Stirling Castle, and the town itself, played an important role in the 13th and 14th century Wars of Independence; near here Bannockburn was fought and, seventeen years earlier, William Wallace routed the Earl of Surrey’s army at Stirling Bridge. The castle, still under military occupation,...
This wonderful castle is close to the famous “Hill of Tara”. At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we often combine visits to these two hidden gems. The castle dates from the 13th century but has been modernised. It is owned by the Plunkett family and they have lived...
This is a true hidden gem that our driver/guides like to show clients. At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we know all the best spots. It is a small pretty lough surrounded by hills on its North side. To the West is “Cairns Hill” This hill is scattered with...
When it came into the hands of the Earl of Argyll through marriage in the 15th century, this castle was known as Castle Gloom. The hill beside is still Gloomhill, and the burns which run down on either side are the Burn of Sorrow and...
At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we think all of our client should see what is widely considered a true wonder of the world. Nothing can rival the causeway for sheer weirdness and geologic phenomenon. It was created from cooling basalt erupting through the earth’s crust 60...
This little village is a true “hidden gem”. At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we love the reaction of our guests when we take them to “Quin”. Quin is famous for its well-preserved Franciscan Friary. This was established in 1443 on the remains of an Anglo-Norman castle. It has...
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,...