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. 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.
Trip length:
20 Days
Trip starts: Dublin
Trip ends: Edinburgh
Depart
24th April - 12th May 2026
1st July – 20th July 2026
2nd - 16th Sep 2026
From
$13,850 AUD
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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Breakfast daily
All transportation throughout the tour
3-4 star accommodations
Guaranteed 2 nights minimum per location
Local expert guides
Exclusions
International Flights
Single Supplement Fees (applies to solo travellers opting for their own room)
Airport Transfers at the start and end of the tour
Pre- or Post-Tour Accommodation, unless otherwise specified
Daily Itinerary
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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
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8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.
Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 125 km (~1hr 30 mins)
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.
Lunch: At leisure
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
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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
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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: En route
Dinner (6:30 PM): At J M McNeill’s, followed by live Irish music in a nearby pub where locals and travelers mingle.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Killarney
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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.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway
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Breakfast
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.
Optional: Visit Caherconnell Stone Fort and watch a live sheepdog demonstration, an age-old Irish tradition.
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.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway
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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.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway
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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
Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.
Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 135 km (~1 hr 40 mins)
Activities:
Final day of sightseeing in Dublin – choose from:
Guinness Storehouse
Book of Kells at Trinity College
EPIC Museum
Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
Valuation Office (ancestry)
Optional: Parliament Tour
Lunch: At leisure
Dinner (6:30 PM): Farewell celebration in Temple Bar, with music, laughter, and lasting memories.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin
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8am - Share a final group breakfast. Fond farewells and departures, hearts full of stories and new friendships.
Farewell
As your time with us comes to an end, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. We hope you enjoyed your Irish experience with The Celtic Way and look forward to welcoming you on a future adventure!
Part 2 of The Celtic Way Tour - Scotland
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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)
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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6am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.
Departure, and reflect on your tour.
Brochure
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Testimonials
"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
“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. You will be taken care of and feel like part of the community rather than a tourist.”
Mikaela Stafrace
“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. I left the country feeling like my life was enriched from having had the experience. We also met some incredible people and came back inspired.”
Prof Simon Stafrace
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

