Planning an 11-day Ireland and Scotland itinerary? These two countries are easy to pair together and 11 days gives you enough time to experience both without trying to cram every major attraction into one trip.
This is the trip itinerary we followed on our first visit to Ireland and Scotland, including three hotel bases in Dublin, Cork and Edinburgh.
I’ve included all the big city sightseeing, plus our day trips, smaller towns and coastal stops that surprised us.
Table of Contents
11-Day Ireland and Scotland Itinerary at a Glance
START: Dublin, Ireland
END: Edinburgh, Scotland
LENGTH: 11 days, 10 nights (+1 travel day from the USA)
HOTEL BASES: 3
TRANSPORTATION: Public transport + organized day tours + flight
PACE: Moderate
📍Where we stayed:
1. Dublin – Zanzibar Locke Aparthotel
2. Cork – Moxy Cork, a Marriot Hotel
3. Edinburgh – Eden Locke Aparthotel
Ireland and Scotland Route: Dublin, Cork and Edinburgh
This 11-day Ireland and Scotland itinerary uses three strategic hotel bases: Dublin and Cork in Ireland, followed by Edinburgh in Scotland.
Rather than changing hotels every night, we used day trips to explore Howth, Mizen Head, Kinsale, the Scottish Highlands and North Berwick.
We flew into Dublin and home from Edinburgh (with an additional short flight between Ireland and Scotland) instead of backtracking, which is an example of how an open-jaw flight itinerary can save time on a multi-city trip.
How to Travel Around Ireland and Scotland
You may get differing opinions on this, but we did not rent a car, and I honestly didn’t think we needed one.
I went back and forth on whether or not we should rent a car, and even though my husband said he could probably manage the manual transmission on the lefthand side of the road, we ultimately decided against it.
Will you potentially be able to see more at your leisure if you rent a car? Possibly. But, I don’t feel like it hindered us.
Our transportation differed between cities, but generally followed this pattern:
- Dublin: Public transportation + walking
- Dublin → Cork: Train
- Cork: Walking + organized day tour
- Cork → Edinburgh: Direct flight via Ryanair
- Edinburgh: Walking + organized day tour + train
11-Day Ireland and Scotland Itinerary Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin, Ireland
After a re-routed travel day and a delayed arrival into Dublin, we checked in, grabbed food and went to bed. Very uneventful, but it was what it was after a long travel day.
In a rush? My favorite hotels in Dublin, Ireland
1. Zanzibar Locke Aparthotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – check rates and availability
2. Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin ⭐⭐⭐⭐- check rates and availability
Day 2: Howth Day Trip from Dublin
The first day was spent exploring Howth, Ireland, a lovely coastal town on the Irish Sea.
We took advantage of the lack of rain in the forecast and jumped on the opportunity to explore.
Getting there was easy; you can either take the bus or the DART train, both being a 30ish minute ride. We bussed there and took the train back.
We hiked the Howth Cliff Walk (green route, just under 4 miles), where we got to see cliffs, panoramic views of the Irish Sea, and the iconic Baily Lighthouse.
💡SMART TIP:
The public bus will take you all the way up to the Howth summit vs the train dropping you at the station. If you get dropped at the train station, you’ll have to hike or get up to the summit before even starting your actual cliff hike. Take the bus up to the summit, walk down into town and the train back to Dublin.
After finishing our walk around the cliffs, we were ready for a big lunch. We ate at a restaurant by the water where I tried my first mussel.
Trying my first mussel in Howth was just one of my food highlights in Ireland!
If you’re planning your own trip, check out my thoughts on 9 Irish Foods to Try on Your Next Trip to Ireland for the dishes I’d recommend trying (and which ones I’d skip).
Day 3: Dublin Sightseeing
Morning: St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Stephen’s Green Park
We fueled up with some coffee prior to our Dublin city exploring day.
Our first stop was St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was a great indoor break from the rain, where we viewed the English Gothic architecture and colorful stained glass windows.
Afternoon: St. Stephen’s Green Park and EPIC Emigration Museum
We strolled through St. Stephen’s Green park before stopping at the EPIC Emigration Museum. This museum was a backup on my Dublin itinerary before we got here, but I’m so glad we ended up going.
It was a really informative way to learn about the Irish diaspora and history. It’s a very immersive and interactive museum. Extremely well curated and informative.
Evening: Dinner and Trinity College Campus
We had dinner at The Bank on College Green before we walked through the Trinity College campus after dinner.
I’m a sucker for a gorgeous college campus, and Trinity College is often dubbed as the “Harvard of Ireland”.
Unpopular choice, but we actually did not see the Book of Kells on our trip to Dublin.
The Book of Kells is a historical icon, containing the manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament. The Old Library is also part of the experience, but it was undergoing a long restoration when we visited.
Day 4: Cork, Ireland Arrival
This was our first travel day, where we took a ~2 hour train from Dublin to Cork.
In a rush? My favorite hotels in Cork, Ireland
1. Moxy Cork (Marriott) ⭐⭐⭐- check rates and availability
2. Radisson Blu Cork ⭐⭐⭐⭐- check rates and availability
After arriving and grabbing some food, our first activity was visiting the Cork City Gaol (pronounced jail), showcasing the history of this former 19th century prison.
We then visited the Blackrock Castle Observatory, the former coastal defense site sits on the banks of the River Lee in Cork.
Day 5: Mizen Head Day Trip from Cork
All Day: Nearing our halfway point of our Ireland and Scotland trip, today was full of the most epic landscapes we’d see on the trip.
We headed out on an organized day trip to Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland on the Atlantic Coast. The tour started in Cork city, before traveling along part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with the following stops:
- Gougane Barra
- Mizen Head
- Clonakilty
Visiting Mizen Head Without a Car?
This is the guided tour we took from Cork, and we loved not worrying about the rural roads ourselves.
Our day started in true Irish fashion, with high winds and strong rains at Gougane Barra, a glacial valley with a 20th century monastery nestled into the hillside.
By the time we reached Mizen Head, again in stereotypical Irish weather fashion, the sun came out and the rain cleared up, revealing the most gorgeous cliffs over the Atlantic.
Day 6: Kinsale, Ireland
This day was full of colorful streetscapes in Kinsale, Ireland, just 15 miles south of Cork.
We walked the Scilly walk, which looped us all the way up to Charles Fort.
We walked back into town through the hilled houses of Kinsale and stopped at local favorite Fishy Fishy.
Day 7: Edinburgh, Scotland Arrival
After landing and checking in, we went straight to our reservation at Makar’s Mash Bar, where we tried Scotland’s national dish, haggis. Sure, it was a touristy version, but it was actually really good.
We then watched the sunset at Calton Hill, overlooking the medieval city.
Steal✨
Calton Hill is a can’t miss viewpoint in Edinburgh! We hiked up there (it’s, as the name suggest, on a hill) after our dinner to watch the sunset.
In a rush? My favorite hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland
1. Point A Edinburgh Haymarket ⭐⭐⭐ – check rates and availability
2. Eden Locke Aparthotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – check rates and availability
3. The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – check rates and availability *great for a special occasion splurge*
Day 8: Scottish Highland Day Trip and Edinburgh City
Morning/Afternoon: Hairy Coo Day Trip
This one was a short day trip out to the start of the Scottish Highlands, including stops at:
- Forth Bridges
- Blackness Castle
- Highland Cows
- Loch Katrine
- Bonus stop: Loch Venachar
First up, we got some history on the three bridges in Edinburgh, each being built in a different century to handle evolving transportation needs through the Firth of Forth estuary.
Want a Short Escape to the Scottish Highlands?
This is the guided tour we took from Edinburgh, and we loved how much we saw without taking up the entire day.
The best information we learned was that apparently the Scottish government held a public naming poll for the bridges, in which the locals suggested “Bridgy McBridgeface.”
Not as exciting, but they decided to go with the Queensferry Crossing.
We then visited Blackness Castle, before heading to a highland coo farm to feed and see some famous Scottish highland cows.
By lunchtime, we got to spend some time at Loch Katrine, a freshwater loch in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in Scotland.
Our guide ended the tour with a surprise and additional stop at Loch Venachar before we headed back into the city.
Evening: Edinburgh City: Greyfriars Bobby, Princess Street, Ross Fountain
The day trip was a shortened version, so we had a good amount of evening time to explore some famous city sights.
We saw the Greyfriars Bobby dog statue, who became famous in 19th century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding his owner’s grave before he passed away.
Apparently it’s good luck if you pet his nose. However, it’s really not made for those of us who are 5 feet tall…
We walked down Victoria Street, which supposedly inspired J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, all the way to Bertie’s Fish and Chips restaurant.
Day 9: Edinburgh City Sightseeing + Harris Tweed Bag Workshop
Morning: National Museum of Scotland
The morning was spent at the free multi-level museum, showcasing Scottish history and culture.
Afternoon to Evening: Harris Tweed Islander Workshop
My next tourist activity was customizing my own Harris Tweed pure wool bag.
This was a really fun experience getting to pick my leather and wool colors and screw in my own bag straps.
We finished the evening with dinner at an Italian restaurant before dessert at a chocolate cafe and a stroll back down Princess Street past the Edinburgh Castle.
Day 10: North Berwick Day trip from Edinburgh
This one was not on our Scotland itinerary initially, but we wanted a slow end to our trip and this ended up as an unexpected favorite.
We took a short train ride to North Berwick, 20 miles from Edinburgh, where the Firth of Forth Bay meets the North Sea.
We went to the Scottish Seabird Centre, where we got a view of the Bass Rock, a volcanic rock in the bay that’s home to the largest colony of northern gannet birds.
Finally, we saved the best fish and chips of the trip for the last day at the Lobster Shack food truck on the harbor.
How Much Does an 11-Day Trip to Ireland and Scotland Cost?
This wasn’t a budget trip, but we also weren’t trying to spend as much as possible.
I’m personally not someone who can stay in shared rooms and compromise my comfort, but I also want to maximize the value I’m getting by saving where I can without making the trip unenjoyable.
Here is what our 11-day trip to Ireland and Scotland cost for two people:
| Flights (Kansas City to Dublin, Dublin to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Kansas City) | $1,900 |
| Accommodations (10 nights) | $2,550 (avg. of $255/night) |
| Tours, Attractions and Activities | $1,000 |
| Food and Drink | $950 |
| Shopping and Misc. | $550 |
| Total cost (2 people) | $6,950 |
| Total cost (per person) | $3,475 |
11-Day Ireland and Scotland Itinerary: What to Steal, Skip, Splurge & Save
STEALS ✨
- Makars Mash Bar (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Make a reservation at Makars Mash Bar, a popular restaurant where you can build your own mashed potato and meat combo.
The sticky toffee pudding also changed my life; you need to get it.
- EPIC Emigration Museum (Dublin, Ireland)
This was an underrated favorite of mine. Irish history and culture was deeply affected by the British rule, and this museum showcased contributions and things the Irish did for their new communities after fleeing their land.
SKIPS ❌
- Dublin city for an extended amount of time (Dublin, Ireland)
Dublin was our arrival city, so we obviously spent a few days there. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to do and stuff you must see.
However, it definitely felt like a big city. Crowded streets of locals and tourists alike. I wouldn’t suggest staying here more than a few days, since in my opinion, the real beauty of Ireland lies in the countryside.
SPLURGES 🤑
- Custom Harris Tweed Purse Class (Edinburgh, Scotland)
For the girls (or guys; it makes a great gift), this was a really cool experience. It was roughly $75 USD, but when I was in vacation spend mode, it was totally worth it.
SAVES💰
- Don’t overdo the castles (Ireland and Scotland)
In my opinion, once you’ve seen a couple castles, you’ve seen them all. This might not be a popular opinion, but in my experience, I got my fix after a couple castles.
SURPRISES‼️
- The small harbour towns (Ireland and Scotland)
Thinking of an Ireland and Scotland trip, you probably think of Dublin, Edinburgh and the Cliffs of Moher.
A big surprise for us was how much we loved the small harbor towns like Howth and Kinsale, Ireland and North Berwick, Scotland.
Each one was on a different major body of water, and they all had their own unique experience. We got to see the Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean and North Sea, all in just 11 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Ireland and Scotland Trip
Is 11 days enough for Ireland and Scotland?
This was a great amount of time for a first-time visit to Ireland and Scotland. It didn’t feel too rushed, nor did it feel like it was dragging on by the end of our trip.
Can you do Ireland and Scotland in 11 days without a car?
Yes! At no point did we feel regretful that we didn’t rent a car.
In fact, we saw some friends that happened to be in Cork at the same time as us who had rented a car, and I was not envious of their struggles to find parking and deal with the narrow city roads.
What is the best way to travel between Ireland and Scotland?
Flying, in my opinion. Unless you happen to end on a coastal town, a ferry is not your best option.
Our Ryanair flight was barely one hour and the lowest fare class (which we didn’t book) would have been ~$50 USD each.
What is the best time to visit Ireland and Scotland?
For me, spring or fall. We wanted good weather with the least amount of rain (although, it’s a guarantee you are going to get at least some rain).
Shoulder season is also a great option (September-October and May-early June) for lower prices and less crowds.
Final Thoughts: 11-Day Ireland and Scotland Itinerary
I’d absolutely do Ireland and Scotland together again. This 11-day itinerary gave us enough time to get value out of our vacation by experiencing both countries without feeling like we were constantly packing our bags and changing hotels.
If this is your first trip to Ireland and Scotland, I think this route is the perfect balance of major sights, smaller towns, coastal scenery and slower days.
We stayed in just three hotel bases and used a mix of public transportation and organized day trips, which made the trip much easier than trying to squeeze everything into a road trip.
You won’t see everything in this itinerary, but if you have around 11 days and want to experience both Ireland and Scotland on one trip, this is the route I’d absolutely take again.
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