Why Combine Ireland and Britain in One Self-Drive Trip?
Two Nations, One Epic Journey: The Ultimate Self-Drive Ireland & Britain Vacation
Seamless Travel. Maximum Adventure.
Why choose between the ancient charm of Ireland and the majestic history of Britain (UK)? Our program makes combining these two unforgettable nations the easiest and most flexible travel decision you’ll make.
Logistics Made Simple for US Travelers:
-
Effortless Inter-Country Travel: Connecting Ireland and Britain (UK) is seamless. A flight between your chosen cities (e.g., Dublin to Edinburgh) is quick, easy, and costs only about $100 more, with convenient airport pickup for your next rental car.
-
Go-As-You-Please Freedom: Enjoy ultimate flexibility as you travel throughout the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on our self-drive program. You decide the pace, the route, and the stops.
The Magic of the Isles Awaits
Experience two distinct cultures defined by history, hospitality, and stunning natural beauty.
-
Storybook Scenery: Witness tiny, storybook villages where charming, thatched-roof cottages and ancient castles abound. The air is naturally scented with the comforting aroma of peat fires.
-
Photo Opportunities Everywhere: Nearly every bend in the road affords gorgeous vistas of sky, land, and water—perfect for capturing those bucket-list memories.
-
World-Class Hospitality: The Irish people are famously charming, welcoming, and friendly. Enjoy the genuine warmth and easy conversation that defines a true Irish experience.
If you haven't visited both Ireland and Britain, you haven't experienced some of the best travel Europe has to offer.
Customize Your Dream Stay
You may choose from a wide selection of accommodations to form your perfect custom vacation:
-
Charming B&Bs and Guesthouses
-
Elegant Country Hotels and Unusual Manors
-
Stay in the Most Historic and Elegant Castles!
Your Expert Trip Planners
We are experts at custom-designing arrangements to suit your exact needs.
-
It's Simple: Just tell your travel advisor where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do, or ask us for personalized suggestions.
-
Trust Our Knowledge: We are masters of destinational knowledge—we've already been there many times to ensure your trip is perfect
Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information
Our most popular British Isles Vacation: Two Week Self Drive Ireland and Great Britain Price Includes:
This is a fantastic trip combining the best of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands! A 7-night itinerary in both Ireland and Scotland requires efficient planning to maximize sightseeing without rushing.
A 14-Night Self-Drive Itinerary focused on seeing the iconic coastal scenery and historic landmarks of both countries.
�🇪 Part 1: Ireland – The Wild Atlantic Way Loop (7 Nights)
This route focuses on the stunning West and Southwest coast, minimizing long inland drives.
| Day | From | To | Highlights & Activities | Overnight |
| 1 | Arrive in Dublin (DUB) | Kilkenny / Cashel | Pick up rental car. Drive south to visit the magnificent Rock of Cashel or the medieval Kilkenny Castle. | Kilkenny/Cashel |
| 2 | Kilkenny / Cashel | Kinsale (Cork) | Continue to County Cork. Visit the famous Blarney Castle (optional: kiss the Blarney Stone). Explore the colorful harbor town of Kinsale. | Kinsale |
| 3 | Kinsale | Killarney | Drive the West Cork coast. Head north toward Killarney, the gateway to County Kerry. Settle in and explore the vibrant town center and pubs. | Killarney |
| 4 | Killarney | Killarney | Drive the iconic Ring of Kerry scenic route. Stop at Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the ruins of Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. | Killarney |
| 5 | Killarney | Doolin / Ennis | Head north to County Clare. Stop to see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Drive through the unique, rocky landscape of The Burren. Overnight in Doolin, famous for traditional Irish music pubs. | Doolin / Ennis |
| 6 | Doolin / Ennis | Galway City | Drive north to the Aran Islands (optional ferry day trip from Doolin or Rossaveal). Alternatively, visit Dunguaire Castle and explore the vibrant, bohemian Galway City. | Galway City |
| 7 | Galway City | Dublin (DUB) | Morning exploring Galway. Drive east back across the country to Dublin. Drop off the car near Dublin Airport. | Dublin (or near DUB airport) |
✈️ Travel Day: Dublin to Scotland
-
Logistics: Take an early morning flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Glasgow Airport (GLA). Flights are short (approx. 1 hour) and affordable.
-
Car Rental: Pick up your second rental car upon arrival in Scotland. (Note: Both Ireland and the UK drive on the left side of the road, but the rental process is separate).
🏴 Part 2: Scotland – Highlands & Isle of Skye (7 Nights)
This route covers the most spectacular scenery, historic sites, and lochs of the Scottish Highlands, often following part of the famous North Coast 500 route.
| Day | From | To | Highlights & Activities | Overnight |
| 8 | Arrive in Edinburgh (EDI) | Pitlochry / Perth | Spend the morning exploring Edinburgh’s Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle. Drive north, stopping at Stirling Castle (where the Lowlands meet the Highlands) before heading into Perthshire. | Pitlochry / Perth |
| 9 | Pitlochry / Perth | Inverness | Drive through the Cairngorms National Park. Visit a famous Speyside Distillery (e.g., Dalwhinnie or Glenlivet) for a tour and tasting. Stop at the somber Culloden Battlefield near Inverness. | Inverness |
| 10 | Inverness | Fort Augustus | Drive along the legendary Loch Ness. Stop at the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle on the loch's shore, searching for Nessie along the way. Stay near the southern tip of the loch. | Fort Augustus |
| 11 | Fort Augustus | Isle of Skye (Portree) | Visit the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle. Drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Check into your accommodation in Portree, the colorful main town. | Portree |
| 12 | Isle of Skye (Portree) | Isle of Skye (Portree) | Full day exploring Skye's dramatic North Loop. Visit the Old Man of Storr, the unique landscapes of the Quiraing, and the coastal waterfall at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. | Portree |
| 13 | Isle of Skye (Portree) | Glencoe | Drive south, taking the iconic ferry from Armadale (Skye) to Mallaig (optional, or drive back over the bridge). Stop to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the "Harry Potter train bridge"). Drive through the majestic, historic valley of Glencoe. | Glencoe / Fort William |
| 14 | Glencoe | Depart from Glasgow (GLA) | Drive through the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Stop at the charming village of Luss on Loch Lomond. Continue to Glasgow, drop off the car at Glasgow Airport (GLA), and depart. | Depart |
This itinerary is available with a choice of accommodations - B&B's, manors and castles. Ask for pricing.
| When in Ireland... Giving out is an expression for being taken to task. Give someone a ring--call them on the phone, not ask them to marry you! |
Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information
- If traveling from Britain to Ireland, you can bring your car or travel as a passenger to five seaports around Ireland. However, we don't recommend it, because the car rental locations on either side are long distances from the ferryports. If you wish to take a car across, you must return it to the country in which you rented it, i.e., an Irish car must be returned to Ireland, or SIGNIFICANT drop off fees apply.
