Let me start by saying this: some places feel like postcards. My Ireland and Scotland trip felt like home.
This trip was a big one. My oldest son was turning 18, and I wanted to plan something unforgettable. We were pulled to Ireland and Scotland partly by ancestry, partly by our shared love for British humor (Monty Python, Noel Fielding, Richard Ayoade—yes please), and partly because we craved beauty, cool air, and green mountains. Florida, for all its sunshine, is flat and swamplike. We wanted something different.
And wow, did we find it.
Why an Ireland and Scotland Trip Together?
These two countries are a dream combo for travelers who want variety without chaos. Culturally and historically intertwined, they each have their own vibe. Ireland is warm and lyrical; Scotland is mystical and grounding. And practically speaking, it’s easy to link them by ferry (more on that in a sec!).
Planning this for just the two of us meant I could design it the way I would for a client: intentional, flowing, and with space to breathe. We left our mornings slow, scheduled our early wake-ups only when necessary, and built-in moments to simply be.
Our Route
We started in Dublin, exploring the Book of Kells at Trinity College, sipping cocktails we made at Jameson (so f*cking fun, y’all), and listening to music at the Brazen Head. We took a day trip to the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough (sheepdog demo included!), and popped up to Belfast for the Titanic Museum.
Then came the ferry—a surprisingly luxe ride from Ireland to Scotland that felt more like a mini cruise than public transport. We traveled through Stranraer, caught a scenic bus to Glasgow, and a train to Inverness, our home base for exploring Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and some magical distilleries.
We ended in Edinburgh, where we wandered Grassmarket, watched street performers on the Royal Mile, went ghost-hunting in underground vaults, and (as one does) took a day trip to Glasgow and got tattoos by world-renowned artists.
Tiny Moments, Big Magic
What stays with me aren’t just the landmarks. It’s:
- The way the light lingered until 10:30 p.m.
- The moment I put my hand in Loch Ness and felt a spark—cold, electric, ancient.
- Watching my son sip whiskey and ask questions like he was born in a speakeasy.
- Realizing I’m not a hiker but still feeling called—like literally called—by the Scottish mountains.
What Made It Work
This trip felt different because it was ours. Not a work trip, not a rush-rush itinerary, not a tour bus situation. I planned it around how we travel best: with a little structure and a lot of soul.
Even our long travel day from Ireland to Scotland was a highlight thanks to the variety: ferry, scenic bus, and train. We packed light. We talked to strangers. We watched the scenery and let the trip unfold. You can see the itinerary overview here.
Who Is This Trip For?
Honestly? Everyone.
Ireland and Scotland are two of the most flexible destinations I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re:
- A solo traveler chasing castles and cliffs
- A parent planning a meaningful teen trip
- A couple craving cozy pubs and folklore
- A retreat leader dreaming of slow walks and luxury castles
…you’ll find your pace, your people, your place.
This is just the beginning. In the next posts, I’ll share more about our Ireland highlights, why Scotland absolutely stole my heart, and how to plan a multi-generational or retreat-style itinerary without losing your mind (or your money).
Want help crafting a trip like this for yourself or your family? Let’s Talk!
Next up: 5 Unexpected Delights You’ll Miss If You Overplan in Ireland.
