It has been said that Ireland invented whiskey, but Scotland perfected it — and deemed it “whisky.” Indeed, both countries are known for their spirits, and this 11-day driving tour highlights that 500-year-old tradition.
From the Lowlands of Scotland to the capital of Ireland, this route allows travelers to visit at least six distilleries, each more historic than the next, and get exclusive tastings along the way. Gastronomes will also appreciate this itinerary, as the culinary traditions in Scotland and Ireland are strong. Several of the hotels along this route offer fine-dining restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
Arrive
Edinburgh Airport. You will be taken
to your hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Check into a whisky-themed suite at The Glasshouse or stay at the Andrew Harper-recommended Balmoral on the east end of Princes Street or the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caldonian on the west end of Princes Street. Consider an afternoon visit to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Vaults, in the historic Leith area, and sample limited-edition single-cask whiskies. Enjoy dinner at Rhubarb, the restaurant at Prestonfield House.
After breakfast, travel to Glenkinchie, a small distillery in the beautiful East Lothian countryside, and have lunch at Greywalls, one of the earliest country house hotels designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901. The afternoon is spent at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, where you will discover the aromas and flavors that appeal to your palate and lead you to your perfect single-malt whisky.
Transfer to Gleneagles, and check in to The Gleneagles Hotel, an imposing golf resort opened in 1924 on an 850-acre estate 75 minutes northwest of Edinburgh. You will stay for one night.
In the afternoon, visit The Famous
Grouse Distillery Experience. After you return to the hotel, take a leisurely drink at The Blue Bar prior to dinner in the
only restaurant in Scotland with two Michelin stars: Andrew Fairlie.
Travel to Glengoyne Distillery, which has been distilling whisky since 1833. Afterward, visit Hotel du Vin, at One Devonshire Gardens, in Glasgow, where
you can visit the Whisky Snug, with its choice of more than 150 varieties. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Travel to Bladnoch Distillery and then to Knockinaam Lodge, the house featured in John Buchan’s adventure novel, “The Thirty-Nine Steps.” While there, savor a whisky or two in the lovely little wood paneled Whisky Bar. Dinner will be taken in the Michelin-starred restaurant in the hotel.
Transfer to County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and check in at The Bushmills Inn Hotel, the home of the world’s oldest distillery, where you will stay for two nights. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Intriguing fireplaces, oil lamps, nooks, crannies and even a secret room set the tone in the historic inn. In the bar, still lit by gaslight, try a glass of Bushmills malt from the hotel’s private cask, or relax in a rocking chair in front of the gentle glow of a turf fire in the smoke-aged “old kitchen.”
Visit The Bushmills Distillery and learn the secrets of 400 years of distilling at the home of Irish whiskey. In the afternoon, if you wish, play a round at The Royal Portrush Golf Course.
Transfer to Dublin and check into The Merrion Hotel where you will stay for three nights. The afternoon is free to explore Dublin. Perhaps a visit to The Guinness Storehouse, the home of Guinness beer. In the evening we suggest dinner at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the hotels’s two-starred Michelin restaurant.
After breakfast, visit The Old Jameson Distillery Experience in Dublin. After lunch take a tour of the city, stopping off at the places you want to explore. For dinner on your second evening in Dublin we suggest Michelin-starred Chapter One on the historic Parnell Square. Chapter One is the former home of John Jameson, so it is a perfect way to finish your day.
Your third day in Dublin is free to explore the city.
Depart for home.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
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