I'd like to suprise my husband with a trip. Anyone have a preference and why? Thanks, Lori

Other people will voice very strong opinions, but it's really 6 of one, half dozen of the other. You can't go wrong with a trip to either one. Both have gorgeous countryside, great pubs, good golfing, great whiskey/whisky (although Scotland has a lot more distilleries, if he likes to visit them), friendly people, interesting cities, etc., etc.

I have to agree with Ann. I just returned from a week in Ireland and enjoyed myself a lot. In 1999, I spent a little over a week in Scotland and loved it. Both were very green with lots of sheep and lovely, wild scenery in the countryside. I enjoyed Dublin - just didn't have enough time there to explore so I want to return. I feel great affection for both Glasgow and Edinburgh and would love to go back. <BR><BR>

why not do both?

I personally lean towards Ireland, but I'm Irish. The opposite is probably true of those with Scottish heritage. I agree with Ann though. Both are wonderful. Doing both would be nice if you had lots of time (4 weeks or more). Otherwise, choose one and immerse yourself in it.<BR><BR>Funny, I have seen posts from people who are militant about hating Ireland but love Scotland, but I haven't seen the opposite. I wonder why that is. <BR><BR>Ireland will probably be a bit cheaper because of a more favorable exchange rate.

Hi,<BR>I've been to both places and simply llllooovvvveeeddddd Scotland. Would go back in a minute.

I have been to both and enjoyed both. I give Scotland a slight edge in scenery

My husband and I spent two weeks in Scotland and three in Ireland. Both were lovely, but we both enjoyed Ireland more. Can't wait to go back next spring!

As Bill suggests, my heart is in Scotland because my family is Scottish. You can't go wrong with either, though. If your husband's family comes from one or the other then I'd go with that. If not, flip a coin. It would be very easy to put together a trip that includes both, too. I'm jealous!

Lori-I just got back from a trip to Ireland/Scotland/England, and spent a few days on a lovely island off the west coast of Scotland. If your husband likes golfing and hiking and the outdoors, this would be the perfect place to take him. It's called the Isle of Arran. If you want more info, post again and I'll give more detail.<BR><BR>If hard pressed to choose, I would pick Ireland, as I have spent much more time there. And it's not because I'm Irish--I'm American.<BR><BR>I have seen postings from people who love Ireland and hate Scotland. But the two places are so similar, I can't understand how you can hate one and love the other.

&gt;&gt;But the two places are so similar, I can't understand how you can hate one and love the other.&lt;&lt;<BR><BR>I agree Ann<BR><BR>Bill

I visited both Scotland and Ireland this year. While both are lovely, I vote for Scotland. If you go to Scotland, be sure to travel up into the Highlands. This is the spectacular area. The views are breathtaking. Our guide told us the heather blooms in late August and early September. My next trip will be during that time.

We would like to go someplace lovely for our 30th anniversary. We have not been to Scotland yet, but it is on our list of places we want to see. Is end of April, beginning of May a good time to visit Scotland or should we consider somewhere else? Thanks for any help.

We visited Scotland in late April 02 and it was grand! We were there in Oct 00 it was also grand. I hope folks will consider visiting the SW (Galloway)not a huge tourist area, but with plenty to see and do and absolutely wonderful. We've also visited both Northern and the Republic of Ireland, I have to say that Scotland wins for me. Have a grand time wherever you travel!

Ediburgh is far grander than Dublin. Given that, I'd definitely choose Scotland.

Having been to both I'd say Scotland wins it for us. Preferred Edinburgh to Dublin and the mountain scenery is breathtaking, throw in the best whisky and most varied landscape. I've even been there skiing in winter and it was great fun!

We enjoyed Scotland, spent 2 weeks there and have never been back. This past August was our third time in Ireland and we'd go again in a moment. We love the quirkiness of the Irish, the ocean, the indifference to making things touristy (except for a few, well-visited sites), the prices, the incredible greenness, the villages.

I've been to Ireland over a dozen times, and Scotland only once (ventured there the last time I was in Ireland), but on my next vacation I am combining both with four days in each. I really can't pick between the two now, so this is a delightful compromise.