John

With only a week, I'd have to recommend basing yourselves in Edinburgh and taking a couple of day trips - one a loop to Glen Coe for fabulous sightseeing and maybe a short walk on the moor or into the glen; the other to the fishing villages on the south coast of Fife, across the water from Edinburgh.<BR><BR>The rest of the time, you can get all the castle, history, scenery, museum, cultural, pub, shopping, pub, golf, strolling, music, gardens, and pub life you'd ever want, right in town.<BR><BR>You could do a similar trip using Dublin as the base, but the excursions will take a lot longer (like, mainly all the way across the country) and you'll find your time in town correspondingly limited. Six days in either country will barely whet your appetites for more. <BR><BR>PS Do a blindfold test with Bushmills and Glenmorangie and decide for yourself.<BR><BR>

Sheila

No contest, John, no contest

DB

We went to Ireland the end of May and first of June, and the coutryside was beautiful with flowers. We loved the rock walls, the food was delicious and served so elegantly. We traveled to Kylemoor Abby, which is beautiful with the Abby and the church in front of a beautiful lake, give yourself some time there due to the gift shop, which I felt was the best one we explored, scenery and restaurant too. Muckross house, Cliffs of Moher, Old Head even better, Powers Court, and Waterford Tours are all great. Much, much more, but if you research Ireland you will find great places to visit. We happened onto Kinsale Bay, which was wonderful. We stayed in a B&B called Crossways, and overlooked the Bay. When we were in Galway/Salt hill we stayed in the Marless House. Very hospitable with wonderful breakfasts. The weather was great, we put a Lands end wind breaker in our back packs, and they were useful each day. windy, but a beautiful place to visit. Can't wait to return!

Ann

Yes, it is no contest. Bushmills slaughters the competition, particularly Millenium Bushmills.<BR><BR>Ah, I feel so sorry for those of you who prefer the inferior products of Scotland. You probably also think Scottish football is pretty good, too.

John

Hi Kim,<BR><BR>My wife and I made our first visit to Scotland for a week (plus) in November. <BR><BR>Sheila Ritchie helped immensely with our trip (sites, lodging, routes etc). Her help was invaluable.<BR><BR>In our Christmas card to friends and family; we noted that 'Scots are the most friendly people in the world'. And 'Scotland should not be missed'. And by that, I mean more than Edinburgh and Glasgow - go North my dear. Try finding Plockton on a map - great place.<BR><BR>We compare Scotland to the best places we have ever been. A direct correlation between people/culture with many places in Australia - which we love.<BR><BR>In any event, Scotland should not be left out of one's life itinerary.<BR><BR>On the other hand, we have not been to Ireland (unless you read this after March 19). Our choice, and order of visiting, was simple . . . When is St Patricks day again????