Scotland and Ireland offer a range of accommodation options for visitors, from traditional hotels, B&Bs and guest houses to unique Castles and cottages.
When travelling in Scotland and Ireland, visitors can choose from hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hostels, self-catering accommodation, camping, and even ‘glamping’ sites. When choosing accommodation, it is important to consider factors such as location, price, amenities, reviews and ratings, and accessibility.
The following guide will help you find the right accommodation when taking your dream trip to these enchanted Celtic nations.
And while you’re with us, explore our extensive range of Self-Guided Tours in Scotland and Ireland.
Hotels in Scotland
Scotland offers a variety of hotels ranging from budget to luxury. In major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, travellers can find well-known hotel chains, such as Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson, as well as independent boutique hotels and historic properties. Hotel prices in Scotland vary depending on location, amenities, and time of year.
Bed & Breakfasts in Scotland
Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are also a popular accommodation option in Scotland. B&Bs offer a more personal and homely experience than hotels, with hosts providing a warm welcome and often serving a tasty breakfast.
Many B&Bs are located in historic properties, such as old manor houses, and offer charming and comfortable rooms with traditional Scottish decor. Prices for B&Bs in Scotland. Some B&Bs also offer self-catering apartments or cottages, which can be a good option for families or groups travelling together.
If you’re a traveller with a passion for seeing countries through the eyes of a local, B&Bs could be a great accommodation choice for you!
Hostels and Self-Catering Options in Scotland
Hostels are a popular accommodation option for budget-conscious travellers in Scotland. They offer a social atmosphere and often have communal spaces such as lounges, kitchens, and dining areas, where travellers can meet and interact with other guests. Many hostels in Scotland offer private rooms as well as shared dormitory rooms.
Self-catering apartments and cottages are great options for travellers who want more space and independence. They offer fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms, providing a home away from home. Self-catering accommodation is available throughout Scotland, from city apartments to countryside cottages.
Camping Options in Scotland
With Scotland being world famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, it should be no surprise that the country has plenty of camping and glamping options. Many Scottish campsites offer a range of facilities, from basic pitches to luxury tents and cabins.
Camping offers the opportunity to experience Scotland’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. Prices for camping will vary greatly depending on location, the facilities available, and the time of year in which you’re travelling.
These days many campsites offer facilities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities, and some even have on-site cafes and restaurants.
(If you’re heading to Scotland with an aim to explore the country’s magical landscapes, our Edinburgh, Outer Hebrides, and Loch Ness Scotland Driving Tour might be for you!)
Hotels in Ireland
Ireland offers an array of visitor accommodation options, with hotels and bed and breakfasts being the most popular.
In cities like Dublin and Cork, visitors can find luxury hotels with world-class amenities, such as The Shelbourne in Dublin or The River Lee in Cork.
Additionally, a variety of budget-friendly hotel chains and independent boutique hotels are available across the country. Prices for hotels in Ireland depend on location, amenities, and time of year.
Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland
Like Scotland, bed and breakfasts are a popular choice of accommodation in Ireland. B&Bs will offer a more personalised experience, with hosts providing that famous warm Irish welcome and often serving traditional breakfasts.
Some B&Bs also offer self-catering apartments or cottages, which can be a good option for families or larger groups travelling together.
Hostels and Self-Catering Options in Ireland
Budget-conscious travellers may want to consider using hostels and self-catering options when travelling in Ireland.
Though hostels rarely offer luxury, they do provide a social atmosphere and can lead to you meeting like-minded travellers.
Many hostels will offer private rooms.
Self-catering apartments and cottages are the perfect options for travellers who want more independence. They offer kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms, essentially acting as a home away from home.
Self-catering accommodation is available throughout Ireland, from city apartments to countryside cottages.
Camping Options in Ireland
Camping and so-called glamping will offer the best opportunity to experience Ireland’s splendid natural beauty. Camping could be the right choice if you plan on undertaking activities such as hiking and fishing in Ireland.
If camping seems a tad too intense, you’d be surprised by how many facilities are often found on Ireland campsites. Just be sure to do plenty of research before finalising your plans.
Quirky Accommodation Options in Scotland and Ireland
There are many quirky and alternative accommodation options for those looking for a truly unique experience during their travels in Ireland or Scotland. One option is staying in a historic castle, which can provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the region.
Ireland and Scotland have numerous castles converted into hotels, allowing guests to stay in grand and regal surroundings. Some popular examples include Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, and Dalhousie Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. These castles often offer a range of amenities and activities, such as golf, horseback riding, and spa treatments, making for a truly luxurious experience. Some castles even offer the possibility of enjoying a medieval-style banquet!
Another alternative accommodation option that has become available in recent years is staying in a vintage railway carriage. The Loch Awe Railway Carriage, located in Argyll, Scotland, is a particularly good example. This restored railway carriage offers guests a cosy and comfortable stay, complete with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
It’s a perfect place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a quiet, serene stay amid nature.
Main Factors in Picking Your Irish or Scottish Accommodation
When choosing accommodation in Ireland or Scotland, several key factors must be considered.
First, location is a key consideration. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may want to be close to major tourist attractions, cultural hotspots, or natural scenery. If you plan on exploring a specific region, choosing conveniently located accommodation for your itinerary is a good idea.
Secondly, the type of accommodation is an important factor. Consider your budget, travel preferences, and your group size when deciding on a hotel, B&B, hostel, self-catering apartment or cottage, or camping/glamping site. Each type of accommodation offers different amenities and experiences, so it’s worth researching the options that best suit your needs and preferences.
Another important factor to consider is your accommodation’s facilities and amenities. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want access to certain facilities such as on-site restaurants, fitness centres, swimming pools, or laundry facilities.
It’s also worth checking whether the accommodation offers Wi-Fi or parking and whether there are any additional costs associated with these facilities.
Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of your accommodation. Prices vary depending on the accommodation type, location, time of year, and availability. Set a budget and consider the trade-offs between cost, location, and amenities to ensure you find the best value.
The Choice is Yours…
In conclusion, Scotland and Ireland offer various accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and preferences. From luxury hotels and traditional bed and breakfasts to hostels, self-catering apartments and cottages, and camping sites, there is something for everyone.
When visiting Scotland or Ireland, the variety of accommodation options means that you can find the perfect place to stay, no matter your budget or travel style. By taking the time to consider your options, you can find an accommodation option that will help you make the most of your time in these beautiful Celtic countries.
We hope this guide has helped give you an overview of the various accommodation options available in Scotland and Ireland and that you have a wonderful trip filled with great memories. Please check out our Self-Guided Tours of Scotland and Self-Guided Tours of Ireland before you go. And if you have any questions, please get in touch.
