Ireland or Scotland

Your daughter is a good age for this trip. The one time we went to Ireland, we took our 2 kids (18 and 9 at that time) and did a "big bus" tour. Public trasportation is somewhat limited there. Scotland has excellent train and bus service. We have been there more than 25 times, and have NEVER used a car. 2 weeks in either country would give you a chance to do a rather in-depth trip. One week in each would be "highlights". What are your family's interests? That would help us make more relevant suggesstions. Also, what time of year and what is your budget?

What ages are your kids? That'll have a lot to do with deciding to tour or DIY. If they're little, they may not be able to keep up with a tour, but if they're older, there's family tours out there.

than you for the reply, we have a 12 year old daughter

Ireland and Scotland are easy to see on your own, so there is no need for a tour, especially if you are willing to rent a car. In Ireland, the trains are limited and it may be difficult to get everyone on and off the buses. It depends how old your kids are. Scotland has a better train system, so you might want to consider that, depending on where you want to go. How many kids do you have? The cars tend to be small, so if you have three large teenagers, that could be a problem, especially since you need enough room for their luggage too. Larger cars are more expensive, harder to find (you'll need to reserve in advance) and a bit more problematic on the narrow windy roads of Ireland and Scotland.

At a very minimum you need one week in each country. That will give you time for a few highlights in each country. Anything less than that and you should stick to one country. Unless you are dying to see Dublin (not one of my favorite cities), I would fly into Shannon and stick to the west coast, which is the best part of the country IMHO. In Scotland, I would spend a couple of days in Edinburgh and then head up to the highlands -- perhaps to Inverness and over to Skye.

I could give you better advice if I knew what ages your children are and what your and their interests are.

I love Ireland and Scotland, so it should be a great trip. If you can spend more than two weeks, it will be even better.

I would do it on your own. Both places are tons of fun. With a 12 year old, you will have a blast. Feel free to PM me for more info. Traveled fairly extensively in both spots and love helping out with plans, suggestions, etc!

We went in Spring of 08 with our two daughters. We stayed on the west coast in Doolin and rented a house for 6 days. The kids loved it! Mine were 6 and 11 at the time. We went to the Aryn Islands, saw the cliffs of Mohr, went into Galway, and enjoyed the pubs and countryside. We are going back to Ireland the week before Christmas but going to the east coast (Dublin mainly) instead. My kids had already spent two weeks on the continent and weren't interested in "more castles", but if it is their first trip definitely include castles. And they love pubs!!

Scotland would be my favorite, but the Irish fans will soon be on my heels. Both countries are wonderful. What types of things do you like to do as a family? What are some of your daughter's interest? Personally, I like having a car. I like the flexibility and frankly I enjoy driving the wee roads. Feel free to PM me too, if you want. My most recent trip was a walking holiday. But I've done tours of the Outer Hebrides, the western Isles, a bit of time on the Castle Road and some time in the Borders. I really love the north and Perthshire. Also, Orkney is wonderful.

Pam

I respectfully disgree about public transport...with gas prices being as high as they are, plus the strangeness of Irish/Scottish roads, the public transport system never failed me. it was nice to sit back and let someone else drive. Between coach and rail you can get pretty much anywhere you need to go. Two negatives...if you see something interesting you can't just pull over, also if either goes on strike, it can put the kibosh on things quickly. Either way, enjoy your time! Both countries are beautiful!

I disagree that public transportation in Ireland is somewhat limited. It's true that there isn't much train transportation in the west, but the bus system throughout Ireland is extensive. That being said, I'd still drive myself.