Spain or Ireland? You choose.

What time of year do you plan to take the trip? That could matter a very great deal. And how long will the trip be?

You haven't told us what you like to see and do when on vacation, which is also important input.

I've lost track of how many times I've been to Spain; I've spent 4-1/2 months there since May 2016 and there are still cities I haven't gotten to that I want to see. I've never been to Ireland, which gives you an idea of my priorities. I prefer places that feel more "different" from my home, so non-English-speaking countries interest me more, in general. I don't rent cars in Europe (and they're often very helpful if not essential for fully appreciating rural beauty), I don't drink and I don't like Celtic music--all factors that tend to make Ireland less attractive-sounding to me. (I did like Scotland a lot.)

I would choose Spain--absolutely. We had our time in Ireland, and it was perhaps one of the most boring trips of all time--watching the sheep grow.

We have been along the Spanish coast in the Med. on a couple of cruise ships. The beaches were small (by our standards), and the cities were congested high rise condos.

Before Covid, we flew into Madrid, took a bus down to Granada and flew over to Barcelona. We found the cities very inexpensive and there was so many travel sights to see. We also found the Spanish people to be exceptionally beautiful & handsome.

Spain is a large country with vastly different regions. And it's like they have four different coastlines. It's a place that might require numerous trips. We'll certainly return to Spain soon.

Wow, thank you for the replies...I didn't think I'd get feedback so soon.

I like both but Spain has more blockbuster sights than Ireland and you need a car to explore the latter. Don’t under estimate Ireland though, it’s the most beautiful country I’ve traveled in and I’ve been to almost forty with the majority in Europe.

The timing of the trip would make all the difference to me. I would never go to Spain from April to September, I don’t like the heat. I would go to Ireland during those months.

Spain has a great variety of sights and cultures to explore. Ireland has natural beauty and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Our b&b hosts treated us superbly and made us feel so welcome. If you want to be going-going-going, Spain might be the choice. If you want to be more relaxed, Ireland May be a nice change of pace. Consider whether you want to rent a car, though. It’s recommended for Ireland.

Well, it seems you have hit some of the big cities, why not go for a change of pace in Ireland and see some quaint small towns and rugged, scenic coast lines. Ireland is more about folklore, and folk music, both of which I love so maybe I’m biased, but I certainly wasn’t bored. I felt very safe in Ireland travelling alone, and Irish people are very friendly and helpful. Don’t get me wrong, I would go to Spain if I got the chance, but the Celtic history and music are more attractive to me than Spain.

Well Anita, you are in luck because in the northwest corner of Spain is the region of Galicia, which is an ancient enclave of Celtic culture from before the Romans invaded Iberia. There you'll find rolling green hills, grazing sheep, Celtic crosses, ancient standing stones, and a passion for bagpipes. Outside of the language one would think you are in Ireland lol!

I think Carlos has found the key: Galicia, the Ireland of Spain! ;-) And the right-side driving will be easier too.

I visited both countries in recent years and had wonderful trips (yes, RS tours, but they would have been wonderful anyway). Both have beautiful scenery, fascinating (and related) histories, friendly people. I'd give Spain the nod for art, architecture, and food, Ireland the nod for the pub culture and English speaking that makes it easier for Americans to connect person-to-person. The time of year does matter -- southern Spain would be much better in winter than Ireland, Ireland much better in summer than southern Spain.

You wrote "it's fun to plan and dream," very true. So why not plan and dream about both? It doesn't really matter which is first or second, does it?

Spain is so diverse in cultures, landscapes, food, history, looks, languages (we have 4 official languages), climates...that you cannot talk about "one Spain". Ireland is more uniform practically all over the country, so you will have very similar everything anywhere you go. And food in Spain, anywhere, undoubtedly beats Irish food. And wine. And...

We liked Ireland and love Spain. You can’t go wrong with either but a lot depends on what you like to see and do. We visit Spain every couple years seeing different regions. We’ve been to Ireland once and will return.

Spain wins hands down everytime. I didn't enjoy the hostility I encountered in Ireland due to being English (despite having Irish grandparents but that serves only to highlight the ignorant bigotry) so I've never returned although I did pop over to Belfast last week to renew some passports and I received a much friendlier reception. Spain, for me, is far more interesting and the weather is better not to mention the food and wine.

Thank you everyone for a lot of great perspectives.

We're planning our next trip the ~ last week of April and the first week of May. The point about having to hire a car...that is something we've been able to avoid in our travels so far and we just don't want the responsibility. We don't really like tours, as we prefer to make our own schedules, but neither of us want the responsibility of driving, so thinking it's probably going to be Spain...when we get to Ireland, we'll either join a short tour and try to find places we can plan to reach by bus, train or taxi.

This was my first travel forum post, very impressed and interesting.

Big vote here for Spain. We just got back from 17 days there and loved it. Weather, food is great, friendly people, inexpensive prices. The food and the climate is a factor on why I have not visited Ireland. Old castles, sheep, green grass don't hold much draw for me. Lots to do in Spain - flamenco show, hammans, tapas.

Given the time of year/weather and your preference to not drive, Spain would be the best choice--particularly Andalucia. The train system is truly excellent. The only hard part is making selections because there are so many appealing places.
But keep Ireland in your back pocket--especially since there are often great airfare deals. I was worried about the driving but it was totally fine. Given that you wish to use bases, you could make due with some day trip options. Honestly there was very little traffic (I was there in October) and it is just rural driving when you plan carefully.

Someone just posted a review of their recent trip to Spain and it might be interesting for you to read. Also.someone is in Granada now and posting you might want to follow that also. Best of luck. Have been to Ireland many many times and Spain about five times and if I had to.make a choice I honestly could not. Best of travel whichever you decide because both countries are not to be missed.