This is my first post, looking forward to reply's from the wonderful seasoned travelers I have been reading.
My husband and 17yr old daughter and I will be traveling on a brief visit to see my son who is enjoying a semester abroad in York Eng. We will arrive in York on Wed mid day, spend the day Wed and Thurs seeing York and surrounds. Then we hope to Travel (all 4 of us) to Dublin. We all fly home again on Monday mid day. Do you think this itinerary sounds doable, or should we try to squeeze in an overnight to Edinbough. Our thought was it would be too much. We would take one day trip from Dublin to nearby Glendalough. Any suggestions in general? Good takes, places to stay or eat? Any advice is very welcome!!! Thanks
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You're going to spend most of the day Friday getting to Dublin and getting situated there - - leaving you only a litle bit (maybe, at best) of the afternoon and Saturday to look around. Monday is going to be spent leaving for home. You don't have enough time to go to either Glendalough or Edinburgh. You only have four whole days for the whole deal. I wouldn't even try to fit in Ireland.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32249 posts
Julie, Is there any possibility you could add some extra time to the trip? Given the very short time frame, I agree with Ed that you don't really have time to travel to Dublin and back. However, given your location I believe one or two nights in Edinburgh would be a realistic option, as the trip from York is fairly short. York to Edinburgh is ~2H:35M with economy fares (second class) in the vicinity of $46.00 each way. If you decide to head to Edinburgh for a few days, you could leave the bulk of your luggage at your Son's flat and just "travel light". Are you arriving in the U.K. via London or Manchester? The Guidebook has lots of listings for good places to stay and eat. Note that the 2011 Guidebooks are now "on sale" so you may want to buy a copy now. The books would also help with sightseeing suggestions. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Boston, MA, USA
4 posts
We fly into manchester on Wednesday morning (early) then train to York. So we will have Wed afternoon, and Thursday for York. We were planning on 2.5+ days in dublin (Fri afternoon through Monday aM) but it sounds unrealistic given the feedback? Edinbough, from what I am hearing, is maybe a better place to visit for this length of time?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32249 posts
Julie, IMHO, it is MUCH more practical to visit Edinburgh on this occasion, as the transportation time from York will be so much less than going to Dublin and back. If you only have 2.5 days for locations other than York, you don't want to spend 2 days travelling! If you don't have access to the Scotland Guidebook, I can recommend an excellent Hotel / B&B in Edinburgh. Have a look at Their Website for more information. It's located about 10-minutes from the Royal Mile in a quiet residential area, but not hard to find (I'd suggest taking a Taxi from the station until you get your "bearings"). Cheers!
Posted by
Dublin, Ireland
105 posts
Not sure Julie that getting to Dublin for the few days should be such a challenge. You are flying in to Manchester Airport, so a return rail ticket to York will leave you 2 hours away from Manchester Airport, flight time from Manchester Airport to Dublin is about 50 minutes, and Aer Lingus and Ryanair both fly Dublin Manchester so no problem getting here. You can also fly Leeds Bradford to Dublin with Ryanair, Leeds Bradford is probably an hour from York. You wouldn't really be able to do both in the few days. Whichever you go for (Dublin or Edinburgh) have a great few days.
Posted by
OP
Boston, MA, USA
4 posts
Okay then. We will travel to York, spend two nights, then onto Endinbough for three nights (train out friday morning). Hoping for some good takes in Edinborough. We'll be staying at Gerald's Place...Any tips on must see's/do's/eats??
Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Boston, MA, USA
4 posts
spell check my last post!! Edinburgh
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32249 posts
Julie, The best way to find "tips on must see's/do's/eats?? " is the Guidebook. I'd suggest having a look at the Snapshot Scotland Guide, which you can order either in paper copy or download as an E-Book (available for Kindle, iPad, iPod Touch, PC's or Macs with a Kindle Reader). The paper copy is currently on sale for $8.35. A Guidebook would be the best way to plan sightseeing that most interests you. A few suggestions to consider..... > Royal Yacht Brittania > Holyrood Palace > Royal Mile > Edinburgh Castle If you want to stop for a pint, you might try Sandy Bell's (they have great music in the evenings) or the famous Greyfriar's Bobby Pub. One of the restaurants I really enjoyed was Vittoria on the Bridge (Italian). It always seems busy, but it's worth the wait. Cheers!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2391 posts
Last post hit the right highlights. Be at castle at 1pm when they shoot off the cannon. The yacht is not to be missed and is a short bus ride from town. Would just add Mary King's Close which is just down the hill from the castle. All four of us thought it was better than the castle and the palace. My son was very impressed by the museum which is near the castle and right across is the Greyfriers pub, read up on the story about the dog. The cemetery is behind the pub. Enjoy, it is a beautiful city.