I've been getting advice on Ireland, but now I'm wondering if we should go to Wales instead? My husband is from Scotland (we live in the US, and are in our late 20s). We will be traveling to visit his family Summer 2005 and would like to take a mini side trip somewhere. We've seen most of Scotland and have been to London. I was thinking Ireland, but we really do love castles so maybe we should go to Wales? We like scenery, shopping, outdoors, and of course pubs.

Thanks!

Hi Amelie, we have been to Ireland and liked it very much. WE are going to Wales in Sept. I think Wales is more doable in that time frame, if you are going to Scotland...not too far by car. The "mini sdie trip" is the key IMO.

Hi Amelie!!!!

I have been to both Wales and Ireland and loved them both, so this would be a tough choice for me. BUT....considering you will be in Scotland...love castles...then Wales would have to be the one I would have to go with!!! North Wales is beautiful and something that could be done in that amount of time. Three castles off the top of my head in that area are Conwy, Harlech and Caernarvon!!!
http://www.castlewales.com/home.html

Snowdonia is a beautiful area and Swallow Falls is a must if you go!

There are so many quaint little towns...Beddgelert is one in particular that comes to mind!!!

Also, check out...
http://www.visitwales.com/

Thanks for the suggestions

Just one thing to add.
North Wales is beautiful, has plenty of great castles and things to see.
However, don't forget South and West Wales too.
Pembrokeshire in the South West is gorgeous and Cardiff in South East is the capital city is well worth a visit if you can get there.
Muck

Hi amelie:

I just returned from a trip to SW England and Wales. It certainly isn't a bad option and it's hard to see either Irealnd or Wales in four days, but you may get a slightly better feel for Wales in that time than Irealnd. Consider a separate trip for Ireland. Of course, you'll probabbly want to go back to Wales too.

Here is a link to my travel journal, most of the last half is in Wales.

http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_wales_2004/

Bill

Amelie, I too would opt for Wales, considering you only have 4 days. I agree with the other members, regarding castles and towns. Snowdonia National Park is worth basing yourself in, especially the town of Betws-y-coed. From this lovely town with its river, falls, etc, you can easily drive to Conwy Castle (17 miles), Llanberis Pass (approx.16 miles), Mt.Snowdon Mountain Railway (approx.19 miles), Caernafon Castle (24 miles), the pretty town of Beddgelert (18 miles).
If you wanted to do something different, then drive out of Betws-y-coed on the A5 (signposted Llangollen)and enroute look for the village of Corwen, then turn off to your right onto B4401, then travel through the following villages, Cynwyd, Llandrillo, Crogen, Pale, then take B4391 down to Pencraig, Llangynog to PListyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, also Lake Vyrnwy...you could continue over to Llanhblodwell (have lunch in the Horseshoe Inn), then return home via Oswestry, Chirk, Llangollen.
Enjoy Wales, Leigh