Compare Explore Ireland & Scotland by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland to Island Tour by Overland Ireland

Day 1 Welcome to Ireland!

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Dublin area - Ireland Bed & Breakfast

Today you'll head toward your first B&B. Get settled, and start exploring the area! Your B&B hosts can provide great recommendations on local restaurants, experiences and more! 

Day 3 Ireland Bed & Breakfast

If you're staying in the area, consider driving down the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare's most-visited natural attraction: the Cliffs of Moher! Rising 700 feet above sea level, these rugged cliffs are truly a wondrous sight to behold. For the more adventurous spirit, walk along the Cliff Walk for amazing views.

Day 4 Ireland Bed & Breakfast

If you happen to be in this region, perhaps explore the famous Dingle Peninsula on the westernmost tip of Ireland (and Europe!) Begin in Dingle Town, arguably one of Ireland's most charming towns. Stroll up and down Green Street as you pass cozy pubs and eclectic shops.

Head west of Dingle and drive along the stunning coastline, stopping at interesting points along the way. Go for a walk on the locals-only Beál Bán beach, then explore Gallarus Oratory, a 1,300-year-old stone church.

Day 5 Ireland Bed & Breakfast

Today, if you're staying near Dublin, explore the city's historical and spiritual highlights, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral. 

You could also take a deep dive into Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.

Day 6 Ireland Bed & Breakfast - Edinburgh, Scotland

Say goodbye to Ireland today as you fly from Dublin to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, pick up your second rental car and make your way to your first Scottish bed and breakfast!

Day 7 Scotland Bed & Breakfast

Depending on where you're staying, perhaps travel north today and explore the vast beauty of Inverness. Along the way, break up the drive and stop in cultural Perth or Dundee. Once you get up to Inverness, check out the River Ness, Fort George, and the many castles, museums, and galleries in the area.

If only for a day, it might be fun to give in to the myth of "Nessie," the famous monster of Loch Ness. Visit the most famous of all Scottish Lochs - explore and let your imagination run wild!

Day 8 Scotland Bed & Breakfast

If your location permits, make your way westward to the picturesque Isle of Skye, where you'll find rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval castles. Take a photo at the haunting Old Man of Storr or go hiking in the lush Faeire Glen.

Day 9 Scotland Bed & Breakfast

You might want to keep your urban spirit going and head to the hip city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. The many hot spots there include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Pollok Country Park, Buchanan Street, and the Necropolis. Glasgow is renowned for its shopping, music, artistic culture, and friendliness.

Day 10 Scotland Bed & Breakfast

What better place to cap off an incredible vacation than Edinburgh? In Scotland's capital city, be amazed by historic architecture, a hilltop castle and plenty of pubs.

Start the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a 12th-century fortress that makes an indelible mark on the skyline. Imagine yourself as part of a fairytale as you wander the grounds of this former royal residence. In the evening, venture to one of Edinburgh's theaters to experience a play, musical or performance. This is an art-lover's town!

Day 11 Depart Scotland

Your Irish and Scottish B&B adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, head to Edinburgh airport, drop off your rental car and head for your departure gate.

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Cobh, County Cork

The Rock of Cashel on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour

Our Ireland small group tour begins by leaving the capital of Dublin for the South of Ireland with our first destination being Cobh, County Cork – one of the world’s finest natural harbors and the last port of call for the Titanic.

As we journey to County Cork we will stop at the Medieval Rock of Cashel. The Rock dates back 1000 years. You will be treated to a tour of the round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle! Take the first of many jealousy inducing photos of your tour!

Once you have built up a thirst at Cashel we will make our way to the world-famous Midleton Distillery for lunch and a tour. There is so much to taste and learn at this whiskey museum and visitor center. This is the home of the best whiskeys in the world.

Spend the night in Cobh soaking up the beautiful harbor views, colorful houses and great nightlife.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

Day 2: Monday – Blarney & The Ring of Kerry

Before embarking on our small group tour of Kerry we will tick off a very important item on your bucket list of Ireland. This morning you will kiss the Blarney Stone where you will receive the ”gift of the gab”. While at Blarney we will also have time to stroll around its beautiful grounds and explore the gardens, castle and rock close.

After lunch we will enter the Kingdom of Kerry. Your guide will give you some time to wander the streets, shops and delights of Kenmare. This is your gateway to the Ring of Kerry experience – Ireland’s most scenic and celebrated drive.

Tonight we will stay in Portmagee in anticipation of our trip to Skellig Michael in the morning! Star Wars fans will be very familiar with this as this is where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) used the powers of the force to pull a perfect of Guinness. It is the only time that Luke Skywalker has ever turned to the “dark side”.

Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Discover Portmagee

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 3: Tuesday – The Skellig Michael Experience

Climb Skellig Michael on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour

It is time to get excited. There are only a very select few places on this planet that can be described as “out of this world” and Skellig Michael is unquestionably one of these. Today we will embark on this hypnotic journey to the islands. You will feel like you have journeyed to a “galaxy far, far away”.

The island is naturally rugged, and the 599 steps will lead you up the 700ft climb to its peak. It is home to one of the world’s most treasured bird sanctuaries where you will see all types of wildlife and fauna in its untouched natural habitat. Your imagination will be captivated by one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe. This is a sublime sanctuary, a place of peace and power where the presence of the monks can still be felt.

After you disembark from your epic journey to the past your afternoon is yours to enjoy in Killarney – The capital of Kerry.

Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Killarney to Dingle

Our day begins with an adventurous 2 hour cycle through Killarney National Park. There are numerous trails to choose from so that you can take it at your own pace. Discover Muckross House and gardens, Torc Waterfall and many other beautiful spots along the way. There is always an option to go jaunting around the park if you feel like taking it easy today!

From Killarney we will make a short drive to Inch Beach to stretch our legs and refresh for an afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula.

Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Cycling Killarney National Park on your Ireland Adventure Tour

Comfortable Transport on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 5: Thursday – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

Cliffs of Moher on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour

Today, before we leave the Kingdom of Kerry, we watch a local sheepdog show off his finely-honed skills, during a sheepdog demonstration. Next, we take the ferry to County Clare, home of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the natural beauty of the Burren National Park.

From Skellig to the Cliffs, we are spoiled for natural beauty. The cliffs are spectacular and need to be seen in person to be justly appreciated. We will explore the cliffs by foot with the roaring Wild Atlantic providing the perfect backdrop! Your Overland Ireland guide will take you off the beaten track and point some very special locations along the way. There are many secret passages that we will show you that are not on the typical tourist route. Friends at home will definitely be very envious when you share your snaps from this stunning landmark.

We will spend the evening in the most welcoming and colourful fishing village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – The Aran Islands

Jump from Ireland to Island on the Doolin ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote and have inspired many a poet and playwright! Sharpen your pencil before hopping aboard!

We will take our bikes and cycle around the coastline where we will see many ancient sites along the country roads. Jaunting and bus tours are an option for all guests. Landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches and Clochán na Carraige. We will visit the famous ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over Galway Bay.

Learn a few words of Gaelic from the locals and treat yourself to a feast of seafood before making our way back to Rossaveal Pier in County Galway. From here we will take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Clifden which is nestled between the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.

Total driving time: 1 hour

Cylce The Aran Islands on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour

Day 7: Saturday – Galway to Dublin

Galway on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour

Your final day on the Ireland to Island tour will not disappoint. Today you will travel through Connemara National Park on route to Ireland’s capital of culture – Galway City. Before you lose yourself on the bustling streets of bohemian Galway we will take a short hike on Diamond Hill in the heart of Connemara where you will be spoiled with panoramic views of the hills and valleys.

In Galway we will take a historic tour of the city and you will have some free time to soak up the atmosphere. Street performers, live music and dance and colourful locals will keep you entertained during your stay. Sit back and relax in one of their award winning cafes and restaurants and watch the world go by.

Late afternoon you will be taken back to Dublin City armed with recommendations of places to see and things to do if you have a couple of days left in the Emerald Isle. On the journey back over 40 shades of green, why not reminisce about your time on this best small tour group ever!

Total driving time: 4 hours