I'm going to England and Ireland for two weeks in August, starting in London. My plan was to drive north to Edinburgh (want to see Bath and York) and then fly over to Dublin. I have 15 nights total (not counting travel to and from the US) and thought I'd do 8 in Ireland and 7 in the UK. I was just in London in March so am only planning on a couple of nights there.

My question - Edinburgh is not a top priority but it sounds interesting and I had a pretty good fare found on Ryanair from there to Dublin. But now I find there is a major festival in Edinburgh and I'm having trouble finding a hotel for one night. We usually stay in B&Bs and I'd like to keep it under $100 a night. Does this sound possible? Anyone have any suggestions? Does it even seem worth it? Ryanair flights from various cities in England to Dublin are all about the same price. We'll be renting a car (well two actually, one in UK and one in Ireland). Thanks for any suggestions.

The Festivals in Edinburgh are sure worth it! I have been 3 times and never tire of it. I did home exchanges for the last 2 times (the first one was so long ago that I was staying in Youth Hostels), so I did not have the August lodging problem.

The University of Edinburgh rents rooms, so you might look there. People do make their plans well in advance and you are going to have problems at this point finding close it reasonable lodging in Edinburgh in August.

For festival time many hotels and bbs require minimum 2 or 3 night stay and charge premium rate due to high demand

If you can handle twenty bucks a night in a hostel across the street from Edinburgh Castle check out the Castle Rock Hostel.

Hope you are not too stuck up for a hostel like some people.

Jor,

The hostel accomodations have piqued my curiosity. I don't mind sharing and meeting new friends... but what are your options for securing your luggage while you're out and about? Are you stuck living out of a very large backpack?

~ Sheryl

Edinburgh in August is a "special case". It quite literally doubles in population over the month. There are 5 festivals running concurrently plus the Military Tattoo. Because of this, most places have a 3 or 4 night minimum. The festivals and tatoo are wonderful - but you are not likely to find a place for only one or two nights. And MANY places are already totally booked up for that time.

Sheryl, This hostel has large lockers accessible 24/7 Front door is guarded and open 24/7. Great lounge, internet room, movies every night, large kitchen, and very clean. If you don't mind sharing a room and restroom its a fantastic deal.

Well thanks for confirming what I was afraid of. I had been hoping to just spend one night and get a taste of Edinburgh but I guess August is not the month to do that. Even if I could find a room for one night do you think the city, airport, public transportation, etc will be so crowded as to not make it pleasant? Some other trip I would love to stay and enjoy the festivals but just don't have time on this trip. So should I just can Scotland altogether? Thanks for your thoughts.

Jor,

Thanks for the information. I'll be in Edinburgh in a couple of weeks. I'll check it out.

I wouldn't want to hostel every trip but I think it would be an adventure if you were in the mindset for that kind of travel.

And $20 a night during Festival? I think the park benches are more than that. *chuckle*

~ Sheryl

The best place in the world for cutting edge drama and comedy as well as the serious stuff is Edinburgh in August.

If I were going to Scotland in August, I would have a hard time getting out of Edinburgh. Honest, I know. I have done this twice and ended up pretty much staying in Edinburgh.

Some day I will go over the sea to Skye.

Lauren,

I would love to go to the Festival. The Fringe even more. And the Military Tattoo is at the top of my list.

I'll be in Edinburgh the second half of May... and have already checking ticket prices for returning in August. Sky high... but one never knows when a sale will come along.

~ Sheryl

Isabel, you could instead stay in Glasgow and come across for the day to Edinburgh - trains are about every 15 mins and it's about an hour so it's pretty easy to do, and Glasgow won't be as booked up as Edinburgh is.For your flight to Dublin, I think Ryanair flies from Prestwick to Dublin but I've no idea if the fares are as good as Edinburgh!