We're a party of 4 with limited time (8 days). We want suggestions on the "must-sees" of Ireland & Scotland. We'd like to use public transportation as much as possible but know we'll also need a car. Appreciate your input.
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
Are you absolutely committed to doing both countries?
Four days in each isn't really doing them justice.
If you could commit to either Ireland or Scotland and leave the other for some future time you'de get a much better vacation and have a better experience.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA, USA
158 posts
Karen, I agree with Al, I would suggest one country or another......by the time you add all the logistics from getting to point A to point B...you may meet yourself coming and going. If you do think you want to try both countries...
and you are in Scotland first and want to go to Ireland, then I suggest Dublin and the surrounding areas (Powerscourt Gardens etc, a little village of Howth north of Dublin and very accessible by public bus to the center of Dublin) - there are lots of sights and fun things to do...and public transporation would be available.
Good luck!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
i would agree with the earlier posters that you might be best served by picking one country. My Ireland experience is limited to Dublin and County Wicklow, so I'll only make recommendations for Scotland. I would spend time in Edinburgh, Perthshire and possibly Glasgow. Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities and it is certainly the political heart of the country right now. Perthshire can give you a flavor of the highlands without having to go all the way north. The area north of Perth and Tay valley are quite beautiful. You can visit Blair Castle, or hike the Birk's of Aberfeldy. Glasgow is a very lively city these days with great live music. It really depends on what you are interested in.
Pam
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2712 posts
The answer depends on what you like. It would help to know more about your interests. I like history, scenery, walking, small towns and villages more than cities. I am interested in architecture and art. I have very little interest in night life. So here are my must sees for both countries, though I would agree with previous respondents and recommend you pick one or the other rather than trying to see both in only 8 days.
Scotland must sees
- Edinburgh -- my favorite city -- the setting, the architecture and the history are fabulous.
- Isle of Skye -- this is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been too -- great for walking, interesting and fantastic scenery. We've stay in Portree both times we've been there and think it's an excellent base.
Other great places in Scotland
- Orkneys -- these islands don't lend themselves to a short trip, but they are incredible. Many ancient (as in 5000 years old) historical sites.
- Oban -- great jumping off point for trips to islands. We did the Mull, Iona and Staffa tour and loved it. (Rick recommends the Mull and Iona tour in his book, but you can add Staff too, which is absolutely worth it.)
Inverness -- good base for exploring the Highlands -- near Culloden, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle and Loch Ness.
Ireland must sees
- Dingle Peninsula -- really beautiful, lots of ruins. We have stayed in Dingle Town twice and loved it. I would also recommend a ferry to Great Blasket Island if you enjoy walking in beautiful scenery with no crowds.
- Dublin -- I actually wasn't that thrilled with Dublin (mostly just another big city), but I loved Trinity Libary with the Book of Kells, etc.
- West Coast -- we loved Connemara, the Burren, and Cliffs of Moher. Be sure to see some of the west coast.
Other great places in Ireland
- Kinsale -- pretty small town and port, good food
- Ring of Kerry -- it really is pretty, but with limited time, I would choose either Dingle or Kerry, not both