Ireland or Spain
 

I have a dilemma, so I thought I would introduce it to this forum. I have just decided that I want to travel over the pond next spring for at least ten days solo from Canada. The dilemma is that I have the urge to visit two places, both of which I have never visited: Ireland and Spain.<BR><BR>I have always wanted to visit Spain but, for some reason (perhaps due to my regular visits to a local Irish-theme pub to listen to fabulous Celtic musicians) Ireland has recently been calling me, a desire to head to Dingle and Galway, rent a bike and have some fun in the pubs and experience the infamous craic.<BR><BR>Spain also sounds so much like it is made for me: the ambience, the food and social scene, the landscapes (and the weather). But, I don't speak Spanish and fear that may take away some of the experience as meeting and conversing with locals is what can make a trip. No tours please!<BR><BR>Who has been in this dilemma and how did you resolve it?<BR>Thanks!

Eddie, How odd. There's another thread very much like this. Maybe you posted before? Anyway, I was originally planning on going to Spain next year, but am now leaning toward Ireland. The reason being that I am now planning on going at the end of May instead of March/April, and I thought I would take advantage of the warmer time of year to go farther north. Consider when you want to go and what kind of weather you enjoy. You don't have to be fluent in Spanish. Just learn some key phrases then be willing and open to learning more when you get there.

If you want to visit Spain but at the same time enjoy a celtic atmosphere, visit Galicia and Asturias (the 2 celtic provinces of Spain).

Aah, the classic dilmemma of European travel -- where to go?? This may or may not be helpful, but my advice to you is to forget the practical and go with the place where your heart is truly calling. Save your second choice for the next trip, knowing that you'll be back for more. Bon Voyage!

I just returned from my second visit to Spain There are hundreds or irish pubs all over Spain and the spanish guitar music is great ! I would check,out Spain FLATTERYS IRISH BAR IN SEVILLA, O'BRIENS IN PORTO BANUS MARABELLA , IF YOU VISIT THE COSTA DEL SOL YOU ALSO HAVE GIBRALTER. IRISH PUBS ARE ALL OVER, I SPENT ST PATRICKS DAY IN ONE

We traveled to both Spain and Ireland in October. They were both very lovely, and found them extremely different - Ireland very green - Spain very dry....we loved both places. Whatever your choice - you'll enjoy. We found Spain more affordable - don't know if that will make a difference for you or not....seemed the dollar could buy more there.

Thanks for the replies. <BR><BR>I must agree that, obviously, the best place to go is where one really wants to go. Spain has always been a place I've wanted to visit for the reasons mentioned in my first post and I think it could perhaps be more exotic due to the language and architecture. But, lately Ireland has taken over my travel desires and is also a place I have always wanted to visit. I must admit that the idea of the infamous Irish craic and being able to communicate - to a certain degree, anyway, would make for a splendid holiday along with the incredible scenery. I must admit that I don't mind a bit of damp but it gets me down quite quickly especially the lack of sunlight (I come from a cold, yet sunny climate in Alberta). I also think that it would be best if I rented a car in Ireland which ,as a solo traveller, would add substantially to the cost.<BR><BR>I wish I could afford to do, say, eight or nine full days in Eire and hop over to Seville for a week but I don't know if that's feasible at this time(or worth the hassle). It would be a splendid opportunity to experience to very different cultures, though, and being a music lover (of both Celtic and Flamenco styles) and a photographer, this would be like heaven to me.<BR> <BR>Thank-you again and I hope to have more replies. <BR><BR>Eddie

Hey, Eddie - <BR> Whereabouts in Alberta? Edmonton, the other city, or points elsewhere?<BR>ja(Edmonton)

ja,<BR>I'm from Edmonton. And with the balmy minus 15C that we're experiencing this morning (and more cold to come later in the week) Spain is starting to look like the place - in February and not May!