Ireland and Scotland- The Local Way

At a recent conference of travel industry executives, we were advised that the No. 1 tour, selling out quickly, is one of Ireland and Scotland, with Italy being in second place.  You can save as much as 40% if you go on a motor coach tour, rather than by booking everything separately yourself.  

Both countries are steeped in beauty, history, and folklore.  Acres of emerald green and carpets of purple heather are beautifully dotted with feudal stone castles that will surely stir your imagination.  One company your travel agent may recommend is Brendan Vacations with its Irish roots and local connections.  With special touches designed to pay tribute to their 45th anniversary, from dinners in family homes to exclusive music events, every aspect of the tour whether it is guided, customized, or locally hosted, becomes more meaningful.  

In both Ireland and Scotland, working farms are home to the heartiest cuisine.  One should visit a working farm in Scotland’s Stirling District along the steep banks of Loch Ard, where you will be treated to a delectable meal.  You can also kick up your heels for an Irish folk night complementing your home cooked meal with a little dancing, singing, and storytelling at the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park outside of Shannon, or receive a royal welcome nearby at Bunratty Castle for a taste of medieval over a four course dinner.

No trip would be complete without trying fish and chips, or the notorious Haggis – a Scottish delight.

Both countries serve up several ways to join in some of their spirited discussions.  At the Guinness Storehouse Brewery in Dublin you can see how the barley, hops, yeast and water transform into Ireland’ popular “black stuff”.   It’s supposed to be very good for your health, if you can drink it.  The small town of Foynes in west Ireland brewed up a concoction of their own in 1943 to warm a tired flight crew from the nearby Limerick airport – Irish coffee.  Try a cup of Joe spiked with a little whisky at the place of its inception for a true taste of history.

Both countries are famed for the world’s best distilleries.  In Ireland, this smooth triple distilled golden spirit usually goes by the name of “Jameson” after its maker.   Go on a personal tour in Dublin followed by a tasting and a wonderful dinner.   If you prefer the smoky essence of an amber hued Scotch, join your own whisky advisor for an interactive tour of the malt whisky process in Edinburgh.  Head to the Talisker distrillery on the Isle of Skye or visit the iconic Glengoyne touted for the slowest process in Scotland with six years going into prepping the oak barrel alone.   A “wee dram” (small sip) is very good for you.

Take a tour which has you in Edinburgh for the Military Tattoo in August.  You may enjoy a fantastic experience on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle and see marching bands from all over the world.   For a good night out on a small scale, go to the Prestonfield House, a former Baroque resident of Lord Provost, for an evening of bagpipes, fiddles and dance, showing you the best of Scottish tradition.

Your travel agent may recommend a tour such as the Best of Scotland, a 6 night tour, or the  Treasures of Ireland, a 7 night tour, or All of Ireland, a ten night tour.  You cannot go wrong with any one of them.   You see the best of both countries in comfort and style.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.