Two young women travelers going to Edinburgh in August and traveling around Scotland. We plan on enjoying the The Fringe, Military Tatoo, etc. Plus all the historical sites, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle.
But we were thinking of also taking a 2-3 day side trip. We're deciding between Ireland or northern England--Lake District, York, Hadrian's Wall, etc. We have both been to London and around south England, but have never been up north. This is probably the only the chance we'll have to go to Ireland, but we both see ourselves going to England again. But we both love England! Tough choice.
Which do you suggest? And do you feel that Ireland is safe for two single women travelers? And if Ireland, Northern (Belfast, Derry,etc.) or The Republic of Ireland (Dublin area)? It looks like flying will definitely be cheaper if we choose Ireland. Thanks!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It would be hard to entertain yourself more than a day in York and you can't cover all of northern England adequately in the time you've alloted.
Dublin stikes me as one more city: 'so what?' except for the history and you can cover that in one good day. The Temple Bar area might be interesting, but all the pubs tend to fuzz together.
Belfast is unlike any other city in the UK as far as I'm concerned. It's kind of like Beruit, you could spend a month there and never quite figure it out. Four or fiver hours in Derry would cover it, but other than the history and the wall, there isn't too much to see. The NI economy seems already depressed and the entire UK economy looks like it's about to tank -- your money would probably go a lot further.
I'd assume you already have reservations for the Tatoo?
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
For me the charm of Ireland is not found in the cities (including Dublin) but out in the countryside and the small villages - especially in the southwestern part of the island. With 2-3 days you will not have enough time to explore it at all.
I suggest that you continue your visit in the UK. Return to Ireland when you can give it the time it deserves. You'll be glad you did.
As to safety, with the usual precautions you will have no problems.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Just an aside...we absolutely loved York. We spent 4 nights there and loved every minute. Never got bored with it. Their ghost walks are really fun and interesting, and was a highlight of our trip. We also went to the nearby town of Thirsk which is where James Herriot lived and had his vet practice. His home is open to tour and it was another highlight.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2758 posts
I usually go with the closest and easiest to get to (so as not to waste time in transit), so I would choose Northern England. It's an easy train ride to York, and two days in York is not too much IMHO.
I'm puzzled by your remark that it's probably the only chance you'll have to go to Ireland. If you are a young woman, you have your whole life ahead of you! I didn't get to Ireland until I was almost 50, and I've been there twice now. If you want to see Ireland, you should go when you have at least a week to visit and travel around the countryside.
p.s. Ireland is very safe, although Dublin is a big city, so you would need to use the usual precautions. I can't answer for Northern Ireland since I've never been there.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1850 posts
We are spending five days in the York--Northumberland-Scottish borders area this summer. Besides York, there are the Yorkshire Dales, many ruined abbeys, Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Castle and Garden, Lindisfarne (Holy Island), many ruined castles, and the four border abbeys. Lots to keep you busy and a lot easier with a car.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We really enjoy York. Nice one or two night stop. Short train ride from Edinburgh. Our favorite resturant is Gert and Henery's. It is in a half-timber house on the edge of the Shambles and the market. Great traditional British food. We usually stay at the Royal York Hotel. It is attached to the train station and is only a short walk from the center of town and it has its own lovely flower garden. The Jorvick museum is a "disenyesque" take on the history of York- a nice break from traditional museums.
Posted by
Washington, DC, USA
571 posts
After London, York is my favorite city in England.
I spent 2 1/2 days there and still could have used one or two more. If three days in the city itself is too much for you, I think there are bus tours from York to Hadrian's Wall sites.
Posted by
Clarksville, TN, USA
959 posts
Do you have your heart set on a city? Have you considered the Antrim Coast? We went there last September and thought it was absolutely stunning. It would be a nice complement to Edinburgh. With it being a city, it may be nice to add a little nature/scenery. 2-3 days would be enough time to enjoy the sights (Bushmills distillery, Carrick-a-rede Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Giants Causeway, etc.) We spent just one day in Belfast, and we enjoyed it. The history is fascinating. I would love to go back someday and spend a few more days there. So I sort of disagree with the poster above. Enjoy Scotland. We LOVED it. If you like Indian food, try Tippoo Sahib on Rose Street (in Edinburgh.)
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Ireland is safe w/ friendly people but I think N. England is more interesting and def more beautiful and picturesque than Ireland. I have benn to both and return to Lake District etc instead of Ireland.
Posted by
OP
Chattanooga, TN, USA
2 posts
Thank you for all the advice!
Posted by
Las Cruces, NM, United States
136 posts
I'd pick Ireland. I like Dublin and think it is worth a visit. From there you can actually do an easy day trip to Belfast. Very quick train trip. Once there you can hire a black cab (like London) for the day (a little pricey - maybe $250 US) to take you out to the Antrim coast...Dunluce Castle etc. and the Giants Causeway is spectacular. Dan