3 Week Trip to Ireland, England, and Scotland- Advice Please!
Dec 19th, 2011, 03:24 PM
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3 Week Trip to Ireland, England, and Scotland- Advice Please!
I'm planning a trip this upcoming summer (2012). It's going to be my friend and I; we're both 20 year old girls from New York and will be traveling from May 30- June 21 in Ireland, England, and Scotland. I have a basic itinerary planned but will be the first to admit i have NO idea what i'm doing. I'd love advice on where to go, where to stay, what to do- everything really.
ABOUT US:
-we love drinking and having fun
-we're on a limited budget, as most college students are
-we love adventure (hiking, swimming, biking, etc.)
-we don't like tourist attractions
-we're up for doing the educational stuff to a degree, but for this trip we're not so educationally inclined
-we love cities as well as hidden gems
-we want to meet tons of fun people, but are afraid of taking a tour purely because we don't want to go from museum to museum, plus we're also very independent
thanks ahead of time!
I have us flying into Dublin, doing a loop of the south, taking a ferry to holyhead, working our way to london, then up to york and a few other places and eventually to edinburgh. From there we're headed back down to london to fly out of. This sounds a bit silly to me, but it seemed to be the cheapest option- i'm open to alternative routes!
ABOUT US:
-we love drinking and having fun
-we're on a limited budget, as most college students are
-we love adventure (hiking, swimming, biking, etc.)
-we don't like tourist attractions
-we're up for doing the educational stuff to a degree, but for this trip we're not so educationally inclined
-we love cities as well as hidden gems
-we want to meet tons of fun people, but are afraid of taking a tour purely because we don't want to go from museum to museum, plus we're also very independent
thanks ahead of time!
I have us flying into Dublin, doing a loop of the south, taking a ferry to holyhead, working our way to london, then up to york and a few other places and eventually to edinburgh. From there we're headed back down to london to fly out of. This sounds a bit silly to me, but it seemed to be the cheapest option- i'm open to alternative routes!
Dec 19th, 2011, 04:44 PM
#2
"<i>-we don't like tourist attractions</i>"
Folks often say things like this --but does that mean you aren't interested in places like the Cliffs of Moher, or Edinburgh Castle, or the Tower of London. All are tourist attractions . . .
"<i>I have us flying into Dublin, doing a loop of the south, taking a ferry to holyhead, working our way to london, then up to york and a few other places and eventually to edinburgh. From there we're headed back down to london to fly out of. This sounds a bit silly to me, but it seemed to be the cheapest option- i'm open to alternative routes!</i>"
Sounds a bit silly to me too
You have limited time, yet you are traveling the length of the UK twice.
If it was me - I'd fly into Shannon, tour around the W/SW, finish up down in County Cork, take the train to Dublin. Then either fly to Edinburgh (there are very cheap fares if you book far in advance) or take the train to Belfast and ferry across to Scotland. Spend your time in Scotland finishing up in Edinburgh. Train from Edinburgh to York. Finally, train to London.
Folks often say things like this --but does that mean you aren't interested in places like the Cliffs of Moher, or Edinburgh Castle, or the Tower of London. All are tourist attractions . . .
"<i>I have us flying into Dublin, doing a loop of the south, taking a ferry to holyhead, working our way to london, then up to york and a few other places and eventually to edinburgh. From there we're headed back down to london to fly out of. This sounds a bit silly to me, but it seemed to be the cheapest option- i'm open to alternative routes!</i>"
Sounds a bit silly to me too
You have limited time, yet you are traveling the length of the UK twice.
If it was me - I'd fly into Shannon, tour around the W/SW, finish up down in County Cork, take the train to Dublin. Then either fly to Edinburgh (there are very cheap fares if you book far in advance) or take the train to Belfast and ferry across to Scotland. Spend your time in Scotland finishing up in Edinburgh. Train from Edinburgh to York. Finally, train to London.
Dec 19th, 2011, 06:24 PM
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No, you're completely right- it always rubs me the wrong way when people say things like that, it's too ambiguous. What I meant is, I'm not interested in paying 15 euro to crowd around a group of tours to catch a glimpse of stonehenge. i would be interested in the cliffs of moher- from what I hear it's a free for all. I guess what I'm saying is I want to feel like I'm the only person experiencing that particular wonder at that particular time. When a group of 60 people is ooh-ing and ahh-ing behind you it kind of spoils the potential of magnificence. If that makes no sense to you, just ignore me...
And I like the new route you gave me- seems I could have just used a little more common sense to come up with that on my own! haha
And I like the new route you gave me- seems I could have just used a little more common sense to come up with that on my own! haha
Dec 19th, 2011, 06:37 PM
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"<i>I guess what I'm saying is I want to feel like I'm the only person experiencing that particular wonder at that particular time. When a group of 60 people is ooh-ing and ahh-ing behind you it kind of spoils the potential of magnificence. If that makes no sense to you, just ignore me...</i>"
It makes sense -- And luckily you are going in June. Things will be crowded, but not nearly as bad as in August. But don't expect solitude/the sites all to yourselves.
It makes sense -- And luckily you are going in June. Things will be crowded, but not nearly as bad as in August. But don't expect solitude/the sites all to yourselves.
Dec 20th, 2011, 02:30 AM
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"I'm not interested in paying 15 euro to crowd around a group of tours to catch a glimpse of stonehenge."
You may be lucky in that they will take Euros at Stonehenge but the exchange rate won't be good. You'll need £'s (GBP) in the UK, Euros are for Ireland.
You may be lucky in that they will take Euros at Stonehenge but the exchange rate won't be good. You'll need £'s (GBP) in the UK, Euros are for Ireland.
Dec 20th, 2011, 01:05 PM
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since you are under 26 you can get the bargain BritRail Youthpass, valid on trains in Scotland, Wales and England - fully flexible hop on hop off any train anytime - such fully flexible tickets are often so so expensive - just a few long rides could make the pass pay off.
check regular fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk (if only taking a few train trips look for discounted online tickets that however may be train specific, have to be booked weeks in advance and may not be changeable nor refundable) and these great IMO sites on British trains and passes - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. And also check out youth hostels and things like camping barns in Scottish Highlands and youth hotels in cities like Edinburgh and London.
check regular fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk (if only taking a few train trips look for discounted online tickets that however may be train specific, have to be booked weeks in advance and may not be changeable nor refundable) and these great IMO sites on British trains and passes - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. And also check out youth hostels and things like camping barns in Scottish Highlands and youth hotels in cities like Edinburgh and London.
Dec 21st, 2011, 12:40 PM
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for young folk willing to put up with things not so comfy as on the train investigate the National Bus Pass - not sure of proper name but buses are generally the cheapest way to go in the UK, especially if you do not want to plan and buy tickets weeks ahead to get a low price as you do on the train often - but again railpasses can be used on any train anytime - so that aspect of them can be priceless to folks like moi.
Dec 21st, 2011, 01:39 PM
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There is no problem getting around the major towns and cities of Ireland by Bus and or Train. All the big tourist spots are covered by tours but as these are not your main points of interest you might be better putting together a rough itinerary of interests and those of us who know the island of Ireland on this and other forums might know some ways of getting where you want to go.
Dec 21st, 2011, 02:09 PM
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<i>"-we don't like tourist attractions"</i>
You'll be thrilled with Blarney Castle in that case. Huge lines of tourists to kiss a rock.
<i>"I guess what I'm saying is I want to feel like I'm the only person experiencing that particular wonder at that particular time."</i>
Good luck with that, especially in London. The simple fact is that the places you want to visit are on the list for other people too. The question is, is the place of any real value for a visitor? There are plenty of overpriced or overhyped attractions or ones that are just not worth your time: Madame Tussaud's, London Dungeon, Loch Ness, Blarney Castle . . . London tends to have a lot of high-cost yawners despite its plethora of FREE ADMISSION sites (most of the major museums).
Consider getting bank accounts and credit cards with/through a local credit union that charges no foreign exchange fees, or with Cap One (none of its cards charge ForEx fees). That'll save you a bit. And don't get any money ahead of time, you can withdraw Euros at Shannon or Dublin through an ATM and do the same when you get to Edinburgh or wherever.
As for drinking . . . you'll have many an opportunity for that in any area you go. Check timeout.com for Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow (if you go), and London.
You'll be thrilled with Blarney Castle in that case. Huge lines of tourists to kiss a rock.
<i>"I guess what I'm saying is I want to feel like I'm the only person experiencing that particular wonder at that particular time."</i>
Good luck with that, especially in London. The simple fact is that the places you want to visit are on the list for other people too. The question is, is the place of any real value for a visitor? There are plenty of overpriced or overhyped attractions or ones that are just not worth your time: Madame Tussaud's, London Dungeon, Loch Ness, Blarney Castle . . . London tends to have a lot of high-cost yawners despite its plethora of FREE ADMISSION sites (most of the major museums).
Consider getting bank accounts and credit cards with/through a local credit union that charges no foreign exchange fees, or with Cap One (none of its cards charge ForEx fees). That'll save you a bit. And don't get any money ahead of time, you can withdraw Euros at Shannon or Dublin through an ATM and do the same when you get to Edinburgh or wherever.
As for drinking . . . you'll have many an opportunity for that in any area you go. Check timeout.com for Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow (if you go), and London.
Dec 21st, 2011, 05:11 PM
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The only way to feel like you're the only person at a major tourist attrction (lke the cliffs of Moher is to go in the middle winter at 7 am on a really rainy day.
Attractions are crowded b ecause they are what it's most interesting to see. I'm not suggesting you troup aroud with a tour - you couldn;t pay me to do that - but to see famous sights there will be alot of other people - even in June.
A couple of thoughts:
You are trying to see way too much territory - you need to slow down so you can spend a little time with some of the interesting people you meet in those hostels or pubs. In 3 weeks you should have 6 or at most 7 stops (hostels). Pick that many places and see something of what the area is really about.
Plus - the more you move around the more expensive it it.
For Ireland you really need to rent a car. Trains are hopeless and buses are slow and roundabout. In the UK trains are much more functional as long as you put towns in a sequence that makes sense.
Sorry to rain on your dream - but I think it's better to go expecting what europe will really be like (very highly populated except for small towns at the end of nowhere) and wonderful - but not empty.
Attractions are crowded b ecause they are what it's most interesting to see. I'm not suggesting you troup aroud with a tour - you couldn;t pay me to do that - but to see famous sights there will be alot of other people - even in June.
A couple of thoughts:
You are trying to see way too much territory - you need to slow down so you can spend a little time with some of the interesting people you meet in those hostels or pubs. In 3 weeks you should have 6 or at most 7 stops (hostels). Pick that many places and see something of what the area is really about.
Plus - the more you move around the more expensive it it.
For Ireland you really need to rent a car. Trains are hopeless and buses are slow and roundabout. In the UK trains are much more functional as long as you put towns in a sequence that makes sense.
Sorry to rain on your dream - but I think it's better to go expecting what europe will really be like (very highly populated except for small towns at the end of nowhere) and wonderful - but not empty.
Dec 21st, 2011, 05:55 PM
#12
nytraveler: yes a car would be best for Ireland -- unfortunately the OP and her friend are only 20 yo. Renting in Ireland is complicated enough (insurance/etc)- but really not possible/practical for anyone under 25.
Dec 22nd, 2011, 01:42 AM
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Renting a car in the UK will be impossibly expensive for an under 25 Ireland is hardly unique in the car hire rip off department. However there is no problem getting the majority of places by public transport.
Dec 22nd, 2011, 11:49 AM
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I would get a copy of Let's Go Britain - an essential guide for any youth traveler IMO - invaluable budget youth hotels and hostel info - a ton of great practical info - as they say written by U S college students for young folks. at any large bookstore, amazon.com, etc.
Dec 23rd, 2011, 08:24 AM
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http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach...itxplorer.aspx
check out these barain National Express Bus passes!
check out these barain National Express Bus passes!
Dec 23rd, 2011, 10:55 AM
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About the BritRail Youthpass - you can get three days of unlimited use of trains all over the UK except Northern Ireland for $145 or about $48 a day - hop on - fully flexible and for an extra $34 you can get a 4-day pass ($179) - this works out to about $45 a day or about 30 pounds a day - so if you take in a two-month period (validity of the pass - you use the unlimited calendar days travel anytime over that two month period - a 'flexipass') so say London to Scotland or to Wales, etc 30 pounds a day for fully flexible hop on any train anytime in the UK is a complete bargain - go to www.nationalrail.co.uk and see what fully flexible fares for long-distance trains can cost! Those passes are not sold at British stations as Brits cannot use them so if the pass is in the works you buy it before leaving your home country.
Dec 24th, 2011, 06:30 AM
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Having about a week to spend in Ireland, if Dublin is set, I would split my time between Dublin and Cork or Dublin and Galway if I was mostly to city life and vibrant nightlife plus a few sites thrown in, or Dublin and Killarney if I wanted to throw in a significant ammount of nature, hiking and kind of more rural stuff. IF history is a tad bit importantI would of course head to Belfast in Northern Ireland after Dublin. Great nightlife there too. If car hire is not an option, I don't think it's too bad idea to join an organised day excursion here and there though...
Dec 25th, 2011, 08:47 AM
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a highlight of Ireland to me was the Dingle Peninsula - the remote Dingle on the far west coast - not far from Killarney so a natural stop after that - this is part of the Galletach (sp?) the area where Gaellic is still spoken as the daily tongue by inhabitants - due to the area's remoteness and stagnation economically after the potato famines when much of the populace either died or emigrated. A rugged wild coast to boot.
Dec 26th, 2011, 09:27 AM
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I also loved Cork and for younger folk it does have an active nightlife - a wonderful old town with lots of character and a few miles outside town Blarney Castle - now that ain't a bunch of blarney if you ask me - also see one of the world's most famous castles, nestled in a neat small village of the same name.
