Irishgal127A

Hello All! i am trying to work out details for our 2nd trip to Ireland (adding Scotland this trip).

For the facts -- we have 13 days -- I would have flown into Dublin - not sure of what else to do - but we don't necessarily want to see Dublin again. We want to go into some part of Scotland and see Belfast (Northern Ireland and Sligo and County Mayo in Ireland)

We also really don't want to rent a car (had an accident on our first trip - thank GOODNESS for CDW!) -- but is it possible to do this trip - using trains and/or hire cars and getting from airports to B&B's???

Should we just suck it up and rent a car again? Any itieneray suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

I thought -- maybe fly into Dublin - take train north to Belfast - stay 2 nights/3 days - go over to Glasgow (sp) ??? for a couple of nights - fly back to Belfast and then travel on.

OR -- fly into Shannon - go to County Mayo - then travel up to Belfast - see Belfast and then hop over to Glasgow - and fly out of Scotland - but I'm not sure if on trips - you can fly into one country and out of another???

Thanks - Jeri

irishface

Your last thought sounds the most logical order. Yes, you can fly in and out of different countries. It's called "open jaw".

I would say to give car rental another try. You really need a car to be able to stop where you want when you want and to be able to stay as long or as short as you want at various sights. At least this is true for the area of Ireland you want to visit. It would also give you much more flexibility for B&B's.

Once you get to Belfast you could ditch the car for the time in the city. (Be sure to check on whether this is doable with your hire company.)

Fly to Scotland and no need for a car if you are staying in one city. Lots of trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow and to Stirling. Also in Edinburgh there are companies that do one day tours out into the countryside.

Have fun!

Want to hire me as a driver?

Irishgal127A

Irish face -- you in ireland??? MAYBE!!! lol

I just want a lovely spot to stay (not hotels) - and go for days trips - like to connemara and the burren (missed those last time); to aran islands for the day - see the place john wayne made that movie -- then on to belfast to giant causeway, swinging bridge,etc. -- then over to scotland --
thanks for advice!

Irishgal127A

Also -- do i book as open jaw??? or can i only do this thru an agent?

annw

You can book open jaw with the airlines or on some of the websites.

I've traveled in Ireland with and without a car; it really depends on your goals. We took a car into Northern Ireland (Enniskillen and nearby) so can't help you there, but I have traveled by train, bus, and with a few taxis here and there in the South, pretty successfully -- best, though, for a focus on cities like Galway, Dublin, Cork -- major hubs. Also I would take the train from Dublin to Belfast.

However, I also traveled to Dingle, the Aran Islands, and similar places relying on public transportation. It's harder but again doable. A friend and I took a couple of longer taxi rides in Connemara, happened to see the John Wayne movie area on our way to our lodging.

Most people I know would recommend a car for the small towns; they are accessible by bus and train but it is a different experience requiring more planning. For me, the peace of mind not driving is worth it, unless you are keen to drive the Ring of Kerry, for example.

For Scotland, as well, I've gone by trains and once we had a car, when we had 4 of us. We find the driving on the left nerve-wracking and avoid it unless we really need it. By train, we've again seen major hubs (Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews (train stops nearby) very well.

Considering your goals, perhaps flying into Shannon, Galway as a base, making your rounds north to Belfast to Edinburgh or Glasgow? Frequent trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow.