Celtic Heritage Experiences

‘Best of Ireland & Scotland’ 20-Day Culture and Heritage Tour!

Embark on a 20-day immersive journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. This tour is a celebration of your Celtic heritage, connecting you with the roots of Gaelic culture and history through visits to iconic landmarks, lush landscapes, and lively cities. From Dublin's charm to the mystique of the Scottish Highlands, this tour immerses you in the rich history and culture that has shaped the Celtic world. Experience ancient castles, historic towns, and local traditions, offering a true celebration of Celtic legacy.

Trip length:
20 Days

Trip starts: Dublin
Trip ends: Edinburgh

Depart
19th Aug - 7th Sept 2025
24th April - 12th May 2026
1st July – 20th July 2026
19th August – 7th Sep 2026

From
$13,300 AUD

Testimonials

  • Travelling with Steph Woollard on one of her organised tours is educational, informative, authentic and loads of fun. I would highly recommend her tours to anyone who is interested. She ensures there is a blend of various local experiences, access to subject matter experts and enough ‘down’ time so that one does not feel rushed.

    Mikaela Stafrace

  • "My first experience of Stephanie was when she ran an incredible tour to Nepal. This tour helped me pace the way of being in the world and giving back to mankind and creating long-time friendships of the most amazing humans. The admiration I have for her is immense. Between social, historical,emotional, and mental ,the tour certainly opened my eyes to the wider incredible world we live in."

    Suze Dowd

  • I have travelled overseas with Stephanie Woollard on a guided and organise tour. I found it to be very professional, very interesting and the activities struck a lovely balance between informative and challenging as well as fun and locally interesting

    Prof Simon Stafrace

  • "Stephanie is a master of building community and her tours bring you fully into the fold. Every activity she facilitated on my last adventure with her was engaging, connecting, and authentic. I jumped at the chance to participate in her tours with The Celtic Way to Ireland & the UK, and would encourage those interested in making meaningful connections in a new land to do the same."

    Theresa Cashman

Tour Summary

This 20-day tour captures the essence of Celtic heritage, from Ireland’s dramatic landscapes to the rich historical tapestry of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Highlights include visits to Ashford Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Edinburgh Castle, the Highlands and the Holy Islands, while learning about the local history, Gaelic culture, and Celtic traditions. Whether you're discovering hidden gems or savoring local cuisine, this tour promises a memorable experience of Celtic exploration

Highlights & Inclusion

Tour highlights

  • Explore Dublin’s culture and historic sites

  • Visit Galway, Connemara National Park, and Ashford Castle

  • Discover Kylemore Abbey and the Ring of Kerry

  • Explore Kilkenny Castle and Belfast’s cultural history

  • Enjoy Gaelic lessons and local performances in Armagh

  • Visit Derry’s Peace Walls and the Famine Village

  • Discover the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glencoe

  • Explore St. Andrews, Stirling Castle, and Holy Island

  • Whisky tastings at Blair Athol and Bushmills Distilleries

Inclusion

  • Breakfast daily

  • All transportation throughout the tour

  • 3-4 star accommodations

  • Guaranteed 2 nights minimum per location

  • Local expert guides

Daily Itinerary

    • Arrive in Dublin and check into your accommodation.

    • 4PM: Meet Steph in the lobby of the hotel (optional) if you’d like to go for a casual stroll around town, seeing some of the sites – before returning for an official 7pm dinner with the entire group.

    • For those of you that need a rest after international flights – you can use the afternoon on arrival day for the opportunity to rest prior to an all in 7pm dinner.

    • Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

  • Day 2: Travel to Galway & Explore the City

    • Breakfast

    • Travel to Galway, a vibrant city on the west coast of Ireland. (215km)

    • Explore Galway’s charming streets, colourful shops, and lively atmosphere.

    • Hotel: Clayton Hotel, Galway & Dinner at 7pm.

    • Breakfast

    • Depart for Ashford Castle

    • Cribcruise Boat Tour leaving from Ashford Castle

    • Afternoon high tea at Ashford Castle and explore the castle estate and garden.

    • Return to Galway for the night.

    • Hotel: Clayton Hotel, Galway & Dinner at 7pm.

    • Breakfast

    • Drive through the incredible landscape of Connemara and depart Galway to go to travel to Kylemore Abbey.

    • Visit the Abbey, its beautiful gardens, and the Gothic church.

    • Enjoy Lunch @ Abbey and continue to Westport (64km).

    • Check into your hotel and explore Westport’s

      charming town centre.

    • Hotel: The Eliison Hotel, Castlebar

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning.

    • Visit Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. Participate in an optional hike or simply admire the views of Clew Bay.

    • Spend the remainder of the day exploring Westport, visiting shops, cafes, and enjoying dinner with traditional Irish music.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: The Eliison Hotel, Castlebar

    • Breakfast

    • Depart early from Castlebar to travel to Killarney via Buratly Castle.

    • From Buratly Castle, we move to explore Folk Park.

    • Arrive in Killarney and have free time to explore Muckross House and Gardens.

    • Hotel: The Gleneagle Hotel

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning.

    • Embark on a scenic drive along the famous Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes.

    • Stop at viewpoints, beaches, and picturesque villages such as Kenmare and Sneem.

    • Return to Killarney for the night.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: The Gleneagle Hotel

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

    • Depart to Cashel (165km).

    • Visit the Rock of Cashel.

    • Continue to Kilkenny (120km).

    • Explore Kilkenny Castle and the medieval city center.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: The Hoban Hotel, Kilkenny

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

    • Return to Dublin from Kilkenny via Glendaloch (135km).

    • Free time to explore

    • Spend the remainder of the day exploring any attractions you may have missed on Day 1, example: Guiness Factory.

    • Hotel: Dublin One Hotel

  • Return to Dublin for your departure flight, reflecting on the memories and experiences of your Irish culture and heritage tour and those who are traveling with us to the north get ready for Belfast!

    Northern Ireland Commencing in the Afternoon:

    Afternoon: For those continuing to the Northern Ireland part of the tour, we will be exploring the Titanic Museum and enjoying afternoon tea at the hotel which used to be a drawing room with the options to explore the titanic and visit and learn about the heritage.

    • Hotel: CORR’S CORNER HOTEL (1 NIGHT) & Dinner at Hotel: 7pm

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

    • City tour of Belfast: Learn about the conflict that has shaped the social and political climate

    • Experience the famous crown bar in the heart of belfast

    • Enjoy the botanical gardens and Queens university

    • Armagh City Hotel (1 night) & Dinner at Hotel: 7pm

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

    • Visit church and check out the local Saturday makers in the Main Street

    • Enjoy a cultural program in Armagh Cultural Centre with a Gaelic Lesson and Cultural performances with the locals

    • Lunch in Armagh

    • Hotel: Dillions Hotel (1 night) & Dinner at Hotel:7pm

    • Visit to The Famine Village

    • Derry peace walls and stop for lunch and explore the ancient ring fort

    • Evening: Head to Coleraine (1.5 hours). Enjoy the town and nearby Causeway Coast.

    • Hotel: The Lodge Hotel (1 night) & Dinner at Hotel 7pm.

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

    • Visit the Coleraine Courthouse (1837), a key historical site.

    • Enjoy some whiskey tasting at the famous Bushmills whisky distillery

    • Explore the town and the River Bann.

    • Check in to accommodation.

    • Evening: Dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurant.

    • Evening: Head to Coleraine (about 1.5 hours).

    • Hotel: Dunadry Hotel and Gardens (1 night) & Dinner at Hotel: 7pm

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing. Please ensure to have your bags packed and ready as these will be loaded into the transport while you have breakfast.

Part 2 of The Celtic Way Tour - Scotland

    • Afternoon: Arrive at Edinburgh • Group Transfer to Hotel and Check In

    • OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES to explore Edinburgh will be provided. Alternatively, a hosted walk option with Steph will be available to the group.

    • Evening: Explore Edinburgh’s city center, walk the Royal Mile, visit St. Giles' Cathedral, and see Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy Scottish cuisine at a local pub.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Four Points Sheraton, Edinburgh (3 nights)

    • Breakfast at 8am

    • Morning: Explore Edinburgh Castle – Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, Royal Palace.

    • Midday: Walk the Royal Mile – St. Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, historic landmarks.

    • Afternoon: Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House, key sites of the Scottish Reformation.

    • Evening: Free time to explore, dine, or enjoy live Scottish music. Overnight in Edinburgh.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Four Points Sheraton, Edinburgh

    • 8am - Breakfast

    • Morning: Drive 2.5 hours from Edinburgh to Glencoe, known for its dramatic scenery and tragic 1692 massacre. Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre and explore the glen.

    • Late Morning: Drive 1.5 hours to Loch Ness. Visit Urquhart Castle, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the Nessie legend at the Loch Ness Centre.

    • Afternoon: Drive 1.5 hours to Pitlochry. Visit Blair Athol Distillery for whisky tasting or stroll through the charming Victorian town.

    • Evening: Return to Edinburgh (1.5 hours), unwind with dinner.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Four Points Sheraton, Edinburgh

  • 8am - Breakfast

    Morning: St. Andrews – St. Andrews Cathedral, St. Andrews Castle, St. Fillan’s Cave (Pittenweem)

    • Afternoon: Stirling – Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle

    • Evening: Stirling – Free time, dinner, overnight stay

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Hotel Colossio (1 night)

    • 8am - Breakfast

    • Morning: Drive from Stirling to Lindisfarne Causeway (2.5 hours), cross to Holy Island (check tide times)

    • Afternoon: Explore Holy Island – Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle, St. Mary’s Church, Nature Walks

    • Evening: Return to town and check into hotel.

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Purdy Lodge (1 night)

    • 8am - Breakfast

    • Afternoon: Cross Lindisfarne Causeway, drive to Edinburgh (2.5 hours), scenic stops

    • Evening: Arrive in Edinburgh, check-in, relax, and optional stroll or dinner

    • Dinner at 7pm

    • Hotel: Braid Hill Hotel (1 night)

    • 6am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Departure, and reflect on your tour.

Brochure

Enter your details below to receive your Free Brochure with the Full Itinerary and Trip Guide—and unlock our exclusive Early Bird offer. Begin your adventure today!

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Join us for a Zoom Call

We have regular info calls with our tour guides for them to get to know you and you to get to know them! Please let us know by filling in your details that you are interested to join one of our upcoming calls and we will send you the invite with dates and times.

If you have any questions feel free to call on +61 0401 288 056