Highlights of Scotland and Ireland

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is known for its rich history, idyllic setting, and spirited cultural life.

A vast museum exhibiting diverse collections, from history and culture, to technology and science, to natural history, and beyond.

Edinburgh's beaches often boast lovely promenades, with pubs and arcades dotted along the way.

Spend time in this medieval historic center and marvel at the richness of history, cultural variety, and modern activities.

Allow for plenty of time to walk this old town street that passes by unique landmarks, splendid architecture, shops, and cafes.

Said to be a favorite of Sir Walter Scott, this viewpoint offers a superb panorama over the River Tweed and the Scottish borders.

Many volcanic eruptions conspired to create this rugged landscape abutting the sea, with sea birds seemingly having taken charge.

Featuring a lovely garden in the center, this 18C square is hemmed with fabulous facades in a variety of architectural styles.

Primarily a research center, this botanic garden delights visitors with its diverse plant species, glasshouses, and meandering paths.

Housed in a Neoclassical palace, this large gallery features a wealth of Scottish fine art from the Renaissance and to this day.

Dating to the 12C, this fortress complex is one of Scotland's highlights, housing the national regalia and several military exhibits.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

This 14C cathedral is notable for its many rich details, such as its crown spire, Thistle Chapel, stained glass, and memorials.

While focused on 20C Scottish modern art, this museum also provides a comprehensive look at modernism throughout the world.

Prepare for shopping, dining, and people-watching on this charming and lively street in the Historic Center.

Housed in a Gothic-Revival building, this museum traces Scotland's history through the portraits of various influential figures.

The valley swerves along the Tweed River, boasting waterfalls, villages, historic landmarks, and a pervading sense of calm

With strong roots in Scottish strategic history, this city also serves as an excellent base for day trips.

The perfect place for exploring Cairngorms National Park, this busy town attracts locals and visitors from all over.

Stroll through this charming Scottish resort town, taking in the beautiful scenery and the wonderful local atmosphere.

Come to visit Nessie, the famed Loch Ness Monster, take a boat along the loch, or head out to explore the surrounding woods and towns.

Take a ride on the funicular railway from this popular ski resort, reaching the highest station for spectacular views of the area.

A large expanse of mountainous terrain, this national park encompasses the breathtaking Caingorms range and offers many activities.

Set in the Corrieshalloch Gorge over a river, this waterfall tumbles 50m down and is best viewed from a bridge just above the drop.

Once coveted for its strategic locale, Scotland's northernmost city is a booming economic and cultural hub, full of Highland charm.

One of Scotland's many gorgeous sea lakes, Loch Broom is a blend of beauty, serenity, and mountanous landscape.

One of the largest towns in Scotland's Highlands, this busy town boasts museums, warm locals, and access to stunning nature.

Wander through this bustling town, enjoying the beautiful views and unique culture of the Highlands.

A museum tracing the history of the West Highland Scots, including exhibits of archaeology, natural history, ethnography, and more.

A hydraulic staircase-lock dating to the 19C, spanning 55m of the Caledonian Canal in a series of eight locks.

Nestled amidst lush scenery, this lake is a fisher's paradise, riddled with picturesque islands and charming villages along the banks.

This exceptionally beautiful sea lake is peaceful and serene. For excitement, fishing and castle touring are worthy pursuits.

Surrounding the Loch Lomond and countless other lakes, this national park boasts majestic wild mountains and beautiful forests.

Home to a wide range of sea creatures ranging from sharks down to star fish, this aquarium promises fun for the whole family.

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is spirited and fun-loving with its strong maritime history still preserved in its cityscape.

Held in a building designed partly for its stained glass, this eclectic collection also includes Chinese, Islamic, and Gothic art.

Admire the numerous landmarks in this historic center, interspersed with Victorian, Modernist, and many other architectural styles.

A 13C cathedral blending several architectural styles, yet retaining a lovely Gothic presence and an array of ornamentation.

Embodying the architectural style associated with the famed Charles Mackintosh, this reconstruction of his house is a gem.

Surrounding the Loch Lomond and countless other lakes, this national park boasts majestic wild mountains and beautiful forests.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

Housed in an exquisite Spanish Baroque palace, this museum hosts over 9,000 items spanning arts, natural history, and weaponry.

Not only a school, this Mackintosh-designed institution houses one of the largest collections of Mackintosh works in the world.

Book a tour or explore independently the various architectural gems designed or inspired by the famed Mackintosh.

Housed in a gem of modern architecture, this center is rich with scientific displays, interactive exhibits, and other attractions.

Set in the heart of the Trossachs region, the large loch is strikingly beautiful and offers seasonal excursions on a steamboat.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

Located in a Neoclassical building, this contemporary art museum includes works by Warhol, Salgado, Hockney, and many others.

An 18C mansion surrounded with beautiful grounds, housing works by Goya, El Greco, and William Blake among other artistic gems.

Primarily designed by Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the 1990s, this house serves as a exhibit center for promoting progressive art.

A hanging valley through which the Tail Burn waterfall carves its way into the Moffat Water 60m below, riddled with hiking paths.

With strong roots in Scottish strategic history, this city also serves as an excellent base for day trips.

The capital of Northern Ireland is a vibrant industrial metropolis with a rich cultural scene, as well as a tumultuous history.

Visit this stronghold of Irish culture, where Irish language and heritage is upheld through galleries, theater, and bookshops.

Explore the lively central streets of this city, where various curiosities, shops, and cultural venues guarantee a great afternoon.

Diverse and fascinating, this museum exhibits everything from archaeology, to zoology and numismatics, tracing the regional history.

Dating to the 19C, these marvelous gardens boasts an exquisite array of plants and blooms, as well as architectural and cultural gems.

A stunning expanse of karst landscape, the Burren is part of Ireland's six national parks, offering breathtaking views and great hiking.

Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, this Neolithic monument is full of carvings, archaeological findings, and mythological links.

A historic remnant of the 19C gin palace culture, this pub is full of fine decorations, from mosaics and woodwork, to stained-glass windows.

Home to over 1,200 animals, this excellent zoo boasts large natural enclosures, as well as ever-growing conservation programs.

Offering spectacular views of the entire city, this 19C hilltop mansion houses a souvenir shop and a lovely restaurant.

Founded by Queen Victoria, this historic university boasts fine Tudor architecture, as well as a lively campus worth exploring.

This museum consists of two distinct parts: an open-air museum exhibiting traditional Irish lifestyle, and a collection of 19C vehicles.

A hub of religious learning since its establishment in the 5C, this ancient settlement stands in ruins with few monuments still extant.

A northern peninsula strewn with archaeological sites, historic monuments, and breathtaking landscape.

British Isles' largest freshwater lake, this well-known mythic lough offers an array of activities, from fishing to bird-watching.

Strewn with historic sites and museums, thriving bohemian city is also known for its beaches, vibrant culture, and nightlife.

Stroll through the labyrinthine cobbled streets, exploring the local architecture, then head to the bay promenade to catch the sunset.

Enjoy Galway's festive atmosphere when you stroll down Quay Street, lined with pubs and restaurants always full of people.

Stroll along the shores of the Atlantic, sunbathe, or have a swim on one of Galway's beautiful beaches during the warm summer months.

A museum focusing on the history of Galway, featuring exhibits on prehistory, Middle Ages, naval history, warfare, and other fields.

Visible from the road, the Quiet Man Bridge was once featured in a John Wayne movie, now offers a serene respite from a long drive.

Visit all or any of the three beautiful Aran Islands, full of natural attractions and historic sites dating to the Bronze Age.

Dating to the 14C and dedicated to a Catholic patron of sailors, this lovely church is still active today and boasts fine ornamentation.

Explore the 1km worth of caves riddling the mountain, full of underground halls featuring a river, a waterfall, and large stone formations.

Overlooking the Galway Bay, this 16C castle hosts occasional medieval banquets and is surrounded with lush grounds perfect for wandering.

Full of charm, colorful shops, and notable landmarks, this town is famed for its proximity to many historic and natural attractions.

Dotted with shops, restaurants, traditional shops, and quaint attractions, the town's central streets offer something for all tastes.

A superb example of 19C neo-Gothic architecture, this cathedral boasts some notable decorative details, as well as rich stained-glass.

Set in the Killarney National Park, this 15C abbey is nicely preserved, featuring a peaceful courtyard with a large yew tree.

Visit the 19C mansion to admire its pseudo-Tudor architecture and explore the lush grounds comprising the estate, as well as the adjacent lakes.

Take a tour of this 15C keep, learning all about medieval fortifications and enjoying the marvelous surrounding landscape.

Ireland's most spectacular natural treasures await on this 179km road, including lakes, mountain passes, historic sites, and more.

Ireland's second-largest city, this vibrant metropolis is full of historic sites, cultural monuments, and wonderful local food.

Explore this beautiful peninsula by foot or car, enjoying its breathtaking landscape and visiting some of the nearby attractions.

Ireland's illustrious capital is known for its literary traditions, an upbeat pub scene, and a wealth of cultural and historic sites.

Wander through the central streets, admiring elegant Georgian townhouses, visiting local pubs, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

This library holds a historical collection of manuscripts, rare books, and artwork from Western, East Asian, and Islamic sources.

Home to over 14,000 items, this marvelous museum exhibits an array of international artwork, from Irish, to Flemish, Spanish, and other artists.

Ireland's largest library is a book-lover's dream with the famed 9C Book of Kells on display, and the lavish Long Room reading open.

A stunning expanse of karst landscape, the Burren is part of Ireland's six national parks, offering breathtaking views and great hiking.

Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, this Neolithic monument is full of carvings, archaeological findings, and mythological links.

An enormous visitors center dedicated to Ireland's famous pint of Guinness, this museum traces the history and process of beer making.

Commemorating the Irish soldiers who have perished during the WWI, this tranquil garden offers a wonderful afternoon stroll.

Learn all about the history and making of Irish whiskey at this modern interactive museum, followed by a whiskey tasting.

A well-hidden gem, this lovely 18C church is fairly busy and boasts an array of notable decorations, from stained glass to artworks.

A hub of religious learning since its establishment in the 5C, this ancient settlement stands in ruins with few monuments still extant.

History and myth saturate this site, where archaeological findings and historic monuments trace its significance well into prehistory.

With its history stretching to the 11C, this church features elaborate crypts that host well-preserved mummies, some dating to the 12C.

A great place to enjoy the city bustle, catch some local buskers, or just hunt for souvenirs, this shopping street is a must.

Offering free entrance, this wonderful gallery houses a wealth of modern Irish artwork, as well as a selection of French pieces.

Retaining its original lush decor, this 18C public library is home to a wealth of manuscripts and still functions as a research hub.

Full of history and medieval ambiance, this small city offers much to its visitors, from churches, to a castle, to memorable streets.

A northern peninsula strewn with archaeological sites, historic monuments, and breathtaking landscape.