jc223

I will be in Edinburgh Sept. 21 (Saturday) for a wedding, flying back to NYC the next day. I arrive the morning of Sept. 14 (Saturday). Now this gives us 7 days to check out the area, and I know everyone is going to suggest spending the whole time in Scotland!

BUT... the flight from NYC>Edinburgh and back is MORE expensive and more of a pain than a flight from NYC>Dublin>Edinburgh>NYC. I've also never been to Ireland and would love to see it as well! So my question is what would you suggest we do if we want to do Ireland AND Scotland during this trip?

I understand we won't be able to do everything, but it'd be nice to get a taste of both areas so we can decide if we want a more in-depth visit to one or the other during a future trip. We love to eat, drink, and be merry wherever we go, but with probably more an emphasis on beautiful sights and scenery in that area. Maybe a museum or two, a hike or two, and any "must do"s in the region.

Thanks for your thoughts! Any suggestions appreciated.

nytraveler

You can little bits of each - but obviously will need to pick one hotel in each and do day trips. Can't see doing road trips in 2 countries in the 5.5 days you actually have - including getting from Dublin to Edinburgh.

Tony2phones

You can do the 2 day city break in Dublin and see the City then Edinburgh and see some of the local area. If you want to experience Ireland and Scotland you need more time and need to get out from the city's

bankbabe

Oh dear. I must be crazy planning a 10 dat trip to both? Flying into Edinburgh on a Monday morning, trainto St Andrews on Tuesday. Train back to Edinburgh Friday for a flight to Shannon. Fly out of Dublin the following Wednesday.

bean11

Never been to Scotland (on my list of things to do) but as T2Phones says, 2 days in Dublin would be worthwhile. Lots of fun things to do and see. To see Ireland though, one would need several days to do it justice. My 10 day trip in 2011 left me wanting more. I'm already planning a future trip to see some of the places I missed first time around.

janisj

Dublin is fine - but IMO not nearly as scenic/interesting as Edinburgh. To 'see' Ireland you need time to get out into the countryside.

With such a short trip I'd stick to Scotland. If you had two weeks you could split the time - but that would cut each country too short. It isn't just that there is so much to see and do, but with the jet lag and time spent in transit, you'll really only have about 5 free days.

Go to Ireland another time when you can spend 10-14 days just in that country.

jent103

Ditto nytraveler and Tony. You can spend a couple of days in the Dublin area, maybe going down to Wicklow and Glendalough for your scenery (or there are other options), then go to Edinburgh. You *can't* see much else of both places in the time you have.

Stellarossa

2 whole days in St Andrews? That's at least 1 day too many.

bankbabe

Well, DH wants to play golf in St Andrews..It's a bucket list thing. Since he will be going on as a single, he has to take a tee time that is available. We will stay at Old Course hotel..You all think we can get a tee time if we only stay one day in St. Andrews?

janisj

Bankbabe: ignore stellarose. I just stayed a full week in a cottage about 8 miles from St Andrews. The 2nd time I've stayed a full week in the area plus probably eight other 2 or 3 day visits over the years. And I don't even play golf. There is a ton of things to see/do in and near Fife. And needing to fit in a round on the Old Course - I'd say 2 days would be your absolute minimum. 3 or 4 days would be better to ensure your DH can get on.

Are you going in summer?

colduphere

If your husband is willing to show up at the starter's cabin early in the morning (7am) I think he has a pretty good chance of getting on the Old Course. We've done it twice as twosomes, though in April and May. And we didn't get there until 11 am.

colduphere

This might help:

http://www.linksmagazine.com/best_of...before-you-die

janisj

I've taken friends more than 7 times. 3 times I booked them tee times on the old course ( 2 twosomes and 1 foursome).

The other times were either singles or twosomes. The singles all got on via the starter - except once in late June when he couldn't get on but was successful with the lottery for the next day. The twosomes made it via the lottery - but twice it took more than one try..

colduphere

Sorry - last point. You can see the tee sheet on line 36 hours in advance and get some idea of your chances. Here is the sheet for tomorrow.

http://www.standrews.org.uk/Ballot/B...ate=20/06/2013

colduphere

Oops wrong link. I hate this tablet.

colduphere

Ok it was the right link. I really hate this tablet.

broncoal06

I did a similar trip like this from the USA in 2008, with two differences: one, the wedding was in Ireland the day I arrived, and two, we went to Edinburgh because DW was going to school there for the year. We did two nights in the Irish countryside, which was just enough for the wedding and to daytrip to the Cliffs of Moher and back to Dublin for the flight out. In my week in Edinburgh, our time was spent exploring the city and some surrounding spots for daytrips (St. Andrews, Stirling and an ambitious day driving to Oban and back with a local friend). Is it ideal, no, but can you get some sights seen? Absolutely. Promise yourselves you'll be back, and have a blast.