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23 Days (approx) for England, Scotland and Ireland Part 1

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Hello, all. I am super early in the planning and have spent a couple days before in London as part of other trips. My wife and I are mid 50s and good health. We are likely biting off a lot, but welcome any opinions on our first stab at an itinerary. We love beautify]ul views, history, castles and enjoying a new part of the world. We don’t drink so don’t need to spend much pub time. We are ok renting and returning cars. I might consider Edinburgh as a base for some side trips if easier. Let us know is this is realistic, too many or too few days in certain places based on your experience etc

I'm seeing great things about Dingle and thinking maybe I should adjust itinerary to include. Not sure what I would give up though...

Thanks in advance!

England, Scotland, Ireland Proposed Itinerary

Day 1: Phoenix to London

• Flight: Depart Phoenix in the evening, arrive in London the next morning.
• Approx. cost: $800-1000 roundtrip per person.
• Accommodation: The Z Hotel Shoreditch
• Approx. cost: $100 per night.
• Dining: Dishoom for Indian cuisine or Hawksmoor for steak.

Day 2-4: London

• Explore London, take a Jack the Ripper tour (approx. $25-50 per person), visit attractions like Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 5: London to Manchester

• Train: Depart London in the morning, arrive in Manchester by midday.
• Approx. cost: $50-80 per person.
• Accommodation: Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange
• Approx. cost: $80 per night.
• Dining: Mackie Mayor for a variety of food options or Bundobust for Indian street food.
Morning:
• Visit Salford Lads’ Club:
• Explore the iconic club featured on the cover of The Smiths’ album “The Queen Is Dead.”
• Take photos outside the club and learn about its cultural significance.
• Explore The Smiths’ Manchester:
• Visit relevant spots such as Piccadilly Records, where the band members frequented.
• Afternoon:
• Southern Cemetery:
• Visit the gravesite of lead vocalist Morrissey’s relatives, which inspired the song “Cemetery Gates.”

Day 6: Manchester to Isle of Skye

• Flight: Fly from Manchester to Inverness.
• Approx. cost: $150-200 per person.
• Drive: Rent a car in Inverness and drive to the Isle of Skye (approx. 2-3 hours).
• Accommodation: Stay overnight on the Isle of Skye
• Approx. cost: $100-150 per night.

Day 7-8: Isle of Skye. There are tours from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. 3 days.

• Explore the stunning landscapes of the Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Pools.
• Accommodation: Stay another night on the Isle of Skye.

Day 9: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness (Day Trip)

• Drive: Leave the Isle of Skye in the morning and drive to Loch Ness (approx. 2-3 hours).
• Day Trip to Loch Ness: Take a boat tour, visit Urquhart Castle, and explore the area.
• Accommodation: Return to Isle of Skye for the night.

Day 10: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

• Drive: Return your rental car in Inverness and catch a train or bus to Edinburgh (approx. 3-4 hours).
• Approx. cost: $30-50 per person.
• Accommodation: Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh.
• Approx. cost: $70 per night.

Day 10 to 12 Edinburgh

• Explore Edinburgh, visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, hike up Arthur’s Seat, and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 13: Edinburgh to Dublin

• Flight: Depart Edinburgh in the morning, arrive in Dublin by midday.
• Approx. cost: $50-100 per person.
• Accommodation: The Merrion Hotel
• Approx. cost: $80 per night.
• Dining: The Winding Stair for Irish cuisine or Brother Hubbard for brunch.

Day 13-14 Dublin

• Explore Dublin, visit Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, and enjoy the local pubs.

Day 15: Dublin long day trip to Galway and Isle of Moore. (Is Mohor the same?) Return to Dublin.

Posted by
6016 posts

At Manchester Southern Cemetery do you have a section plan of the Cemetery as to whereabouts the Morrisey grave is. thus which gate to enter by? It's the 2nd or 3rd largest Cemetery in the UK and is vast.

http://www.mbaird.mlfhs.org.uk/cemplans/southern.html

Or do you know the section/plot number?

If you don't know the plot number you can find it here- https://www.burialrecords.manchester.gov.uk/

For me, where my family graves are, I enter by the side gate on Nell Lane by the flower shops as there is no point in my going in the front gates.

The main bus route which stops there from Central Manchester is the 103 to Manchester Airport. That's the one I always use, although there is a nearby tram stop which I never think to use.

There is a You Tube Channel 'Bee Here Now'. He has done a number of walks of the famous graves at the Southern Cem. which you may find interesting. Doubtless this is one of the graves he has featured.

Posted by
273 posts

Not sure when you are planning to travel, but Skye books up quickly, especially the affordable accommodation,

Day 9, I would not go from Skye to Loch Ness and then back to Skye and then go to Edinburgh, I would do Loch Ness on the way to Inverness and stay in Inverness.

Posted by
1891 posts

I'd agree with the above comment - do Loch Ness from Inverness on the way to Isle of Skye. That will then give an extra day to explore Skye - well worth it.

Looking at your next post, I would do Liverpool from Manchester. They are about 30 miles apart and have a regular train service between the two. Then look at getti ng a flight from Dublin to Bristol and train to Bath.

Posted by
210 posts

Thank you all. Great tips and adjusting the itinerary. So helpful.

Posted by
210 posts

So, for clarity, are you suggesting Manchester to Inverness, see Loch Ness from Inverness and then on to Isle of Skye from there? Then go to Edinburgh? Thanks!

Posted by
6016 posts

You could do Loch Ness either on the way to or on the way back from Skye.

It may depend if you are flying on a day when there is a morning flight from MAN to INV- as many days there is only an evening flight arriving at INV at around 2200.

One way you could take the A890 route via Achnasheen, the other way the A82/A87 route via Loch Ness.

if you decide to take the bus from Inverness to Edinburgh that is a Citylink/Megabus code share. Booking on the Megabus website it is about 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of booking on the Citylink website. On Megabus that is usually £10 + booking fee if booked ahead.

If you decide on the train book a through ticket from Inverness Airport Rail Station to Edinburgh. It is the same fare as from Inverness. Depending on the train it can be as low as £14.70

Posted by
1387 posts

Your time in Dublin is not realistic. The Cliffs of Moher are on the west side of Ireland along with Galway and Innis Mor (I think that's what you are referring to). You could possibly arrive in Dublin, tour Trinity College and Guinness and then drive to Galway and see the Cliffs in one day. Stay in Galway and go to Innis Mor the second day. But that's really pushing it. If you are planning on staying in Dublin double check the Merrion Hotel. The only one I know of in Dublin City Center is a 5 star luxury hotel with a Michelin 2 star restaurant. I don't think it's $80/night.

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