Exploring Ireland and Scotland

Edinburgh is the capital and second most populous city in Scotland. Edinburgh has been recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. The city's various historical and cultural attractions, as well as the appeal to the tourist market, makes Edinburgh the most popular tourist destination in the UK after London, attracting over 1 million overseas visitors each year.

Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle and fortress located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It sits atop Castle Rock in the city center and is an integral part of Edinburgh’s skyline. In present day the castle is a major tourist attraction for the city. It is the most visited paid visitor attraction in Scotland.

St. Andrews is a former royal borough on the east coast of Scotland. It is home to the University of St. Andrews, the 3rd oldest university in the English speaking world, as well as the oldest university in Scotland. St. Andrews is known as the worldwide home of golf. Many visitors come to St. Andrews for the golf courses, which are ranked some of the finest in the world. The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four major championships, is frequently held in St. Andrews.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland which is situated on the River Clyde in Scotland’s West Central Lowlands. Glasgow is one of Europe’s top financial centers, and is home to many of Scotland’s leading businesses. The city is renowned for its culture, style and the friendliness of its people.

Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. Belfast is known as the city where the Titanic was built. Due to the ship's construction here, a popular attraction to see in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. Walk along the gorgeous sea coast…step on the hexagonal formations of the sea-level Causeway itself…and behold the Giant’s Boot and Chimney Stacks. Just don’t forget your camera. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Ireland and the experience of a lifetime.

Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Derry is an old walled city that lies on the banks of the River Foyle. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in all of Ireland. The walls were built between the years 1613 and 1619 by the Honorable Irish Society.

Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.