Hi,
I'm trying to decide which would be better if I only have about 5 days. Is there too much to see/do in Dublin for just 5 days? But, if I choose Edinburgh I'd really like to also see the Scottish Highlands. How far away from Edinburgh is this? Is it doable? I've never been to Great Britian and I'd really like to see it and feel this is a good place for a quick European trip. Any thoughts? Suggestions? I'd really appreciate it! Thanks.

For me, it wouldn't even be close--Edinburgh! Been to both several times and I can visit E over and over and over again.

As for the highlands, you're talking about a lot of territory! You'll want to pick a site or two. Hopefully, Sheila will stop in soon (she's on a holiday for a few days) and give you some of her excellent pointers.

I've been to both, and found Edinburgh to be consideerably much more enticing than Dublin. I'll definitely return to Edinburgh,probably not to Dublin.

This would be a very hard decision for mee - I've done both more than once. I find Edinburgh "grander", Dublin "cozier". There is plenty to discover in each city. I find Dublin more walkable.

Dubliners are still learning that they are now on the highlight list of travelers; the Scots seem more accustomed to hosting visitors.

Instead of the Highlands from Edinburgh, you might consider Fife (St Andrews, sea coast) - train to St Andrews is about an hour I think. A great day trip from Dublin is Newgrange - pre-Stonhenge site and very impressive. I could keep myself busy in either city for lots more than five days. Happy picking.

Edinburgh 95 times out of a hundred.

If I were going to Ireland it would be to see some of the wonderful small towns and scenery over on the west coast -- it wouldn't be Dublin. And if I WAS going to Dublin it would probably only be for a couple of days, three tops.

Actually, you can see a bit of the Highlands from a stay in Edinburgh. There are full day coach trips that leave from the center of the city and go through some wonderful country and as far north as Loch Ness. I don't normally recommend these types of bus tours - they cover a LOT of territory in a short time. But they might make sense in your case.

Or another option - go to Edinburgh for 2-3 days. Then take the train to Inverness and stay one night. You could take local tours from I'ness including a cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle. Then back on the train to Edinburgh for the last day/night.

Another vote to Edinburg!!!

And another vote for Edinburgh from me. I've been to each one a couple of times and always think to myself I could easily return time and time again to Edinburgh. I never get that same feelng from Dublin (although I am glad to have been and have enjoyed my trips there).

Why not do Both, I'd do 3 days in Edinburgh and 2 in Dublin. www.aerlingus.com have very cheap flights between edinburgh and dublin at the moment. €50 return including taxes. Air coach into the city centre no problem. If I had to choose, well I got married in Edinburgh, so no contest! regards, samaga

No contest. Edinburgh. As far as things to do in 5 days, you could keep yourself nicely occupied, but there's time for a road trip if that's what you want.
Ahhhh, Edinburgh.....

The on thing I wouldn't do, is both. You'd be in real danger on one of those "if it's Tuesday, it must be..." trips.

I think, Edinburgh.And, unelss you want to drive, I'd do one or two one day trips with Haggis, Rabbie's, Timberbush or Mac Backpacker's to see the country.

They all have web sites. If you decide you want to drive, come back and we'll sort out a trip or two for you to take.

Hi, I'll toss in my vote as I've been to both. Edinburgh, especially if you only have 5 days. I did like Dublin but I liked visiting other areas in Ireland. My DH and I spent 9 days in Edinburgh and we took day tours with Rabbies. This is a tour company that uses small buses, I think 12 people. We did the Higlands tour with a boat tour on Loch Ness. It was a wonderful day. If you do this, see if you can get Donnie as your guide. He was by far the best driver/guide we had. He always dresses in a kilt and is a walking history of Scotland.

We usually don't opt to stay in one area but on that trip we stayed the whole time in Edinburgh. It was great. The trips we took with Rabbies helped us a lot since we didn't bother with renting a car. Edinburgh Castle is amazing. Get the audio guide. ok,. I'll leave off other suggestions till you decide.

Edinburgh!!!

And here's a funky place to stay if you have the budget.



http://www.mcdougalladventures.com/s...-borough-hotel

Oh my gosh, I honestly didn't expect to come back less than a day later and find so many great responses! Looks like Edinburgh is the clear winner. That's where I think I was leaning to begin with but your comments make me so much surer now.

Would you recommend renting a car or do you not think its necesary? Also, I thought about possibly trying to do Edinburgh in 3 days and then covering the Highlands for an additional night or tow but I'm afraid it'll be too rushed. I'd rather do one place well than try and fit in too much!

You definitely do not need (nor want) a car in or around Edinburgh.

It is great to have a car to explore the Highland/islands/north/south -- but you just don't have the time.

I'd recommend going to Edinburgh and taking 1, or maybe 2, of the organized daytrips already mentioned. They will give you a taste of other areas and then you can come back again sometime for a longer visit and drive anywhere.