The Best Ireland and Scotland Tours for Seniors

Retired and ready to roam? Ireland and Scotland are the perfect blends of vibrant rolling hills, green clifftops, castles, and rich history to explore at whatever pace you’d like. And, you’re in luck — they’re also two of our most popular destinations, so we’ve got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve! Here are some must-hit spots for seniors to visit when traveling to the lands of lochs, legends, and lore. 

We’ve also linked a few of our itineraries we think are the best and most popular for our traveling seniors, any of which are fully customizable to ensure you include the essentials on your travel list! 

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Begin in Dublin where the streets are stirring with live music, gift shops, pubs, and plenty of jovial Irish spirit. Here, you can enjoy walks along the stone streets in the city’s heartbeat and visit the infamous Guinness Storehouse where you’ll find seven stories of wheat barrels, machinery, brews, and pour-your-own experiences, finishing at the 360° Gravity Bar. Afterwards, visit the beautiful campus of Trinity College where you’ll find the Book of Kells exhibit in the large, cavernous library. 

See the storied halls and large gardens of Kilkenny Castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. The castle is open year-around and its fifty acres offer much to be seen and explored, including a terraced rose garden, an intricate courtyard, royal decor, and plenty of tumultuous history to learn about. 

You’ll see the gorgeous, quiet countryside of Killarney and County Clare, with thatched cottages that look like something out of a fairytale. Browse shops and, if you’re up for it, visit the mighty Cliffs of Moher—heads up, be prepared for some heavy breezes! While this stop will have a bit of walking to the cliffs and some misty weather, we think the view is absolutely worth it.

The quaint, charming city of Galway is a traveler favorite, with many pubs, restaurants, shops, and walking paths to explore. If you’ve ever heard of the famed Claddagh Ring, here’s the place to purchase the souvenir. 

A self-drive tour of the Ring of Kerry is a perfect day tip! You may go at your own pace, make stops as you wish, and view the beautiful coastal inlets, rolling countryside, and breathe in the fresh sea air. The circuit takes about 3.5 hours, and you’ll take in views you’ll remember forever. 

While these are just a few highlights not to miss, the below inspirational itineraries have more details and fully-customizable days: Best of Ireland, Enchanted South.

Welcome to Scotland! You’ll feel the magic in the air the moment you’re off the plane. Enjoy the day in Edinburgh, and you can begin with a hop-on hop-off tour to get your bearings and see the beautiful cityscape. A popular attraction is the Royal Yacht Britannia, the boat that’s sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles and was the former yacht of Queen Elizabeth 11. You’ll explore five decks, state apartments, and even enjoy tea and scones in the Royal Deck Tea Room! 

Visit the mountaintop Stirling Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. You’ll learn about the architecture and history, and the view from the top is well worth the visit! Then, make your way to Loch Lomond, a large lake in southern Scotland. You’ll see a magnificent view of the low mountains and the smooth, reflective lake, plus the park is a great place to sneak a peek at red deer and other wildlife—you can even take a hawk walk and spot some birds of prey. Did you know the area was the first place to become a national park in Scotland?