Compare 12 Day Irish Patriot Trail by CIE Tours vs Classic Walks of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Dublin Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
Your Irish trip starts at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour guide at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a tour of Dublin’s highlights with particular focus on the General Post Office and O’Connell Street, where the 1916 Rising started on Easter Sunday. Visit Kilmainham Gaol where the leaders of this rebellion, including Patrick Pearse, were imprisoned and shot. It was also the site where earlier freedom fighters such as Robert Emmett were held during the 19th century. In the evening meet your tour guide and travel companions over a welcome drink.
(D)

Day 2: Glasnevin Museum & Taylor’s Three Rock Pub
Start your day at Croke Park Museum, which highlights the Gaelic Athletic Association, its work in promoting Gaelic sport and its part in Irish politics. Then take a guided tour around Glasnevin Museum and Cemetery, Ireland’s National Necropolis, final resting place of Ireland’s leaders of the 1916 Rising and other prominent patriots. Take a guided walking tour around central Dublin where fighting during the 1916 Rising was at its heaviest. Visit the General Post Office, which was the headquarters of this movement, to see displays pertaining to this period of history. Head to Taylor’s Three Rock Pub for dinner and songs of Ireland’s history and fight for freedom.
(B, D)

Day 3: Patrick Pearse Museum & Cork Walking Tour
Visit the Pearse Museum in St. Enda's Park in the former home and school of Patrick Pearse, the leader of the 1916 Rising. It was from this house that Pearse and his brother, William, left to fight on Easter Sunday in 1916, never to return. Pause for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel, a collection of medieval ruins on a rocky outcrop. Drive south to Cork, located on the south coast, for a guided walk through the city center with a local guide. End with an Irish coffee at the Imperial Hotel, where Michael Collins stayed on the night before he was assassinated.
(B, D)

Day 4: Blarney Castle & Michael Collins
A few miles outside Cork, visit Blarney Castle and climb to the battlements to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Learn about the life and work of Michael Collins, Chairman of the Provisional Government, as you drive through Beal na Bladh where he was ambushed and killed during the Irish Civil War in 1922. Visit the Michael Collins Centre in Clonakilty to gain knowledge of his policies for establishing an Irish republic. Continue through Bantry to Killarney where you check in to your hotel and relax before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Tour & Derrynane House
Drive through the Killarney National Park by traditional jaunting car to view Ross Castle set on the shores of Lough Leane with mountains forming a backdrop. Set out on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive – the Ring of Kerry. The variety of scenery in such a small area will amaze you and there will be plenty of photo opportunities. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains, and the heavily-indented Atlantic coastline. Take a guided tour around Derrynane House, home of the great 18th century statesman, Daniel O'Connell, who obtained Catholic Emancipation. Savor a light lunch and continue along the scenic route, stopping in the village of Sneem and also at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views. Return to Killarney where the evening is free.
(B, L)

Day 6: Roger Casement & Cliffs of Moher
Drive by Banna Strand, where Roger Casement tried to land arms to support the 1916 Rising. Learn about this incident while sampling tea and scones. Travel north and cross the wide River Shannon Estuary by ferry and drive along the coast of County Clare. Here view the famous Cliffs of Moher, an impressive wall of rock that rises 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to O’Brien’s Tower to get views of Connemara and the Aran Islands. Continue to Galway for a walking tour and check in to your hotel, which overlooks Galway Bay.
(B, D)

Day 7: "The Quiet Man" & Dan O'Hara's Farm
Drive to Cong where "The Quiet Man" movie was made in 1952 – Ireland’s first major movie. A guided walk will show you places featured in the production. Travel through the scenic countryside of Connemara. While visually stunning, this area is not good for farming with many tracts of bogland. This will help you understand the policies of landlords in the east pushing peasants westward into this barren area. Drive through the picturesque scenery of hills and lakes to visit Dan O'Hara's Homestead. Here you will see traditional methods of farming as well as Connemara ponies, donkeys and other farm animals. Enjoy a casual lunch and return to Galway where the evening is free.
(B, L)

Day 8: Jackie Clarke Collection & Lissadell House
Travel north to Ballina to view the Jackie Clarke Collection. This archive, amassed by a local businessman, spans 400 years and contains many rare and important books and papers pertaining to the 1916 Rising and earlier political activity. Continue to Sligo to visit Lissadell House. This magnificent country estate, built in the 1830's for the Gore-Booth family, was the childhood home of Constance Markievicz, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising. Stop in Donegal town before driving through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry.
(B, D)

Day 9: Derry Walk & Giant’s Causeway
Join a local guide for a walking tour around the ancient city of Derry to see the Bogside and learn how the 17th century walls were important to the development of the city. Stop for photos at the ruined Dunluce Castle and explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago. The oversized rocks have given rise to many legends. See turf cutting and other aspects of Irish country life at Shean’s Heritage Farm and return to Derry for free time.
(B, D)

Day 10: Crumlin Road Gaol & Cabra Castle Stay
Drive to Belfast for a panoramic city tour to see where many events of the 20th century occurred and view the political murals. Visit Crumlin Road Gaol, which dates back to 1845. It closed its doors as a working prison in 1996 so many of the political prisoners held there during the “Troubles” still live in Belfast. Explore over 150 years of the prison’s history on a guided tour before traveling to Kingscourt and your castle hotel, built in 1760. Arrive mid-afternoon so that you can enjoy this lovely property and maybe play the 9-hole golf course. After dinner in the Court Restaurant, enjoy a display of Irish step-dancing.
(B, D)

Day 11: Megalithic Tombs & Historic Drogheda Walk
Visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre to learn about the 5,000-year-old burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Tour one of them to see how primitive people managed to align huge boulders precisely. Continue to Drogheda to join a local guide for a walking tour to see the head of St. Oliver Plunkett, the first Irishman to be canonized in 700 years. Also learn about how Oliver Cromwell and his army wreaked havoc and destruction throughout many places in Ireland so that his name is still reviled to this day. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with live music and patriotic songs at Wm Cairnes Gastropub, located in a former brewery.
(B, D)

Day 12: Tour Ends in Drogheda
Your tour ends after breakfast. Drogheda is 30 miles north of Dublin Airport so ensure you have appropriate transfer arrangements made.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Day 1 Fort William

Welcome to the Highlands! Your adventure begins in Fort William, cradled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Scottish West Highlands. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering exceptional hiking, climbing, winter and water sports opportunities. The imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, looms large, making this town a mecca for those seeking Highland mountain adventures. With a rich history and friendly community, Fort William will be your home for the next five nights. After you’ve settled into your accommodation, meet your leader and the rest of your group at a welcome meeting, then enjoy an easy hike to stretch the legs, maybe to a ruined castle on a historic battle site.

Day 2 Devil's Staircase

This morning, you’ll catch the local bus to nearby Glencoe, where you’ll hike the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, over the famous Devil’s Staircase. As you ascend, you'll quickly understand why it's called the Devil's Staircase. The path climbs steeply, zigzagging its way up the mountainside. This section can be challenging but immensely rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the vast expanse of the region. Keep an eye out for deer as you take in the tranquil views on this occasionally challenging but rewarding hike. There’s no need to walk back to where you started on this point-to point walk as a short transfer will take you back to Fort William for a relaxing night.

Day 3 West Highland Way

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a public bus to the start of the hike in Kinlochleven, a scenic village located at the eastern end of Loch Leven. From here, hike the final stage of the West Highland Way, which will take you over the mountain pass and through the picturesque valley, on your way back to Fort William. This leg of the West Highland Way marks the official end of the famous trail, and serves as the starting point for the Great Glen Way, which you'll explore tomorrow. In the evening, there is the option to join your fellow travelers for dinner, to reflect on the day’s’ adventure.

Day 4 Great Glen Way

Today is a bit of an easier day today, which could be considered as a rest day for tired legs! The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking route that spans from Fort William to Inverness, following the picturesque Great Glen, which cuts through the Scottish Highlands. Today, you’ll hike the opening stage. Starting from the accommodation, the hike takes you from Fort William and follows the banks of the Caledonian Canal. Built in the 19th century, the Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that links east to west Scotland. Your route continues onto the small highland settlement of Gairloch. Follow a country lane to the nearby Commando Memorial which has amazing views across the Ben Nevis mountain range, before finishing in Spean Bridge.

Day 5 Ben Nevis

Today marks the pinnacle of your Scottish walking adventure with the challenging ascent of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland (and in fact, the entire United Kingdom). The name Ben Nevis means 'mountain with its head in the clouds' in ancient Gaelic. This walk is considered a must do by hikers around the world. Starting at sea level, follow a rough trail to the summit at 1345 m. This is a challenging full day in the mountains, so you’ll need excellent physical preparation and determination to reach the summit. To assist on your ascent, the group will be accompanied by two seasoned guides who will provide expertise, support and motivation for a successful climb and descent. When you’ve accomplished this feat, a private transfer will take you back to the accommodation where you can unwind and relax with a sense of achievement.

Day 6 Cow Hill

After breakfast, head out for a final hike with great views across Ben Nevis and the surrounding area, a celebratory victory walk after conquering the mighty peak. Starting directly from your accommodation, hike into Glen Nevis and head uphill to reach the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts are rewarded with fantastic views of Glen Nevis and the many peaks which surround it, as well as across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. It’s a memorable place to finish the trip and reflect on an amazing week of hiking in Scotland. A short steep descent completes the circuit and takes you back into Fort William by lunchtime, giving you time to catch a bus to Inverness, or a train south to Glasgow.