My apologies to some who may read this twice, but it was posted on the general Europe forum yesterday. I received a couple of responses which were very helpful.

My wife and I would like to put a trip together to visit these three areas late next spring. We have learned that three weeks is about our limit. Can we see these three areas comfortably and well in that amount of time? If so, how would you break down the time? If not, which two would you do in 3 weeks? Would certainly appreciate any guidance.

Thanks,

Denny

Denny

there IS only a general Europe Forum. Pickinga country at the top only helps with future searching.

Try another question...

Your timescale is reasonable - planning your itinary will be a lot more difficult!!

I'd fly from the States to Dublin, tour it for your first week and then hop on a cheap one way flight with Ryanair - a good 'low cost' airline - and spend the next week touring Scotland.

[Ryanair fly into Aberdeen,(65mins) - Edinburgh,(60mins) and Prestwick(45mins) in Scotland - and into the Welsh capital, Cardiff (50mins)].

You could rent a car in Scotland, tour round - then travel down to Wales for your last week - flying from Cardiff back to Dublin.

You could comfortably do the 3 countries in 3 weeks - though it could be a very busy itineray depending on how many attractions and sights you wish to visit in each area - but I do not see any need to 'drop' one Country in favour of the other.

Good pre-planning and you will attain all three.

It would be a pity to miss one Country at the expense of the other - each has many highlights.

Brian

www.ryanair.com

Denny: some (hopefully) helpful advice. There was no need to re-post this. There is only one forum - the "general Europe" one. Clicking on "UK" or "Ireland" simply allows someone to search for info about those places. All threads end up lumped together under "Europe".

The answers you already got were about right. Those are in fact 3 different countries and while it looks REALLY tempting to try to cram all three into one trip, that is not a good idea. Not only would you be rushed, but you would waste a lot of your limited time just getting across the Irish Sea and back.

With just 3 weeks I would advise either Scotland OR Ireland. Another option would be 2+ weeks in Scotland and a 4 or 5 days in Wales.

I was writing at the same time Sheila was posting - but you get the idea . . . . .

oops - I was also posting at the same time as homertimpson. When I said the answers you already got were about right, I did not mean homer's. I REALLY disagree that you can see three countries in three weeks. Well, you COULD, but it would be a terrible blur and you really wouldn't see very much.

You need to know that the roads are narrow and the driving is slow - especially in many parts of Ireland. In parts of Scotland, Ireland and N Wales you will be lucky to average 35 MPH. So to see much of either place you do need more than a few days.

Once again, my many thanks to you guys. The message is clear, and we'll work on a better plan. And, I'll do better next time using the forum. Appreciate your suggestions on its use.

Denny

You're welcome. Not to worry - every "newbie" has a learning curve w/ odd features of this board.

After you re-think which of the places you want to see most, you will get LOTS of good info here. Many UK and Ireland fans/experts on board and we will probably give you even more info than you want!