Ireland/Scotland Advice
 

Hey folks,

We are headed to Ireland/Scotland in late May. We are not sure how to spend the 14 days we are planning.

7 in Ireland and 7 in Scotland seem reasonable? More in Ireland, less in Scotland?


Also – we are committed to sticking to the lower half of Ireland focusing on the followings are:

Dublin/Wicklow, Cork/Kerry, Galway/Clare

I was thinking 2 nights in each, but is Galway/Clare worth 2 nights? Cliffs of Moher is one of our top destinations, but is there other things there worth staying an additional night?

Some of the items on our list are:


Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Blarney Stone/Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
St Patrick's Cathedral
Mizen Head
Kylemore Abbey
Guinness Storehouse
Dingle Peninsula
Book of Kells/Trinity College
Skellig Michael
Wicklow National Park
Ring of Kerry

I'd do 14 days in Scotland, so much to do, the idea of upping sticks to cross the Irish sea seems a waste of a holiday day/half day

If I had to choose -- I'd also do the 2 weeks in Scotland (But then Scotland is my favorite place anywhere).

But you're not me. For someone trying to decide how to divide the time . . . I wouldn't. I'd do either 2 weeks in Ireland OR 2 weeks in Scotland. The travel can be quite slow in both countries, and neither are places one wants to rush about ticking boxes.

ps: And especially the above if your whole trip is 2 weeks/14 days (home to home). If so, you'll have 11.5 days free on the ground for seeing/doing.

Some questions:
Do you have your flights booked? In and out of where?
Is it 14 days on the ground?
Do you anticipate this would be the only time you would visit these 2 countries?
What is your travel style? On the go/energetic or savor/relax?

I have not visited Scotland, but was just on an enchanting trip to Ireland last May. I vote for at least some time in Ireland.

Since you seem to have little idea of what you want to see in Scotland I would stick to Ireland for the whole time. Gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy the country rather than rushing about ticking of must sees whilst missing the essence of the country.
Moving from Ireland to Scotland takes a day out of your 14, assuming it is 14 on the ground not in total and either country has enough for 14 days (and more!).

I'd stay in one country. What you have listed for Ireland will have you moving quite a bit; the roads are narrow and plan on it taking longer than you think to get from place to place (especially if you have not been there before and don't know the roads/routes to get to your destination). To do this is 7 seven days would be difficult if not impossible but more importantly it would not be a lot of fun, IMO. T

The ring of Kerry/Conor Pass and Dingle Peninsula will take the better part of the day each and they are beautiful. If you like to be on the water, in Dingle, Dingle Sea Safari is fun and will give you a great view of the coastline and also a chance to sea seals, dolphins, whales depending on when you are there. Near Cliffs of Moher, spend some time in Doolin. You could also add Aran Islands. I'd consider ditching Blarney and Kylemore Abbey to avoid so much driving (especially if you stick with 7 days) and replace with Kenmare and Killarney National Park. If you aren't really focused on Galway, then don't go any further than Doolin.