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Travel through England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland on our 7-24 day Great Britain and Ireland tours. From London’s multicultural melting pot to the bleak beauty of the Orkneys, Great Britain overflows with captivating culture and history. Explore heritage sites including Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, Buckingham Palace and Blarney Castle, and unwind in cozy pubs with fish and chips, a pint of Guinness, and traditional tunes. World class museums vie with romantic countryside, wrapped in 7,700 miles of unfolding coastlines.

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Looking for royal castles, Roman ruins, historical buildings and cosmopolitan cities? Then take a tour of Great Britain and Ireland. You’ll see the iconic symbols of London—Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Crown Jewels at Tower of London and the British Museum. Visit Stonehenge and follow Hadrian’s Wall. Discover Celtic culture in Wales, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland and Belfast in Northern Ireland. Stare into the waters of Loch Ness or play a round of golf at St. Andrews. See the historical buildings in Dublin and drink a pint at the Guinness Storehouse. Tour the Rock of Cashel, an ancient religious site and fortress, and visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. Drive the Ring of Kerry, walk the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and enjoy Irish folk music in Galway.

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The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on December 6, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Travelling through the British Isles is something many people want to do in their lifetimes. And it’s no surprise as to why. England, Scotland, and Ireland not only have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years, but is home to both bucolic natural scenery and some of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities. With so much to see and do in a seemingly small landmass, it can be hard to plan out the perfect London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

Luckily, I’m here to help. Read on to find out the best places to visit in Great Britain and Ireland and where you should spend your time!

Table of Contents

Planning a Trip to England, Ireland and Scotland

If you’re wondering about the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland, then make sure to follow the tips and tricks outlined below.

Though it can be fairly easy to travel around this area, there are a number of logistical things and considerations to take into account in order to make the most out of your trip.

Everything from the time of year you visit to the mode of transport you use to get around can make an impact on your trip, so we’ve taken the time to outline all major options out there.

Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contrary to popular belief, it is not always cold and rainy in Britain and Ireland. The weather tends to be mild in the British Isles no matter what time of year, with no extreme variance between the seasons.

However, there are some seasons to travel to this beautiful corner of the world that are better than others which is important to consider when wondering how to plan a trip to England, Ireland and Scotland.

Summer is the most popular time to plan a trip. The days are long and the weather is as warm as it can be.

Highs in most of England and Ireland in the summer average around 20-22ºC (68-72ºF) and you can expect highs in Scotland to be about 15-17ºC (59-63°F). Though there are definitely rainy days, you can generally expect more sunshine this time of year than in other seasons.

While the weather is fantastic (for Britain) in the summer, it is also the busiest time for tourism. That means that the prettiest cities and towns will be filled with people and accommodation will book out well in advance. Prices are likely to be higher as well.

If you plan to go to Edinburgh, it is best to avoid the city during the month of August when its world-famous Fringe Festival is going on (unless you specifically want to visit for this occasion). Accommodation books out months in advance and it can be absolutely packed with people.

Autumn could arguably be the best time to visit Britain and Ireland because you get fewer crowds and decent weather. It doesn’t tend to get properly cold in the British Isles until November, so if you don’t mind a bit of rain and needing to wear a jacket outside , then autumn might be the best bet for you.

Along with the beautiful colours of the changing leaves, average highs in England and Ireland land somewhere around 10-17ºC (50-63ºF) and 8-14ºC (46-57ºF) in Scotland. Plan your visit for late September to early October and you very well might get some beautiful sunny days that are over 20ºC!

Spring in Britain and Ireland can be quite chilly still as the weather doesn’t start warming up properly until mid to late May and doesn’t consistently stay warm until June.

It can be quite rainy, windy, and miserable through most of the spring and even a bit dreary as the leaves don’t return to the trees until May. If you’re travelling in the spring, expect highs to be between 9-14ºC (48-57ºF) in England and Ireland and 7-13ºC (45-55ºF) in Scotland.

Winter is the coldest and darkest month in England, Scotland, and Ireland. While the majority of the isles don’t get a lot of snow, it does get dark quite early (around 3 or 4 PM depending on where you are) and it can be extremely wet and rainy.

Snow and sleet are common so make sure to pack accordingly. Average high temperatures in England and Ireland in winter clock in around 5-7ºC (41-45ºF) and 0-5ºC (32-41ºF) in Scotland.

Winter in Britain and Ireland can be miserable, however, many do like to travel around Christmas time in order to enjoy the decorations and markets scattered throughout the cities.

Cities like London and Edinburgh have wonderful Christmas markets and carnivals set up, but most major towns and cities all throughout this England-Scotland-Ireland itinerary will have something to fill you with holiday cheer.

How to Get Around

When it comes to planning a trip around England, Ireland, and Scotland, many people assume that it is easy to see a great portion of all three countries relying solely on the train. While the train network, especially in England, is extensive, it can be very expensive and they don’t always connect to smaller towns and more rural areas.

We recommend relying on the train and public transport systems while visiting England and then hiring a car once you arrive in Scotland and Ireland respectively if you’re following this itinerary. Both of the countries are noticeably more rural than England and don’t have as extensive of a train network.

The bus is also another option and there are more reliable bus connections within Ireland and Scotland than there are with the train.

Bus tickets can also be considerably less expensive than train tickets, however, it is almost always cheaper to book tickets for both at least a little bit in advance instead of on the day of travel. We suggest looking on Omio to book tickets for trains and buses in the UK

If you can drive, however, and your budget allows for it, then we would seriously recommend you hire a car in Ireland and Scotland . There are many places on this Ireland and Scotland itinerary that are much easier reached if you have your own mode of transportation.

Having a rental car not only allows you to get to more off-the-beaten-path and hard-to-reach areas, but it also gives you more flexibility. Nobody likes to be at the mercy of irregular bus timetables! You can browse car rental options here.

It can also be worth taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay a cent if you get into an accident. This will be significantly cheaper than taking out additional insurance from the car rental company.

It is worth knowing that the majority of rental cars available have a manual transmission. If you can only drive automatic, you need to expect to pay a little bit more for that! Also, this goes without saying, all three countries drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Finally, are you considering taking out a travel insurance policy before your trip? World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

3-Week London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

In order to get a good feel for each country, we recommend you spend at least one week in each of them. Obviously, you could easily spend weeks exploring all three countries on their own, but then that is what future trips are for!

If you have a shorter period of time, why not make it solely a London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary? While we recommend spending as much time in the massive city that is England’s capital as possible, you can see all of the biggest tourist attractions of London in just three or 4 days before taking the train or flying up to Scotland.

Week 1: England

London — the capital of the United Kingdom — is the most logical starting point for this itinerary. London is an absolutely massive city and while most visitors only spend a couple of days exploring, we would recommend that you spend the entirety of your week in England solely staying in London .

While there is certainly more to England than London, due to its central location as a transport hub, it is easy to visit other English cities as a day trip by train. And also a week in the city allows you to dig deeper and see beyond the main tourist draws and get a glimpse at how and where locals actually live in this diverse metropolis.

If you have never visited London before, then it is only understandable that you might want to spend a couple of days seeing everything that makes The Big Smoke so famous. Take the time to visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

If you plan on visiting many paid attractions, then consider investing in a London Go City Pass that includes entry to several of the most popular places in the city and will save you money if you visit enough places!

Enjoy free entry into some of the best museums in the world like the British Museum, Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. And, if you can, be sure to catch a West End show.

If these are the only things you plan on doing, then we suggest planning to stay in Central or West London (neighbourhoods like Soho, Kensington, and Knightsbridge) in order to avoid wasting valuable time sitting on the tube or bus.

Many first-time visitors to London grossly underestimate the city’s size and expect everything to be quite close to each other when, in reality, travel times in the city can take a very long time.

One benefit to spending one week in London, however, is that you will have time not only to do that traditional “touristy” things but also be able to get a little bit off the tourist trail and significantly reduce your overall London trip cost .

After you’ve spent your first couple of days exploring Central London and the museums, take a journey east and hang out with the hipsters in Shoreditch, walk along Regent’s Canal to London Fields, or see some live music in Camden.

London is much more than what is displayed in movies and in the media — it is easily one of the most multicultural cities in the world and has close to 9 million residents. Take the time to realise that London is not solely British and you won’t be disappointed.

Another benefit to spending one week in London is that it gives you the opportunity to take some day trips to other English cities. London is very different from the rest of the country, so it can be a really great experience to see how other cities function in England. Cities like Oxford , Cambridge , and Brighton are very popular day-trips from London and are all within about an hour’s train journey.

If you want to visit some less touristy cities that are still easy to do as a day trip, we would recommend getting up early and catching a train to Bristol or Bath in the west, which is a very cool and completely underrated city with an amazing craft beer and arts scene. Or, if you want to see a beautiful walled medieval city, head north to York , which can also easily be visited as a day trip from London.

If you don’t want to spend your entire week in England completely in London, then we would actually recommend spending five nights in the capital before spending two nights in York. There, you can spend one day exploring the city and another venturing out into the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Where to Stay in London

It really depends on what you want to do and see in order to find the best area to stay in London . These are our suggestions for some of our favourite areas of the city:

Z Hotel Soho  – cool boutique hotel located right in the centre of Soho. The rooms have been stylishly decorated and there are a number of great cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. 

Astor Hyde Park Hostel   – great budget option in this area offering a mix of dorm and private rooms. The hostel has a brilliant common area, large kitchen and cheap breakfast available with proceeds going to charity. 

Eden Plaza Kensington   – a mid-range hotel located just a few minutes walk from the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. Also well connected with nearby Tube stations.

Shoreditch: 

Prime Backpackers Angel  – this hostel is located in Angel, just a short walk along the canal to lively and bustling Shoreditch. They have a range of great dorm and private rooms available and come quite highly rated. 

The Hoxton   – boutique hotel with funky and stylish rooms, located only a few minutes from Old Street Tube Station. Downstairs is a popular bar and restaurant that gets busy on weekends, however, rooms are completely soundproof. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other London hotels.

Week 2: Scotland

After spending one week in London and exploring England, it is time to head north to Scotland. You can reach Scotland either by taking the train — which is incredibly scenic, though expensive — or flying, which is often cheaper. If driving, there are a number of great stops between London and Edinburgh to check out!

Begin your adventures in Scotland by spending two days in Edinburgh , the Scottish capital. This beautiful city has an incredible history but it is quite compact and easy to get around — and it’s drastically different from London!

Take the time to walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, swill some single-malt whiskey in a convivial pub, or maybe let your inner Harry Potter nerd run wild at Greyfriars Kirkyard!

After spending two days in Edinburgh, it’s time to venture into the Scottish Highlands and to explore the largest city there: Inverness. Inverness has the feeling of a small town and the main tourist appeal is its proximity to Loch Ness , however, it is very much worth exploring in its own right.

Spend one day in Inverness itself and another on a day trip from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, or the famous Loch Ness.

From Inverness, it’s time to get in the car and drive to one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland and a top place to visit in the country: the Isle of Skye . Though many people treat Skye as a simple day trip or stopover spot, it is quite large and really deserves to be explored fully.

That is why we recommend spending 2 full days here in order to see some of the main attractions while also getting a bit off the beaten path. There are some really fantastic hikes to do on Skye as well, so make sure you have proper boots!

After you have spent a wonderful two days exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye, head back to Edinburgh of one night before catching a flight to the Emerald Isle.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Apart from the traditional accommodation options listed below, you can find a number of private rentals in Scotland such as this contemporary cottage on the Isle of Skye or this charming riverside cottage in Inverness.

Edinburgh  

Cityroomz Edinburgh — Located in the heart of the city, this small hotel had a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated.

Castle Rock Hostel   — This small, centrally located hostel continues to be one of the highest-rated places to stay in Edinburgh. They have a number of rooms on offer, from dorm beds to privates, a friendly staff, and are a great option for both budget and solo travellers.  

Torridon Guest House – a quaint bed and breakfast that is a great place to stay in Inverness. It is within a short walking distance of the city centre and a good option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel.

Black Isle Hostel  – a great hostel offering dorms and private rooms that is a fantastic option if travelling solo and if you want to meet other travellers. 

Isle of Skye 

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast Portree – located in Portree, this is a cosy bed and breakfast with plentyof great rooms, a hearty breakfast and friendly owners. Perfect for mid-range visitors.

Skyewalker Hostel — one of the top-rated hostels in all of Scotland, it’s excellently located, they have a number of different room options, a friendly staff, and they sometimes organise social events in the evening. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other Scotland hotels

Week 3: Ireland

Ireland is a country that fills many people with visions of rolling green hills, pastoral beauty, and incredibly friendly people — and upon visiting you will find that it certainly delivers!

While most people spend one week in Ireland going a pretty standard route from Dublin south to Cork and then following the coast up to Galway , we suggest that you venture on a path less taken when you get to this portion of the London-Scotland-Ireland itinerary.

It is easiest to begin your Ireland trip in Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Dublin is a large and dynamic city with many layers, however, it can be quite expensive for tourists and there aren’t a plethora of things to do.

Two days in Dublin should be more than sufficient to see the main sites such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse.

From Dublin, instead of following all too many tourists ahead of you and going south, it’s time to instead head west for the naturally stunning Connemara region in County Galway.

Situated on Ireland’s west coast, Connemara is famed for its rugged scenery, mountainous and boggy terrain, and unique Gaelic culture.  Though Connemara is your eventual destination, there are a number of interesting stops you can make in the drive along the way.

Spending two days in Connemara will give you time to experience all of the fantastic things to do in this beautiful peninsula.

You can spend the day driving the famous scenic Sky Road outside of Clifden, explore charming fishing villages like Roundstone and Letterfrack, lie on the pristine white sand of Dog’s Bay Beach, and visit the gorgeous and historic Kylemore Abbey.

The final stop sees you in the wonderful Irish city of Galway. There are a number of great things to do here from exploring the main sites like the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, whiskey tasting at Garavans Pub, listening to traditional Irish music in the trendy West End, and eating at some of Ireland’s top restaurants.

Spend two days exploring Galway city and one more day to take a day trip to one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions: the Cliffs of Moher . These amazing cliffs are a popular spot for a reason: they are absolutely stunning. Avoid the tourist crowds by trying to get there early, you won’t be sorry!

Where to Stay in Ireland

Apart from the traditional accommodation listed below, you can find a number of private rental properties in Ireland including this stunning city-centre flat in Dublin or this lovely restored barn in Connemara.

Hotel 7 – This perfectly located boutique hotel is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a bit more comfort in Dublin. Situated within easy walking distance of some main attractions, they have a number of plush rooms available and a restaurant and bar on site.

Jacobs Inn – This centrally located hostel is a great place for solo and budget travellers. As one of the best-rated hostels in Dublin, they have a range of dorm rooms and privates available and they also organise social events. 

Island View B&B  – Located in the small seaside village of Roundstone, this B&B is the perfect base to explore all that Connemara has to offer. They offer a tasty and filling breakfast and the rooms were clean and comfortable. This is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Connemara. 

Galway  

The Stop B&B   – This is a great bed and breakfast located in the Claddagh neighbourhood of Galway. Though the location is more quiet and residential, it was only about a ten-minute walk to the city centre and even closer to Galway’s vibrant west end. They also have a fantastic breakfast in the morning, included in the room rate. 

Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel – Centrally located just off of Galway’s Eyre Square, this is one of the top-rated hostels in Galway City. They have both dorm and private rooms on offer and also include breakfast in their nightly rate. It’s a fantastic option for both budget and solo travellers alike. 

Additional Information

If you have more time to devote to your itinerary, it can be worth adding a week onto all three countries or forgoing visiting one country altogether.

If you want to see more of England, consider spending a week in the beautiful southwestern region of Cornwall (there are a number of great stops from London to Cornwall to explore!) or heading north to the perennially popular Lake District. The latter makes more sense for an England-Scotland itinerary.

If you have more time and want to spend it in Scotland, consider adding on the Orkney Islands or driving all or part of the North Coast 500 route – this will allow you to see some of the most beautiful areas of the country where few tourists ever venture.

If you want to spend more time in Ireland or want only an Ireland-Scotland itinerary, you can head south from Dublin and spend time in Cork and the Ring of Kerry before tacking on Galway City and Connemara or alternatively head north from Dublin to Belfast and explore Northern Ireland!

Planning the perfect itinerary for England, Scotland and Ireland can be difficult as there is so much to see in each country. With these suggestions, however, you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

Are you trying to plan a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Dear Maggie, Happy New Year! Your information is great but I was wondering if you have info on just navigating travel to these beautiful cities via train or other types of transportation between your suggested cities What is your opinion of taking a ferry to one of our selected city? I will be traveling with my 16-year-old daughter and will not be renting a car. I would be too freaked out and make our trip unbearable. We have been to London but never to Scotland or Ireland. We are traveling from Los Angeles and look for to making this a reality. Our travel will be in June of 2019. Great Article and look forward to reading more of your articles.

Happy New Year, Rosemarie! Thanks for your comment 🙂 Depending on where you want to go in Ireland/Scotland, renting a car isn’t entirely necessary, it can just make things more convenient if you want to visit more rural areas. Bus and train connections between the bigger cities in both countries are frequent and reliable, so you shouldn’t need to worry much about that. I’m not sure where you plan to take a ferry to, however, in my experience, the ferries are large, clean, and comfortable and tend to operate on time. If you’re not renting a car, you can also take day tours from all of the bigger cities/towns to visit more difficult-to-reach areas as well. I hope this helps you plan your trip! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email 🙂

Hi Maggie, my husband and I are planning a trip Oct 1-15 for his work to Tenby, Wales. He will have to work each day and I would love to see the UK, my daughter is planning on flying for one week of our stay and just wondering how we could see Ireland-Scotland-London in a 7 day period or is that too much to see in such a short time? Would love your suggestions!!

Hi Pam, thanks for your comment! I personally wouldn’t recommend trying to cram a visit to England, Scotland and Ireland into one 7-day trip – you’re likely not going to get a lot out of it and will spend more of your time travelling between places rather than actually seeing anything. I would recommend staying simply in England and Scotland (or just one of them) and then plan to visit Ireland some other time when you have enough time to properly dedicate to it.

Dear Maggie, Read your wonderful and infomative blog. Planning a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland in Mid September for family of 4 adults , a 4 years child and a 8 months baby.

We have only 2 weeks to spend. Please recommended some suggestions and an itinerary. Would like self driving in Scotland and Ireland.

Glad you found the information helpful! While the above itinerary is 3 weeks long, it is entirely possible to cut it down to 2 weeks if you just decide to skip some of the destinations that don’t interest you. For instance, you can only spend a couple of days in London, and skip one destination from each Scotland and Ireland and you will be able to plan to perfect 2-week trip. Hope you and your family have a great time!

Hi Maggie! We are looking for a 2 week trip to all 3 places. London we only want to do a few days and see the highlights. Then Scotland and Ireland. We want to stay a night in a castle in Scotland. Ireland we have to kiss the Blarney Stone. Touristy stuff as we have never been. Guinness and Jameson yours too! Ideas?

Hey Maureen, sounds like you’ve got a great trip planned! Hope you have a great time 🙂

Hi Maggie, Planning a 2.5 week trip and a friend has offered for me to use her vehicle (starting point West London). Would this be a good option or will I be wasting time driving long distances?

Hi Stephanie, if you have the option to borrow your friend’s car for the trip, I would definitely recommend it! Driving in London can be a nightmare, but otherwise, you will have so much more flexibility on your itinerary without being beholden to bus and train timetables. The UK is a small country, so no drives are really that long, either. And you can always find somewhere great to stop along the way!

We are planning a 10 days trip to London Scotland and Ireland.Please suggest an itinerary.

10 days in all three of London, Scotland, and Ireland is going to be too rushed. I would suggest concentrating on either London and Scotland or Scotland and Ireland depending on what interests you most. Hope you have a great trip!

we plan to travel to London 14 days on 19dec2019 onwsrds for Christmas celebration n New year 2020 and knowing that daylights short..about 4pm will b dark..

We don’t plan to drive.. can u recommend which date shall we stay in London ? will like to travel to Paris, Scotland or any better suggestion.

Regards Amie

Hey Amie, you can stay in London on any of these days but keep in mind that virtually everything shuts down on Christmas (25 Dec), including all public transport. Other than that, I’m sure you will have a great time — there are lots of markets and fun, festive things to explore that time of year. Just make sure to pack warm clothes!

Thank you so much for such informative articles (I’ve read several of them tonight)!

My husband and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary this December. We never had a honeymoon, so we have been planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland in March/April of 2020.

After reading this article, however, I’m thinking we might be better off to wait until Fall of 2020. ?

I have been looking into tour group trips, but none of them seem to be what we really want. After waiting all this time to go on a trip we’ve dreamed all our lives, I want it to be as special as can be. You have given me the courage to try and plan a trip myself and even hire a car! ?

Thank you again for the insightful advice.

Hi Lorrie, thanks so much for your comment and I am so happy that I’ve inspired you to travel independently for your 40th anniversary “honeymoon!” I’m sure you and your husband will have an amazing time! If you have any questions regarding your trip, please don’t hesitate to get in touch 🙂

Maggie, I really enjoyed your discussion and suggested itinerary. I is a great start for us. We are planning a five week trip to England, Scotland and Ireland (hopefully including Northern Ireland). A bit of Wales if we can fit it in would be nice. We are deciding between May and September. Do you have any recommendation/preference? I was thinking September since we would be heading pretty far north in Scotland. Also, do you have any thoughts on additional places to add for a trip of this length. We would likely limit our time in London to two-three days max. Both my wife Sue and I have visited London multiple times, but that is the extent of her travels to Britain. I have seen a fair share of the West Country and South Wales, but would appreciate any thoughts from an expert on how to expand your suggested itinerary. FYI, I have been no further north than the Cotswolds and have not seen Oxford/Cambridge/York and only limited places in Kent/Sussex/Hampshire/Dorset. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for your comment, Bob. I think that planning to go in September is a better bet, the weather is more consistently warm then — May can be really cold throughout Britain. If you’ve already been to London, then I would recommend spending some time in Cambridge and York. The Lake District could be a good option for you, as well, especially if you like nature. I hope you have a great trip!

Hello Maggie,

Wonderfully insightful and helpful information on traveling the British Isles. I am planning an 18 day trip next September for my wife and I. Following your suggestions, I think 3 days in London would be enough for us to see many of the important and historic sights there. Then we would take the train to Edinburgh and stay for 2 or 3 days (maybe a short trip to St. Andrews one of those days). Then off to Inverness and the Isle of Skye for 2 days. I’d like to know if you think Glasgow is a must see. If not, we will simply head to Ireland and have a few more days to spend there.

I like the idea of Air BnB sites, but have no experience with them and want to make sure there is no concern necessary. I am a bit cautious at this point.

I’m looking forward to your response and any further/additional suggestions for helpful information.

Best regards, Pat

Thanks for your comment, Pat! I’m glad you’ve found this information helpful and it sounds like you’re planning a great trip. A lot of people tend to skip Glasgow when visiting Scotland (I, myself, have never been) as I don’t believe it has the same kind of beauty and historical sites that you can find in Edinburgh or elsewhere in the country. It is pretty up and coming, however, and there is a great music scene (so I’ve heard), so it all depends on what you’re after.

As for Airbnb, I have stayed in many many Airbnb properties all over the world and have never once had any sort of safety issue. It is actually my preferred kind of accommodation and I use it more often than not. All I would say is make sure you read the reviews of whichever property you want to stay in so you know what to expect. But there isn’t anything to worry about 🙂

Hope this helps!

Dear Maggie, Thanks for the great information I’m planning for my short vacation (one week ) trip to London . North iceland and Scotland. Do you have any idea or suggestions for this short period ?? Regards Joanne

Hi Joanne, that is a lot of places to pack into one week! I would honestly only suggest sticking to the capital cities (London, Edinburgh, Belfast) and maybe take a day trip or two from them. That would allow you to get a good feel for the places without cramming too much in. Hope you have a great time!

Wondering what the best itinerary would be for 17 day trip. We would fly into the suggested city and rent a car for sure. Looking to get all 3 in and definitely want to see all the highlights. Any recommendations ?

H John, if you have 17 days, I would follow the 3-week itinerary that I’ve lined out and just pick one or two places that don’t interest you in order to meet your time constraints.

hello maggie,me and my wife are leaving USA,first time for our 30th anniversary.taking 2 1/2 weeks.wanted to visit all 3 places plus amsterdam,and normandy.was planning on flying to all of them,we heard it was the less expensive and doing small day tours in each.3 days in each,London,Edinburgh,dublin,amsterdam and normandy,all in may 2021.think too much?trying to plan a headstart.

Hi Jeffery, I think if you want to visit all of these places in 2.5 weeks it’s going to be a bit too much. Personally, I would limit yourself to just England and Scotland and maybe Ireland and save continental Europe for another trip 🙂 I think you will be able to enjoy the places you visit more this way.

Thanks for your tips etc on visiting Scotland/Ireland. A question can I rent a car in Scotland go over to Ireland leaving the car behind and pick up another car with the same rental company. Thus saving Ferry costs for the car. Whick port do you advise to use?

Regards Sakkie

Hi Sakkie, I’m not aware of any particular companies that you could do this with — you’ll need to contact a few yourself. Hope you have a great trip!

My husband and I are hoping to travel next year to London, Scotland and Ireland. This was a very informative and helpful article. We unfortunately will only have two weeks and not three to do this trip so we may leave off Ireland. Any suggestions on how to spilt the 3 of them in a 2 week period or do you suggest skipping one for a later time date by itself? Thank you

Hi Vicki, thanks for your comment! If you only have two weeks, I think the right move is to only concentrate on England and Scotland and leave Ireland for another trip. It is way better to visit fewer places and actually get to see and experience them then feel as if you have to rush through too many places and not really get the most out of them. Hope this helps and you’re able to have a great trip in the future!

I am planning a trip to the U.K next year. I’m planning on moving to the U.K from Maryland. Where are the best location to settle down. It’s just me and no kids.

Hi Felicia, thanks for your comment! Where you plan to live in the UK really depends on what you’re after. There’s quite a lot of options so make sure to do some research and see where you like the most when you’re visiting next year 🙂

Dear Maggie, This is wonderful information. Thank you so very much. I along with 3 other nurses who have worked off and on together for over 30 years are planning a 6 week trip through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Your tips have helped me with the planning of this trip. Thank you again,

Thanks for your comment, Terry! So happy that we’ve been able to help you plan your trip and I hope that you’re able to have an unforgettable adventure.

Hello, we are considering a 4 week trip for our family of 5, and I was wondering how your 6 weeks went? I am starting to think 4 weeks isn’t enough time

Dear Maggie, thank you so much for putting this information out. 6 of us (3 couples family) want to plan a vacation to these locations in June 2022. This really helps us. My mother in law was from England and my husband and siblings want to see it all again. Fingers crossed. Thank you, Barbara

Thanks for your comment, Barbara! Really hope you’re able to have a fantastic trip 🙂

Great article, thank you. In terms of a budget for the three locations, do you have anything on this? Many thanks, Ken

Hi Ken! We actually have separate budget guides for England ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ ), Scotland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ ) and Ireland ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/ ). To help you even further we also have budget guides specifically for London ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/london-trip-cost/ ), Edinburgh ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-edinburgh/ ) and Dublin ( https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/prices-in-dublin/ ). Hope this helps!

Hi there Maggie,

Thank you for this interesting read! I’ve actually been wanting to do a eng-sct-irl tour like this for quite a while (due in part to being a huge Harry Potter nerd), but I’ve never actually looked into it until now. Your itinerary guide has been really informative!

I know it’s almost impossible to say, BUT if you were to give a ballpark cost figure for the full tour for a single traveler hiring a car, what would it be?

Thanks again! And best wishes.

Thanks for your comment, Jason! We actually have a few cost guides that you might find helpful when coming up with a rough budget. England: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/england-trip-cost/ Scotland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/trip-to-scotland-cost/ Ireland: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/ireland-trip-cost/

I’m returning to the British Isles in April with my husband & son, as we will be visiting our older son studying in Swansea, Wales. Do you have any recommendations/links for a bed & breakfast or hotel in Swansea and for a bed & breakfast in Dublin, Ireland? Thank you for your kind consideration.

Hi Maggie- My son is graduating from college and we are planning to go to Ireland, Wales and London. We have approximately 2 weeks. We fly into Dublin and will finish up in London. I’m going home then and he’s heading over to the continent for another 10 days before he returns home to Chicago. I’m considering renting a car in Ireland so we can have more flexibility getting to more places “off the beaten path”. Any advice? Thanks!!

Hi Patrice – sounds like you’re planning a really memorable trip! I think that renting a car in Ireland (and in Wales, too) is a great idea as it will give you a lot more flexibility. Hope you have a great time!

Hello Maggie we are 6 people from India all 60 plus of age want to visit London & Countryside in second half of June for around 12 nights what can be best ittenary for the same.My daughter living in London suggested Isle of Wright,Cotswold & Scotland

Wonderful information. I have a 1 week trip to London in August and want to spend 2 days in Ireland. My family is from County Fermanagh but I am not sure I can get that far in such a short time and still enjoy it leisurely. Any must do’s or suggestions?? I am not too interested in Dublin.

Spending 2 days in Ireland will definitely be a bit rushed, especially when you consider travel times. I would recommend planning to visit another time if you’re strapped for time on this trip 🙂

Greetings Maggie! We have a reunion meeting in Belfast on 16-20 Sept 2022. I am flying from New York to Heathrow with connection to Belfast. After the reunion we want to explore Wales and Edinburg and Loch Ness (20-22 Sept) then back to London for return flight to NY. Would appreciate if you could recommend a good itinerary (I don’t drive manual so driving is not for me) taking the ferry from Belfast to Wales and maybe by air to Edinburg (pls suggest the best transport to take). Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Hello Maggie,visiting Europe for the first time- London – Paris – Italy – would love some advise from you Is the Oliver plaza hotel a good choice to stay in London We are considering 3 to 4 days in London ( sight seeing the most famous sites) – traveling to Paris via the eurostar – 4 day stay in Paris- need advise on hotel close to normal sight seeing- then Italy Rome-pissa -Venice- any and all advise is welcome Thanking you in advance for your help! Adriana

Thanks for your super helpful blog! I have just a couple of questions:

– Would you recommend separate car hires for Scottland and Ireland? – If you recommend separate car hires, would you recommend travel to Ireland from Scottland via ferry, or plane?

I am planning a 13 days trip to the UK in January.

I want to understand if I should do both Scotland and Ireland with london.

Please guide.

Hello Maggie, I enjoyed your article. My wife and I are planning a Sept 2023 trip to Scotland/London area. Will spend 14 days or so. Wondering if we fly into a Scottish airport or London on a RT ticket from Seattle, WA? The only thing in England we want to see is Sudeley Castle (family relationship), then it’s off to Scotland for 11-12 days (focused on highlands), probably by train then rental car. We could do Sudeley on front end or back. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Thank you so much for the great info! My husband and I just booked a trip in and out of London from 9/12-10/16. We plan to do 2 weeks in England and a week each in Scotland and Ireland. He has roots in County Cork so we definitely want to go there. Can you help with an itinerary? Since we’re flying in and out of London, do you recommend one week in the city and one week in the countryside? We definitely want to go to Bath. York, Cambridge, Oxford and maybe the Cotswalds? What do you suggest? Also, is there a ferry from Scotland to Ireland and how are the roads in the rural areas of these two countries? We’ve never driven on the UK side of the road. Will we need a car at all in England? Thank you so much! Debbie

I saw you suggested Ireland and Scotland if you only plan to spend 10 days, but what do you think about Ireland and England? I’d love to know your thoughts.

Love your recommendations! We will likely visit England, Scotland and Wales in a three to four week trip. Any thoughts about a brief Wales tour? My ancestors are from Llanddulas and we’ve never been to Wales.

Thanks for the ideas and feedback. This helps stop the head spinning.

One question as we are planning something in June or July 2024 ( I know need to get going), but it will be a family of 3 (2 adults and 1 14YR Old Son). Knowing all cool viewing points will not always be as fun for a 14 year old, any thoughts/suggestions for his consideration?

Hi Tom, maybe plan to spend more time in the cities rather than in the country? There are lots of things that could be of interest to a teenager depending on what your son likes!

Hope you are doing great and thank you for having chat blog which would help travelers like us.

We are a family of three adults and fan of Manchester United. We are planning to travel in September/October to see or 2 matches of Man U then travel to Scotland and Ireland. . I also want to know how could travel to the three places, train or air would be better. We are coming from Singapore. Any tips and guidance for us would be good.

Thank you very much Seli

Hi Selvi, if you don’t want to drive yourself, I’d recommend taking the train from London to Manchester and the same onward to Scotland. Then it’s a quick flight to Ireland 🙂

I am a widower and solo traveller of 76 years old can you recommend a company that would cater to my age group to see england scotland and Ireland, would it be better to take a cruise on small ship or land tour. I want to spend some time in London as well. It’s been thirty years since Ive been there. I realize this may be too much for one trip but not sure I would ever get back. I am not one to organize tours on my own look forward to hearing from you martin taffel

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England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

This 10 day England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland tour gives you the ultimate experience of Great Britain and Ireland. You’ll get to see many highlights of this magical land, including London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin and Cardiff. We’ll travel through the heart of the glorious English countryside, passing beautiful towns like Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the Roman city of York and into areas of outstanding natural beauty, including The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. This England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour departs regularly throughout the year and includes accommodation, breakfasts, some evening meals, driver and more!

To see a full itinerary and available travel dates, see here .

what to expect:

Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace

Day 1 – London

Arrive in London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. You’ll have some time to explore the city, perhaps with a walk along the bank of the River Thames or a visit to one of the museums in Kensington. You might also feel like visiting one of London’s diverse neighbourhoods such as Covent Garden, Westminster, Mayfair or Chelsea.

Hotel: Park Plaza Riverbank

Day 2 – Stratford & York

Leaving London, we’ll head right into the heart of the English countryside, known for its green rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The first stop is the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit the house where Shakespeare was born and grew up, as well as the nearby visitor centre. Departing Stratford, we’ll head up north to the city of York. It’s ancient Roman city walls still stand today, along with the collection of ancient narrow streets, known as The Shambles. Have a stroll through these pretty shopping streets and marvel at York Minster, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Northern Europe.

The evening is spent in the spa town of Harrogate, at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception in the hotel.

On day three of this England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour we’ll slowly work our way further up North. We’ll drive through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site and incredibly beautiful part of England. We’ll see Lake Windermere and travel through countryside which inspired the English poet William Wordsworth. Enjoy an optional extra cruise along the lake, or an optional steam train ride. The drive continues until we head into Scotland and reach Glasgow, the third largest city in the UK. In the evening you have the option to see Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial at night (optional extra).

Accommodation is in the Radisson City Centre Hotel.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Day 4 – Edinburgh

A full day to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer! This is the capital city of Scotland, perched on a hill with stunning views all around. Led by a local specialist, highlights of the day include visiting Edinburgh Castle and seeing the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the beautiful new Scottish Parliament building. In the evening, we return to the same hotel in Glasgow and will have a delicious meal at a local restaurant (included).

Day 5 – Belfast

We’ll head down the Scottish coastline and take a short ferryride across to Northern Island, arriving soon after in Belfast. Belfast is the capital city of Northern Island and we’ll see the City Hall and the place where the Titanic was built. From here, it’s straight to our hotel in Dublin (either Ballsbridge hotel or Mespil hotel)

Day 6 – Dublin

St Patrick’s Cathedral

A full day to explore Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Joined by a local specialist, you’ll get to see many of the highlights of the city including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, the Guinness brewhouse and more! Spend the day soaking up the special and unique Irish culture.

Day 7 – Ireland

Departing Dublin, we head to the Irish National Stud Farm, famous for rearing racehorses. We’ll have a guided tour of the farm, followed by a walk in the Japanese gardens, considered the finest of their kind in the whole of Europe. From here, admire the medieval castle at Kilkenny Castle before some free time for lunch. We then head south to Waterford Crystal, the factory that produces iconic crystal gifts and high-quality glassware.

Evening accommodation at the Marina/Fitzwilton

Day 8 – Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

Day 8 of this England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales tour is spent in Cardiff. We start the day by taking the ferry over the Irish Sea, and head to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Highlights of the city include the Millenium Centre, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle. Dinner is also included, and we’ll eat with a local Welsh family in the beautiful countryside.

Day 9 – Bath & Stonehenge

Cross back into England, and head to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian period architecture. Having explored Bath, we head to Stonehenge, another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its neolithic stone circle. In the evening we return to London, staying at the Park Plaza Riverbank/Park Plaza County Hall.

Day 10 – Depart London

The final day of this England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales tour – say goodbye to your fellow travellers and head home!

further details

Tour includes:

• Breakfasts every day (except day 1)
• Transportation via luxury coach with WIFI and train travel. (As well as a ferry to and from Ireland)
• Driver and separate travel director
• Audio headsets

Tour excludes:

terms and conditions

You might also be interested.

England & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

Essential Britain & Ireland

Tour ireland, scotland, england & wales.

Experience the British Isles on this 9-night guided vacation through Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales!

What's Included

• Round-trip economy class air to London (LHR)
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
• 1 night in London, England at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge or the Hilton London Metropole
• 1 night in Newport, Wales at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor
• 1 night in Waterford, Ireland at the Tower Hotel
• 2 nights in Dublin, Ireland at the Gibson Hotel or North Star Hotel
• 2 nights in Edinburgh, Scotland at the Marriott Courtyard or Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
• 1 night in York, England at the Mercure York Fairfield Manor or the Holiday Inn York
• 1 night in London, England at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge or the Hilton London Metropole
• Visit to Stonehenge & the Roman Baths
• Orientation drive in Cardiff
• Irish Coffee demonstration in Waterford
• Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal
• Visit to Kilkenny Castle
• Orientation drive of Dublin & Belfast
• Edinburgh guided sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle
• Walking Tour of York
• Visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Full English breakfast daily and 3 dinners
• Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach with complimentary Wi-Fi
• Ferry transportation across St. George's Channel and the North Channel
• Services of a professional tour director
• Hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

Please Note:

• August 2 through August 23 Departures - Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket is included
• Your sightseeing may be moved to an alternate day due to events in the city

Great Ways to Explore

Get acquainted with all five countries that make up the British Isles.

• Tour England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England via bus, ferry and foot!

Visit the Roman excavations in Bath and admire the incredible architecture and storied walls.

Enjoy hotels that are close to the action with plenty of transportation links around them.

For departures August 2 - 23, you'll have tickets for the world-renowned 66th annual Military Tattoo in Edinburgh.

Please note:

GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023.  For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.

Start with an overnight in London, then head west to prehistoric Stonehenge and to the extraordinary Roman excavations in Bath. Next, spend a night in Newport, Wales, and travel via Cardiff to Pembroke for a ferry crossing to Ireland, where after dinner you will be welcomed with a typical Irish coffee. Enjoy guided visits of the House of Waterford Crystal, Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca, and St. Kevin’s 6th-century Centre of Irish Christianity in Glendalough. In Dublin, an orientation drive features O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Cross into Northern Ireland, pass the Mountains of Mourne, and stop in vibrant Belfast before boarding a ferry bound for Scotland. 

In the capital city of Edinburgh, guided sightseeing includes a visit to the castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Tickets are included for the world-renowned Military Tattoo on departures August 2 through August 23. Return to England, where you’ll see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, dating back to the 2nd century. Also stop in medieval York to marvel at gothic York Minster. At Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit the Bard’s birthplace, and enjoy an included lunch before returning to London for an overnight and the conclusion of your journey.

Show Detailed Itinerary

Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.

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Please note that some elements called out in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check " What's Included " above for full details on inclusions. As we all go through the recovery together, the fluid nature of this event means some venues and attractions may have restrictions or closures. Please check online resources close to the time of travel to better plan your own day-to-day itinerary.

Day 1. Welcome to London!

Welcome to London! Check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Transfer to London hotel

Park plaza westminster bridge london.

Elegance, luxury, and sophistication - everything that makes the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London so quintessentially English. Relax in this swanky hotel that boasts chic decor, modern amenities, and stunning city views. Settle into your room and find large comfortable beds, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a flat screen TV, and much more. Its central London location makes this hotel your ideal base. Yes, it's true, you can see Big Ben from the hotel entrance!

After a fun day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel and take a dip in the large indoor pool. Didn't do enough walking during the day? Work all your stresses away in the on-site fitness center. Did too much walking? Not to worry. A relaxing massage at the on-site Mandara Spa should do the trick. Pampering yourself is what vacation is all about.

When you work up an appetite, indulge in mouthwatering French cuisine at the on-site Brasserie Joel. Feeling something a bit more exotic? Try the delicious on-site Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar. Be sure to check out the Patisserie for some tasty teas and treats. Spend your evening unwinding at the trendy Primo Bar. Dance the night away, sing along to the live music, and enjoy a delicious craft cocktail. Don't worry, the Espressamente Illy Coffee Bar will be there to make sure you're recharged for your next day of English adventure. 

Hilton London Metropole

Hilton London Metropole • Reception

Hilton London Metropole • Lobby

Hilton London Metropole • Pool

Hilton London Metropole • Guestroom

Hilton London Metropole • Double Room

Hilton London Metropole • Triple Room

This hotel in London offers bright and spacious guest rooms, all with WiFi and modern comforting amenities. Choose a Suite or Executive Room for complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, with continental breakfast and refreshments. Superior Family Rooms, the largest double-double rooms in London, offer adjoining rooms and a babysitting service.

Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant. Savor Asian Fusion favorites and breathtaking views of London at Minako at the Met on the 23rd floor or enjoy exciting sports events in the Sports Bar. Send emails from the WiFi enabled Lounge Bar (charges apply) or sip a latte in the lobby-level Caffe Cino. Work out in the LivingWell Health Club gym and take advantage of Hilton Fitness by Precor weight machines and cardio equipment. Take a swim in the 12.5 meter heated indoor pool. Unwind in the sauna or steam room and treat yourself at Contrasti, the beauty salon.

Day 2. London - Stonehenge - Bath - Newport, Wales

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 am for a memorable day's sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge; explore the stunning new visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. At the elegant Georgian city of Bath, see the amazing excavations of the Roman baths. Then, cross the Severn River for a late-afternoon arrival in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Check-in - Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor

Coldra court hotel by celtic manor.

Escape to the elegant Coldra Court Hotel, located in a quiet suburb right outside Newport's center city. Admire its contemporary decor, soak up its ample natural light, and feel welcomed by its beyond-friendly reception team. Open the door to your room and fall into an immediate state of tranquility and relaxation. Sprawl out on your large cozy bed, catch up on some TV, or use the free WiFi to keep in touch with family and friends.

Unpack your swimsuit and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling 18-meter pool! Unwind in the sauna or work all your stresses away in the fitness center. When you work up an appetite, enjoy relaxed brasserie-style dining at the trendy on-site Seasons restaurant. Clink glasses at the Court Bar as you feel the pleasant breeze on the patio, or cozy up with a coffee around the central fireplace. 

Day 3. Newport - Cardiff - Waterford, Ireland

A morning orientation drive in the Welsh capital features all the major attractions. Continue along the South Wales coast to Pembroke, where your ferry will be waiting. Sail across St. George's Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. After dinner this evening, enjoy a traditional Irish coffee. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Check-in - Tower Hotel-Waterford

Tower hotel-waterford.

The Tower Hotel is located across from Reginals Tower on the Mall, 300 feet from the House of Waterford Crystal and Waterford Museum of Treasures. The hotel is also just a short walk from stores and other local attractions. The Waterford Tower Hotel & Leisure Center is just a little over a 45-minute drive from Dublin and Rosslare Harbor. The hotel is close to some of the nicest golf courses in region, as well as the charming fishing villages of Dunmore East, Passage East and Cheekpoint.

In the heart of Waterford, with wonderful views of the Suir River, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and parking, two restaurants, a riverside bar and swimming pool. The health and fitness center has a well-equipped gym, and a pool which has a separate kiddie's pool. It also boasts a sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. The beauty rooms offer a range of relaxing spa and beauty treatments.

Day 4. Waterford - Dublin

Start your day with a guided tour of the famous House of Waterford Crystal - now that's a gift shop worth checking out!  Enjoy a ride to Dublin, then spend the evening exploring this vibrant city on your own.   (Breakfast)

The Gibson Hotel

The spacious rooms are beautifully designed with a modern, light and airy decor and floor-to-ceiling windows. The air conditioned rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and some have private balconies with city views. Coda Eatery offers stylish yet informal dining with simple, good food made with locally sourced ingredients. The Wine Wall offers a wide range of wines from around the world. There is a fabulous bar terrace, where guests can enjoy a drink and stunning views, and also a modern grounds space for guests to relax in.

The Address Connolly

The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.

The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.

Day 5. Dublin

An orientation drive in Ireland's capital city includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this vibrant city. (Breakfast)

Temple Bar, Dublin

Day 6. Dublin, Ireland - Belfast, Northern Ireland - Edinburgh, Scotland

On your way to Northern Ireland, cross the Boyne River, then skirt the Mountains of Mourne. In Belfast, where the Titanic was built, board your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland's southwest coast and continue through the scenic Scottish border country to Edinburgh. (Breakfast)

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh

Relax in style at the contemporary Courtyard Edinburgh, just steps from Cartlon Hill, Regent Gardens, and Edinburgh's New Town. Walk through the doors of this welcoming hotel and admire its sleek design and modern, yet cozy decor. After checking in with the friendly reception team, head up to your room and open the door to serenity. Sprawl out on your large, plush bed, catch up on some TV, and use the hotel's complimentary WiFi to say hello to family and friends.

Restless from the flight? Burn off some energy in the hotel's immaculate fitness center, then freshen up with an invigorating shower in your sparkling bathroom. When you work up an appetite, make your way down to the  Lantern Room Bar and Restaurant, which offers delicious, locally sourced dishes in an elegant, yet relaxed environment. 

Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street Hotel

Stay in a fine 3-star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center’s popular Princes Street. Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street Hotel has great views of Edinburgh Castle. Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi is available in the 169 stylish guest rooms and throughout the hotel. Scott's on Princes Street is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; as well as for light snacks and drinks. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Edinburgh castle from the hotel. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the Edinburgh Airport Shuttle bus and only 7 minutes walking distance from Waverley train station.

Day 7. Edinburgh

Morning city sightseeing with a local expert introduces you to the 200-year-old _New Town_ and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the _Old Town,_ drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique optional excursion: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. For departure numbers August 2 through August 23, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. (Breakfast)

Old Town and Edinburgh Castle

Day 8. Edinburgh - Jedburgh - York, England

This morning, drive past the abbey ruins at Jedburgh and the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England's most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel

Relax in this elegant 18th century Georgian manor house, which blends modern amenities with old-world style. Settle into your spacious room, take a nap on your large bed, or use the hotel's free high-speed WiFi to map out your day. When it's time to explore, hop on the train and be at York Minster in just minutes!

Back at the hotel, indulge in a delicious meal at the sophisticated on-site brasserie. Choose from a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes that are made with only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. After dinner, sip on a crisp glass of wine in the Garden Lounge, then take a stroll through the lush grounds of this beautiful hotel. 

Holiday Inn York

Standard room • Holiday Inn York

Lounge • Holiday Inn York

Dining • Holiday Inn York

Enjoy a stay at Holiday Inn York, set within lush leafy grounds next to York Racecourse. Wireless Internet is accessible throughout the property including the lobby which is appointed with oak furnishings or the beautiful, tree-lined outdoor patio. The  modern, redbrick hotel is 1.4 miles from York's city walls and 2.1 miles from York Minster cathedral.

146 modern rooms come with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and minibars. Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast, or a pizza or salad for dinner, in Junction Restaurant's contemporary dining room. Relax over a chilled glass of wine or a Starbucks coffee in the open-plan bar, or unwind in your room with 24-hour room service. Other amenities include a tree-lined terrace, kids' playroom, business center and free parking. Kids (ages 12 and under) stay and eat for free.  

Day 9. York - Stratford-Upon-Avon - London

On the last leg of your journey, stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the fascinating Elizabethan town. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and visit Shakespeare's birthplace. Return to London this afternoon around 3:30 pm. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 10. Depart London

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Transfer to London airport (LHR)

We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.

Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Aer Lingus Vacation Store website and may not represent current prices.

Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid Aer Lingus transatlantic services as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.

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Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.

Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details. 

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Wonders of Britain and Ireland

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15 Day Britain and Ireland Tour to York, Edinburgh, Dublin and the Ring of Kerry

15 days, 4 countries and 19 cities

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14 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

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All the highlights and some special travel surprises feature on this in-depth UK and Ireland trip. Feel the pride of the Welsh people, see the seat where Irish kings once ruled and sample a pint of the favorite local brew during a tour of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin.

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15 days itinerary trip from London to London visiting 4 countries and 19 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Bath, Cardiff, Chester, York and Oxford

Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, the Rock of Cashel, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Alnwick Castle, York Minster, Anne Hathaway's cottage and Sir Winston Churchill's grave at Bladon

See St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Georgian Squares in Dublin and the Lake District's magnificent scenery

Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

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2 Weeks in England and Ireland: Trip Itinerary

England and Ireland are two destinations that are easy to fall in love with, and it is so easy to fit both into one trip across the pond! My husband and I loved our two week (13 day) trip, and I’m excited to share our itinerary with you. We spent our days exploring royal palaces in London, attending services in beautiful churches in multiple cities, and adventuring through the beautiful streets of Bath. We relaxed in the countryside, boated down the Avon River, and hiked the beautiful hills of Ireland. Our trip was perfect for us, and I hope you enjoy reading about our experiences.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We only recommend products and services that we love!

If you would prefer to just read about our time in England or Ireland , you check check out these blog posts: How to Spend 6 Days in England and 4 Perfect Days in Ireland . Keep reading for our complete 13 day itinerary!

Highlights of this post that you might be interested in:

• London, England Itinerary

Where to stay near Putney High Street, London

• Bath, England Itinerary
• Taking a Ferry from Fishguard, Wales, to Rosslare, Ireland
• Driving from Wexford to Killarney, Ireland

Where to stay in Killarney, Ireland

• Killarney, Ireland Itinerary
• Taking a train from Killarney, Ireland, to Dublin
• Dublin, Ireland Itinerary
• Taking a Ferry from Dublin, Ireland, to London, England (via Holy Head, Wales)

2 Weeks in England and Ireland: A Perfect Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – london itinerary.

Note about visiting London: If you’re headed to London as a family, you might be interested in: Tips for Visiting London with a Toddler (or a Baby) .

Putney High Street

We landed at Heathrow Airport in the late afternoon. By the time we made it through customs and collected our luggage, it was evening and time to meet our vacation home host. We stayed on Putney High Street, which we loved. The tube was a short 5 minute walk away, and we loved the area. We ate at Gourmet Burger Kitchen and enjoyed walking around the neighborhood before turning in early.

• “Putney Perfect” 3 Bedroom House with Beautiful Interiors- sleeps 5
• “Putney Hill Pad” 3 Bedroom House with a Balcony- sleeps 6
• “Dolby Delight” Spacious 2,153 sq ft 3 Bedroom with a Patio Garden- sleeps 6
• Spacious Contemporary Flat with a Patio- sleeps 3
• Bright 1 Bedroom Flat on the River- sleeps 3
• The Hotel Lodge- Putney
• Putney Hotel, BW Signature Collection
• Mk Hotel London

Day 2 – London

We began our first full day in London by waking up in our cute little apartment on Putney High Street at 3am (which is unfortunately no longer listed, but you can find other lovely apartments on Putney High Street here ). We couldn’t beat the jet lag so we gave in and watched local news on the tele for a few hours while we waited for Sainbury’s to open at 7am so that we could make ourselves breakfast (I was thrilled with the ingredients lists on so many items at Sainbury’s! As someone with food allergies , I found that London overall was really easy to navigate (you can read about my top 10 places to eat gluten-free in London here ). Our apartment was located on top of a Costa Coffee , so we enjoyed a hot drink before heading out for the day.

Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guards

Since we were ready to go bright and early, we headed to Buckingham Palace to grab a great spot for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. This was something that I wanted to see since I was a little girl, and I loved checking it off my bucket list on the first day!

Pro Tip: Arrive early! We arrived about 25 minutes before it started, and we had a front front row view of the ceremony. It was crowded (not something I would recommend to people who struggle with claustrophobia!) – but something I am glad I have witnessed at least once in my life!

Buckingham Palace Road & Hyde Park

After the ceremony, we took our time enjoying Buckingham Palace Road before heading over to Hyde Park . We loved every minute of the beautiful walk and gorgeous flowers in the park.

Fun Tip: Considering seeing Hyde Park by bike! This guided tour will allow you to see several amazing sites in London, including the park, and will help you avoid crowds.

The British Museum

We enjoyed the British Museum for a couple of hours in the afternoon. To be honest, it was a little warm inside (no AC), so paired with our jet leg, we weren’t as awake as we would have liked! When you visit this museum, you’ll want to make time for the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles. They are both beautiful!

The London Eye

That evening we grabbed tickets for the London Eye . This was something we both wanted to do, and we are glad we decided to splurge a little to make it happen. We loved the beautiful views of London and overall loved our experience.

Day 3 – London Itinerary

Notting hill & portobello market.

We started our 2 nd day in London at Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Exploring Portobello Road was near the top of my must-do list, and it did not disappoint! We loved the peaceful walk through Notting Hill. Talk about beautiful homes! The market itself was crowded, and most vendors did not appreciate it when tourists took photos of their inventory without making a purchase, so I avoided that. We bought some delicious street food, a few little souvenirs, and a cute dress for me. We took our time at the market and then explored the side streets more on our way out. We could have spent all day enjoying those lovely streets! It sprinkled a little bit, but we didn’t mind!

Pro Tip: Notting Hill is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in London, so consider booking a local photographer to capture your memories! We are personally big fans of Flytographer and have used their services in several cities around the world (you can read about some of our experiences here and use my referral link for $25 off your first photo shoot). You can also book a professional travel photographer/tour guide here , which looks like another wonderful, high-rated option.

Kensington Palace & Gardens

Then we headed to Kensington Palace – one of the highlights of our trip! We loved exploring the palace, but our favorite memories were actually spent outside enjoying the gardens. So many people skip this portion of the palace, but it was peaceful and something we wouldn’t want to have missed!

When you leave the palace, I highly recommend exiting on Kensington Palace Gardens. This is the street that runs on the west side of the palace, and it is gorgeous (it is the most expensive street in Great Britain). Photos are not allowed to be taken on this street. Stroll slowly and enjoy the beautiful embassies and residencies. They are truly breathtaking.

Fun Tip: Considering booking a Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace for a unique, upgraded experience !

Westminster Abbey

That evening we enjoyed an Evensong service at Westminster Abbey . It was beautiful and fully lived up to our expectations!

Pro tip: When visiting places of worship, attend an actual service. This can save you money on the admission fee (we always give donations but do not need an admission ticket), and you get to truly experience the Abbey (or Cathedral, etc.) in all its beauty. Note that you are not allowed to take photos inside.

Big Ben & the House of Parliament

It took us awhile to make our way to the Abbey, because there was a large political protest going on nearby. Several metro stations were shut down. We originally planned to do the “ Westminster Walk ” before heading to the Abbey, but we didn’t have time. The protests had mostly fizzled out by the time the service was over, so we walked over to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament .

Day 4 – London Itinerary

St. paul’s cathedral.

We started our 3 rd day in London by attending mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral . It was beautiful! (Photos are not allowed inside.) After visiting several cathedrals and abbeys throughout the UK and Ireland, I can happily report that this is my favorite (we returned here on our second trip to London too!). I love the light colors and natural sunshine that flows through the windows of the Cathedral in the morning.

Pro Tip: I mentioned this earlier, but I’ll say it again, because it’s one of my favorite tips for visiting places of worship abroad. Considering attending an actual service. This will give you a true experience and will save you admission costs (donations are appreciated).

Kew Palace & Gardens

After church, we headed by metro to Kew Palace and Gardens , which is located in Richmond, just outside of London. When I researched royal palaces before our trip, it was obvious that many people skip Kew Palace (likely because it is outside the city and easily turns into a day trip). I was fascinated by its history (this is where King George III spent his days after losing the American Colonies) and the beautiful photos of the gardens, and I knew we needed to make it a priority.

There were a fair share of people there that day (it was also Father’s Day), but it was not crowded at all. We loved exploring the castle and the treetop walk in the gardens. We spent the rest of the day there, enjoying their cafes, and exploring the grounds. There is so much see, so be sure to schedule at least half of day here if you add it to your itinerary. Overall, this was one of my favorite destinations on our trip to London.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my post on Visiting London for the Second Time and Parenthood4ever’s post on Free Things to do in London !

Day 5 – Bath, England Itinerary

Traveling from london to bath.

We left by train for Bath from Paddington Station at 7:30am. The train was absolutely packed. We spent the 1 st hour of the trip standing with our luggage in between train cars, before train seats opened up (it was totally our fault for leaving London at rush hour!). We loved the passing view of the English countryside from the train, and decided that we would love to eventually road trip through England (which we did on our next trip! Read about that here !).

Our Cottage in the Village of Southstoke

We arrived in Bath at 10:25am and headed straight to our vacation rental (which unfortunately isn’t listed anymore, but you can fine other amazing rentals in Bath here ). We wanted to drop off our luggage before heading to downtown Bath. Our adorable cottage was located in the village of Southstoke, a couple miles outside of Bath. Our host sent us suggestions for getting there, which including walking directions and bus directions. We opted to walk there, because the directions said it was just two miles from the train station. We thought we would enjoy the beautiful views and cobblestone streets, and then take the bus back into Bath later. We never found out what happened exactly- but the walk was much longer than 2 miles, and it took us almost 3 hours total (which included a 1 hour lunch break stop to refuel). (When we met our hosts later that night, they were shocked when we told them that we had walked there and had no idea that their check-in instructions gave that recommendation.)

Our feet were sore and we couldn’t wait to dump our luggage (thankfully, we traveled with backpacks!), but we knew it was all worth it once we crested the hill into Southstoke. We felt like we has stepped back in time a couple hundred years. We immediately fell in love with our destination. The overall hike was totally unexpected, and we missed our 2pm walking tour of Bath as a result, but we still laugh about our adventure. It made our overall trip to Bath more memorable, and we loved the gorgeous countryside views along the way. That being said- we learned a valuable lesson. We will always map walking directions/distance on our own before we head somewhere on foot again. 🙂

Where to stay in Bath, UK

• Luxury Penthouse in Bath City Centre- sleeps 2
• Luxury Heritage Apartment with Georgian Architecture- sleeps 6
• Luxury 1 Bedroom in the Heart of Bath- sleeps 2
• Boutique Chic Apartment in Bath City Centre- sleeps 4
• Georgian Town House in Central Bath- sleeps 10
• 18th Century Cottage in Wollard, Bath- sleeps 3
• No. 15 by GuestHouse in Bath Hotel
• The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa
• The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Our cottage was an adorable little garden hut with a magical, breathtaking view. Unfortunately, our hosts moved shortly after our stay, so this hut isn’t available for rent anymore. But I highly recommend looking into Southstoke for other accommodations . Downtown Bath is wonderful, but it did not beat the gorgeous views in Southstoke.

The Bath Abbey & Tower Tour

After enjoying the peaceful view in the country for awhile and freshening up, we walked to the nearby bus stop and rode back into town (and laughed about how quick and easy the trip was). Since we missed our walking tour, we headed straight to the Bath Abbey for a late afternoon Tower Tour. It was incredible! The Abbey itself was immaculate.

On the Tower Tour, we climbed several flights of stairs, learned about the history of the Abbey, and climbed behind the clock. The tour ended with the most incredible view of Bath from the Abbey’s rooftop. If you are able to climb stairs and are ok with some tight spaces, I highly recommend this tour!

The Abbey Church Yard, Dinner, & Tea with the Locals

By the time our tour was over, most of Bath was closed up for the evening (museums, shops, etc.). We enjoyed ice cream in the Abbey Church Yard (a large courtyard) and strolled the streets before eating dinner at “ Lamb & Lion ” (bangers and mash, anyone?).

We headed back to our cottage (by bus this time!) and met our hosts for the first time. They were lovely! They invited us into their kitchen for tea and biscuits. It was a lot of fun to hang out with locals. We discussed travel and American & British politics, and it was lovely to hear how they viewed our nation.

Day 6 – Bath Itinerary

The roman & medieval baths.

The next morning, we went to the Roman and Medieval Baths (you probably don’t want to miss this if Bath is on your itinerary). This is what makes Bath famous (and gives it its name). We spent a few hours here, enjoying the history. While it wasn’t the highlight of our trip to Bath, we did love it. It’s a must-see in Bath!

Boating on the River Avon

After lunch, we went to the Bath Boating Station and rented a Victorian-style wooden rowboat. We spent two glorious hours on the River Avon. If you enjoy boating of any kind (canoeing, kayaking, etc.), then I cannot recommend this experience enough! It doesn’t make the list for most tourists, but we always seek out these opportunities when we travel, and they make up our favorite memories. My husband did most of the rowing while I steered us. I really cannot put into words how peaceful, beautiful, and romantic the whole experience was.

Pulteney Weir & Bridge

We spent the rest of our evening exploring Pulteney Weir and Bridge and the beautiful homes/streets in the city. Again, the attractions and business in Bath close early, so we soaked up as much of the outdoor beauty of the city as we could before heading back to our garden hut for one final night.

Day 7 – Traveling to Rosslare, Ireland

We woke up early in Bath and took a train to Fishguard, Wales , where we grabbed lunch at a local pub before taking the Stena Line ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland . It was a very fun, positive experience! It was chilly on the deck (most people stayed inside the ship), but we hung out for hours outside. We loved enjoying the beautiful views. While it is popular to take a flight between the two locations, we are so glad we decided to take the ferry, and I highly recommend it.

We docked in Rosslare, Ireland , in the evening, and we stayed in a local hotel in Rosslare . The room was perfectly clean, but we were a little surprised at how little there was in the surrounding area. There were a few places within walking distance to eat dinner but options were slim.

Where to stay in Rosslare, Ireland

• Ferryport House B&B
• Hotel Rosslare

Day 8 – Killarney, Ireland Itinerary

Driving from wexford to killarney.

The next morning, we woke up early and too a bus to Wexford , where we picked up our rental car . We arrived in Killarney in the late afternoon, after driving across Ireland.

The drive across Ireland was magical and was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Ireland was just as green as I had envisioned. Photos and videos cannot do it justice. We stopped for lunch in a tiny town where we were the only tourists in the only open pub (the owner even kicked a few regulars out of their seats for us- which was a little awkward but amusing at the same time). We enjoyed our first true Irish lunch (I had bangers and mash) before continuing on our beautiful road trip. Without stops, the drive took 3 hours and 15 minutes. My husband is a total stud and rocked the whole driving a manual on the opposite side of the car/road thing. We passed countless rolling, green hills and few gorgeous castles along the way.

Pro Tip: I highly recommend renting your own car if at all possible. I realize that many people are not comfortable with this, but if you are up for the challenge, I cannot recommend it enough! It was lovely to move at our own pace, experience local culture, and stop whenever we wanted to enjoy the view.

• Luxury Historic Manor on 68 Acre Private Estate- sleeps 14
• 2 Bedroom Apartment with Private Grounds- sleeps 4
• Killarney Railway Hostel
• The Victoria Hotel in Killarney
• The International Hotel Killarney
• Muckross Park Hotel & Spa
• Old Weir Lodge Killarney

Lodging – The Killarney Railway Hostel

When we arrived in Killarney, it was late in the afternoon and we checked into our lodging- the Killarney Railway Hostel . This was the only hostel we stayed in during our entire trip (the rest of the time we stayed in vacation homes and a couple of hotels). VRBO pickings were slim during our stay, so we opted for a private room in this hostel, which had great reviews. Parking was tight – they had only a handful of spots and they were tiny. One spot was open and it took my husband awhile to squeeze our rental car in, but we made it! (Note: When we returned to the hostel later that night, after we explored Dingle Peninsula, there were not any spots available. We had to park in a public parking lot in downtown Killarney, which was nearby, and walk back to the hostel.)

We opted for the private double bed option, which slept two and had a private bathroom. The hostel had a very rustic feel, and our private bedroom made it feel like a hotel. The room had two beds- one double and one twin, so my husband and I slept together in the double.

Overall, we were really happy with our stay. In true hostel form, it was loud at night with people walking down the hallway, but my husband and I are both deep sleepers and didn’t have any problems with it.

The shared kitchen was nice and spacious, with plenty of refrigerator space. We made breakfast there on our first morning, but we were not able to access it on our second (and last) morning there. The kitchen was locked up at night, and we had to leave before it opened to catch our 7:36am train to Dublin. We couldn’t find an open breakfast spot in town that early either, so I had to eat chips for breakfast (I have several food allergies , so allergen-friendly snacks are a must when I travel!).

Overall, I would highly recommend a private room in the Killarney Railway Hostel , if you’re ok with a little noise. The staff were all friendly and helpful, and we paid 5 Euro to have them wash and dry a load of laundry for us while we were out exploring. We were thankful for that service!

Dingle Peninsula

By the time we checked into our hostel, it was late afternoon. A lot of the major Killarney attractions were closing soon for the day, but we were ready to explore! We headed out for a couple hours in our rental car for the Dingle Peninsula . (The drive around Dingle Peninsula is about 30 miles, and you must drive it in clockwise direction.)

Pro Tip: You don’t want to miss Dingle Peninsula, so if you don’t rent your own car, consider booking a guided tour !

It was so fun . Because it was later in the day, almost all of the tourists were gone. We didn’t see any tour buses, and we only saw 1 or 2 cars on our drive. We loved having the tiny little roads to ourselves!

It started raining, which made our experience that much more fun. We stopped several times to take in the beauty of Ireland and enjoyed the scenery with awe. We fell in love with the view!

Day 9 – Killarney, Ireland Itinerary

Gap of dunloe.

We began the next day by driving to the Gap of Dunloe , which turned out to be the most stunning destination that I have ever traveled to. I really mean it. It was absolutely gorgeous, and it left us breathless. We never wanted to leave, and we wound up spending several hours here (longer than we expected and planned for), because we could not pull ourselves away.

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass in Killarney. There are several lakes, countless rolling green hills, adorable sheep, and authentic cottages in the area. Although it is considered a popular tourist attraction, I have found that many people skip this when visiting Killarney. Please, do yourself a favor, and do not skip it! If you only visit one destination in Killarney, pick this! There are several amazing guided tours that will take you here as well.

You can rent a jaunting car (a horse-drawn cart with a guide- called a ponyman), but we chose to walk the gap. We took our time and explored as much as we could. We relaxed by the streams, enjoyed walking alongside the friendly sheep, and took in as much beauty as possible. We got lucky with perfect, sunny weather.

We ate a late lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage , which is located at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe. It’s been family-run for 150 years. We loved their cheesecake! It was difficult to leave the Gap of Dunloe, but there were a few other sites in Killarney that we wanted to see, so we managed to pull ourselves away. (You can enjoy more of our photos from the Gap of Dunloe in this post.)

Ross Castle

After lunch we drove to Ross Castle , which was beautiful! It was built in the 1400s, and it is open the public now for guided tours. We are really glad we decided to go inside – we learned so much about Killarney history and life for all the social classes. (Spoiler alert- even the wealthy didn’t live very glamorous lives!)

The grounds are stunning and it was well worth our time to explore the outside of the castle. It is right next to Lough Leane (also known as Killarney’s lower lake). We saw several people out on the lake on hired boats , and we decided that we need to make time for that next time we go to Killarney!

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall at the bottom of Torc Mountain. We did our research and knew that the best views were from the bottom, so we opted out of doing the hiking trail to the top of the mountain (we knew we wouldn’t have enough time in the day to do it all- sadly!).

The waterfall did not disappoint! It was pretty crowded compared to the Gap of Dunloe, but we still had a great experience. People often see red deer here. We didn’t, but I imagine that it would make the experience that much more beautiful!

We originally planned to visit the Muckross House as well, but we decided to skip it after arriving at the Gap of Dunloe. We wanted to see it all, but we knew we would enjoy ourselves much more if we took everything slowly and truly enjoyed our experiences, rather than rushing from one place to the next.

That evening, we returned our rental car (which turned out to be a very difficult task- I’ll blog about it soon!) and then enjoyed dinner at a local pub. My husband drank Murphy’s Irish Stout here for the first time (a bartender’s recommendation), and it has been his favorite ever since (thank you, Trader Joe’s, for selling it here in California!). We were excited to visit Dublin the next day but we were so sad to leave Killarney! We agreed that 36 hours wasn’t enough time, and we will absolutely return again!

Day 10 – Dublin, Ireland Itinerary

Getting from killarney to dublin.

We caught a 7:36am train from Killarney to Dublin . The trip took about 3 hours with stops (we arrived at 10:45am). There were several political events taking place in Dublin that day (it was a Saturday), so the city was particularly busy. After arriving, we had to take a bus to the nearest DART station, where we waited for about 25 minutes (we were expecting the DART system to be more like the Underground in London, but the trains are not as frequent).

We rented a vacation home in Killiney , a nearby suburb. It was just 10 miles from the city, but it took much longer to get there than we had imagined. Our hosts were lovely and picked us up from the Glenageary DART station, which was a few minutes from their house. Our flat was wonderful! It was a one bedroom apartment, attached to a main house. It had a comfortable bedroom, a full kitchen (with a washer/dryer), a bathroom, and a nice living area. Even though we had a nice stay there, we will stay closer to the city next time.

In total, it took us 3 hours to get from the train station to our flat, and by that time we were pretty exhausted from our late night/early morning/half day of travel. Dublin itself was packed and public transportation was slow with all the events of the day, so we made the decision to explore the suburb of Killiney instead. This was not in our initial plans, but it was a decision that were both content with.

Killiney Hill Park & Killiney Hill

We set out on foot and enjoyed lunch at the Killiney Shopping Centre. We took our time with food and drinks and stopped by the market for some groceries so that we could cook later on. It was sprinkling, but we didn’t mind!

We walked to Killiney Hill Park, which turned out to be beautiful! We really had no idea how much Killiney had to offer, and we were glad we decided to explore it. Then we climbed Killiney Hill, which is one of two hills that form a boundary of Dublin Bay. The view from the top of the hill is amazing ! We had a great view of Dublin (to the northeast), and on a clear day, you can see the Irish Sea and Wales to the southeast. It was cold and rainy so we didn’t get to see Wales, but we loved every minute. We took our time, explored, and enjoyed the view well into the evening.

Where to stay in Dublin, Ireland

• Apartment in the Heart of the City with River Views- sleeps 4
• Stunning Penthouse in the Heart of Dublin- sleeps 4
• 2 Bedroom Apartment with Panoramic Sea Views- sleeps 4
• Beautiful Garden Mews on Historic Property- sleeps 4
• Newly Restored Red Brick Apartment- sleeps 4
• Temple Bar Inn
• Temple Bar Hotel
• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Day 11 – Dublin Itinerary

Kilmainham gaol.

We woke up the next morning early, ready for a full day in Dublin. We decided to go to Kilmainham Gaol first, because it was at the top of both of our must-see lists. Kilmainham Gaol was a jail, now run by the Office of Public Works. It was used for many years by the British to jail Irish revolutionaries throughout history.

If you love history, then this is a MUST SEE! We were there for several hours, so it was a big time commitment, but it was the highlight of our time in Dublin. My husband and I both loved every minute of it. You have to take a guided tour if you want to really see it, and it did not disappoint. We learned a lot about Irish history and explored jail cells and common areas. It really was fascinating!

Dublin Castle

Then we headed to Dublin Castle ! We decided to walk so that we could see more of the city. We still laugh about this, because we totally got lost. We were expecting the castle to be a bit more obvious- like the palaces in London. We literally walked right by the castle’s courtyard wall and didn’t realize it!

When we finally realized that were right next to it, we went in and enjoyed its beauty! The inside was beautiful, but it was really the courtyard that we loved the most.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

We decided to attend a “Choir of Angels” service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral , and it was beautiful! The Cathedral and its grounds were stunning. Keep in mind that you often cannot take photos inside churches, particularly during service times.

Pro Tip: You can avoid Cathedral/Abbey entry fees by attending services, rather than open admission hours; we always give a donation, but we feel like we get to truly experience these places without paying for standard admission.

Temple Bar Square

By this time, it was evening, so we headed to Temple Bar Square for dinner. We were hoping to make it to their book market (open on Sundays until 6pm), but we just missed it. We still enjoyed exploring the area. We had decided to skip the Guinness Storehouse earlier that day, so my husband enjoyed a Guinness at a local bar. We did some souvenir shopping and took our time enjoying the culture.

We also witnessed a bar fight! One man broke a bottle over another man’s head in front of a bar. It was quite the sight and an interesting end to our time in the square! Thankfully, everyone seemed to be ok, and it ended with the first man being arrested and the second getting checked out by (what appeared to be) paramedics.

Day 12 – Dublin/London

Getting from dublin, ireland, to london, england.

Day 12 was a long travel day for us. We woke up early and made our way to Dublin Port, where we took the Stena Line back to the UK (this time we went to Holyhead, Wales). From there, we took a train back to London . We checked in at the London City Hotel (on Borough High Street) for our last night. We walked around Cheapside and along the River Thames. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner and some shopping.

Day 13 – London Itinerary

Tower of london.

On our last day, we enjoyed one final full English breakfast at the cute bistro underneath our hotel. We got an early start at the Tower of London , where we started with the Crown Jewels (and beat the crowds!). This day was uncharacteristically warm in London (mid 80s F), so we appreciated the air conditioning!

Tower Bridge

After, we enjoyed walking across the Tower Bridge and then did some clothes shopping in Cheapside. We purposely waited to shop until our last day, so that we didn’t add too much to our luggage at the beginning of our trip.

Pro Tip: Do what we did on our second trip to London , and go inside Tower Bridge to walk across the glass floor over the River Thames.

We left London, hesitantly, that evening and traveled back to California (with a long layover in Moscow, Russia). We absolutely loved our time in England and Ireland and immediately started dreaming of going back.

I hope you enjoyed our perfect itinerary for 2 weeks in England and Ireland. If you have ever done a trip like this, I would love to hear how you chose to spend your time. If you haven’t been yet, what are you looking forward to the most?

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73 comments, laura pedlar.

You had an epic time and packed so much into your two week trip! London is a great city, i could Go back each time and still see something new. Have never been to notting hill so may make a point of going next time. Ive nEver visited Ireland and it looks so beautiful from your photos, i really need to book a trip!

I completely agree- there is so much to do in London. We are going back in a few months, and I have a long list of new things to explore. I highly recommend Ireland. It’s beautiful! I see that you love to cruise, so maybe you would enjoy a cruise of the British Isles. I know a few people who have done it and LOVED it!

Linda Healey

Unbelievable!! Loved reading about your trip. We had a trip planned so similar to your that someone would have sworn we collaborated!! Our trip was cancelled due to covid but we will rebook once the pandemic has passed and travel is safe once more. We will spend 16 total days but 14 nights, 7 in England and 7 in Ireland. In addition to just about everything you did we are adding Cornwall and Dartmoor National Park and maybe a side trip from Bath to the Cotswolds. We can’t wait!! Thanks again for sharing!!

Wow…. you guys sure covered some serious ground! That is a massive list of things you did in the 2 weeks trip to England and Ireland! But it lays out well perfectly so definitely bookmarking! Love all the things you did in London and I totally agree about feeling claustrophobic at the changing of the guards. We opted to stand towards the back. Although the view was of course limited, I didn’t fancy being crushed by tourists. Love the markets. They are the best! I have never been to Ireland but sooooo high on our list!

It was a great trip! Yes, the changing of the guard can be so crowded! I’m glad we witnessed it at least once though. 🙂 I hope you make it to Ireland soon! It’s breathtaking there!

Debjani lahiri

Wow, thats an amazing itinerary of UK. i AM PLANNING A TRIP TO UK IN NEXT OCT WOULD DEFINITELY BOOKMARK YOUR ARTICLE FOR MY FUTURE REFERENCE.

I hope it helps you out when planning your trip next year. Enjoy! 🙂

It’s must have been great to WITNESS the Changing Of the Guard Ceremony at Buckhingam Palace. I wish I knew about the ceremony last time I visited. The Kensington Palace Gardens looks really gorgeous. The landscapes of dingle peninsula and gap of dunloe are so beautiful too! Iam surely going to keep your guide next time I visit England and Ireland to make sure I check out all these places.

I am glad you enjoyed this post! 🙂

What an awesome itinerary! I really didn’t think one could cover so much in just two weeks! I’m preparing for a UK trip in a couple of months and I’m so glad I came across this post.

Enjoy your trip! Believe it or not, we actually took is pretty “slow”. Our pace was perfect for seeing a lot but not feeling too rushed.

Archana Singh

Your article brought back my old memories of visiting the UK nad Ireland several times. These are the places i visited too. My favourite was Killarney. However, I ened up staying there for two weeks 😛

I bet it was wonderful to spend two weeks in Killarney!

I so want to visit england! i have met some great people from there and it just seems beautiful. your pics and list just make it that more desirable! thanks for your post.

It’s a beautiful place! full of history and gorgeous destinations!

Wow this trip seems perfect! You relly hit all the highlights of both places. I will have to keep this in mind for a futUre trip idea.

Thanks for sharing!

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Parnashree Devi

WHAT A TRIP IT WAS FOR YOU. I WAS TRAVELLING WITH VITUALLY. LONDON IS DREAM FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO VISIT LONDON AND EXPLORE THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS. I AM SURE HOW IT MUST HAVE BEEN FELT WHEN YOU SEE THE GLIMPSES OF ROYAL LIFESTYLES WHILE VISITING BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE GARDENS. NOTTING HILL IS ON MY LIST TOO FOR THE LOVE OF THE MOVIE. BUT IF ANYTHING JUST AMAZED ME IS IRELAND AND ITS BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES. I AM IN LOVE WITH GAP OF DUNLOE. I CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT IT SOON. AND YOU GUYS ARE LOOKING SO ADORABLE IN ALL THE PICTURES. KEEP TRAVELLING

Thank you! I am so glad that you enjoyed this post! 🙂

I think that this is a really fab itinerary! I lived in England for a while and all of these places are so familiar. Well, the ones in England anyway! I never got to Ireland, but I’m looking at going there next year! I love your photos – it looks like you had a really wonderful time.

Thank you! It was wonderful!

Carla Natali

I´m definitely bookmarking this for when i return to London, you were able to do so much…probably because you planned thing out so much better than I did!

I enjoy planning our trips before we leave, but I think it’s great to also be flexible and make changes while we are there! 🙂

Denise Hendrick

So many great ideas! I was just in London for a week and missed most of your list except kensington palace. I guess I better go back 😉

I bet your trip was amazing. But, yes, now you have an excuse to go back again soon! 🙂

I love your mix of major landmarks And quieter moments just enjoying the countryside. I always love the idea of long international trips, but i hate being carted around so much that you cannot actually appreciate where you are.

Yes, it’s so important to take time to slow down while on vacation!

Wow you really covered everything! Great itinerary. I loved Bath!

Bath is so great!

Such a nice itinerary! I lived in London for 6 months on an internship and thought I did a great job at exploring, but every post I see shows me something I missed. I keep having to remind myself that it would take years to see all of the UK. (I was also too nervous to rent a car, so everywhere I went was via public transport.)

Looks like you had a fantastic trip. 🙂 I love it when people enjoy London.

Oh, I bet you were able to enjoy so much of London during those 6 months though. We are heading back again soon, and I look forward to exploring new things. I understand your nervousness about renting a car. My husband is usually our driver when we are abroad, but I think I might give it a change on this next trip to the UK. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words!

Euro travel coach

What a wonderful itinerary! We’ve been to most of these places and loved every minute. It’s so great to see a new, fresh perspective. Lovely post and wonderful holiday. Thanks for sharing and congrats on expanding your family!

Thank you for your kinds words! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed reading through our itinerary! We are headed back soon, and next time our baby will be with us!

Oh my goodness…you saw so many amazing things. Great round up sights and itinerary to pack them in to planning.

It was amazing! 🙂

Chelsea Sipe

Ireland is on my list, so I’m saving this for when we plan that trip. So many awesome ideas and tips!

I hope you get to go soon! 🙂

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you! ;p In all seriousness, WOW!!! You got to experience so much in only 2 weeks! I’m impressed! I was just talking to my husband about wanting to go to Ireland someday. My fingers are crossed!

Haha! I HIGHLY recommend Ireland. It is so breath-taking! I hope you get to go one day SOON. 🙂

Well I have never been to London or Ireland and now I am convinced I need to go!! What a great itinerary jam packed with amazing things to do and see 😉

Yes- both are worth a visit!

Amazing! Love this! It’s so detailed and it lays out so many things perfectly! Thanks for this!

Thank you! So glad!

Olivia Thibault

England and especially Ireland are definitely on my bucketlist! The pictures I see in Ireland just look sooo unreal!

Beautiful photos and awesome travel diary from your trip!

xoxo Olivia http://www.ourwanderingmind.com

Thank you for stopping by! I highly recommend both destinations. They are so beautiful!

I love the pictures. Seems a tiring but a beautiful vacation. I can wait to see the Ireland.

Thank you! It actually wasn’t tiring! We went at a nice pace, and it was very relaxing overall! 🙂

This looks incredible! Saving for inspo when I finally plan a trip to Europe!

I am so glad! I hope you make it there soon! 🙂

Great itinerary, theres so much to do in both countries that it’s hard to fit everything in. The pictures look awesome!

I agree! ♥️ So much to see!

What an amazing road trip you must have had! You visited all the great things in London and the places you went to in Ireland look so beautiful, especially the Gap of Dunloe! I really want to go now haha!

I highly recommend it! It’s one of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever been to! ♥️

What a great itinerary! It looks like you all really made the most of your time there. I will definitely be referencing this whenever we eventually make it back to Europe!

Wonderful! Hope you make it there soon! 🙂

What an amazing trip! So much fun packed in. One of the things that I loved reading about was the changing of the guard. That is definitely something I would like to see in the future.

Thanks for sharing your adventures. It gives me inspiration!

I hope you enjoy an adventure soon! 🙂

This is an awesome itinerary – it sounds like you got to experience a lot during your two weeks! England and Ireland are two of my favorite places and reading this makes me really want to go back!

Thank you! It was a wonderful experience!

Such an awesome itinerary! Your Ireland pics are especially beautiful and make me so excited to visit one day! I can’t get over how little their roads look!

The roads were very small compared to what we are used to in the USA! 🙂 It was a wonderful trip!

This is so gorgeous – Bath is one of my favourite places (and where my grandmother lives) so I already know it pretty well, but I’m now absolutely pining for a quick hop over the Irish sea to check out some of this gorgeous scenery!

What a lovely place to live!

Ireland looks amazing – I really need to return and see more of the country!

It is certainly beautiful! I feel the same way- I would love to see more!

Looks beautiful! Your Airbnb was charming!

So beautiful and so charming! 🙂

Lucy Tomczynski

Loved seeing these ideas! Planning for this June with our kids (18 and 15) this I a great itinerary and pace. What time of year did you go?

This particular itinerary is based on a trip we took in June. I think it is the perfect month, because it isn’t too cold or hot! Have a WONDERFUL time, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 🙂

Ankita Sharma

What an incredibly well-detailed and captivating trip itinerary! Your “2 Weeks in England and Ireland” post is a treasure trove of valuable information for anyone planning a similar journey. Thank you for sharing this post with us.

Thank you so much, and I’m so glad you found this helpful! Enjoy your adventure!

Shikha Sharma

This article about these places is well written and the photos in your post are amazing. I’ve never been to London but I’m planning to go there hopefully. Your step-by-step guide is amazing, and I will try to follow this guide.

I hope you make it to London soon! It is truly an amazing city!

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Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

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From modern to medieval and green to Gothic, explore the best of Great Britain and Ireland’s landscapes and landmarks.

Our travelers love this tour as their first time out of the country—or as an energetic way to experience as much of England, Scotland, and Ireland as they can. No wonder it’s one of our most popular trips. You’ll launch your Anglophile adventure in cosmopolitan London, where you’ll get to meet Big Ben and the Tower of London before boarding a train through the hilly English countryside to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, let the Georgian and Victorian architecture transport you back in time through cobblestone streets. Finish your trip with a feast for the eyes as you ferry to Ireland’s cliffs, swathed in a hundred hues of green. And, if London’s calling you, take the early arrival option and enjoy two more days in the city to explore its rich heritage—and rank your favorite chip shops.

Your tour package includes

• 10 nights in handpicked hotels
• 10 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 6 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

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An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to London today.

Welcome to England! If you arrive between noon and 6 p.m., we recommend you treat yourself to afternoon tea—the traditional British meal of cakes, biscuits, dainty sandwiches, and, of course, tea.  

Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine. 

London’s been settled for almost 2,000 years, and its history winds through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking rule. Your guided tour takes you through the relics, landmarks, and stories of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city of contrasts. 

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square commemorating the British naval victory over France and Spain in 1805. Keep your eye out for the square’s four bronze lion statues guarding Nelson’s Column, as well as the National Gallery art museum. 
• Gaze up at the dome and spires of St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill. The Anglican cathedral, once the tallest building in London, has held services for state funerals, jubilee celebrations, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.  
• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations since 1066 and the final resting place of William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, and many other luminaries.  
• View the city’s defining landmarks, including Big Ben—the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster and London’s unofficial calling card. You’ll also pass the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels of England, but also lions and a polar bear during its time as a menagerie of exotic wild animals.  
• Take in the contrast of old and new when you pass by Tower Bridge, the largest bascule bridge ever completed at the time, and the London Eye—the larger-than-life observation wheel that’s quickly become symbolic of the city.  
• Stop by Buckingham Palace, the royal residence in London where you may catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony—just look for the distinctive red tunics and tall bearskin caps.  

Can’t get enough of castles and kings? Add the excursion to Windsor Castle for a fascinating peek into the royal goings-on at the world’s longest-inhabited castle, as well as the historic market town of Windsor. 

Not joining the excursion? Enjoy a free afternoon in London to shop and dine in posh Covent Garden in the West End or head to Shoreditch for its vibrant art and street food scene. Your Tour Director is also your go-to source for recommendations.  

Windsor Castle

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Journey by train through the English countryside and past the lochs—or lakes—and rolling hills of Scotland. Watch ancient castles, cathedrals, and villages drift in and out of view as the train winds to your destination in Edinburg.  

Tonight, sit down with your fellow travelers for an included dinner, served with beer or wine. 

Please note: Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage.   

Nestled between the rivers Almond and Esk, Edinburgh emerges from a series of hills and rocky ridges, earning its nickname Athens of the North. Get to know the Scottish capital and all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

• View the elegant, dramatic neoclassical and Georgian architecture in New Town. The ornate sandstone and granite structures surrounding oasis-like gardens and green spaces became a model for European urban planning.
• Contrast New Town’s grace with Old Town’s rustic Royal Mile, which runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace—the official residence of British monarchs in Scotland. Here, you’ll cross moody narrow streets and alleys, known as “closes,” flanked by brooding stone buildings and timeworn cathedrals.
• Pass the towering Sir Walter Scott monument—paying homage to the Ivanhoe and Rob Roy scribe—one of the largest monuments devoted to an author in the world.
• Ascend to Castle Rock and enter Edinburgh Castle. Standing on an extinct volcano at the top of the Royal Mile, it houses the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone—in use since the 13th century for coronation of the monarchs of England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom.

Looking to be swept away by the wild romance of the Scottish Borders region? Add an excursion and join fellow literature lovers for a quest to the home of Sir Walter Scott and the Gothic ruins of Melrose Abbey.

Prefer to see more of Edinburgh? Use your free afternoon in the city to go back and wander the winding streets of Old Town. If you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps consider a spooky stroll through the tunnels that weave underneath the city. Of course, there’s always tucking into a booth in a cozy cafe and lingering over tea and shortbread.

Please note: The order of today's activities are subject to change.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

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Travel through the jewel-green landscapes of Northern England, stopping along the way to enjoy a break in one of the Lake District’s charming towns. This seductive side of England has inspired adventure seekers and poets alike with its mountainous landscape, lakes, and peat bogs. 

Then, continue to Liverpool and enjoy a free evening in the city to unwind by the waterfront or add a fab (four) excursion down memory (and Penny) lane with a visit to the Beatles Story Museum.  

Travel through northern Wales and stop in the village of Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch, which is the longest-named place in Europe. Then, continue to Holyhead and board a ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. 

As soon as you step off the ferry in Dublin, you’ll understand dramatist Lady Gregory’s claim that “I feel more and more the time wasted that is not spent in Ireland.” You’ll take a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local guide and get a taste of the country’s rich history and craic—that trademark acerbic banter.  

• Stop in Phoenix Park, an expanse of woodlands, sprawling lawns, the occasional fallow deer, and site of the presidential residence. You’ll also pass by the Guinness Brewery and should you find yourself with a pint of the famous brew in hand, remember to sip it slowly. 
• Step inside the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, and gaze up at its stained-glass windows shimmering with depictions of biblical scenes and saints. 
• Feast your eyes on the verdant and flowering landscaping throughout St. Stephen’s Green, a peaceful retreat, and admire the ivy-covered Georgian architecture of Merrion Square as you go. 
• See Trinity College, alma mater of notables from Oscar Wilde to Samuel Beckett, and walk past Grafton Street to the Molly Malone statue. Hum the traditional Irish song dedicated to this figure of local folklore before continuing to the Temple Bar district’s lined with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets buzzing with street performers and artisans.  

If the Temple Bar district has you clamoring for more quintessential Irish merriment, join the excursion for a dinner and a showcase of the thundering rhythms and precise footwork of Irish dance.   

Prefer a quieter night? Use your free time this evening for a sunset stroll along the River Liffey, or head to Ha’Penny Bridge for a breathtaking nighttime view of the city.  

Traditional Irish Dinner & Show

Resume your journey through the Emerald Isle today. You’ll roll through lush green landscapes, storybook villages, and the farmlands that dot Ireland’s countryside.  

• Make a photo stop at the famed Rock of Cashel in County Tipperrary, an ancient fortification surrounding a medieval cathedral standing above the limestone outcrops. 
• Gain the gift of gab — or so the legends promise — when you enter Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. 

Continue to County Kerry and sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine. 

Set out on the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery as it winds around the Iveragh Peninsula. Expect your breath to catch with every rugged mile of coastal vistas and windswept beaches.  

• Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney in Killarney National Park and gaze across Dingle Bay. On a clear day, the lakes’ crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding forests and hills. 
• Try not to blink so you won’t miss a moment of the ever-changing views of mountains, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Explore the quaint villages that line the Ring of Kerry, including the village of Sneem, with its candy-colored storefronts. 

This morning, travel north to walk the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Perched along Ireland’s west coast, the weathered cliffs extend for about five miles and are marked by jagged rock formations and abundant birdlife. Walking close to the cliffs’ edge is a thrilling but dizzying experience due to the sheer drop, but you can rest assured that the view’s just as good from the well-maintained walking paths.  

Continue to Dublin this afternoon and celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

Board your overnight flight to London today. 

Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow early arrival travelers as you enjoy a welcome drink this evening. 

Exclusively offered on this tour for our early arrivals, join an excursion to the iconic and mysterious Stonehenge, whose 4,000-year-old monoliths have bewitched visitors. 

Prefer to stay in town and explore? Check out the lesser-known street food markets, like Maltby Street Market or Druid Street Market, or stroll the tranquil canals of Little Venice, a peaceful enclave with narrowboats, waterside cafes, and whimsical houseboats. 

Stonehenge & Salisbury

From $149 per person

Your early arrival has you with the day to yourself. Get a head start on exploring London before tomorrow’s tour of the city’s major monuments. Check out chic Notting Hill or the emerging art scene in Graffik Gallery. 

Meet up with the rest of your tour group and get to know everyone during tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine. Tomorrow, you’ll all set off together for the main tour starting right where you are, London, before continuing to Edinburgh and beyond.  

Book for just $99 down

That’s all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Great trip!! Tom is the best!!!

Tom and his years of knowledge were greatly admired in this trip! With his various tour guides and drivers- Tom kept us socializing with the locals like we were natives. Jam packed with entertainment, information, anecdotes, limericks, songs, daffodils, and all 40 shades of green! Absolutely in love...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This boutique-styled hotel is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in Central London. Guests enjoy the fitness room, a beautifully lan...

This modern hotel is located in the New Town of Edinburgh. Guests enjoy the lounge bar, the relaxing Great Room, and convenient location. Nearby, you’...

This unique hotel is located along the River Mersey in Liverpool’s commercial district. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’...

This boutique hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy the bistro, a gym, and the hotel bar. Nearby, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emigrat...

This elegant hotel is located in Tralee, County Kerry, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy the manicured gardens and an intimate second-floor ba...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter the United Kingdom and Ireland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BES.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Dublin.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival hall with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

• This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Two 1-night stays
• Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Some transportation by train and ferry
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2 miles per day over varying terrain—this includes city streets, cobblestones, some stairs and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• Access to Edinburgh Castle will involve walking half a mile up a steep hill.
• While visiting Blarney Castle, travelers have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. In order to kiss the Blarney Stone, travelers must climb 128 very steep, narrow stairs.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• This tour includes various modes of transportation including trains, ferries, and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• A train ride from London to Edinburgh and ferry ride from Holyhead to Dublin are included in the price of your tour.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• European train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which include a train and ferry.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, getting on trains, and boarding ferries.
• Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto storage racks, sometimes above the seats.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging into your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour, as well as any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please contact our customer experience team as we may be able to provide alternative solutions to best suit your needs. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
• This tour includes 4 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods in London for the ultimate in English tradition.
• Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.
• Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (a stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
• Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as a traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy’s, depending on where you are.
• Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution in recent times, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with Continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in US dollars or local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person, per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in Ireland.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don't already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• The United Kingdom and Ireland are on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle
• Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
• Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.

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• [email protected]
• (US / Ca) 011 353 21 237 9006
• (EU) 00 353 21 237 9006

Find a Tour:

• All Ireland Tours & Vacations
• England, Ireland and Scotland Tours
• Ireland Castle Tours
• Tour for max. 8 guests
• Tours for Solos
• Adults Only Tours
• Wild Atlantic Way
• Ireland's Ancient East
• Ireland Tours from Dublin
• Wild Atlantic Way Tours
• Ireland's Ancient East Tours

Arrange a Tour:

• Private Tours
• Private Tour Attractions
• Example Itineraries
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• Golf Vacations
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2024 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Tour Guides / Drivers
• Reviews of our Tours

Further Information

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Travelguide

About tour packages

• Choosing a Tour
• The Tour Hotels
• The Tour Buses

About private tours

• Arranging a Tour
• Private Tour Accommodation
• Private Tour Vehicles

Ireland Tours 2024

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour

• 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

• Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
• 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
• 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
• 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
• 10-Day Tour (England & Scotland)
• 10-Day Tour

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
• 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Castles Tours
• 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
• 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

Categories of tour.

• All Tour Packages
• Sample Itineraries
• Transport Options
• Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About adare village and thatched cottages.

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About black taxi tour belfast.

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About culloden battlefield.

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About glenveagh castle.

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About highland folk museum.

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About king john's castle.

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About mount congreve gardens.

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About mount stewart house & gardens.

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About muckross house.

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About muckross house traditional farms.

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About the quiet man museum.

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Titanic Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Trim Castle
• Belfast City
• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Bushmills Distillery
• Derry City Walls
• Lough Erne Cruise
• Devenish Island
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry
• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle
• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour
• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City
• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night
• Derry City walking tour
• Ulster American Folk Park

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

• 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

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How to Spend 10, 14, or 21 Days in England, Ireland & Scotland

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Eilean Donan Castle in the Highlands of Scotland

Embark on an epic adventure of classic England, Ireland, and Scotland by dividing your time between the three countries over 10, 14, and 21 days.

Explore rich English heritage in key cities such as London and York, then venture into the Scottish Highlands, where cows and sheep roam free in breathtaking scenery. Be entertained by Irish folklore and spend a few days simply relaxing in various villages and coastal gems.

Ensure you spend enough time discovering the highlights and national favorites in all the unique corners of each country when visiting for 10, 14, or 21 days.

How to Spend 10 Days in England, Ireland & Scotland

How to spend 14 days in england, ireland & scotland, how to spend 21 days in england, ireland & scotland, choose the right duration for your england, ireland & scotland itinerary.

Windor Castle in England

With 10 days to enjoy three fascinating countries, planning your stay just perfectly will ensure you make the most of your time in each.

Targeting the highlights is the goal and this means spending time in capital cities for the most part, with day trips to nearby must-see landmarks and sites more than possible.

Discover the main attractions in London and nearby Windsor, while embracing Edinburgh and its magical castle. Enjoy an excursion to the nearby Highlands, then end your experience with two days in Dublin .

Days 1-4: London, England

Tower of London • Trafalgar Square • Buckingham Palace • Big Ben • Kensington Gardens • Soho • Windsor Castle • Madame Tussauds Museum • St Paul’s Cathedral • Shopping in Knightsbridge

Days 5-8:  Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle • Real Mary King’s Close Tour • Holyrood • Arthur’s Seat • Royal Mile • Day Excursion to Loch Ness or Glencoe

Days 9-10: Dublin, Ireland

Grafton Street • Temple Bar • Trinity College • Phoenix Park • Guinness Museum

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

With two weeks for your England, Ireland, and Scotland itinerary, your options of visiting more than one key center in each are varied, affording you the opportunity to mix city and country adventures.

Unwind in the English countryside, visit the Lake District, one of the best places in England , or the Yorkshire Moors, then step into a medieval castle with captivating gardens in which to get lost.

Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher will see you standing in a dramatic landscape and the friendly folk in Glasgow, Scotland, will have you wishing you had more time to spare exploring the city's top places to visit .

Days 1-6 :  London and Surrounds, England

Tower of London • Buckingham Palace • St Paul’s Cathedral • Big Ben • Westminster Abbey • Hyde Park • Kensington Gardens • Hampton Court • Windsor Castle • Bath • York • Stonehenge

Days 7-8:  Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle • Royal Mile • Real Mary King’s Close

Days 9-10: Glasgow, Scotland

City Center Mural Trail • Kelvingrove Art Gallery • Glasgow Cathedral

Days 11-12: Dublin, Ireland

Grafton Street • Phoenix Park • Guinness Museum

Days 13-14: Galway, Ireland

Galway • Cliffs of Moher

Edinburgh, Scotland

England, Ireland, and Scotland invite visitors to take in picturesque landscapes, bustling cities, quaint villages set among rolling hills, or glistening lakes and seaside havens begging to be discovered.

Splitting your time among all three destinations is easy to do when you have 21 days for your adventure. Combine experiences that flow from urban to unique, and take long and windy roads that lead through farms and towns steeped in history.

From London to Leeds, Dublin to Derry, and Glasgow to Glencoe, there is so much to discover and enjoy when traveling for three weeks through England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Days 1-3 : London, England

Tower of London • Buckingham Palace • Big Ben • Westminster Abbey • St Paul’s Cathedral • Kensington Gardens • Hyde Park • Shopping in Knightsbridge

Days 4-7 : Northern England

Yorkshire • Leeds • Lake District Region

Days 8-9 : Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle • Real Mary King’s Close • Royal Mile • Holyrood • Arthur’s Seat

Days 10-12: Scottish Highlands

Glencoe • Inverness

Days 13-14: Glasgow, Scotland

Style Mile • Kelvingrove Art Gallery • City Center Mural Trail

Days 15-16:  Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast Castle • Giant’s Causeway • Titanic Belfast

Days 17-18 :   Dublin, Ireland

Grafton Street • Guinness Museum • Trinity College • Temple Bar • Phoenix Park

Days 19-21: Southern Ireland

Galway • Limerick • Shannon

Alyesford Village in Kent, England

Three incredible destinations await you on your next adventure as you travel through the picture-postcard landscapes and embrace bustling cities with rich history and enchanting culture in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Explore our featured England, Ireland, and Scotland tours of varying durations to find the right length for your custom trip.

You can also browse our guide on the best time to visit England, Ireland, and Scotland to find the right months for your trip, and learn more in our England , Ireland , and Scotland travel guides.

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

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England or Ireland? Where to go on your next trip

Because sometimes spinning a globe and travelling to whatever country your finger lands on just doesn’t work.

No one can say the British Isles don’t make for incredible travel destinations but what happens if you only have time to explore one country? Yes, England has the beautiful, ancient city of London with its royal family and iconic structures, but Ireland has emerald scenery that stretches for days and a fondness for Guinness you’re sure to love so which country should you actually travel to?

As much fun as pulling either one of these countries out of a hat would be, we’ve put together a guide on which country takes out the top spot when it comes to landscapes, cities, cuisine, history, and activities so you can start planning the English or Irish holiday of your dreams.

Best for landscapes

England isn’t short on beautiful places to discover, in fact, it boasts some of the best natural landscapes in all of the United Kingdom. Here us out. From the extraordinary and undeniably pretty Jurassic Coast region in Dorset to the romantic Lake District that inspired literary giants such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, you’ll easily fall in love with what lies outside England’s city walls.

And while you’re out exploring some of Mother Nature’s best work, you have to make time for a wander through the Peak District a scenic destination that encompasses the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, as well as England’s first national park. Your camera will thank you for it.

EMBARK ON OUR WALKING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT TOUR

If green isn’t your favourite colour then you might have a slight problem with Ireland but when it comes to landscapes, this country is hard to beat – after all, it didn’t get its nickname as the Emerald Isle for nothing. Bursting with grassy landscapes, rolling hills, and uniquely formed cliff structures (Cliffs of Moher, we’re looking at you), you’ll never run out of beautiful things to look at and take photos of.

With natural landmarks that’ll make nature-lovers stop and swoon from the towering figures of the Twelve Bens in Connemara to the scenic views along the 130km long Wicklow Way, spending time outside in Ireland has never been easier or more enjoyable.

RELATED: SCOTLAND OR IRELAND?

Best for cities

When it comes to English cities, you’d be forgiven for automatically thinking of London, but what you might not realise is that this country is actually spoilt for choice when it comes to concrete jungles. There’s Cambridge with its prestigious university and hundreds of years of history, Manchester with its mesmerising architecture and capital city feel, and York with its ancient ruins and love of sweet-tasting treats.

But we can’t forget about the breathtaking city of Bath. Affectionately known as England’s prettiest city, Bath is not only surrounded by naturally healing hot springs, but also boasts some of the best Georgian architecture you’ve ever seen. A quick wander along picturesque streets flanked by elegant townhouses and catching fleeting glimpses of mansions fit for the royal family themselves will be enough to steal your heart.  

RELATED: 8 FUN THINGS TO DO ON THE RIVER THAMES

If you thought Ireland couldn’t get any more captivating, the country’s most popular magical cities – Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Limerick, and Kilkenny – are here to prove you wrong. Offering a nice contrast to Ireland’s natural beauty, these urban areas are full of historic landmarks, restaurants serving traditional food, and a certain Irish hospitality that’s guaranteed to make you feel right at home.

Wander the pebble-stoned pathways, get an up-close look at ancient buildings constructed centuries ago, and soak up as much Irish culture as possible (simply sipping on a pint of Guinness in a local pub might do the trick) in these spectacular cities for a glimpse of the real Ireland.

EXPLORE BELFAST ON OUR NORTHERN & SOUTHERN IRELAND TOUR

Best for cuisine

One thing England does extremely well is food, and you only have to walk into a classic pub or restaurant to see menus bursting with traditional meals your stomach is bound to love. From an old-fashioned steak and kidney pie with its tender filling and golden pastry to Cornish pasties full of peppered steak, potato, and carrot, re-fuel the right way and dig into some of England’s tastiest national dishes.

It makes sense that after all that exploring, you’d need a big, heaping plate of traditional food to help your body recharge for the adventures ahead and Ireland is one of the best destinations when it comes to pleasing your tastebuds. Ireland’s cuisine is best described using another ‘c’ word – carbs. Yep, feast on carbs, carbs, and more carbs as you eat your way through the country’s best restaurants.

Whether you fancy munching on the sometimes-sweet, sometimes-salty soda bread, can’t wait to dig into a steaming bowl of Irish stew complete with premium beef and fresh root vegetables, or you’re salivating at the thought of tasting some potato pancakes (also known as boxty), the cuisine in Ireland is sure to satisfy even the most insatiable of cravings. Don’t forget to wash your meal down with a pint of Guinness for the true Irish feasting experience.

DRINK GUINNESS ON OUR IRELAND: KILKENNY & SURROUNDS TOURS

Best for history

You’d think that a country that’s approximately 800,000 years old would have a lot of history, and you’d be right. While you can go pretty much anywhere and discover an ancient building or two and the fascinating story that goes with them, one of the best places to go in England if you’re craving some history, is Stonehenge.

Not only is it one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable sites but it’s also shrouded in mystery as no one really knows why it was built in the first place.

If that’s not enough history for you then you could always check out Hadrian’s Wall with its dramatic Roman ruins – a staggeringly 84-mile-long procession of abandoned garrisons, forts, towers, and milecastles. Guaranteed to transport you back over 2000 years, witnessing this unique and ancient example of control and order up close is one for the bucket list.

RELATED: 6 UNMISSABLE SIGHTS ALONG THE HADRIAN’S WALL

There’s fascinating history wherever you turn in Ireland from ancient castle ruins to mythologies and legends thousands of years in the making. Whether you want to wander the grounds of Glendalough, a monastic site founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, and marvel at the roofless structure of the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul or take in the extraordinary sight of the Rock of Cashel as it sits atop a mountain of grey limestone, this country’s riveting past is bound to sweep you away.

LEARN ABOUT HISTORY ON OUR IRELAND: RING OF KERRY & DINGLE PENINSULA TOUR

The verdict

The decision of whether you should visit England or Ireland is a tough one, especially since both countries offer plenty of cultures to learn about, traditional food to eat, and beautiful landscapes to explore. But, if we simply had to choose one, we’d go with Ireland by the length of a tiny leprechaun. 

VISIT THESE FASCINATING NATIONS ON OUR UNITED KINGDOM TOURS

Feeling inspired?

Kate Gazzard

When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.

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Celtic Thunder sets sail on Odyssey: A North American Tour, tickets now on sale

Inspired by their latest pbs special filmed in ireland, celtic thunder will embark on a 50-city journey across north america captivating audiences with their new tour odyssey..

Tickets are now on sale for Celtic Thunder's l atest tour ODYSSEY, which will embark on a 50-city journey across North America. 

This dynamic new production will captivate audiences from September to November 2024 and will pay homage to Celtic Thunder's rich heritage while delving into exciting new musical realms.

Click here for tickets to Celtic Thunder's ODYSSEY and a full list of tour dates

Inspired by their latest PBS special filmed in Ireland, Odyssey is a brand-new show that promises a harmonious fusion of tradition and inventive exploration, paying homage to Celtic Thunder's rich heritage while delving into exciting new musical realms.

Fans can expect fresh interpretations of iconic Irish songs like "Grace," "Rare Olde Times," and "Fields of Athenry," alongside new takes on Celtic Thunder's signature ensemble numbers.

The setlist also delves into contemporary Celtic favorites, all reimagined in their distinctive style. Highlights include "City of Chicago," a heartfelt tribute to the Irish diaspora, and Neil Byrne's emotionally charged ballad "Farewell," inspired by a family member.

A standout moment is their soul-stirring a cappella rendition of  "Amazing Grace," while "Mo Ghile Mear" injects vibrant harmonies into a traditional folk song.

Each member of Celtic Thunder- Neil Byrne, Emmet Cahill, Damian McGinty, and Ronan Scolard - bring their own captivating solo performances to the stage, ensuring a show that appeals to a broad audience.

Celtic Thunder

Elevated by the exceptional Celtic Thunder Band, the performance transcends the typical concert experience. Live music seamlessly intertwines with storytelling and immersive stagecraft, offering an educational and entertaining journey through Irish culture.

ODYSSEY is not just a concert; it's a compelling theatrical experience that honors Celtic Thunder's legacy while charting new territories. This evocative journey offers an enlightening yet entertaining spectacle, making Odyssey a must-see for Celtic Thunder fans and lovers of Irish music alike.

Celtic Thunder invites fans of all ages to join them on this unforgettable journey!

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, March 22. For a complete list of tour dates, ticket information, and more, visit Celtic Thunder's website.

Related: Irish American , Music

GIVEAWAY: It's back! Tell us why you love Ireland and WIN a trip to the Emerald Isle

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“Walking in the footsteps” of your Irish ancestors

Rory Best: ‘Ireland are miles ahead but England have one powerful weapon’

R ory Best says Ireland are “miles ahead” of England in their development and is confident Andy Farrell’s team will win at Twickenham on their way to completing the first back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations era.

Yet Best, who won seven times and lost nine against England during a stellar career of four Six Nations titles, four World Cup campaigns and two Lions tours, does see a way in which England could pull off an upset in south-west London this weekend.

“In theory, it’s quite simple,” Best tells i with a smile. “If you look historically at how Ireland struggled or Leinster struggled, you have got to win the gainline, and you have got to keep the ball off them.

“But that’s in theory, and unfortunately, in practice, it’s a lot more difficult. If you let Ireland get even half a yard across the gainline – if they can do that two or three times in a row, they’ll always have at least two, probably three, options at the line – it is just trouble.

I can't accept Borthwick's excuses - England are guilty of the most basic errors

“And it’s the same at the breakdown. If you can’t get fast ball against them, and you give them fast ball, it is so difficult to stop because they have so much quality, they know each other so well and they’re so well coached.”

England’s openside flanker Sam Underhill is joint-second behind Wales’ Tommy Reffell for breakdown steals after the first three rounds, with Underhill on four to Reffell’s six.

But the presence of Tadhg Beirne, Andrew Porter, Caelan Doris, Ronan Kelleher, Bundee Aki and James Lowe on the same chart speaks to Ireland’s turnover proficiency throughout their team.

“Wales showed two glimpses in the game in Dublin two weeks ago, when Ireland struggled a bit at the start, because Wales had such an aggressive defence,” says Best, speaking on behalf of Sage.

“England have got Felix Jones as defence coach , with a system that can be an unbelievably powerful weapon, but it takes a lot of getting used to. There’s a lot of onus on Henry Slade or whoever plays 13 to make smart decisions on the edge. As soon as you make one mistake, and Ireland get beyond you, they are so clinical.

“In the second half, Wales kept the ball off Ireland for a while and made them make tackles. The English team will have been looking at them with a two-week build-up, which from a player’s point of view is always good because you are prepared.

“But I think Ireland are miles ahead in their development – just in the sheer evolution of where they’ve come from, and where they’re going. And when I say ‘miles ahead’, in international rugby it isn’t 10 years; it can be a year, 18 months, and I think England can bridge that gap reasonably quickly, in time.

“But England don’t have the depth that we would have historically said, especially around their centres – if we’re comparing them straight with Ireland, with Garry Ringrose being back, you have three of the best centres in the world there [Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw]. England have a big reliance on Ollie Lawrence to perform, if he’s picked.

“The reality is, with the sheer quality that Ireland have now, right across the board, you have to say there is a big gap there.”

The final three years of Best’s international career coincided with Farrell becoming Ireland’s defence coach, before Farrell took over from Joe Schmidt as boss in 2020.

Best admires the way the rugby league legend has handled the transition, with some change and some continuity – and intriguingly sees similarities between Farrell and England’s head coach Steve Borthwick .

“When you look back at the start of [Farrell’s] tenure, there was a complete sea change in some of the basics, to break those shackles [with Schmidt],” Best says.

“Now they have come back and if you look at the goalline drop-outs, they are very much set up like Joe Schmidt would have set them up, and at the breakdown, they went from going with no structure to… not quite where Joe was in terms of identifying the rucks you have to be at, but very good.

“The biggest step forward Andy has taken is a funny one – because by not making it about him, it’s become about him. He’s taken all the pressure onto himself. There’s no punishment for thinking outside the box, and the players are willing to do anything for him because they feel he has their backs.

“With Borthwick, it is hard because England’s supporters see him being interviewed and they go ‘oh, that’s not very inspiring’. But in the short time I worked with him in the Lions, he’s one of the best coaches, technically, and when you’re coached by him, you’re unbelievably inspired by his knowledge and by how much he cares about you as an individual and how the team do.

I tracked down Feyi-Waboso's family tree to settle the England-Wales debate

“A bit like Andy, he’d say ‘be the best version of yourself’. They are both very technical, but there is also the ability to have the player’s best interests at heart, and I genuinely think they both do.”

Farrell came to Ireland in 2016 off the back of being sacked by England. Did Best witness any evidence of hurt in that separation?

“Probably the impression we got was more the hurt that he felt that he could do the job better,” says Best.

“When you lose your job, you look at it two ways. You either get pissed off with the people that sacked you, or you look at it that you’re pissed off yourself, because ‘could you do something better?’ The impression I always got was he [Farrell] wanted to come to prove a point to himself as much as to anyone else. ‘How do I be better? How do I change? How do I evolve?’

“When we played England for the first time, people were quiet around him and he said in a meeting ‘look, what do you want to know about these players? Because I know them, I coached them. I can tell you anything, but you’ve got to ask. I am an Ireland coach now’. And that endeared him to the group, and the group then wants to follow him.

“On those big England games, he never said anything about being annoyed, but we were very much aware that it matters. And when you’re a strong group, you want to perform well enough to have a real sense of pride and say ‘I’m now part of this team and I hold no ill will to you – but actually I’m delighted we won’.”

Best says when he was a player he espoused the “take each game as it comes” mantra. “But I’m not playing any more! And I think it’s going to take a drop in Ireland’s performance and a major increase in the other two’s [to prevent the Grand Slam] if Ireland plays to the best of their ability, I don’t see either team having enough to beat them.

“The Twickenham factor will only go so far. England have lost at Twickenham quite a lot recently, so Ireland haven’t got to go there with any fear.

“Scotland would be thinking they should be en route for a Grand Slam as well, but for a decision against France that could have went either way. But looking at Scotland’s front five, if you line them up side by side, and it becomes a tight game, Ireland have too many strings to their bow in Dublin, going for a Grand Slam.

“So yeah, I fully expect them to do the Slam. It is sport and if we knew what was going to happen, we wouldn’t bother watching it any more. But it is going take something extraordinary to stop it.”

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• Health and social care
• Public health
• Health protection
• Infectious diseases
• Travel-associated infections
• UK Health Security Agency

Travel-associated infections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 2023

Updated 21 March 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/travel-associated-infections/travel-associated-infections-in-england-wales-and-northern-ireland-2023

This report, produced by the Travel Health and International Health Regulations ( IHR ) team in the Clinical and Emerging Infections Directorate, UK Health Security Agency ( UKHSA ), summarises case numbers of selected travel-associated infections reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland ( EWNI ). The data presented in this report supersedes any other case numbers previously reported.

Detailed information is included on the trends of chikungunya, cholera, dengue, rickettsial infections and Zika in 2023. An infection summary and key findings are provided for Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever. Data presented here is collated from a variety of sources and may be subject to limitations in completeness due to various factors, including underreporting.

Detailed annual reports are available elsewhere for imported malaria cases in the UK and travel-associated enteric fever cases in EWNI .

Data sources

Data for cases of chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, rickettsial infections, yellow fever and Zika was obtained from the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory ( RIPL ), UKHSA Porton ( 1 ). Case definitions used for these infections are:

• confirmed: molecular detection ( PCR , other molecular amplification test or sequencing) and/or positive virus isolation and/or seroconversion between acute and convalescent samples and/or four-fold rise in antibody titre
• probable: IgM and IgG positive and compatible clinical syndrome

Data for confirmed cholera cases was obtained from the UKHSA Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit ( GBRU ). A confirmed case is a person with Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 or O139 confirmed by the GBRU ( 2 ).

For all cases, specimen collection date was used where available to conduct analysis. In cases where this information was not available, laboratory receipt date was used. Case numbers presented in this report include both confirmed and probable cases, collated from multiple sources, including confirmed cases from GBRU , and both confirmed and probable cases from RIPL .

Data for UK residents and UK overseas visitors was obtained using the International Passenger Survey ( IPS ) data provided to the Travel Health team by the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ). Further information and analysis for travel trends seen in 2022 were obtained from the ONS website ( 3 ).

World regions of travel were assigned based on the United Nations world region classifications ( 4 ).

Changes in travel to and from the UK in 2022

Data on travel to and from the UK, obtained from the ONS International Passenger Survey, represents the most up to date travel data currently available.

In 2022, UK residents made 71.0 million visits abroad, a four-fold increase compared to 2021 (19.1 million). There were 31.2 million visits made by overseas residents to the UK, a five-fold increase compared to 2021 (6.4 million). These increases can be attributed to the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions at the end of 2021. However, travel to and from the UK in 2022 still remained below the pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels of 2019 (Figure 1) ( 5 ).

For both UK visits abroad and overseas visits to the UK in 2022, seasonality of travel returned to pre-COVID-19 patterns, with most travel in occurring during the summer and a peak in August.

The most popular reasons for travel by UK residents in 2022 were holidays, with 45.6 million visits, followed by visiting friends and relatives (19.0 million) and business travel (4.8 million). The top 5 most visited countries were Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Holiday travel was also the most popular reason for overseas residents visiting the UK in 2022, with 12.1 million visits, followed by visiting friends and relatives (11.8 million) and business travel (5.1 million). This is a change compared to 2021 when visiting friends and relatives was the most popular reason for travel to the UK. Residents of the USA, France, Republic of Ireland, Germany and Spain represented the highest numbers of overseas residents visiting the UK ( 3 ).

Figure 1. Visits to and from the UK: from 2013 to 2022

Travel-associated infections 2019 to 2023, table 1. travel-associated infections in england, wales and northern ireland ( ewni ): 2019 to 2023.

*Only includes confirmed and probable cases

Table 1 presents reported travel-associated infections in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2019 to 2023. Dengue remains the most frequently reported infection, with cases increasing from 448 in 2022 to 634 in 2023. Similarly, there were increases in cases of chikungunya and rickettsial infections in 2023. The reasons for these trends are not clear and may reflect changes in ascertainment, testing patterns, as well as the burden of disease, global infectious disease epidemiology, clinician awareness and travel trends.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito and is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. It is characterised by a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain (arthralgia); however, symptoms vary in severity. Serious complications are uncommon, but, rarely, in older people the disease can contribute to the cause of death, particularly if there is other underlying illness. Chikungunya mainly occurs in Africa, Asia and specifically in Southern Asia, although there have been cases reported in parts of Europe and North America ( 6 ).

In  EWNI , there were 45 chikungunya cases reported in 2023, all of which were from England. Of these, 25 (56%) were confirmed cases and 20 (44%) were probable cases. This represents a 45% increase compared to 2022 (n=31). Case numbers were lower in the first three quarters of 2023 (n=8, n=6, n=9) and the majority of cases (n=22) were diagnosed in the fourth quarter (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Cases of chikungunya by quarter, Q1 2019 to Q4 2023

In 2023, 28 cases (62%) were female (aged 13 to 77 years, median=43) and 17 (38%) were male (aged 31 to 71, median=48) (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Cases of chikungunya by age group and sex, 2023 (n=45)

In 2023, travel history was known for 43 out of 45 cases, with the majority of these reporting travel to Southern Asia (28, 65%) and South-Eastern Asia (5, 12%) (Table 2). The most frequently reported country of travel was India (28), followed by Brazil (3) and Nigeria (3).

Cases who travelled to India reported travelling to a number of regions including Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. India reported a 20% increase in chikungunya cases (confirmed and suspected) in 2023 compared to 2022 ( 7 ), including increases in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where EWNI cases reported travelling to. One case reported travelling to Argentina, making this the first report of travel to the country in data available since 2008 for chikungunya cases in  EWNI .

Table 2. Cases of chikungunya by region of travel, 2023

*Some cases travelled to more than one region; all regions are included here so the total may be higher than the actual number of cases.

Cholera (Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 or O139)

Cholera is caused by infection of one of two serogroups of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, serogroups O1 and O139.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. A vaccine is available but is only recommended for some travellers. Cases of cholera may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, including acute, profuse watery diarrhoea (‘rice water stools’) and vomiting, leading to dehydration. Some infections may progress to severe disease, and in extreme cases may result in death if untreated ( 8 ). In 2022, cases were reported in 44 countries. The disease occurs mainly in Africa and Asia, but sporadic cases have also been reported in other regions ( 9 ).

There were 17 cholera cases reported in 2023, all of which were reported in England. This was a large 15% decrease compared to 2022 where 20 cases were reported. Case numbers were highest in the third quarter (n=11) (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Cases of cholera by quarter, Q1 2019 to Q4 2023

In 2023, 6 cases (35%) were female (aged 31 to 69 years, median=50) and 11 (65%) were male (aged 1 to 72 years, median=51) (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Cases of cholera by age group and sex, 2023 (n=17)

In 2023, travel history was known for all cases, with the majority of these reporting travel to Southern Asia (10, 56%) and Western Asia (3, 17%) (Table 3).

The most frequently reported country of travel was Pakistan (7), followed by India (2), Iraq (2) and Kenya (2).

Cholera case numbers have continued to be high in recent years during the 7th global pandemic, with double the number of cases reported to WHO compared to 2021. In 2022, of the 44 countries that reported cases, 30 reported outbreaks and 7 countries across Africa and Asia had very large outbreaks with over 10,000 cases ( 9 ).

Table 3. Cases of cholera by region of travel, 2023

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. It is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family and has four main serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4.

Illness is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever often accompanied by severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite; however, symptoms can range from mild or non-existent to severe.

Severe dengue is rare in travellers ( 10 ). Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. with sporadic autochthonous cases occurring in France, Italy and Spain within Europe ( 10 , 11 ). Since the beginning of 2023, the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has reported a rise in both dengue cases and deaths in areas known for dengue risk and in regions previously considered dengue-free, with significant increases particularly noted in Asia and the Americas ( 12 ).

In EWNI , 634 dengue cases were reported in 2023 (603 in England, 23 in Wales and 8 in Northern Ireland), of which 576 (91%) were confirmed cases and 58 (9%) were probable cases. This represents a 42% increase compared to 2022 (n=448). The majority of cases were diagnosed in the latter half of the year, with 222 cases in third quarter and 254 in the fourth quarter (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Cases of dengue by quarter, Q1 2019 to Q4 2023

In 2023, 306 cases (48%) were female (aged 1 to 80 years, median=36) and 325 (51%) were male (aged 3 to 83, median=39) (Figure 7). Sex was not recorded for 3 cases.

Figure 7. Cases of dengue by age group and sex, 2023 (n=631)

In 2023, travel history was known for 579 out of 634 cases (91%), with the majority of cases reporting travel to Southern Asia (230, 40%) and South-Eastern Asia (137, 24%) (Table 4). India was the most frequently reported country both within Southern Asia and for all dengue cases, accounting for 146 cases. However, the total cases associated with travel to this region decreased by 7% compared to 2022.

In contrast, cases associated with travel to South-Eastern Asia, Central America and the Caribbean increased significantly by 163%, 260% and 288%, respectively, when compared to the previous year. Thailand (South-Eastern Asia) was the most reported country in its region and the second highest overall of dengue cases, with 78 cases. For Central America, Mexico was the most reported country, with 34 cases. In the Caribbean, Barbados and Jamaica were the most frequently reported countries, with 34 and 32 cases, respectively.

Notably, one  EWNI  case reported travel to southern Italy. Although autochthonous dengue has been reported sporadically in Europe, in 2023, France and Italy reported significant outbreaks of locally transmitted dengue cases. Spain has also reported cases of locally acquired dengue during the same period ( 11 ). Current global reports on dengue cases indicate a rising trend, due to factors including climate change, rising temperatures and flooding ( 13 ).

Table 4. Cases of dengue by region of travel, 2023

Rickettsial infections.

Rickettsial infections are a group of bacterial infections of the genera Orientia and Rickettsia, which are transmitted by different arthropod vectors, including ticks, mites, lice and fleas, to animals such as humans, dogs, cats and cattle. In general, the incubation period is between 6 to 14 days post infection and symptoms vary but may include fever, myalgia, headache, dry cough and rash ( 14 , 15 , 16 ).

Human rickettsial infections are classified into 3 main groups: spotted fever group, typhus group and scrub typhus group. Spotted fever group infections are caused by over 30 Rickettsia species such as Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia conorii sp., and Rickettsia rickettsii. They are transmitted by ticks and have a specific geographical distribution. Typhus group infections are composed of two organisms; Rickettsia typhi is transmitted to humans through flea faeces mostly in Asia, Africa and the Western Pacific. R. prowazekii is transmitted to humans through louse faeces and is associated with high density living with associated poor hygiene. Scrub typhus infections are mainly caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi and transmitted through the bite of infected mite larvae. They are endemic across Asia, the Western Pacific, South America and Africa and cause an estimated 1 million cases per year ( 15 , 16 ).

In 2023, there were 42 cases of rickettsial infections reported in  EWNI  (38 in England, 3 in Wales and one in Northern Ireland), which is a 35% increase compared to 31 cases reported in 2022. Of these, 17 (40%) were confirmed cases and 25 (60%) were probable cases. Case numbers in 2023 were the highest in quarters 2 and 3 (n=12 and n=14) (Figure 8). Of the reported cases, there were 23 cases (55%) in the spotted fever group, 9 cases (21%) in the scrub typhus group and 10 cases (24%) in the typhus group.

Figure 8. Cases of rickettsial infections by quarter, Q1 2019 to Q4 2023

In 2023, age and sex were known for all cases. Of these, 23 cases (56%) were female (aged 6 to 67 years, median=35) and 19 (44%) were male (aged 21 to 77 years, median=52) (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Cases of rickettsial infections by age group and sex, 2023 (n=42)

In 2023, travel history was known for 41 out of 42 cases. Of these, the majority of spotted fever cases reported travel to Southern Africa (17, 68%) and Eastern Africa (4, 16%). Scrub typhus cases are tested only when travel to Southern Asia or South-Eastern Asia is reported, and of the cases in 2023, 7 cases (78%) travelled to Southern Asia and 2 cases (22%) travelled to South-Eastern Asia. Typhus group cases reported travel to multiple regions including South-Eastern Asia (3, 25%), Eastern Asia (2, 17%), Middle Africa (2, 17%) and Southern Europe (2, 17%) (Table 5).

For all cases of rickettsial infection, the most frequently reported country of travel was South Africa (17), followed by India (5) and Cameroon, Greece, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand with 2 cases reporting travel to each.

Table 5. Cases of rickettsial infection by region of travel and rickettsial group, 2023

Zika is a mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. It is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. Less commonly, transmission can occur through sexual contact, congenitally from a pregnant woman to her foetus and though blood transfusion ( 17 ).

The majority of people with Zika infection do not develop symptoms. Those that do often have mild symptoms which can include fever, headache, malaise, joint and muscle pain, a rash, itching, conjunctivitis and swollen joints ( 18 ).

Serious complications are uncommon, however an infection with Zika is a cause of congenital Zika Syndrome (characterised by microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

During 2015 to 2016, there was a large outbreak of Zika virus infection in the Americas and the Caribbean, leading to the first imported Zika cases in the UK. As of 2022, 89 countries across Africa, Europe, the Americas, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific have reported autochthonous Zika cases ( 19 ).

In 2023, there were 8 Zika cases reported, all of these from England, consistent with number of cases reported in 2022. Of cases reported in 2023, 7 (88%) were confirmed cases and one (12%) was classified as a probable case. Case numbers were highest in the last two quarters (n=3 and n=4) compared to the first two quarters (n=0 and n=1) of the year (Figure 10). Notably, among these cases, 1 case of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) was reported, which was linked to a travel history to Thailand. This was the first case of congenital Zika syndrome diagnosed antenatally in the UK.

Figure 10. Cases of Zika by quarter, Q1 2019 to Q4 2023

In 2023, 5 cases (63%) were female (aged 25 to 40 years, median=31) and 3 (37%) were male (aged 34 to 67, median=67) (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Cases of Zika by age group and sex, 2023 (n=8)

In 2023, travel history was known for 7 out of 8 cases (88%), with most reporting travel to South-Eastern Asia (4, 57%) (Table 6). The most frequently reported country of travel was Thailand (n=3). Additionally, one case was linked to travel in Vietnam (n=1). There have been reported increases in Zika virus cases in Thailand and other parts of South-Eastern Asia, as well as among travellers returning from these regions ( 20 , 21 ). Of the remaining 4 cases, 2 travelled to Southern Asia; one to Sri Lanka and the other to India and the Maldives. One case travelled to Barbados (Caribbean), while the travel country/region for the fourth case was not known.

Table 6. Cases of Zika by region of travel, 2023

Other travel-associated infections, japanese encephalitis.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vaccine preventable mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of Culex species mosquitoes. It is a flavivirus from the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted via mosquitoes to humans from pigs and water birds. Japanese encephalitis is found in 24 countries in South-Eastern Asia and the Pacific, mainly in settings where humans live in close proximity to pigs and water birds. A vaccine is available; however this is only advised for travellers at increased risk of infection. Most people with JE do not develop symptoms but for those who do symptoms may include fever and headache or vomiting in children. Less than 1% of people develop severe disease, which is characterised by encephalitic symptoms such as disorientation, seizures, coma and paralysis and approximately 30% of these cases are fatal. For cases who survive, approximately 30% suffer long term cognitive, behavioural or neurological complications ( 22 , 23 ).

There was 1 confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis reported in  EWNI  in 2023 who reported travel to multiple countries in South-Eastern Asia.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a vaccine preventable mosquito-borne infection transmitted by the bite of multiple species of infected mosquitoes, including Aedes and Haemogogus species. Yellow fever virus is a flavivirus from the Flaviviridae family. Yellow fever is endemic in all or parts of 47 countries in Africa and Central and South America.

The incubation period ranges from 3 to 6 days. Many people do not develop symptoms but for those who do, these may include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle pain (often with backache), and loss of appetite. Most people will make a full recovery after 3 to 4 days; however, a small number (approximately 15%) will progress to a second phase of the infection and go on to develop jaundice, abdominal pain, renal failure and haemorrhage (bleeding). Up to half of infections in cases who develop severe symptoms may result in death. Yellow fever is rare in international travellers as there is a safe and effective vaccine available. Although the vaccine is safe, there have been reports of rare adverse events associated with its use ( 24 ).

In EWNI there were no cases of yellow fever reported in 2023. The most recently reported case in  EWNI  was in 2018.

1. UKHSA . ‘ Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory ( RIPL ): user manual ’ (updated 9 July 2023)

2. UKHSA . ‘ Bacteriology reference department user manual ’ (updated 1 January 2024)

3. ONS . ‘ Travel trends: 2022 ’

4. UNSD. ‘ Methodology ’

5. ONS . ‘ Travel trends estimates: overseas residents in the UK and UK residents abroad ’

6. WHO . ‘ Chikungunya ’ (updated 8 December 2022)

7. NCVBDC . ‘ Chikungunya Situation in India’

8. WHO  (2017). ‘ Cholera vaccines:  WHO  position paper ’

9. WHO  (2022). ‘ Cholera Annual Report 2022 ’. Weekly Epidemiological Record: volume 98 (38), pages 431 to 452

10. WHO . ‘ Dengue and severe dengue ’ (updated 17 March 2023)

11. ECDC . ‘ Autochthonous vectorial transmission of dengue virus in mainland EU/EEA, 2010-present ’ (updated 11 January 2024)

12. WHO . ‘ Dengue: Global situation ’ (updated 21 December 2023)

13. Mondal N (2023). ‘ The resurgence of dengue epidemic and climate change in India ’. The Lancet: volume 401, issue 10378

14. Premaratna R (2022). ‘ Rickettsial illnesses, a leading cause of acute febrile illness ’. Clinical Medicine Journal: volume 22, issue 1

15. Blanton LS (2019). ‘ The Rickettsioses: A Practical Update ’. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America: volume 33, issue 1

16. Warrell CE, Osborne J, Nabarro L, Gibney B, Carter DP, Warner J, Houlihan CF, Brooks TJG, Rampling T (2023) ‘ Imported rickettsial infections to the United Kingdom, 2015–2020 ’. Journal of Infection: volume 86, issue 5

17. WHO . ‘ Zika virus factsheet ’ (updated 8 December 2022)

18. PHE . ‘ Zika virus: symptoms and complications guidance ’ (updated 2 August 2017)

19. WHO . ‘ Zika epidemiology update - February 2022 ’

20. Bureau of Epidemiology (Thailand). ‘ Zika virus ’

21. ECDC . ‘ Communicable Disease Threats Report ’

22. WHO . ‘ Japanese encephalitis ’ (updated 9 May 2019)

23. Yun SI, Lee YM (2013). ‘ Japanese encephalitis: the virus and vaccines ’. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapuetics: volume 10, issue 2

24. WHO . ‘ Yellow fever ’ (updated 31 May 2023)

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• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
• Day 2 LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–NEWPORT, WALES
• Day 3 NEWPORT–CARDIFF–WATERFORD, IRELAND
• Day 4 WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN
• Day 5 DUBLIN
• Day 6 DUBLIN–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
• Day 7 EDINBURGH
• Day 8 EDINBURGH–JEDBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND
• Day 9 YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
• Day 10 LONDON-PARIS
• Day 11 PARIS
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• Day 13 PARIS

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Operated by Globus

It began more than 90 years ago, when a young man purchased a boat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Who would have thought that this single boat would launch one of the world's leading travel companies? Today, the Globus family of brands is a global company reaching every corner of the world, yet remains family-owned and steeped in the values Antonio Mantegazza had when he set out across Lake Lugano in 1928 - to enlighten travelers by showing them the very best of the destinations we know so well. At Globus, we create first-class escorted tours with just the right balance of included features & free time. We’re all about hidden gems, not hidden charges. We throw in more visits, toss in more experiences & include more sightseeing, all in the price of the vacation.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 5.0
• Itinerary Excellent 4.2
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• Accommodation Good 3.7
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• Tour Operator Globus 5.0
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• A Karen · 27th October 2023 This was our first experience traveling on a tour. It exceeded our expectations. It was well organized and all of the details were taken care of so we could just relax and enjoy our vacation. The tour guide was fabulous! Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Margaret · 26th October 2023 The organization of the tour was terrific. We moved through increasingly impressive destinations, and ended on a high note. Our driver was friendly, helpful, and proficient. Our tour guide was amazing…SO knowledgeable, professional, and... Show more Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Louella · 26th October 2023 I really enjoyed my time with Globus. Every part of my trip was taken care of by the tour guide and driver. I was very impressed with their organization and the knowledge they provided. I am looking forward to more adventures with Globus. Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Angela · 26th October 2023 Overall, it was a great experience! The downside was the tight schedule we had to keep. We practically lived out of a suitcase and didn't have much downtime at all! Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Margaret · 26th October 2023 Our tour guide, Pieter, and our driver, Kevin, made our experience exceptional. They were organized, professional, intelligent, and approachable. Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Kathleen · 23rd October 2023 From beginning to end our trip was wonderful! We were impressed with the professionalism -yet personalized service we experienced. Trip date: September 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Phil · 23rd October 2023 It was great. The only thing that I was surprised by was the size of the group. I thought it was going to be about 25. Our group was 41. It went well. Maybe I misunderstood the tour literature. Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Mark · 22nd October 2023 Our guide was excellent, provided a lot of information about the areas we visited. The hotel locations were also excellent, close to the centre of town. Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Melissa · 22nd October 2023 Peter and Kevin were amazing! Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus
• A Eric · 22nd October 2023 Our tour guide, Dominic, was very knowledgeable and funny. Trip date: October 2023 Review collected by Globus

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Frequently Asked Questions

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