Dear fellow travelers: I am trying to decide: Turkey (mainly Istanbul) or Ireland this late spring. Never been to either place, would most likely go alone, and if to Ireland, would like to go, besides Dublin, to places such as Glendlough, Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, historic stuff/places. I don't drive, have some arthritis, but love to walk and prepared to, want to, through older cities and some historic sites. Prefer a combo of independent with perhaps a tour now and again, to places that are not in cities, and budget not lavish-- would like to spend at least 12 days in either country, but best to keep it under $3,500 if doable (including air) Have done some international budget travel in past (Europe, Mexico, U.S.) and loved it!! But a bit older now, slightly creaky, but still with heart aflame to go! Prefer to travel light (still use a backpack as preferred 'suitcase') and don't need luxury, but can't do the youth hostel route, anymore, either.
Any ideas?
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
This is such a personal choice, but I would say Istanbul.
It won't matter that you don't drive because there's so much to see and the public transport is simple. It's a fascinating city. The RS guide book would tell you all you need to know. I went to Turkey twice last year, the first time in May on the RS tour of Istanbul, which was amazing; the second time starting in Istanbul and down the coast. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10208 posts
I'd recommend Turkey for better weather, interesting cuisine, reasonable cost, and historic sites. We were scheduled to go to Ireland last June but ended up in Turkey instead, long story. We look forward to a trip to Ireland in the future, but in July or August.
Posted by
OP
ventura, california
14 posts
To all who have responded to my question: Thank you for your feedback! I really appreciate it! All the best in your own planning and travels,
Starling
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Alright...I'll step up here and rave....if not about Dublin, about Ireland in general. I will admit I haven't been to Turkey, but am going there in September and have done lots of homework already. Sounds like a great place and I doubt if you could go wrong staying in Istanbul and taking short trips from there. However, Ireland has a lot to offer. They have some fascinating museums (the bog gold and bog mummies are amazing) and entrance is free. You don't have the history in Dublin that you do in Istanbul, but the jail, brewery, university and various sundry other sites are worth a couple of days. Newgrange tomb (saw it as part of a day trip) is amazing and the thought of standing inside still sends shivers down my spine. Amazing. We visited Kilkenny (great day trip, good castle, cathedral, "haunted" pub etc.) and spent several days in Galway. Did some tours from Galway including Clonmacnoise and Cliffs of Moher. Really sorry I missed the Rock of Cashel and the Dingle Peninsula (oh well, guess that means I'll have to go back.) Plus, the Irish truly are a super friendly people with great music. Of course, which country you pick will reflect your interests and choices, but I had a great time in Ireland. Sounds like great choices to me!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have been to both and with traveling alone and not driving I would say Turkey. All the above positive comments are reasons it is a great place to travel for someone in your situation. Also, there are plenty of short tours that you can take right from Istanbul. It is an amazing city full of wonderful culture and extremely friendly people. I would go back again in a minute. Stay as close to the action as you can and it is definitely a reasonable country to travel to.
Posted by
Sun City West, Arizona
152 posts
Hi Starling,
I've been to both places too and loved both but I think with your story, Istanbul would be perfect. There is SO much to see and do there and it's cheaper than Ireland. I really feel like you need a car to see Ireland--Dublin is REALLY cool (I want to go back there) but to get the true flavor of Ireland, you need to get out of the city. Omigosh, Istanbul was phenomenal--the spice markets, mosques, etc. I would just walk and walk and wander and get lost. Sigh. Don't miss Ephesus either if you go--I'm sure you can book some sort of day trip out of Istanbul. Have fun!
Posted by
Sun City West, Arizona
152 posts
P.S. I love Ventura, CA! Used to go there and hit all the great thrift stores, along with the ones in Oxnard. My cousin still lives there but I haven't been in 2 years now. Enjoy the sun and surf. :)
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
I agree with JILL - been to both - would return to both - but, I would go back to Istanbul and Turkey several times before I would go back to Ireland and I'm Irish.