Celtic Heritage Experiences
‘Best of Ireland & Scotland’ 25-Day Culture and Heritage Tour!
Embark on a 25-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:
25 Days
Trip starts: Dublin
Trip ends: Edinburgh
Depart
1st July 2027
From
$17,650 AUD
Tour Summary
This 25-day journey captures the heart of Celtic heritage across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, combining breathtaking landscapes, rich history and authentic cultural experiences. Travel from Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Cliffs of Moher, Ashford Castle and Ring of Kerry to the historic communities of Donegal, Derry, Belfast and Armagh.
Continue into Scotland to experience the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Lewis, including the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, before exploring the spectacular Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. Journey through Glencoe, Stirling and St Andrews, before concluding in Edinburgh, with opportunities to experience Gaelic culture, local traditions, historic sites and some of Scotland’s most remarkable scenery along the way.
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:
Visit the English Market, a food lover's paradise since 1788, followed by free time for lunch.
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.
Lunch at Mukross house.
Then visit to Tork waterfall and take an optional Jaunting cart ride to Mukross abbey and spend the afternoon exploring and relaxing at Muckross House in Killarney National Park.
Free time in the lively town of Killarney.
Dinner (6:30 PM): At The Mad Monk, a restaurant which is family owned and who catch their own seafood on two boats they also own, followed by live Irish music in a nearby pub; MJ O’neils,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.
Dinner (6:30 PM): Attend the banquet or enjoy a relaxed meal in town.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Clare
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Breakfast
Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)
Activities:
Visit the Ennis Library and hear from the executive librarian Michael Talty who shows some incredible archives and helps those interested to discover more of their family history .
Scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, filled with windswept views and crashing waves.
Gaze over the Atlantic from the soaring Cliffs of Moher, a must-see natural wonder.
Lunch at the The Burren Heritage Centre
And an afternoon exploring the unique limestone landscape of The Burren and a Visit to Poulnabrone Dolmen
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 Clare
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8am - Breakfast in the morning.
Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 120 km (~1 hr 30 mins)
Activities:
Visit the Galway Cathedral and have a morning tea/ coffee break at the 5 star Hardiman Hotel in the main square of Galway town.
Have a tour around Galway by a guide, known for its arts, music, and vibrant street life.
Browse local heritage shops or visit the museum in galway city capturing the history of the region, or catch a live traditional irish session at the famous pub tig coili.
Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway, with an option to enjoy more live music.
Overnight: Overnight stay in 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 followed by a lunch at the world famous Pat Cohens pub where the quiet man was filmed.
Take a peaceful boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island, rich in monastic history.
Then enjoy optional Scones, jam, and cream at the elegant Mrs. T’s Tearoom in Ashford Castle at your leisure.
Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway
Overnight: Overnight stay in 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.
Visit to the romantic Kylemore Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens, Gothic chapel, woodland trails, and famed Connemara ponies.
Lunch: At leisure on site
Explore the music filled Westport town
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:
Visit the Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park via a round tower
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 and have lunch at a local café with food made from all local produce and an option to wander around a unique local artists co -op where their works are on display and for purchase.
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.
Explore the powerful living history of the Doagh Famine Village.
Enjoy tea and light lunch in a private local home—a unique and heartfelt cultural experience.
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:
In Belfast, take the emotional Peace Walls tour to learn about Northern Ireland’s complex past and its hopeful future, enjoy lunch in a local café called The Olive Tree which supports the community outreach carried out by New Life City Church.
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, which houses the old presentation and drawing room for the titanic and other vessels that were presented and sold.
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.
Activities:
Visit Down Cathedral where you can see the ancient grave of St. Patrick.
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.
Activities: TBC
Lunch: At leisure
Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunadry
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Travel: Morning flight Belfast → Inverness, then scenic drive and ferry from Ullapool → Stornoway
Activities:
Check into your hotel: The Cabarfeidh Hotel or Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, both offering comfort, charm, and traditional Hebridean hospitality.
Explore Stornoway town, with highlights: Lews Castle, a neo-classical castle built in the 19th century with stunning grounds overlooking the harbor; quaint local shops; and the bustling harbor reflecting the island’s fishing heritage.
Evening: Attend the Hebrides Celtic Festival, a vibrant celebration of Gaelic music, dance, and culture. Enjoy live performances and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Luxury Tip: Arrange a table at a harbor-side restaurant for fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the bay.
Overnight Stay: Stornoway
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Activities:
Experience a unique festival where the whole of the Hebrides comes alive with culture and music.
Full day enjoying Hebrides Celtic Festival performances, music, and cultural events.
Optional short walks along nearby beaches or through the town.
Overnight Stay: Stornoway
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Overview: The northern part of the largest island in the Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) archipelago in Scotland.
Activities:
Explore historic sites and the beautiful, diverse landscapes of Lewis.
Visit the Callanish Standing Stones, an iconic Neolithic site dating back around 5,000 years. It is one of Britain’s most impressive stone circles, older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Evening: Return to Stornoway, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides and the administrative capital of the Western Isles. Known for its bustling harbor, fishing heritage, Harris Tweed industry, and the scenic Lews Castle.
Overnight Stay: Stornoway
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Travel: Drive from Stornoway to Harris, take the ferry to Uig on Skye, then drive to Portree.
Activities:
Visit the breathtaking Eilean Donan Castle en route.
Enjoy views of the Cuillin Hills and surrounding Scottish scenery.
Evening: Explore Portree town, have dinner at the harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood or local cuisine.
Overnight Stay: Portree
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Overview: The Isle of Skye, the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is known for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes, dramatic mountains, and moody scenery.
Activities:
Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, Skye’s northern jewel.
Witness cliffs, rock formations, and sweeping coastal views.
Return to Portree and explore the harbor.
Overnight Stay: Portree
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Activities:
Continue discovering Skye’s iconic landscapes, including optional visits to the Old Man of Storr or Quiraing.
Enjoy photography, short walks, and time to take in the island’s serene beauty.
Evening: Return to Portree, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and soak in Highland hospitality.
Overnight Stay: Portree
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Travel: Drive Skye → Glencoe / Fort William (~2 hours)
Activities:
Stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct for photos (30–45 minutes).
Optional short walk to Loch Leven viewpoint (~30 minutes).
Drive through Glensheil to Loch Ness, stopping at Fort Augustus for photos.
Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy the Highland scenery.
Overnight Stay: Glencoe / Fort William – Kingshouse Hotel or Inverlochy Castle Hotel
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Activities:
Travel through Rannoch Moor, with possible photo stops at Doune Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Stirling Castle.
Evening: Explore Stirling town center and enjoy dinner locally.
Overnight Stay: Stirling – local boutique hotel or central B&B
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Travel: Drive Stirling → St Andrews (~2 hours)
Activities:
Explore St Andrews Castle (~1 hour).
Visit St Andrews Cathedral (~1 hour) and the University, with connections to Patrick Hamilton, the first Protestant martyr, and note that Prince William and Kate studied here.
Walk along the world-famous golf course and nearby beach.
Evening: Relax in town and enjoy dinner with sea views.
Overnight Stay: St Andrews – Old Course Hotel or central B&B
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Travel: Drive St Andrews → Edinburgh (~1.5 hours)
Activities:
Afternoon: Explore Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and St Giles’ Cathedral.
Optional: Short hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views.
Overnight Stay: Edinburgh city center – Apex Grassmarket or Radisson Blu
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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 travel experience with The Celtic Way and look forward to welcoming you on a future adventure!
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

