Recently updated on November 26th, 2024 at 09:30 pm
People are already booking Black Friday deals to their dream Celtic destinations in Ireland & Scotland, so we did a roundup from our vacation sale to help you zero in/focus
There’s a lot that goes into planning vacations to Ireland & Scotland:
- Where should I go
- What should I do
- What experiences should I book
- How do I get around
Right now people are planning their big 2025 trips – but also trying to balance the details with the pressures of the end of the year. That means some of them are probably missing out on the experiences they’ve always dreamed about. We won’t let that happen to you.
Here’s what we would recommend right now based on what you might be looking for and what’s new as a part of this year’s sale.
Still reading? Great – let’s go.
Black Friday Travel Sale
Ireland & Scotland Vacation Sale Check-In List
If you want to: Do it all, but make it easy
You should: Go guided
This one is for those who want to see every last thing, but don’t necessarily want to (or have the time for) all that planning. And maybe you can’t pick between the two destinations. We’ve got you covered: First step: Go Guided. Second step: Book “The Best of Ireland and Scotland” tour.
Here’s what you get: For two weeks, you tour around Ireland and Scotland. You’ll see the famous icons, plus get all the sincere charm and hospitality of small towns and villages that both countries are known for.
Destinations and highlights include:
- Days focused on Dublin, The Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle, Loch Ness, St Andrew’s, Glencoe and Edinburgh.
- Kissing the Blarney Stone to get the gift of gab, or if you’d rather not go to the top of the tower there’s a guided walk of the castle grounds and gardens.
- You’ll have afternoon tea at Ardgowen Estate with Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart.
- You’ll visit Culloden Battleground, site of the final stand of the Jacobite Rebellion.
If you want to: Take a road trip in Ireland
You should: Base it off an existing itinerary
Picking a pre-existing trip and then personalizing it takes care of a lot of questions about driving in Ireland.
Topics such as: Yes, traffic is different in Ireland. Roads are different in Ireland. Cars are different in Ireland. You very well may encounter sheep when driving out in the country. No they may not care about your car horn.
We love Ireland Coast-to-Coast for a Self-Drive Irish road trip. Dublin, to Kilkenny, to Killarney and then ending with a castle stay at Dromoland. And, for an added bonus – all of our Black Friday travel bookings for Self-Drive get a complimentary Tripiamo Driver’s Guide to the Emerald Isle.
Trip Highlights include:
- A visit to Ballykilcavan Farm for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
- Exploring the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny with a Local Specialist on a fascinating walking tour that winds through Kilkenny’s streets, laneways, hidden gems and tales of the history and families of the walled city.
You want: An independent easy, but quick trip
You should: Book a Rail Vacation
Don’t want to drive but don’t want to take a tour? Tend to pack light? Here’s your answer: Rail Vacations, and we’re excited about Ireland’s South East Discovery in particular. This is one of the more petite itineraries at only eight days long, which means if you’re the kind of person who checks how to stack federal holidays with your PTO you’re set.
Travel by train is a different experience in Ireland in that it is exceptionally simple. Making it even easier is the fact that all you need to do when you get dropped off at the station is get your ticket with the seat we pre-reserve for you. Hop aboard and then focus on looking out the window and admiring the scenery. When you arrive in larger destination cities there will be a Local Host who gives you background on where to go and what to do in the city.
What we love on this trip:
- It’s a quick little trip that shows off Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny – three cities with their own distinct footprint and style.
- You get to see Ireland via a variety of modes. You’ll take the train, join a hop on hop off tour, a boat tour, and walking tours of destinations and iconic attractions.
- There’s plenty to do built in, but also time to spare for your own exploration.
If you’re: Looking for Luxury + Adventure (and budget’s not an issue)
You should: Customize the Ireland Active Adventure Private Chauffeur trip
You’re going to want a Private Driver when you’re done with your daily adventures. This is a new trip crafted with the adventurous sort in mind. Your days in Ireland are filled with professional guided hiking, cycling and walking tours, at places like The Burren, Kylemore Abbey, the Gap of Dunloe, a tasty food tour in Galway (it’s been recognized by National Geographic).
It’s an active schedule that takes you through the many landscapes and landmarks of Ireland, while getting you outside and invigorated. And, when you’re done: A Private Driver who knows exactly what to do and where to go so you can rest and recharge for the next adventure.
New trip, new reasons to be excited:
- While you’re getting time in the cities, you’re seeing a deeply authentic side of its smaller spots and outdoors.
- Get a closer connection to The Burren, one of the most unique natural places in Ireland with a walking tour and farm experience.
- Tour the Gap of Dunloe in Killarney by boat and by bike and also take a cycling tour of Killarney National Park.
- You’ll get top destinations and attractions like Powerscourt estate, Kylemore Abbey, a Galway Food Tour, the Cliffs of Moher and more.