings. Of course, you can’t forget Dublin’s Temple Bar!
10 best Ireland And Scotland solo travel packages
Compiled by
SteffIreland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
- The Jewels Of Scotland (Ocean Victory)
- Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights (including Dornie)
- Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights (including Skellig Michael)
- Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights (31 destinations)
- Majestic Britain and Ireland
- England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
- Best of Scotland & Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Scottish Isles: Historic Trails & Wilderness
- Best of Scotland and Ireland
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
Duration 7 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 180 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$5,095
Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights (including Dornie)
107 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We absolutely loved our guides and drivers who all went that extra mile that just makes a vacation so much more relaxing.”
Mik, traveled in May
Perfect for solo adventurers aged 8-99, this 16-day journey through Scotland and Ireland features shared experiences at Sean's Bar in Athlone, Europe's oldest pub. Stay at distinctive properties like Atholl Palace Hotel and join guided walks through medieval Waterford. Enjoy exclusive Scottish evenings and traditional music at Marine Bar in Dungarvan, fostering natural connections with fellow travelers.
Duration 16 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator CIE Tours From
- US$5,545
Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights (including Skellig Michael)
84 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were immersed in the history and culture of the two countries by the sights, tours, and information shared.”
Karen, traveled in October
Private rooms at historic Dalhousie Castle welcome solo adventurers. Whisky tastings and medieval banquets provide social highlights. The route winds from Glasgow's Kelvingrove Gallery through the Highlands to Dublin's Temple Bar, featuring guided tours of Edinburgh Castle and Titanic Belfast.
Duration 14 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 44 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator CIE Tours From
- US$4,995
Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights (31 destinations)
143 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Scots/Irish tour is well planned with educational and interesting sites that included wonderful accommodations and food.”
Mary, traveled in September
Duration 15 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 9+ Group Size Max Group Size 26 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator CIE Tours From
- US$5,445
Duration 20 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 28 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$11,440
The Celtic circuit winds through Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Dublin's Temple Bar. Highlights include Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, and Cliffs of Moher. Suitable for ages 18+, with 9 nights' accommodation and group meals. Rated 4.1/5.
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Group Size Max Group Size 30 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$3,990
Solo travelers 12+ get private rooms in small groups of max 14 people, walking Edinburgh's Royal Mile and seeing the Isle of Skye's Trotternish Peninsula with Inverness in between. Dublin's Georgian Quarter and Guinness Storehouse await, then Cork's English Market for local tastings, finishing at Galway's Spanish Arch and Lynch's Castle.
Duration 17 days Destinations Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Firebird Tours From
- US$8,588
Solo travelers get private rooms on this 10-day trip around Ireland and Scotland's remote islands, with the intimate 228-guest yacht offering butler service and nearly 1:1 crew ratio. Visit sacred Iona Abbey, cruise past the Flannan Isles, and walk around the fishing village of Footdee in Aberdeen while meeting other travelers in nine bars and lounges. Ages 12+ can join.
Duration 10 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 228 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,025
18% Off- US$13,075You save $2,950
Duration 9 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type GroupPersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Cosmos From $2,689
6% Off- US$2,539You save $150
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The add on activities that Contiki has were fabulous!! Would recommend!”
Chelsea, traveled in January
Guided tours of Edinburgh Castle and Stirling's historic sites bring together young adventurers. Social highlights include Jameson's Distillery and Temple Bar. Average age 28, with 50+ solo bookings.
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From
6% Off- US$2,050
What people love about touring Ireland And Scotland solo
- Scottish & Irish Gold - 16 Days/15 Nights (including Dornie)
Took a small bus tour with 7 family and friends to Scotland and Ireland. I prefer not to do bus tours, but with a larger group, I think we made the right call with the small bus experience. You do change tour guides and some of the group leaves and others join you as the tour leaves Scotland for Ireland. The pace was about right with stops at least every 2 hours on long drives and we had plenty of free time in most cities. The sites and activities were well planned out. Tour directors are friendly and knowledgeable, but were not CIE employees, they are contracted out from other companies. Most of the tours will be self-guided, and while you stay in very nice hotels, as a tour group it can be hit or miss on the room you get (most of the time you do not get a view). Breakfast and dinners can be a bit redundant with choices, but quality was good. Clayton hotel in Dublin is more convenient for airport not tor touring downtown, so if you stay an extra day you may want to switch from this hotel to better enjoy the city. Overall, I found the tour to be good value for the money and would recommend to those not comfortable to travel alone or for larger groups traveling together.
- Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights (including Skellig Michael)
We covered an incredible amount of ground in two weeks. We were immersed in the history and culture of the two countries by the sights, tours, and information shared by the excellent guides. Days were packed - on occasion too packed- but we wouldn’t have skipped anything. Food was good to great and always ample. We would recommend tje tour.
- Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights (31 destinations)
It was wonderful. Our tour guide was fabulous and really looked out for us and was knowledgeable and very informative.
What our customers ask about Ireland and Scotland Tours for Solo Travelers
Which destinations in Ireland and Scotland are most popular with solo travelers?
Solo travelers gravitate toward the blend of historic sites and natural landscapes across both countries. Edinburgh's Royal Mile and castle create a natural meeting point for visitors while the Ring of Kerry and Giant's Causeway draw nature enthusiasts. Cities like Dublin Edinburgh and Galway serve as social hubs where travelers can experience local life through pub culture and street performances. One TourRadar traveler noted "Dublin impresses with cobbled courtyards of Trinity College while Glencoe offers glimpses of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis." The region's mix of guided tours and free time lets visitors explore at their own pace.
What is included in terms of meals and dining experiences?
Tour packages typically cover daily breakfasts and select group dinners that showcase regional specialties. Venues range from Edinburgh's Galvin Brasserie de Luxe to Dublin's Taylor's Three Rock where traditional entertainment accompanies the meal. A standard 14-day tour usually includes 7-8 group dinners leaving room for personal dining choices. Notable experiences often feature afternoon tea at places like Glasgow's Ardgowan Estate and whisky sampling sessions in Highland distilleries. As one TourRadar traveler shared "food was great and the evening entertainment really brought the group together."
What's the best time of year for solo travelers to visit Ireland and Scotland?
The calendar sweet spot runs from May through September when longer daylight hours and milder weather create ideal conditions for exploring places like Killarney National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Edinburgh becomes especially dynamic in August during the Military Tattoo festival. Booking data shows September leads with 11 tours while August follows with 7 tours. A TourRadar traveler reports: "We had beautiful weather and nary a drop of rain the 14 days we were there. The Edinburgh Tattoo was spectacular and the group atmosphere was amazing."
How do the tours handle transportation between destinations?
Travelers move between sites in well-equipped coaches featuring extra legroom WiFi and large windows that frame the passing landscapes. The Irish Sea crossing between Larne and Cairnryan comes included in tour packages. One TourRadar traveler observed: "Our driver had skills that amazed us more times than we could count." These coaches connect major stops from the Wicklow Mountains to the Scottish Highlands making travel comfortable and efficient.
Which areas in Ireland and Scotland are most recommended for solo travelers?
The most welcoming zones for solo exploration include Edinburgh's Royal Mile Dublin's Temple Bar district and Galway's Latin Quarter. These areas offer safe walkable streets lined with social venues. Most tours book centrally located accommodations like the Radisson Blu Edinburgh or Herbert Park Hotel Dublin making independent exploration easy. Group visits to sites like the Cliffs of Moher Edinburgh Castle and Giant's Causeway create natural opportunities for social connection. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour hit all the perfect spots where you could either explore with the group or venture out safely on your own."
What social activities are typically included for solo travelers?
The tours weave in various group activities that encourage connection. Evenings might feature dinner shows at Dublin's Merry Ploughboy Pub whisky tastings at Blair Athol Distillery or medieval feasts at Bunratty Castle. One TourRadar traveler recalled: "The group dinners and entertainment at places like the Merry Ploughboy were highlights - everyone bonded over music and stories." Additional shared experiences include sheepdog demonstrations in the Highlands guided walks at the Cliffs of Moher and nights out at Killarney's traditional pubs.