Experience the Celtic Circle

Your holiday begins on Ireland’s wild west coast at the Ballina Manor Hotel, a welcoming riverside hotel overlooking the River Moy. The hotel is known for its warm Mayo hospitality, open fires, a wonderful restaurant, comfortable rooms, and calming river views, making it an ideal place to settle gently into the rhythm of the West of Ireland.

Ballina is a town where the pace immediately slows and the air feels fresher. Life here revolves around the River Moy, world famous for salmon fishing, and simple pleasures such as an evening riverside walk feel deeply restorative. The town lies directly on the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s great coastal routes, with bold and dramatic scenery all around.

Take time to explore the town centre, browsing local craft shops, stopping for coffee, and enjoying hearty, locally sourced food. Ballina’s proud heritage is brought to life at the Jackie Clarke Collection, a real highlight of the visit, offering fascinating insight into Ireland’s history right in the heart of the town.

County Mayo is defined by big landscapes and open horizons. A day trip to Downpatrick Head rewards visitors with striking sea cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views, while the ancient Céide Fields, one of the world’s oldest known field systems, add a powerful sense of deep history. If time allows, a journey to Achill Island reveals spectacular beaches, mountains, and coastal scenery that lingers long after you leave.

From the west coast, travel east to Ireland’s capital and check into The Castle Hotel, a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse full of character. Staying here feels like stepping into Dublin’s past, with ornate staircases, welcoming rooms, and period public spaces that retain the charm of a grand private residence.

The hotel’s central location places you within easy walking distance of Trinity College and the Book of Kells, as well as cultural treasures such as the National Gallery of Ireland. In the evenings, enjoy dinner in the Castle Vaults, where traditional Irish music and Irish dancing bring the space to life, creating an authentic and joyful atmosphere.

Dublin offers a wealth of memorable experiences, including Kilmainham Gaol, the richly decorated State Apartments at Dublin Castle, the peaceful National Botanic Gardens, and the legendary Guinness Storehouse. This stop adds culture, conversation, and energy to the journey before crossing the Irish Sea.

After crossing the Irish Sea, arrive in North Wales and check into the Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn, a relaxed and friendly hotel overlooking the coastline. The sound of the sea and wide open views create an immediate sense of ease. With direct access to the beach and spa facilities including a large indoor swimming pool, the hotel is ideal for both gentle exploration and complete relaxation.

Prestatyn is a traditional Welsh seaside town with a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere. Its long sandy beach is ideal for restorative walks, particularly at sunset, while nearby Gronant Dunes provide peaceful coastal trails through protected countryside and towards Talacre Lighthouse, a striking landmark rising above the sands. The town also marks the start of Offa’s Dyke Path, a historic walking route following the ancient England–Wales border.

The hotel is perfectly positioned for regional exploration. A visit to Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is highly recommended. Just a short drive or train journey away, this remarkably well preserved medieval fortress is complemented by a walk along the complete circuit of ancient town walls, offering stunning views of mountains and sea.

Rail connections make a day trip to Chester easy and enjoyable. This historic city is renowned for its Roman walls, black and white timbered buildings, and unique two level shopping galleries known as the Rows.

This stop provides a refreshing coastal interlude before the route turns northwards and inland, towards England’s green heart.

Journey north into the Lake District National Park and stay at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa, a traditional country inn recently refurbished into a comfortable four star hotel. Set amid rolling hills near Bassenthwaite Lake, it offers warm interiors, an inviting atmosphere, and a strong sense of place.

The Lake District feels almost painted, with quiet lakes, rolling fells, and stone villages framed by greenery. Spend your days enjoying gentle walks around Derwentwater or Bassenthwaite Lake or take a relaxing cruise to absorb the scenery with minimal effort.

Literary heritage adds depth to the landscape, with sites associated with William Wordsworth and other poets scattered throughout the region. Evenings are best spent with good food, a local ale, and views of the hills fading into dusk.

The nearby town of Keswick offers a lively market atmosphere with independent craft shops, outdoor stores, cafés, and galleries. Close by, Mirehouse provides beautifully kept gardens sloping gently down to the lake, creating moments of quiet reflection amid spectacular surroundings.

Your final stop brings you into Scotland, finishing in the charming town of Pitlochry, set at the edge of the Highlands. Victorian architecture, surrounding forests, and the steady rush of the River Tummel give the town a quietly theatrical feel. Walk across the Dam and Fish Ladder, where salmon leap upstream, or wander through the neatly kept town centre filled with independent shops, cafés, and welcoming pubs.

Atholl Palace Hotel – Grandeur Above the Town

Set on a hillside overlooking Pitlochry, the Atholl Palace Hotel feels like a destination in its own right. This grand Victorian property offers sweeping views across the Tummel Valley, spacious grounds, and stately public rooms. Guests can visit the hotel’s museum, which tells the story of the building and its role in Highland history, and enjoy meals in the hotel restaurant while taking in panoramic views across the valley below. It provides a peaceful and memorable retreat after days of exploration.

Pitlochry is perfectly placed for Highland exploration. A short drive leads to Queen’s View, one of Scotland’s most celebrated panoramas overlooking Loch Tummel. The town also lies within reach of the Cairngorms National Park, offering vast forests, open landscapes, and dramatic mountain scenery.

A visit to the House of Bruar provides an enjoyable stop for shopping and a riverside stroll, while nearby distilleries offer insight into the traditions of Scotch whisky. Back in town, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the boutique high street, sample ice cream from the much loved local shop, or browse the popular Christmas shop, which brings festive charm year round. Spend an evening at the famous Pitlochry Festival Theatre, with our complimentary shuttlebus service available to take you there and back, making for an easy and enjoyable evening of culture and heritage.

Pitlochry forms a fitting and memorable conclusion to a journey that begins on the Wild Atlantic coast and ends among forests, mountains, and timeless Highland scenery.

Fisher’s Hotel – Traditional Comfort in the Village Centre

Located in the heart of Pitlochry, Fisher’s Hotel is full of traditional charm and Highland hospitality. Its central location makes it ideal for stepping straight into the village to explore shops, restaurants, and nearby riverside walks, offering a lively yet comfortable stay rooted in local character. The train stops behind Fishers and the bus in front so it couldn’t be easier to use public transport to here.

Scotland’s Spa Hotel – Relaxation at the Heart of Pitlochry

Also situated in the centre of Pitlochry, Scotland’s Spa Hotel blends village convenience with relaxation. A particular highlight is its indoor swimming pool, making it a welcoming choice for unwinding after a day in the hills, while local attractions remain just moments away.