Ireland and England

England's about a third larger than the Republic of Ireland. You can get from one to the other easily by flying rather cheaply if you book ahead on a budget carrier. By ferry, it's either from Scotland or Wales. To do both in ten days wouldn't give you much of either. I've spent about six weeks in the Republic and Northern Ireland which was enough to satisfy me for a while. I've spent well more than a year in England, Scotland, and Wales - - in a gazillion trips over the years - - and I'm not quite yet done. You're going to have to pick and choose very carefully.

If you want to do both, I would suggest a few days in London, then spend the rest on the west coast of Ireland, maybe splitting your time between Dingle and Kenmare. Rent a car for Ireland....It wouldn't matter if you went to Ireland or London first.

Jessica... if you can add any time to the trip that would be great. Ten days isn't all that long. If you choose both countries I would try to target an area in each country. I have been to both and while I really enjoyed my one trip to Ireland I don't long to return... however, I absolutely love England. Not so much London, but the countryside and coast of England. I have been many times and would return in an instant. Bath, Cambridge, Oxford the Cotswolds, Whitby...there are so many wonderful places to explore, as well as a few days in London... You will have a great time no matter what you choose. I took my daughter to Europe when she got her undergrad (first time for both of us) and it was priceless.

Good for you - that sounds like an amazing gift! I would echo the idea of extending the trip if that's feasible or maybe concentrating on a single location or maybe two adjacent countries - like England and Scotland maybe - in that period of time. As much as they are (or were) part of the UK they are two separate countries with different currency and water in between them which means one way or another you'll probably spend at least part of a day in travel between them and maybe a part day each way. Another problem is that both countries - but especially Ireland - are largely rural outside of the capital cities and much of their charm is in experiencing the slow pace of life and absorbing the ambience which is hard to do in a short period of time. In a country like Italy you can easily bounce from city to city checking off the list of tourist "must see" items but neither of these countries quite works like that. I would make a list of what you really want to see and do and then generate a realistic travel plan for the time you have. Many people here will be happy to offer suggestions or revisions to your list and plan if you want second opinions. Have a great trip!
=Tod