IRELAND vs SCOTLAND for Honeymoon
My fiance and I are planning on doing a self drive tour of one of these two places. I have heard that Edinburgh is better than Dublin in many ways but we will be out amongst the small towns mostly. In your personal opinion, which is better overall? We are going in May by the way. Thanks in advance!
Sara
Tuscaloosa, AL USA 10/31/09
Send Private Message
If you like trains, Scotland is the way to go. Easy to get around (car or train) and lovely, too. Depending on how much time you will have, I'd suggest something like this: Edinburgh, 2-4 days, Aviemore- 2-3 days, Inverness 3-7 days, Island(s) (Skye, Oban, Orkney, Mull, or others) depending on time (some can be done as day trips from Inverness or other places- Glasgow, 2 days.
Thanks! My fiance really wants to drive from town to town while we are there so we are just trying to find out what the best choice is between the two. If Scotland is best by train, maybe we should pick Ireland. Hmmm...
I can't say Scotland is "best" by train- we just prefer NOT to drive on vacation. There are many on this board who say the "wee" roads of Scotland are the only way to really see it. What are your interests? That would help us make more specific suggesstions that would be relevant for you. Do you like history? Scenery? Arts? Hiking? The more specific you are the better our recommendations.
Persoanlly, I LOVE Scotland. We have been there probably 25 times in more than 20 years. You could also include London and York or other UK cities/areas if desired.
I'm going to have to mix this up a little bit.
I agree that Edinburgh is a great visit and that Scotland is too. BUT, if I were picking one of these for a first trip/honeymoon with emphasis upon travel in the countryside, I would pick Ireland.
Begin with the southwest coastal areas of Ireland and work your way north along the western coast as time allows. Meet as many of the locals as possible, B&Bs are a good way. Visit the pubs. Always stop for music events wherever they happen to be and keep your camera handy and charged up. All this with Rick's guide at hand.
You can easily drive in either place. Just be careful because you'll be on the wrong side of the road. Insist on a car with an automatic shift.
Best wishes, Sara.
My husband and I drove around Ireland a few years ago for our honeymoon and loved it. I have been to Scotland since, and do not think I would have preferred it for a honeymoon.
My vote is for Ireland, too!
if I get married, my dream will definitely be to get married in Edinburgh and have my friends come and discover the country that I so love and enjoy. I adore driving in Scotland. The wee roads are wonderful and the small towns are delightful. There are many wonderful romantic places to visit. There was a lovely hotel out the Balquhidder Glen that looked really nice. Then there is the new hotel out on Tarbert on Harris. Of course, there are all the castle hotels. Go to amazon.co.uk and order the book Raw Spirit by Iain Banks. It's about whisky tasting, but it's also about driving in Scotland and the wonderful countryside.
Pam
You can't go wrong either way, Sara. Both countries are beautiful and full of character. Edinburgh is much more beautiful than Dublin, and more fun to visit IMO (I don't care about night life). Both countries have beautiful scenery and narrow roads that can make driving stressful. I think Ireland is worse in that regard. Both have wonderful towns to visit, but I don't think you can top the south and west part of Ireland for its concentration of charming small towns.
I was in Scotland this year and it was beautiful. I was there in September and it was pretty chilly (upper 50's and 60) and that was their warm season. I was in Edinburgh and the Highlands.
Just a suggestion: Tuscany has beautiful roads to drive and will be much warmer in May than Ireland or Scotland. Plus, the food and wine are far more conducive to a romantic honeymoon......in my opinion. :)
Congratulations and have fun whatever you choose.
My husband and I spent our honeymoon on the west coast of Ireland and loved it. The weather was cool and rainy but is was so romantic to wander through the small towns, stop in afternoons for tea, find fun pubs at night, and snuggle under fluffy comforters when the weather was too rainy. Now we're traveling with our kids - totally different! Congrats and have fun!!