Scotland and Ireland trip: 14-day combined itinerary

A Scotland and Ireland trip This trip allows you to discover two Celtic countries with spectacular landscapes in a single stay: the Highlands and the Isle of Skye on one side, and the Giant's Causeway and the Atlantic coast on the other. The two destinations are close, and a short ferry ride is all it takes to get from one to the other.

In short: For a combined Scotland and Ireland trip, allow 12 to 16 days. The most convenient route connects Edinburgh, the Highlands and Skye, then takes a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast (2 hours 15 minutes) to reach the Giant's Causeway, Dublin, and the west coast of Ireland. Travel between May and September to enjoy the long days.

Why combine Scotland and Ireland?

The two countries share a Celtic culture, but their atmospheres are very different. Scotland impresses with its mountains, lochs, and castles. Ireland, on the other hand, charms with its cliffs, colorful villages, and lively pubs. By combining them, you can enjoy a very diverse trip without long journeys.

TAKE THE TEST

Ireland or Scotland: which destination suits you best?

5 questions, less than a minute.

Question 1 of 5

Which landscape appeals to you the most?

Wild mountains, lochs and valleysCliffs, ocean and major coastal roads

Question 2 of 5

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

Highlands, castles and whiskyPubs, music and welcoming villages

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal day

A hike with spectacular viewsA road trip punctuated by small ports and beaches

Question 4 of 5

Which setting do you dream about the most?

Skye, Glencoe and the CairngormsConnemara, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way

Question 5 of 5

For your next trip, you prefer…

A spectacular and mountainous landscapeA friendly atmosphere and an ever-present coastline

• A short crossing : approximately 2 hours 15 minutes ferry ride between Cairnryan and Belfast.
• One trip, two cultures Whiskey and bagpipes on one side, traditional music and Guinness on the other.
• Easy flights : arrival in Edinburgh and return from Dublin, without retracing your steps.
• Complementary landscapes : Scottish Highlands and Islands, then the wild Irish coast.

How do I get from Scotland to Ireland?

The easiest way is still by ferry. Two companies connect Scotland to Northern Ireland: Stena Line, from Cairnryan to Belfast, and P&O Ferries, from Cairnryan to Larne. The crossing takes about 2 hours, and you can take your rental car on board, provided you inform the rental company. Our guide for rent a car in Scotland and Ireland details these conditions.

You can also take a short flight between Edinburgh or Glasgow and Dublin or Belfast. It's convenient, but you lose the flexibility of a car and the beauty of the coastal road.

Our 14-day Scotland and Ireland itinerary

Days 1 to 3: Edinburgh and Stirling

Start with Edinburgh, its castle, the Royal Mile, and the Old Town. Then, head towards Stirling and its castle, before heading to the Highlands.

Days 4 to 7: Highlands, Glencoe and Isle of Skye

Cross the valley of Glencoe, Then follow the Loch Ness coast to Inverness. Spend two nights on the’Isle of Skye, for its legendary landscapes such as the Old Man of Storr or the Fairy Pools.

Days 8 and 9: Oban, Loch Lomond and the crossing

Head back south via Oban and the Loch Lomond. Then take the ferry from Cairnryan to reach Belfast in the early evening.

Days 10 and 11: Belfast and the Giant's Causeway

Visit Belfast and the Titanic Museum, then follow the Causeway Coast to the Giant's Causeway. Series fans will also recognize several Game of Thrones filming locations.

Days 12 to 14: Connemara or Dublin

Finish with the west coast of Ireland, with the Connemara and Galway, or spend two days in Dublin before your return flight. With two extra days, add the Cliffs of Moher.

Looking for a pre-planned tour? Discover our trips From the Highlands to the Emerald Isle and Castles and gardens of the Celtic lands, which we then adapt to your preferences.

How many days should I plan for?

• 10 days Edinburgh, the Highlands, then Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. The pace remains brisk.
• 14 days : the ideal duration, with Skye on the Scottish side and the west coast on the Irish side.
• 16 days or more : add the Scottish islands or Kerry, for a great trip without rushing.

When is the best time to go on a trip to Scotland and Ireland?

The best time to visit is from May to September, thanks to the very long days and milder weather. June and September offer a good balance between good weather and crowds. For more information, consult our guides. when to go to Scotland and when to go to Ireland.

What budget is needed for a combined trip?

For a 14-day trip, expect to spend between €2,500 and €4,500 per person, excluding flights, depending on the level of accommodation. This budget includes a rental car, ferry crossing, nights in hotels or charming B&Bs, and the main sightseeing tours. Our guides from budget in Ireland They also provide useful benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a passport to travel from Scotland to Ireland?

For Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, no checks are carried out when arriving from Scotland. However, to enter the United Kingdom, French citizens need a passport and an electronic travel authorization (ETA).

Is it possible to visit Scotland and Ireland in 10 days?

Yes, but you have to focus on the essentials: Edinburgh, the Highlands, then Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. Beyond that, the trip quickly becomes too much.

Is it better to start with Scotland or Ireland?

Both directions work. We often advise starting in Scotland and ending in Dublin, as there are many return flights from Dublin.

Plan your trip to Scotland and Ireland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, our local team organizes tailor-made combination trips between Scotland and Ireland. We book the ferry, accommodation, and car, then create an itinerary at your own pace. Discover our tailor-made trips in Scotland and in Ireland.

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