Ireland and beyond

For only 5 days I would choose some place with a non-stop flight and easy access to/from the airport. So Glasgow or Edinburgh would be my choices. Bear in mind that you will lose a day just getting to your destination and a day returning, especially if you already bought your tickets to and from Ireland. If it's your first time to Ireland you can easily spend 3 weeks there, especially if you head to Northern Ireland.

Thank you. Have you been to both Glasgow and Edinburgh? Which do you prefer and why?

I’m going to pipe in here because I’ve been researching both Ireland and Scotland. I think Edinburgh would be a great option. If you click on this post

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/8-nights-in-scotland-itinerary-ideas

and scroll down to Allan’s response, you’ll see some fabulous ideas for Edinburgh and even a hotel recommendation.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip!!!

I suggest Edinburgh. I've been to Scotland many times and like both Edinburgh and Glasgow. But for the first time visitor, I'd suggest Edinburgh.

However, if you are looking at going into the Highlands, then Glasgow may be a better bet. You could do this on your own or take a one day tour with a company like Rabbies They come highly recommended on this site.

You don't have to lose a day traveling each way. The flight from Dublin to Edinburgh is only an hour. You could easily take an early flight and be in Edinburgh for lunch

Or, take a flight to London. It will take about 1.5 hours.

I’m voting London. A great city. So much to see and do. Short flight across the sea.

Have you thought of open jaw flying into Ireland and home from London or Scotland or the reverse?

I would probably go with London. Quick and easy flights (same for Scotland) and so much to do there.

What about Northern Ireland? After all, both Ireland and Northern Ireland share the same island and you wouldn't lose a day getting there. Save England and Scotland for the next trip.

What are your interests OP? The differences in landscape etc are not dramatic and sometimes to the tourist it’s hard to tell the difference in your photos. It’s as easy to hope on a plane to Paris or Zurich as it is to Scotland or the South of England, so if you are looking for a good contrast think a bit further into Europe.

It it were me, I’d stay in Ireland, three weeks is not long if you include Northern Ireland in your plans.

My wife and I went into Southampton on a transatlantic repositioning cruise 3 years ago. We then spent a long weekend in London before flying over to Dublin for a week. We toured Ireland via rental car.

You don't say anything about your travel plans for Ireland, but we found the country to be a little quiet--and very agricultural. We would prefer to take a week off the Ireland plans and spend it in London--or Paris--or Madrid. And Scotland would be good for the last 5 days. Budget European airlines allow for such travel plans--for cheap.