Thinking on Ireland (14 day) --- Scotland, back to back combo tour. I like the idea of arriving early by two or three days prior to, and / or staying a couple of days after. Ireland tour begins in Dublin, and Scotland is a circle tour with Edinburgh being the start and end. My question (which I'm doing a poor job of asking) is which of these two would be most worth extra alone time, more to see, and acceptable accommodations. Likely would try to make reservations at the same that RS utilizes. Travel most likely in September - October. At end of tour probably will go to either Frankfurt or London. Apologize for this being so convoluted -- I talk that way too. Drives me crazy. Thank you.
Posted by
Washington DC
27110 posts
I haven't been to Dublin; I have the impression from comments on this forum that it's not exactly the highlight of Ireland. I spent about a week in Edinburgh this year and could have used a bit more time there. While it's not London, there's quite a bit to do. I believe the tour omits Glasgow, which is a quick train ride from Edinburgh. Glasgow's definitely a worthwhile destination, and hotels are cheaper there. So that's another option.
Statistically speaking, October is wetter than September (as well as cooler, obviously) in both Dublin and Edinburgh. The Wikipedia pages for the two cities have climate-summary charts that are useful for such comparisons. Unfortunately, the averages are based on a period ending in 2010, so...
I have no idea how costs in Dublin compare to those in Edinburgh. Edinburgh isn't horribly expensive outside of Festival month.
Posted by
1366 posts
I happen to like Dublin. It would be pretty easy to spend 4-5 full days in Dublin especially if you take any day trips. It doesn't seem like the RS tour includes places like the neolithic tomb at Newgrange or the monastic site at Glendalough. Both are nice day trips from Dublin. It seems like the 8 day tour doesn't include any Dublin sites like Kilmainham Gaol or the General Post Office. Having said that, Dublin is expensive while I have found food and lodging in Scotland to be quite reasonable.
Posted by
Portland, OR
238 posts
I've spent three nights in each city and they are both worth extra time. Although I didn't necessarily see everything I might have wished in either, I felt that I missed more in Edinburgh than I did in Dublin. On the other hand, I'm am referring only to actual city time. There are a number of options for day trips from Dublin to places that should not be missed.
We prefer B&Bs to hotels and we found more affordable attractive options in Edinburgh.
Posted by
OP
86 posts
Once more -- one does not have to be particularly intelligent --just knowing where the smart kids out is good enough. Thanks again -- good thoughts.
Posted by
2 posts
Having been to both cities, and having just done the Best of Scotland tour, there is plenty more to do and see in Edinburgh. I arrived the day before the tour and spent two extra days, one a day trip in Glasgow. I wish I had more time in Glasgow, and there were still a few of other things I wanted to do in Edinburgh...next time!