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The perfect scotland and ireland itinerary.

Trips to Ireland and Scotland are some of my favorites to help plan. Both countries are some of my favorites and they can be easily combined. This Scotland and Ireland itinerary will help you plan the best trip!

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Should I go to Scotland or Ireland?

I often get asked by my readers which trip they should take, Ireland or Scotland? While both destinations are amazing and beautiful with so much to offer, and I always try to help them make the right choice for their needs, I don’t think this has to be an either-or choice. If you’re really struggling with the Ireland vs Scotland debate, why not choose both? When you use this itinerary to travel to Ireland and Scotland you’re getting the best of both worlds within two weeks.

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Best Time to Visit Ireland and Scotland

Fly between scotland and ireland, ferry from ireland to scotland, ireland and scotland tours, ireland scotland map, scotland and ireland itinerary, day 1: arrive in dublin, day 2: explore dublin, day 3 & 4: take an overnight trip to the west of ireland, day 5: wicklow mountains, day 6 & 7: northern ireland and back to dublin, days 1-2: explore edinburgh , day 3: scottish highlands, days 4-6: isle of skye, day 7: depart from edinburgh.

The best time to visit Ireland and Scotland is usually off-peak in shoulder season between April-May and September-October. If you go to Ireland and Scotland during these times you’ll avoid the crowds, but still be able to enjoy nicer weather than in the winter.

Getting Between Scotland and Ireland

Trips to Ireland and Scotland offer the best of both worlds and can be done affordably too. Getting from Ireland to Scotland is easy and affordable. There are many companies that offer Ireland and Scotland tours that are great, or you can choose to take the trip on your own.

There are plenty of cheap flights from Ireland to Scotland and from Scotland to Ireland. You can fly with Ryanair for as little as $21 USD! Honestly, that’s cheaper than the cost of a nice dinner! So if you really are having a hard time deciding between Ireland and Scotland, go ahead and do both!

Learn how to find cheap flights to and from Ireland and Scotland by reading my guide to flying for cheap or nearly free here.

If you have your own car or are using this itinerary as part of a larger European trip, you might also consider taking the ferry from Ireland to Scotland or vice versa. This would also work if you’re planning to fly in and out of the same airport. However, if you are flying into Scotland or Ireland and plan to fly out of a different airport, I would not recommend taking the ferry. Especially since flights between Scotland and Ireland are so cheap! If you do decide to go for a rental car in one country and leave it in the other, it will cost you at least $1500 USD ($500 for a cross border fee and $500 for a one-way rental fee). And then you have the cost of the ferry on top of that which is a few hundred dollars. While sailing across the North Chanel is truly beautiful, It’s not worth the expense if you will be renting a car.

Visiting Ireland and Scotland can seem a little daunting on your own and tours can be a great way to go if you’re feeling a little nervous about it. These are some great Ireland and Scotland tours that will help you get a great overview of these two destinations:

This interactive map should help you plan your Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can click on each destination to find more information.

I outline a great Ireland and Scotland itinerary below, but if you want to skip all the planning and simply use this downloadable, printable, detailed itinerary , you can find it here.

Get the Full Itinerary I’m giving you a detailed day-by-day Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can do this itinerary in any order you wish, but this seemed the most logical to me. This itinerary begins in Ireland and ends in Scotland, where you can choose to fly home from, or simply fly back to Ireland for a round trip ticket. The choice is yours. I recommend flying in and out of wherever you can get the best deals . I generally find Ireland cheaper to fly to from the United States but have occasionally found great deals to Scotland as well.

Ireland could literally take you years to explore! So if you’re planning a trip to Ireland , I’m giving you just a week in this itinerary of things to do in Ireland , but I think it will show you some of the best places to visit in Ireland in a short amount of time. If you’re interested in a longer, more detailed trip to Ireland, you can check out my full Ireland Itinerary.

For the first day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, arrive in Dublin airport and adjust to the time change. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city, so you’re sure to visit places while you’re here. Keep yourself awake until a reasonable hour (between 8 pm and 11 pm) and wake up early the next morning.

Now that you’re hopefully feeling well-rested and not too jet-lagged, it’s time to explore the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Don’t miss these stops in Dublin:

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Dublin Castle
Christ Church Cathedral
Trinity College Library
St. Stephens Green
Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Cafe
Little Museum of London
Take a Bus Tour of Dublin
Howth Cliffs
Phoenix Park

Take an entire day to explore the west of Ireland. If you’re self-driving it will take about 3.5 hours to get to the west coast known as the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re feeling nervous about driving in Ireland there are several great day trips from Galway that will take you to the west for this 2-day trip. This amazing tour explores the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Killarney National Park, with an overnight stay in Dingle.

Don’t miss these stops on your trip to the West:

Killarney National Park (learn more about Killarney here.)
Muckross House & Traditional Farm
Muckross Abbey
Killarney Town
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Castle

Spend a day in the beautiful County Wicklow. Be sure not to miss these:

Powerscourt Estate: Dating back over 200 years, these are some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland
Glendalough: Beautiful lakes surrounded by stunning mountains!
Silver Strand Beach: A beautiful and secluded beach
Wicklow Gaol: This old jail is a great place to learn some interesting and sad Irish history.
Wicklow Town: Adorable Irish town

plan a trip to england ireland and scotland

Spend two days in beautiful Northern Ireland! You can take the three-hour drive yourself or take this great two-day tour that will take you to all the best sites. Be sure not to miss these:

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Giant’s Causeway
Dark Hedges

In between your exploration, make sure you also visit the city center and get to experience local dishes and listen to traditional Irish music while you’re in town!

Now that you’ve enjoyed a full week in Ireland, it’s time to hop over the Irish Channel and visit the beautiful and rugged Scotland! Most flights will take you into Edinburgh where you can either rent a car or spend a few days in the city then do some tours in the highlands. If you want to experience a great overview of the country, you can do my full Scotland Itinerary.

I normally like to advise people to get out of the big cities and explore the countryside, but Edinburgh has so much to offer that I think it’s worth spending at least 2 days here. You can learn about what to do in Edinburgh in my detailed guide here, but be sure not to miss these top spots:

Edinburgh Castle
Holyrood Palace
The Royal Mile
St. Gile’s Cathedral
Scott Monument
Grass Market
Princes Street Gardens
Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour
Visit the Elephant House Cafe where JK Rowling ate
Victoria Street
Hike Arthur’s Seat
Calton Hill
Cairngorms National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle, be sure to check out these awesome castle hotels in Scotland.

Spend day 4 exploring the highlands of Scotland. Visit Inverness and try and find the Loch Ness Monster! You can drive here or take this easy day tour from Edinburgh. Be sure to read my guide to the highlands and don’t miss these sites:

Urquhart Castle
Fort William

You can’t visit Scotland without taking a trip to visit the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Skye. It’s rugged beauty and history combined with its rugged island charm is sure to win your heart! Driving to the Isle of Skye can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect. The roads are one lane so you must share the road with oncoming traffic. If you’re not comfortable driving in those conditions, it might be a good idea to take a tour to the Isle of Skye.

Rabbie’s does an amazing 3-day tour that comes with your own comedic kilted tour guide to take you through the Isle of Skye while learning all about its interesting past and natural wonders. You can find the tour here.

Be sure to read my complete guide to the Isle of Skye before going.

Whether you decide to drive to the Isle of Skye on your own or take a tour, don’t miss these sites:

The Quiraing
Old Man of Storr
Neist Point
Dunvegan Castle
Fairy Pools
Eilean Donan Castle
Museum of Island Life & Flora MacDonald’s Grave

On the last day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, travel back to Edinburgh and either fly home from there or fly back to Dublin to fly home.

I hope this itinerary will help plan many trips to Ireland and Scotland. They are both such amazing destinations and I know you’ll love them! If you need help planning, please feel free to reach out Facebook or Instagram , or send me an email me [email protected]

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Wanderlust Crew

How to plan a trip to England Ireland and Scotland

MAR 02, 2022

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You’ve heard the one about the English man, the Irish man and the Scot? Well, now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test on a 10-day tour of these popular destinations! Knowing where to start with an England, Ireland and Scotland itinerary can be hard, especially if you’re not familiar with the landscape. So, to assist with your travels, we’ve put together a schedule taking you from the south of England, over the channel to the Emerald Isle, finishing up in the heady heights of Scotland. If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to England, Ireland and Scotland, look no further – we’ve got you covered.

Day 1 – London

The capital is a natural place to start your England, Ireland and Scotland itinerary since London is home to many international airports. Ease yourself in, with a gentle morning in Southbank – London Waterloo is the nearest train station.

With pre-booked tickets, make your way to The London Eye – this is a great vantage point to scoop up views of the city, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament below.

The attraction takes just 30-minutes, after which the stretch of walkway up to the Tate Modern offers a beautiful walk, alongside the River Thames. This incredible building is hard to miss, and since it’s free to enter, it’s worth a visit to see some of the UK’s finest art.

Next door Shakespeare’s Globe and the Millennium bridge are both worthy of your attention for a mandatory photograph.

After lunch head enjoy a light walk to Tower Bridge, this historical bridge dates back to 1886 and opens its gates three times a day. The walk over the bridge is noisier than you’d expect but leads you to one of the city’s best attractions – the Tower of London. This ancient fortress has a long and rich history and is still where the Crown jewels are kept safe.

As day turns to night, St Katherine’s Dock is within easy reach and the perfect spot for dinner and drinks with a view of the marina.

Day 2 – Brighton

With such a fleeting visit to the capital, there’s one last visit to tick off your check list. Head to St James’ station for Buckingham Palace – home to The Queen. Flags waved, photos taken, it’s a short 10-minute walk to London Victoria train station to board the 50-minute train to the seaside in Brighton.

Upon arrival, walk down Queen Street in the direction of ‘The Lanes’. This is a popular tourist area, known for boutique shops and cafes. If you’re a foodie, be sure to swing by Choccy Woccy Doodah for untold chocolate pleasure!

A quick stroll away the local beach is home to Brighton Pier filled with amusements and fairground rides. Make time for the i360 close by, a giant tower offering sweeping views across the coastline.

With a thriving nightlife, there’s plenty of bars and clubs to discover, before heading back to the capital.

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Day 3 – Oxford

It takes less than an hour (51m to be exact) to escape the city by train from London Paddington to Oxford . Begin your exploration with a tour around the University, which has a prestigious history spanning back to 1096. The Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera are easy to find and brimming with history.

It’s a quick walk to the river, where you can find plenty of pubs – ideal for a leisurely lunch. It’s also the perfect spot for a tour by water, the Spirit of Oxford cruise takes two and a half hours.

For your evening’s entertainment, check out the Oxford Playhouse , you might even see an up and coming actor tread the boards.

Day 4 – The Cotswolds

When researching how to plan a trip to England, Ireland and Scotland, you might have come across the Cotswolds. This area of natural beauty is unmissable, even on a whistle-stop tour.

The train from Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh takes around 36m. This small market town is famous for scenic walkways and chocolate box houses that are quintessentially British. Lose yourself as you walk around, taking in all its beauty.

While there, enjoy a late lunch at The Bell Inn – this pub is said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘The Prancing Pony’.

Next stop, Birmingham . Take the train (changing at Oxford or Worcester) for a two-hour journey. Early evening is a great time to arrive since the city comes to life at night! Known for its fun nightlife and homage to Indian cuisine, indulge in one of the many spots you can find in town. If in doubt, head to the ‘ Balti Triangle’ .

Day 5 – Manchester

The train from Birmingham to Manchester takes 1h 30m. A tour of Old Trafford stadium where Manchester United play is a must for any football fan. Be sure to do as the locals and have a pie and pint!

For an afternoon amble, visit the Manchester Art Gallery which has an incredible collection of work, including Leonardo da Vinci and Joana Vasconcelos.

When night falls, there’s plenty of great restaurants in the Northern Quarter. Carry the party on at Band on the Wall with great live music to enjoy.

Day 6 – Dublin

Next, on your England, Ireland, Scotland itinerary is the Emerald Isle. Aer Lingus, Ryanair and British Airways all operate daily flights from Manchester to Dublin airport, taking just over an hour.

Arriving in time for a full day of exploring, start at St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square as you photograph the colourful doors of Dublin, it’s a thing!

En-route to Trinity College, you’ll pass Grafton Street and the many shops it inhabits. Reaching the university campus work your way to the Book of Kells , a popular attraction pulling in the crowds.

Cross the famous Ha’penny Bridge (photo opportunity) and over to the Leprechaun Museum for a bit of fun, exploring Irish folklore in detail.

An early evening tipple in Temple Bar offers live music and plenty of crowds. For something more refined, enjoy dinner at Sophie’s restaurant , if only for the beautiful views. The party can be continued downstairs at The Dean of Dublin.

Day 7 – Howth and Edinburgh

With a morning in Dublin to spare, head coastward to Howth, only half an hour away by train. This windswept town shows off traditional Irish properties as well as the 15th-century Howth Castle. It’s also an excellent spot for seafood lovers, with plenty of oysters to gobble down.

Completing your England, Ireland and Scotland itinerary, it’s time to head back across the waters to ‘Bonnie Scotland’ – an hour’s flight away.

Now in Edinburgh head to Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for the best views in the house and a relaxing afternoon. Soak up the tranquillity of this park on the outskirts of the city. Treat yourself to a sumptuous meal as evening falls, at the esteemed Balmoral Hotel for five-star dining.

Day 8 – Edinburgh

With a full day to enjoy, there’s no better place to start than Edinburgh Castle. This iconic landmark is hard to miss, positioned atop a rock, home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

Heading down along the famous ‘Royal Mile’ strip, its cobbled streets are lined with gift and artisan shops that are hard to pass by. As if by magic the Scotch Whisky Experience is close by, inviting you in for a wee dram!

The Old Town is the place to go for a step back in time. Visit the 14th-century medieval St Giles’ Cathedral in all its glory. This magnificent piece of architecture can be seen across the city skyline.

There’s certainly no shortage of nightlife in the city, from plays to pubs, restaurants to raves. Return to the Royal Mile for some of the best after hours and restaurants, including the hip spot of the moment – The Witchery .

Day 9 – Stirling

It’s just 50m by train from Edinburgh to Stirling – the ideal place for out-of-town adventure. A sight to behold, Stirling Castle should be your first point of call, as one of the oldest and most notorious castles in the country.

Impossible to miss, the National Wallace Monument is a beacon in the skyline, proudly standing on a hilltop to commemorate Sir William Wallace, the 13th-century local hero.

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to food, with dozens of restaurants around Friars Street. Enjoy a light meal before taking the train to Glasgow, a quick half-hour ride away.

Day 10 – Glasgow

As your England, Ireland, Scotland itinerary comes to a close, what better place to finish your trip than bustling Glasgow.

Take a trip back in time as you walk past the many statues that line George Square, before coming to Glasgow Cathedral – the city’s oldest building.

In contrast, The Lighthouse brings you into the modern-day era, fuelling creative industries as the country’s centre of design and architecture. In keeping with the theme, try and make time for the Glasgow Science Centre , home to some 250 exhibits that the kids will love.

Realising that you’re about to go home without any gifts, make a beeline to Princes Square for gift shops galore and maybe a treat for yourself as well.

For your last night, Merchant City is a lively spot, where you’ll certainly find a wee dram, or two, and why not – you’ve earnt it!