Irish Ancestral Group · Across the Irish Sea
Bespoke Tours
of Scotland
Choose Your Own Adventure
Scotland might have been on your wish list for years, or it may be somewhere you began thinking about while planning a visit to Ireland. Whatever has sparked your interest, there is plenty to build a visit around, from historic towns and castles to coastal villages and landscapes you will want time to enjoy.
Tell Us About Your Scottish Plans
We at Irish Ancestral Group offer bespoke tours of Scotland for individuals, couples, families and groups. You may have Scottish ancestry you would like to explore, but you are equally welcome if you simply want to discover the country. We will work with you to plan a visit around your interests, the time you have available and the way you like to travel.
The Scotland you have in mind
What Draws You To Scotland?
For some visitors, it is the history; for others, the scenery, a particular place or the chance to spend time somewhere they have never been before. You might enjoy exploring castles and old streets, discovering local food or taking a quieter route through smaller communities. There is no need to fit your interests into a standard itinerary.
We will discuss the places you would most like to include and suggest how they could work together. Distances, travel times and the number of times you want to change accommodation all matter when planning a comfortable trip. It is often more enjoyable to spend a little longer in an area than to try to see everything in one visit.
For those with Scottish roots
Including Your Family Connections
If your family came from Scotland, we can discuss making their home area part of your tour. You might already know the town or parish, have an address from a certificate or be hoping to find out more before you travel. Research can be arranged separately in advance, allowing the findings to inform your itinerary.
An ancestral visit may involve a neighbourhood, a church, a burial ground or the landscape associated with a family. What can be included will depend on the evidence, access and what survives today. We will talk this through with you so that you understand the connection and what to expect from the visit.
Discuss Your Scottish Ancestry
People, places and their stories
Understanding The Places You Visit
Our approach brings an interest in people and everyday life into the wider history of Scotland. Alongside the places you have come to see, there are questions about how communities developed, where people worked and what prompted families to move.
For visitors whose ancestry connects Ireland and Scotland, this can be an opportunity to explore both sides of the family’s experience. For those with no family connection, the same history offers an interesting way to get to know the places you are visiting.
One country or two
Scotland On Its Own Or Alongside Ireland
You may wish to devote your whole vacation to Scotland, or you may be considering visiting both Ireland and Scotland on the same trip. We can discuss either option and help you consider how much time to allow for each.
If you would like to combine the two, we will take account of the journeys between them as well as the places you want to visit. The aim is to give you a realistic itinerary with enough time to enjoy each part of your vacation.
A visit shaped around you
Making The Arrangements
We begin with your proposed dates, travelling party, budget and preferred pace. Let us know about any walking or access requirements, as well as the things you particularly enjoy. These details help us make suitable suggestions from the outset.
Once we have discussed your ideas, we will explain the proposed itinerary, arrangements, inclusions and costs before you decide to book. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and work through the details with us.
Start with a free, no-obligation Zoom call.
Every bespoke tour begins with a conversation about your ideas. It is a chance to meet us, ask your questions and explore the possibilities together.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Let’s Talk About Your Visit
If Scotland is somewhere you would love to explore, get in touch and tell us what you have in mind. You may have a detailed wish list or just the beginnings of an idea. Either is a good place to start, and we will help you consider the possibilities.
Free, no-obligation Zoom call.