My boyfriend and I were looking at flying either in to Edinburgh or Glasglow, then staying 6 days in Edinburgh and just take day train trips from there. We were then going to fly to Dublin and get a place there for 6 days and also just use the train and bus system. I've done a rental car before in both, but we had a bad experience in Florence a few years ago, so we were going to try public transit instead. My questions are: 1) Is it possible to take good day trips via train/bus from Edinburgh? 2) Is it possible to take good day trips via train/bus from Dublin? Or is there a better place in Ireland to have a base out of when staying for 6 days? 3) We've been looking at vrbo and homestay for places, but Dublin doesn't seem to have very many places for 2. Any other suggestions on places to check out? Thanks in advance! We were looking at vrbo and homestay, but does anybody
Christy
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
While there are some good trips you can do from Edinburgh, I personally would base in Inverness. Lots to see and do and the toruist information office there is about the best I've ever seen. Lots of GREAT day trips with good companies or own your own- Isle of Skye and Eliean Donan castle (with a ride thourgh the Great Glen or Glen Coe usually included) Orkney (long one but good) Cruise up Loch Ness with stop to see Urquart Castle and to visit Drumnadrochit (village at top of loch) Aviemore (by train)- in the Caringorm Mts. Whisky distilleries
And lots of others, too. You could also base all or part of the time in Aviemore itself- LOTS of great distilleries nearby easliy reached by train or bus, Blair Atholl Castle, Mt. Caringorm funiciular and hikes on or around the mt., Rothemurchie estate has lots of walks, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities, Heather center, reindeer preserve, and a local microwbrewery that gives tours and samples (hubby loves beer, and we both love Scotch whisky). Ireland does not seem to have quite as good public transport options. Maybe you could just spend the whole time in Scotland- Edinburgh2- 3 days, Aviemore 3-4 days, Inverness 3-5 days, Glasgow1- 3 days. Very easy to get from one to the next by train!!!!
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
We have used Glasgow as home base six times, taking train or bus trips from there. We have made seven day trips to Edinburgh by train, and have taken other day trips from Buchanan Station (busses) and Queen Street Station (train). If you like I can give you a step by step guide to downtown Glasgow from the airport as well as directions and recommendations regarding a good hotel.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Sure you can take good day trips from either Edinburgh or Glasgow. But you might want to look at the places that you want to visit and then make some decision on Glasgow vs Edinburgh vs Inverness. If you really want to see the highlands then spend a couple of days in Edinburgh and then head up to Inverness. You'll have more time to explore the places and less time in transit. If you want to explore the Borders, check out the Trossachs or Perthshire, and maybe St. Andrew's then stay in Edinburgh or Glasgow. I recommend the website Undiscovered Scotland. It's very good. Pam