Travel to the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and western Ireland on a journey that showcases mystical mountains and geological wonders, castles and ancient ruins, and charming towns from Glencoe to Galway.
Fabled Landscapes of Scotland and Ireland: A Tailor-Made Journey
A Self Drive Journey
10 days from $5,995
Travel to the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and western Ireland on a journey that showcases mystical mountains and geological wonders, castles and ancient ruins, and charming towns from Glencoe to Galway.
ACCOMMODATIONS
*Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.
Glencoe House
Glencoe, Scotland
This grand former hospital building sits on a hill overlooking Glencoe Village and Loch Leven and offers a very private experience. Each of the seven suites within the main building has a series of its own separate rooms, including a living and dining area, individually furnished to an exceptionally high standard. Dinner is served in your suite, which has its own well-stocked honesty bar. In addition, the six Bell Tower suites each have their own outdoor terrace with a hot tub, kitchen with a range and fully stocked freezer with pre-prepared gourmet meals. Glencoe House is situated within the Stac a’Chlamhain woods, beneath the Pap of Glencoe, so there are plenty of walking opportunities directly from the hotel.
Duisdale House Hotel
Isle of Skye, Scotland
This former hunting lodge is situated in leafy gardens and overlooks the sea. Inside, the décor is stylish and bright, with an Art Deco theme throughout. The lounge has an open fireplace, while the restaurant’s glass-paneled roof and walls capture the woodland and ocean views. Anne and Ken, the hotel’s owners, have a particular affiliation with boating, evident in nautical elements dotted about the rooms, particularly the Chart Room, the hotel’s more relaxed dining option. This serves light lunches and early evening meals from an à la carte menu, while the main restaurant has a two AA rosette fine-dining menu. Both use fresh, local ingredients and meals can be complemented by a wide selection of wines, local gins or whiskies.
The Grant Arms Hotel
Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland
The Grant Arms Hotel is a Victorian hotel in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey, with a rather grand gray stone façade. Its main focus is on wildlife; the hotel has a wonderful ‘wildlife corridor’ lined with local maps and posters identifying species, which leads to a club room. This is filled with bird and wildlife books, suggested local walks and activities, a sightings board and a room that regularly hosts talks by famous wildlife experts and TV presenters. The 50 bedrooms are a little plain but perfectly comfortable, and the food served in the restaurant is delicious, made from locally sourced ingredients.
Number 31
Dublin, Ireland
A charming, boutique guesthouse on a quiet, residential street, Number 31 offers a quirky alternative to a standard hotel experience. It is set in a Georgian townhouse linked by a small courtyard garden to a modernist mews at the back.
The 21 rooms are spread over the two buildings and are all unique in style, size and layout. Some offer lofty ceilings while others include original architectural features and grand fireplaces. There are also a number of communal areas including a 1950s sunken lounge with a fireplace.
Although Number 31 does not have its own restaurant, it serves an award-winning breakfast. St Stephen’s Green and the main shopping area, Grafton Street, are just a five-to-ten minute walk away.
Old Ground Hotel
Ennis, Ireland
Starting life as an 18th-century manor house, the Old Ground Hotel is centrally located, right in the heart of Ennis. This attractive, vine-covered property has a notable history with connections to past political intrigue.
Owned by a private art collector, the Old Ground Hotel has a rich collection of both modern and classical art. This is displayed throughout the corridors, lounges, as well as the contemporary Town Hall bistro and the stately Brendan O'Regan restaurant. Traditional music features regularly in the Poet's Corner Bar where an excellent a la carte menu available daily.
The elegant guest rooms, adorned with a palette of pleasant blues, cream and gold, are spacious and contemporary in style with dark wood furniture and rich fabrics. Complimentary Wi-Fi access, TV, direct dial telephone, iron, ironing board, and tea/coffee making facilities are standard ameneties.
Park House Hotel
Galway, Ireland
Convivial hospitality, an atmospheric bar and a central location make Park House a great value option in the heart of Galway. The hotel is centrally located close to Eyre Square, Galway's main commercial hub, and just a short walk from the city's vibrant pedestrian streets dotted with cafes, shops and pubs.
It's a popular spot with locals and consequently has a vibrant atmosphere with a casual, living room-styled reception area and two lively dining options. Despite this, rooms are quiet and comfortable featuring cheerful tones, natural wood furnishings and goose down duvets.
The Park House Restaurant serves classic French cuisine with a contemporary Irish twist, while relaxed Boss Doyle’s Bar offers lighter fare and an extensive drink menu.