I have two open days in my Sept 2014 trip to Europe.
Option 1 - fly from London to Edinburgh then train/car to Fife.
Option 2 - fly from London to Shannon and then car to Dingle, Kenmare or Cork.
I am interested in beautiful scenery and local flavor.
Is driving in Ireland too stressful to enjoy the peace and beauty?
My trip includes London, Paris, Rome and the Amalfi Coast so I was hoping these areas might provide some yet unseen landscapes and opportunities.
Thank you for your feedback.
I'd suggest Fife (and not just because I was born there...).
You only have 2 days, so travelling times matter and in general I think you'll find Fife more accessible than south western Ireland. If scenery is your thing then bear in mind that much of northern Fife is lowland hills, not dramatic moorland and mountain like you'll find further north and west, but the coast is wonderful - the fishing villages of East Neuk, Anstruther, Crail, St Monans and Pittenweem for example, and St. Andrews of course. Dunfermline was the capital of Scotland until the early 17th century and is worth a visit too.
I agree with Kevin. With only two days, go for the easiest. You can even get a fast train to Edinburgh in something like four and a half hours. If it were me, I would spend the whole time in Edinburgh, which is stunningly beautiful, and my favorite city in the world. Trying to drive around western Ireland is going to be much more stressful in such a short period of time.
I am very partial to Ireland but two days to do the west coast even from Shannon is just nor worth it, stick to Scotland in my opinion.
You could have a nice couple of days in Fife exploring the coast, St. Andrews and perhaps inland at Falkland Palace. Have you found Undiscovered Scotland?
The Kingdom of Fife is also the original home of Ian Rankin who writes wonderful mysteries based in Contemporary Scotland.
I thought it was easy to drive in Fife. You'll want a car.
Pam
