12 days in Dublin, Edinburgh and Inverness. Itinerary advice?

12 Days in Dublin, Edinburgh, and Inverness: Itinerary Suggestions?

Hello everyone! I’m gearing up for a solo adventure from May to June, with the first two weeks in southern Europe and the latter part of my trip focused on Ireland and Scotland.

Here’s the itinerary I’m considering for June:

DUBLIN (5 Nights)

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin from Genoa; take it easy and acclimate.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring the city on your own.
Day 3: Take a tour to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.
Day 4: Explore Sligo for a taste of the Irish countryside.
Day 5: (Open) Final night in Dublin—any suggestions for must-see places?

EDINBURGH (3 Nights)

Day 6: Fly from Dublin to Edinburgh; enjoy a relaxed day.
Day 7: Discover the city at your own pace.
Day 8: Visit Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond; wrap up your time in Edinburgh.

INVERNESS (4 Nights)

Day 9: Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness; keep the day free for exploring.
Day 10: Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Mallaig.
Day 11: Join a tour to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.
Day 12: Explore the Cairngorms; last night in Inverness.

I’m really looking forward to experiencing the Highlands, but I’m wondering if spending four nights in Inverness might be excessive. Should I consider using Edinburgh as a base for more explorations? Additionally, does five nights in Dublin feel appropriate?

As a solo female traveler from Argentina, I’m eager to see a lot without overwhelming myself. Since I won’t be driving, I’m leaning towards day tours for remote locations, as city exploration is typically easier.

Does this itinerary strike a good balance? Are there any must-visit spots I might be overlooking? Thank you!

One thought on “12 days in Dublin, Edinburgh and Inverness. Itinerary advice?”

Your itinerary looks well thought out and offers a great balance of city life and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some suggestions to help you optimize your time in Dublin, Edinburgh, and Inverness:

Dublin (5 Nights)

Day 1: Perfect for acclimating and resting after your flight.
Day 2: Explore Dublin! Don’t miss Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and perhaps the lively Temple Bar district in the evening.
Day 3: The Cliffs of Moher & Galway tour sounds fantastic! It’s a long day, but definitely worth it.
Day 4: Sligo is a great choice; you can visit the beautiful beaches and enjoy the scenery. If you have time, consider also stopping at Yeats’ Grave or the picturesque Glencar Waterfall.
Day 5: For your last night, how about a traditional Irish music session at a pub? Alternatively, you could visit the Dublin Castle or take a stroll along the River Liffey for a relaxed evening.

Edinburgh (3 Nights)

Day 6: Adjusting to Edinburgh should be easy, there’s a lot to see.
Day 7: Make sure to visit the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and if you’re up for it, hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city.
Day 8: Stirling and Loch Lomond are great choices. If time permits, consider visiting the Wallace Monument for some history and fantastic views as well.

Inverness (4 Nights)

Day 9: A free explore day is great! Don’t miss the River Ness and the beautiful Norse and Victorian architecture around the city.
Day 10: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Mallaig are superb! Just be mindful of the tour schedule as it can be quite a travel day.
Day 11: The Isle of Skye is magical. Make sure to see the Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr if you can fit them in.
Day 12: The Cairngorms are stunning; if you’re into nature, a hike or even a leisurely walk in Aviemore would be lovely.

General Tips

Inverness Duration: Four nights can be fine if you prefer to take it slow, especially in the Highlands. If you feel it’s too much, you could spend one less night there and add it to Edinburgh, allowing more time for day trips.
Day Tours: Since you mentioned that you don’t drive, day tours are a perfect solution to explore remote areas. Look up reputable companies in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
Safety: Traveling solo as a female can be wonderful; just stay mindful of your surroundings, especially in remote areas and enjoy the beauty and warmth of both Ireland and Scotland!

Overall, you have a nice balance of relaxation and exploration, and I hope you have an incredible trip!

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