Trip plan · considerations by day
The rental car (Avis SUV) is yours only this stretch: Edinburgh pickup, returned to GLA airport by 11 PM on Aug 12. Every Highlands and Skye day trip has to live here. Edinburgh and Glasgow are walk/transit cities.
Ryan works 2 to 10 PM, so each morning is an all-three outing (leave 9, one car, all back by ~1:45). Afternoons are Ryan's work plus downtime or a short hop from base. Aug 8 to 11 are all free for the big group trips.
Half-days only: home by 4:45, work 5 to 10. Lunch is your main meal out. Aug 14 is full PTO and Aug 15 to 16 is a free weekend, so the far trips go there.
Both done via Sherpa, valid into 2027, so you're cleared for the UK. Ireland needs no ETA. Just travel on the passports the ETAs are linked to.
The Fringe and the Military Tattoo both start Aug 7, after you leave Edinburgh on Aug 4. Calmer city, but the Tattoo is not an option this trip.
August is peak midge season on Skye. Pack a waterproof windbreaker over an umbrella, layers over warmth, and grippy footwear for wet rock.
Left side in both countries; your license is fine. Single-track roads on Skye, so use the passing places. The midsize SUV (MG HS) handles those lanes more easily than a big 4x4.
Vegan and gluten-free are easy in both countries. In Ireland, evenings are for work Aug 17 to 21, so plan lunches, not dinners.
Numbered in itinerary order. Map tiles need an internet connection to display.
The things that sell out or need cash
Calls that shape the plan