Car/ Bus/ Rail. Which is best for travelling Ireland and Scotland?
 

We plan to go for 2 weeks at the end of July and were wondering what the best mode of travel is. We think we would like to be based in Dublin/ Edinburgh/ Glasgow areas if possible. We will certainly take suggestions (I understand the Highlands are beautiful)for other places to go and stay. I think we would like to do northern Scotland one week and sountern Ireland the next. Assuming we are in those areas is it better to rent a car for a week (or certain days) or get a rail pass?

Shane <BR> <BR>The answer is almost certainly that you will have greater flexibility with a car. You can do a great deal by train but you will be constrained by inability to get any distance from the railway line and the minor problem of infrequent trains. <BR>

Shane I heartly agree with sheila hire a carfor scotland and Ireland. You can always take it across on the ferry with you. Take your time stop and enjoy the magic and the craic

The views of the Western Highlands of Scotland are best enjoyed by train.This is because the train travels along halfway up the hillside, wheras the road is at the bottom of the glen & the view is frequently obscured by trees. <BR>The reason for this is that the train can't take steep gradients,so it maintains its height. <BR>For example, the line from Glasgow to Foprt William does not go through Glencoe, instead it goes round the back of Ben Nevis through high glens which have no roads. <BR>Elswhere, in flatter parts, you are as well with a car.

I lived in Scotland for five years and have traveled by car, bus, and rail. The car wins hands-down for flexibility and is the obvious choice if you are an explorer at heart. The only drawback to a car, as I see it, is that you have to constantly deal with a totally different driving experience than you are probably used to: you will drive on the left side of the road and deal with confusing intersections called "roundabouts." The first few days can be stressful. Once you get out of the city, it will be easier to cope with the traffic, but it will be harder to remember which side of the road you should be on! <BR>As for where to go, you can't do better than Edinburgh and the Highlands. The scenery is spectacular along the west coast, but you might also want to consider the Borders, which have more pastoral beauty and cultural significance. We loved everything in Scotland! <BR>Have a great trip.