"Hogwarts Express" crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Experience the castles, cathedrals, film sites and spectacular scenery of Ireland and Scotland

Ireland and Scotland in particular have a special place in our hearts. Rich with Celtic history, ancestral lineage, remarkable castles and cathedrals, and home to some outstanding movie and television film sites! 

In the far north of Northern Ireland, you'll find the legendary Giant's Causeway and it's mysterious basalt columns which are found both in Northern Ireland as well as off the tiny isle of Staffa, six miles off the coast of Mull Scotland.   Could there be truth to the tales of rival giants throwing rocks at each other across the Irish Sea linking the two nations? 

While the fictional history of these countries is fun, let's not forget the real history, from warriors and leaders such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and their infamous Battles of Falkirk and Stirling Bridge, to the Jacobite uprising under Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden in Scotland.   Across the Irish sea in Ireland, the first human settlements date back over 10,500 years!  More "recent" history includes the Viking Invasions dating back to around the 8th century, the Great Famine in the 1800's, the Division of Ireland roughly 100 years ago, and Northern Ireland's Bloody Sunday just 50 years ago.  Ireland and Scotland are simply stunning destinations, rich with history, dramatic scenery, and despite their warrior history some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet!

Television fans will be excited by the opportunity to visit numerous film sites for hugely popular series such as Game of Thrones in Ireland and Outlander in Scotland. Film sites abound throughout including the castles of Midhope, Doune, Blackness and Craigmillar; and the palaces of Culross, Linlithgow and Falkland.  And lets not forget the Craigh na Dun standing stones!  The actual film location was on a farm in Perthshire with the infamous standing stones mere props, however, many feel the Calanais Standing Stones are a good substitute for the fictional ones.  The Calanais Standing Stones are found on the on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.   Film sites for both Game of Thrones and Outlander are generally well marked by placards, complete with pictures of the scenes filmed at the site. 

For movie fans, did you know that a tiny island in southern Ireland, 8-miles off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, was a featured film site for Stars Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) and Stars Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII)?  The stone beehive huts on the steep cliffs of Skellig Michael island were featured as the home of the first Jedi Temple and the place of self-exile for Jedi Luke Skywalker.  During the summer months, up to 144 lucky guests per day can board one of the 12 boat charters that are permitted to land on the island.  Guests then have the opportunity to climb the 600 steps to experience the ancient beehive monastery and stunning views at the top!  We've done it and it is just a spectacular experience!  Be warned, however, scoring a landing ticket is a challenge as they typically go on sale in the middle of winter and often sell out for the season within 24 hours!

Back in Scotland, let's not forget that famous wizard Harry Potter and the Hogwart's Express.  Guests can experience the infamous Jacobite Steam Train on a ride from Fort William to Mallaig and back, complete with crossings each way over the Glenfinnan viaduct!  Adventurous guests can also make a short 20-30 minute hike to get that perfect shot of the train as it crosses the infamous viaduct.

Contact us today to craft your journey to experience the beauty and cultures of Ireland or Scotland, or both!