In 1767 it was announced in Edinburgh that the architect James Craig was to be ‘entitled to the primum for the best plan of a New Town’. This plan became the street and squares which are today bounded by St Andrews Square to the east,...
At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we always advise clients to visit the Cathedral. A Cathedral was founded on the location in 1038 by Sitric, King of the Dublin Vikings. It was for the first Bishop of Dublin. Even though it was a simple wooden building it survived...
There used to be a sixth century monastery here which gave the town its name. There used to be a sixth century monastery here which gave the town its name. Sadly, nothing remains of the monastery. But there are some beautiful Georgian houses in the town. Roscommon was also the home...
Though the first association with ‘Gleneagles’ is likely to be the golf course and hotel, there is in fact a glen of that name running through the Ochil Hills a little to the south. Moreover, the name has nothing to do with birds, deriving from the Gaelic eaglais,...
Dowth mound is 50 feet high and 200 feet in diameter. On the day of Winter Solstice, in the astral calendar, sunlight enters the tomb to shine on a decorated stone. It is interesting to wander the site and contemplate the mystery. The creators were the most advanced Neolithic civilisation in...
This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Kerry is dominated by the three rocky peninsulas of Dingle, Beara, and “Ring of Kerry”. Kerry’s popularity means that some places have tried too hard to attract tourists. The “Ring of Kerry” is the main example. So many coaches have taken...
This is the finest medieval city in Ireland. You should not miss the opportunity to visit Kilkenny on any Ireland tours. It stands high over the River Nore and its winding passages and lanes are a pleasure to explore. The Elizabethan architecture make it one of the most attractive towns in...
The island of Islay’s prosperity derives from whisky: roughly 4 million gallons proof are produced here each year, and distilling employs about 200 people. At one time the islanders were rewarded with duty free Scotch themselves, with unfortunate results. Drunk with due care and attention, however, Islay malts are...
This is a very pretty village on the North Coast. If you travel the coast road, with Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours, you will drive through Glenarm. It was originally a Medieval village and the layout has not changed that much. Street names like “Toberwine” and “The Vennel” take you...
In both First and Second World Wars, Scapa Flow was a busy naval base, and in both wars its defences were penetrated with serious consequences: in 1917 HMS Vanguard was torpedoed, and in 1939 it was the turn of HMS Royal Oak; both sinking’s resulted in heavy loss of...