Castles, gardens & Celtic lands: from Scotland to Ireland

Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, pick up your rental car and then proceed to your accommodation.

Begin your exploration of the capital with the Royal Mile, the true backbone of the old town.

Continue towards Victoria Street and Grassmarket before reaching Princes Street Gardens.

Depending on your arrival time, head up to Calton Hill to enjoy a first panoramic view of Edinburgh.

Restaurant recommendations

Howies
Makars Mash Bar
Whiski Rooms

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Start your day with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, renowned for the richness of its plant collections. Your "Secret Gardens of Scotland" program notably highlights its magnolias, rhododendrons and azaleas in spring.

In the afternoon, head to Dean Village and then walk along the Water of Leith to Stockbridge.

You can also return to the Old Town to explore Edinburgh Castle.

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the capital's pubs.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Leave Edinburgh to join the’East Lothian.

Visit Dirleton Castle & Gardens. Its historic gardens are particularly known for their flower borders and medieval setting.

Then continue towards North Berwick.

Take a stroll along the seafront and discover this pleasant little coastal town.

Depending on your pace, make a stop at Tantallon Castle to enjoy the spectacular views of the North Sea and Bass Rock.

Return to Edinburgh at the end of the day.

Restaurant suggestions in North Berwick

The Herringbone
The Rocketeer Restaurant

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Leave the capital and head towards Perthshire.

Start by The Hermitage, superb ancient forest known for its majestic trees and waterfalls.

Enjoy an easy walk before getting back on the road.

Then continue towards Drummond Castle Gardens, one of the finest examples of formal gardens in Scotland. Their geometric composition contrasts with the wild landscapes revealed in the morning.

Return to your accommodation at the end of the day.

Restaurant recommendations

The Grandtully Hotel
The Moulin Inn
Fern Cottage

Night in Perthshire.

Start the day by Branklyn Garden.

Created at the beginning of the 20th century, this intimate garden is particularly appreciated for its alpine and Himalayan plants as well as for its spring blooms.

Then enjoy a more relaxed day in Perthshire.

Take a stroll along the River Tay or explore Dunkeld and its charming historic center.

You can also make a stop in Pitlochry.

This deliberately quieter day allows you to enjoy the trip without covering too many kilometers.

Night in Perthshire.

Leave Perthshire heading towards Stirling.

Visit Stirling Castle, one of the most important fortresses in Scottish history.

From the heights of the castle, enjoy superb panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Then continue on to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Head to the village of Luss and take a walk along the loch.

Depending on your arrival time, a short cruise can round out the day.

Restaurant recommendations

Loch Lomond Arms
The Oak Tree Inn

Overnight stay at Loch Lomond.

Enjoy a few more hours around Loch Lomond before heading southwest.

Join Ayrshire.

Depending on opening hours, discover Culzean Castle, spectacular castle overlooking the coast and surrounded by a vast landscaped estate.

Then take some time to explore the surrounding area or to reach Ayr.

This stage also brings travellers closer to Cairnryan for the crossing the next day.

Night in Ayrshire.

Leave your accommodation and head towards Cairnryan.

Bring your vehicle and head to Belfast.

The crossing marks a real transition in your journey: you leave Scotland to reach Northern Ireland.

Upon arrival, go to your hotel and then explore the Cathedral Quarter.

Enjoy your first evening in the pubs and restaurants of the city centre.

Restaurant recommendations

Home Restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar
The Muddlers Club

Night in Belfast.

Dedicate this day to Belfast.

Start with the city centre and Belfast City Hall.

Then join the Titanic Quarter and discover Titanic Belfast, dedicated to the history of the famous ocean liner built in the city.

In the afternoon, explore the Cathedral Quarter.

To better understand Belfast's recent history, you can also take part in a guided tour focusing on the different districts and events of the 20th century.

Night in Belfast.

Depart today for the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route.

Follow the coastal landscapes of Antrim before reaching Giant's Causeway.

Discover its amazing basalt columns shaped by volcanic activity and surrounded by numerous legends.

Then continue towards Dunluce Castle, whose ruins overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

Depending on your pace, also make a stop in Bushmills or Ballycastle.

Return to Belfast or overnight stay on the coast depending on the package chosen.

Night in Northern Ireland.

Leave Northern Ireland and cross into the Republic of Ireland.

Head towards the Boyne Valley, one of the most important historical regions in the country.

Subject to availability, discover Brú na Bóinne, famous for the prehistoric monuments of Newgrange and Knowth.

You can also join the Hill of Tara, former symbolic residence of the High Kings of Ireland.

Next, settle in the Trim region.

Restaurant recommendations

StockHouse Restaurant
Franzinis

Night in the Trim / Boyne Valley area.

Start by visiting Trim Castle.

This impressive Norman fortress overlooks the River Boyne and is one of the great medieval sites in the region.

Next, head towards County Wicklow.

The landscapes gradually become greener and mountainous as you approach the national park.

Settle comfortably into your accommodation.

Night in Wicklow.

Dedicate your morning to Glendalough.

Explore its ancient monastic site and then walk to the Lower and Upper Lakes.

This valley surrounded by mountains offers a beautiful immersion in the Wicklow landscapes.

In the afternoon, continue the garden theme with Powerscourt Estate and its vast landscaped grounds.

This day creates a lovely parallel with the gardens discovered a few days earlier in Scotland.

Night in Wicklow.

Leave the Irish countryside and head to Dublin.

According to your contract, return your rental car.

Then set off on foot to explore the capital.

Explore Trinity College, Grafton Street and then St Stephen's Green.

Continue towards the banks of the Liffey and Ha'penny Bridge.

Depending on your preferences, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral or Christ Church Cathedral.

In the evening, enjoy a final dinner and a traditional music session.

Restaurant recommendations

The Winding Stair
The Bank on College Green
The Church

Night in Dublin.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a few last moments in the capital.

Have a coffee, do your last-minute shopping, or take one last stroll along the Liffey.

Then proceed to Dublin Airport.

End of your journey between Scotland and Ireland.