During May of 2024 I had the pleasure to travel to Scotland and Ireland with my family. This was one of the most magical trips I have taken to date. Breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious food made this trip one I won’t forget. If you are planning a trip here definitely give this a read!

Day 1-3: Ballintoy

Day 1:

Our adventure began in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After landing, we picked up our rental car and hit the road! The drive from Belfast to Ballintoy can easily be turned into a scenic journey. By following the Antrim Coast route, you’ll pass breathtaking views and historic landmarks along the way.

In Ballintoy, we checked into the cozy Fullerton Arms Inn, a charming spot with its own restaurant and bar. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the food didn’t disappoint. Hardy, traditional Irish dishes that hit the spot after a day on the road. We wandered through the little town and down to the harbor, where we found an old fishery and hidden caves along the water that were fun to explore. After such a long travel day, though, we were ready to call it an early night and rest up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2:

Just a short drive from the hotel is the famous Carrik-A-Rede Rope Bridge. While tickets don’t usually sell out, it’s still a good idea to book ahead. The bridge was once used by local fishermen but today it’s one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions. As we crossed, we spotted kayakers paddling along the rugged coastline — the perfect adventure for thrill-seekers. Instead of hopping back in the car, we chose to walk along the coastal path back toward Ballintoy Harbor, while my parents drove to meet us there. The views made every step worth it.

Ballintoy Harbor might look familiar if you’re a Game of Thrones fan — it was one of the show’s filming locations. We grabbed a quick lunch at Roark’s Kitchen, a little café right in the harbor, before continuing our journey.

Our next stop was Dunluce Castle, about a 20-minute drive from the rope bridge. The route takes you through the town of Bushmills, where you can make a pit stop at the famous Bushmills Distillery. Entry to the castle is around $8 USD per adult, and it’s absolutely worth it. Wandering through the ruins felt surreal — especially coming from the States, where we don’t have anything this old or dramatic. Perched on the edge of the cliffs, the castle offers both incredible views and a fascinating glimpse into history.

On our way back to Ballintoy, we made a stop at Mussenden Temple — another Game of Thrones filming location. Parking was about $14 USD, but the dramatic coastal views made it worth it. The temple itself is beautiful, perched on the cliffs with sweeping scenery all around.

That evening, we had dinner at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge restaurant, where I ordered a classic plate of bangers and mash. We lingered after our meal, enjoying drinks and live music — the perfect way to wrap up the day.

Day 3:

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we headed to Dunfin Farm. This turned out to be such a fun and unique experience. We learned all about Irish sheep farming and bogs, watched a sheepdog expertly herd the flock, and even saw sheep being sheared — something I’d never experienced before.

Later that day, we visited the iconic Giants Causeway, a must-see when in Northern Ireland. The basalt rock formations are unlike anything else, and the scenery along the coast is breathtaking. Tickets were about $20 per adult. There’s also a hike that takes roughly an hour, leading to stunning panoramic views of the Causeway below. A shuttle bus runs from the top down to the site (and back up) for £1 each way. Trust me — you’ll want to take it on the way back up!

We ended the evening back at Fullerton Arms, where another round of traditional Irish food closed out our time in Ballintoy perfectly.

Day 4-6: Dublin

Day 4:

From Ballintoy, we made our way back to Belfast to return the rental car. Along the way, we stopped at the Dark Hedges — another famous Game of Thrones filming location. The tree-lined road made for a pretty photo stop and a nice break from the drive, though it wasn’t quite as exciting as some of the other sights we’d seen.

Back in Belfast, we grabbed an Uber to the train station and caught the three-hour train south to Dublin. For our stay, we checked into the Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center. The hotel was modern, clean, and included breakfast — exactly what we needed after a day of travel. For food, we stumbled upon Banbino Pizza, a must-try spot if you’re in the city. It’s casual, delicious, and perfect for a quick bite, whether lunch or dinner.

Day 5:

The next morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Dublin. Our first stop was St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning church filled with towering architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows. Admission was free, making it an easy and worthwhile visit.

Just a short walk away, we stumbled upon the Lidl with Viking ruins beneath it — a fun little surprise. The ruins themselves are free to see, and if you’re in the mood for a cheap lunch or some Irish snacks, the grocery store is right there.

Next up was the Guinness Storehouse, one of Dublin’s most famous attractions. Tickets start around $30, with options to upgrade. This self-guided tour was the perfect way to escape the rainy weather while diving into the fascinating history of Guinness. We made sure to enjoy our complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar, where the panoramic views of Dublin made for an incredible photo spot.

After a quick rest back at the hotel, we made our way to the Leprechaun Museum. More of an interactive storytelling experience than a museum, it offered a fun and quirky look at the folklore and cultural significance of leprechauns in Ireland. To wrap up the day, we had dinner at Brazen Head — Dublin’s oldest pub — where hearty Irish food and a cozy atmosphere made for the perfect ending to a busy day.

Day 6:

On our final day in Dublin, we started with a visit to the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street. I could have easily spent the entire day here — it’s absolutely a must-see. The exhibits cover everything from Viking history in Ireland to the fascinating (and slightly eerie) bog bodies.

With the sun finally out, we took some time to wander the city. Dublin is famous for its colorful doors, and spotting them as we walked quickly became a little game. We browsed souvenir shops along the way, and for anyone looking for a traditional keepsake, Dublin is the perfect place to pick up a Claddagh ring.

In the afternoon, we checked out a couple of the city’s most talked-about bars — The Hairy Lemon and the iconic Temple Bar. They’re definitely worth a stop for the atmosphere, but you can tell they’re tourist hotspots. For a more authentic pub experience, I’d recommend exploring some of the lesser-known local spots.

Sticking with the theme of drinks, we headed to the Jameson Distillery Tickets were about $35 and included a welcome drink, an interactive guided tour, and a whiskey tasting. Even if you’re not a huge whiskey fan, the experience is so much fun and absolutely worth it.

To wrap up our last night in Dublin, we had dinner at The Church Café — yes, an actual church that’s been transformed into a restaurant and bar. Reservations are definitely recommended, especially for larger groups. We lucked out with a table upstairs, where we had the perfect view of the stained-glass windows and even caught some live Irish dancing while we ate. It was the perfect sendoff to our time in Ireland.

Day 7-9: Glencoe

Day 7:

Next stop: Scotland! After a quick flight, we landed in Glasgow and drove about two hours to Glencoe. The drive itself is absolutely worth taking your time — there are plenty of viewpoints to pull off and soak in the breathtaking Highland scenery.

In Glencoe, we stayed at the charming Glencoe Inn. It had a cozy, quaint vibe, though as an American, I will admit the lack of air conditioning made for some uncomfortable nights — especially during the heat wave we happened to hit! The inn has two restaurants, a bar, and even a pizza truck, which ended up being perfect for our late arrival. We considered heading to the nearby town of Ballachulish for dinner, but the restaurants were full. In the end, pizza and a cold beer was a simple, satisfying way to end our first evening in the Highlands.

Day 8:

A short, scenic drive from Glencoe brought us to Fort Augustus, located at the southern tip of Loch Ness — the perfect spot to explore the famous loch. We had booked a boat tour for about $28 per person, which takes you up and down the loch while sharing its history. Although we missed our original time slot, they kindly let us join a later tour that same day.

While waiting, we grabbed lunch at Nourish Ness — we had originally hoped to try the Loch Inn, but it was closed that day. The boat tour itself was lovely, and I’d definitely recommend it. Fort Augustus also has plenty of shops to browse, and for practical needs, the Great Glen Trading Center gas station even has a washer and dryer. We used it while taking in the sights, though be aware your laundry will be out in the open for all to see! To tide us over, we grabbed some cheesy fries at the Monster Fish and Chip Co., and also appreciated the nearby public restrooms.

Back in Glencoe, we headed to the Clachaig Inn, which sits near the trail leading to the Harry Potter filming location for Hagrid’s Hut. The short uphill hike definitely got our hearts pumping, but the views along the way made it more than worth it. Dinner at the Clachaig Inn was hearty and satisfying, and we finished the evening back at Glencoe Inns’ bar with a few drinks to wind down.

Day 9:

On this day, our group split up for different adventures. Steven, my boyfriend, decided to try his hand at fishing in the neighboring town of Ballachulish. There’s a tackle store there where you can rent fishing poles. It wasn’t the best day for fishing, but he still had fun soaking in the beautiful scenery. Meanwhile, Ryan, my sister’s boyfriend, took on the Pap of Glencoe hike — about four miles roundtrip — which rewards you with incredible panoramic views of Glencoe at the top.

The rest of us kicked off the morning at Castle Stalker View Café, which sadly is no longer open, but there are plenty of other viewpoints along the coast to admire this historic castle. Next, we stopped at Highland Fold Ice Cream to try ice cream made from Highland cows’ milk. Not only was it delicious, but the scenery was stunning — and who can resist spotting those adorable Highland cows?

Our journey continued to Dunstaffnage Castle, where admission was $10 and included access to the castle grounds. Exploring the ruins, chapel, and cemetery was a fun way to soak up a bit of Scottish history. For lunch, we headed to Ganavan Beach, where a small food truck served up tasty paninis. While there, we checked out a stone circle on the bay — probably a more recent creation, but still a charming sight — and enjoyed a peaceful walk along the coastline.

We wrapped up the day back at the Glencoe Inn with dinner and drinks, marking the end of our time in the Highlands.

Day 10-14: Edinburgh

Day 10:

From Glencoe, we returned our rental car in Glasgow and hopped on a train to Edinburgh. We stayed at the Hampton by Hilton West End, which had clean, modern rooms and an attached restaurant, Sofia’s, serving Lebanese cuisine. I still think about this place — we enjoyed it so much that we ate there multiple times during our stay!

The evening we arrived, I was coming down with a little cold, so I opted to stay in rather than head out to explore the city. It was the perfect excuse to rest up for the adventures ahead in Edinburgh.

Day 11:

Our first full day in Edinburgh quickly revealed why this city became my favorite of the trip. Known for its rich history and stunning Gothic architecture, Edinburgh has a charm that’s hard to beat. We kicked things off at the Greyfriars Bobby statue. Legend says rubbing this little dog’s nose brings good luck, though some prefer to leave it untouched to help preserve the statue. Just nearby is Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery that inspired many names in the Harry Potter series. While tours are available, we enjoyed exploring it on our own.

Next, we wandered down the famous Victoria Street, which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley. The street is lined with colorful buildings and quirky souvenir shops, and the surrounding area is full of little treasures to discover. At the bottom of Victoria Street is Grassmarket, a lively street offering great views of Edinburgh Castle, plus shops and restaurants. We stopped for lunch at Mowgli, an Indian restaurant with a stunning interior and absolutely delicious food — highly recommend!

Later in the evening, we made our way up to Calton Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. From here, we could spot the iconic Arthur’s Seat — a hike I wish we had time for — and Holyrood Palace, another site I would have loved to explore. The views alone made the climb worth it and gave us a real sense of Edinburgh’s layout and beauty.

Day 12:

Today, our group split up again for different adventures. The guys headed to St. Andrews, just about an hour by train from Edinburgh, where they toured the greens and even hit a few balls at the driving range. Spots fill up fast, so if you’re planning a visit, it’s best to book in advance.

The girls, on the other hand, spent the day exploring and enjoying a classic afternoon tea. We started at Dean Village, a charming little neighborhood in the heart of Edinburgh that feels like a world away from the city. With its cute houses and picturesque bridges, it’s magical — but remember, people actually live here, so be respectful while wandering.

Next, we made our way to Princess Street and admired the gothic beauty of the Scott Monument. And what’s a girls’ day without a little shopping? After browsing the shops along Princess Street, we headed to our afternoon tea reservation at The Witchery. At $68 per person, it was a splurge, but worth it. We chose to sit in the main dining area rather than the secret garden, and the food, tea, and overall experience did not disappoint. Since we weren’t all going to be back in Edinburgh together, it felt like the perfect treat.

After tea, we did a bit more shopping. Nearby, the Tartan Weaving Mill is a great spot to find tartan patterns, especially if your last name has Scottish heritage — and it makes for a perfect souvenir. By the time everyone returned to the hotel, we were all tired, so we ended the day with a simple and satisfying pizza dinner.

Day 13:

We met up with everyone at Edinburgh Castle, which sits dramatically atop an ancient volcano! Tickets are around $30 and give you access to the entire castle grounds and exhibits. Inside, you’ll find one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the Crown Jewels of Scotland. You could easily spend a few hours exploring all the nooks, crannies, and history the castle has to offer.

Since the castle is close to The Witchery and the Tartan Weaving Mill, we made a quick stop to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. That evening, we booked a tour of Mary King’s Close, which quickly became my favorite experience in Edinburgh. Throughout the city, these “closes” — essentially alleyways — are layered with rich history. Some of them, originally at ground level, are now underground, giving a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. I highly recommend this tour if you want to really understand the city’s history and the fascinating story of its hidden streets.

For dinner, we headed to Deacon’s Café, where we enjoyed traditional Scottish dishes — the perfect hearty meal on a rainy evening. On the way back to the hotel, we made sure to stop at a few bars along Grassmarket. Many had live music and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, a perfect way to end our time in the city.

Day 14:

On our last day in Edinburgh, Steven and I set out for a relaxed morning. We started with breakfast at Loudons Fountainbridge, a lovely café that was the perfect way to kick off the day. Afterward, we wandered into Armchair Books, a quaint little bookstore where Steven picked up a copy of Harry Potter — a must for any book lover!

We then strolled through Princess Street Gardens, taking in great views of Edinburgh Castle along the way. Our walk ended at the National Gallery of Scotland, which is free to visit and filled with incredible artwork.

To wrap up our trip, we visited The Cauldron, a magical cocktail experience where you mix drinks using “potion” ingredients. Wearing capes and stirring our creations felt like stepping into a wizarding world. While I personally wasn’t a fan of the drinks we made, it was such a fun and unique experience. Sadly, The Cauldron has since closed, but there are similar experiences elsewhere for anyone looking to try it.

And that wraps up our 14-day adventure through Scotland and Ireland! The trip was packed with incredible sights, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences that I’ll cherish forever. I hope this post gives you some inspiration and helpful tips for planning your own journey.

As my very first blog post, I’m open to any feedback or advice — I love sharing my travels and connecting with fellow adventurers. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts! ❤️