Husband & I are considering a week vacation in May or Early June. Want to golf, tour, see castles, eat & drink. Have conflicting advice whether to go to Edinburgh & St. Andrews vs. Ireland. Really don't want to spend a zillion, but also not restricted to munis and lumpy B&Bs. So I thought - ask the Fodorites! We aren't bus group people & generally prefer to drive. Thoughts?

What can anyone tell you? Scotland is fabulous for golf, castles, scenery. Ireland is fabulous for golf, castles, scenery.

if it is your one and only chance - make it Scotland. And don't limit yourselves to Edinburgh/st Andrews. There are wonderful courses absolutely everywhere.

But if you will have other trips in the future - then just flip a coin this time.

I think that Scotland shades it. Every village has a golf course, and everyone plays golf. Your timing is spot on.

How could you fail to love it?

Closely akin. Great links--friendly folks--fabulous scenery. For your first visit, Scotland by a whisker. Easier to drive to most areas--and Edinburgh is a gem!

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

I know this is a generalisation, but generally Ireland is a bit warmer - but it rains more.

When it comes to golf, scenery, food etc. there isn't even a whisker between these two. You will get plenty of all the things you like in either Scotland or Ireland. Look at your budget, cost of flights & accom & then decide.
I agree St Andrew's & other courses in Fife are fab, but if you get a good flight deal to Shannon, the south west of Ireland is pretty amazing too.
Weski, you do realise , don't you, that you are in fact planning 2 holidays. Your dilema is - which one to take first! Good luck