From Oxford to Scotland then Ireland? To Ireland then Scotland? One and not the other?

Ireland has just dropped its pre-entry test requirement for vaccinated travelers, so you could go there without another test unless they reinstate it before your April trip. See this link. I don't know what the UK's current requirements are, or, obviously, what they'll be in April. Each part of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland) might have separate requirements anyway. Another poster will probably help with this, but of course it's only January.

You already know that the way to keep this simple is to stick with one country, and you might consider sticking with England to keep it simplest of all. There's a lot to see north of Oxford, certainly enough for two weeks. I would say that a week in Scotland plus a week in Ireland equals two very busy weeks. Might be worth slowing down a little.

As Dick states Ireland no longer requires tests for the fully vaccinated.

And if after returning to England, after being in the Common Travel Area (the UK, Ireland) for 10 days, you do not need any tests either. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19#ireland-the-uk-the-channel-islands-and-the-isle-of-man

Hi jameswoodsni ... thanks for your reply. Yes, I do know the extent of the UK.

But are you saying that you can cross the Ireland-Northern Ireland border without restriction (covid or otherwise)?

Thanks,

Karl

What I would not do is go to Scotland for just one week. Developing an itinerary for such a short visit would be very frustrating. I'd choose either Scotland or Ireland for your middle two weeks. (I haven't been to Ireland but am assuming it wouldn't be difficult to fill two weeks there. Twenty-six days wasn't enough for me in Scotland.)

Thanks to all for your responses ... much appreciated!

I think we're leaning toward sticking with Scotland for our middle two weeks. But keeping our options as open as we can, at least for now, because we like to make serendipitous choices once in a while. :)