It can help to remember that the driver always stays close to the center line. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and his feast day is religiously and culturally significant. Some locals may advise you to avoid certain neighborhoods so try to focus on the landmarks of each country to make your vacation a good one. Since these two countries use different currencies, you may want to check the currency exchange rate with the U.S. dollar before deciding between Ireland and Scotland. Though its usually cloudy or rainy in most parts of Ireland, Scotlands weather is unfortunately more extreme. Plane ticket prices may vary depending on your preferred flight class. Both provide travellers with a heavy dose of the countryside atmosphere with lush green landscapes and plummeting cliffs, and they both have their own twist on whiskey. This is where mother nature and human creations meet. There are 5 direct train trips in a day. Here, youll find wider roads, less traffic on the streets (especially in the countryside), and traffic signs using miles. Quality usually suffers because of mass production and heavy circulation. You can book nonstop flights to Irelands capital from major cities like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. For example, we found the car rental cost more in Ireland, while accommodation costs were slightly higher in Scotland. 4.78 million people are living in Ireland while Scotland is populated by 5.29 million people. the further north you go, the smaller the roads. Corned beef and cabbage is one of its more famous dishes, which you have to taste with a side of soda bread. Originally, it was in order for you to drive defensivelywith your "sword hand" on the inside to protect you against unknown oncoming horsemen. The latter is a part of the U.K. and the former is its own country). Dial 112 in an emergency. For those visiting Edinburgh, dont forget to add a trip to the Scotch Whisky Experience to your itinerary. Highland Park Whisky, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Laphroaig distilleries are open for tours. There were plans to build a bridge to connect Scotland to Ireland. So buying local produce gives you quality while supporting small-scale farmers in return. You can do this by choosing faster transportation and visiting fewer tourist destinations. Despite the conflicting ideologies of Catholics and Protestants, both groups celebrate this holiday. Often youll come across single-track roads where you have no choice but to drive over a pothole slowly. With this in mind, Americans may get more bang for their buck in Ireland. The ports between Ireland and Scotland are 264 miles (425 km) apart. Driving yourself or using public transport and local tours for tourist focused towns would be far better options, The companys brewery is open for visitors who want to get a taste of Irelands famous drink. Drivers from other countries will need to obtain an International Driver's Permit, but American licenses are automatically valid on the Emerald Isle and you can drive for up to 12 months as a tourist. Ultimately, the decision of which city to visit depends on individual preferences. The climate in Scotland is generally cooler due to its location on the northern side of the UK. Overall, the Scottish landscape is a bit more rugged and at times, otherworldly. Visiting their farms allows you to taste quality crops. Advice please. See recent posts by Katherine Alex Beaven. So, it wont stop you from doing most activities! E. Michael Johnson: Hmmmmm.The home of golf versus golf that feels homey. Follow this guide to prepare for everything you need to know about driving in Ireland from driving on the left side of the street to navigating country roads. On the other hand, Scottish food typically features game meat and potato dishes. Can I use my electrical appliances in Ireland? Because Scotland is one of the countries in the United Kingdom. Scotland and Ireland are somewhat different in that regard. Aside from the well-loved spuds, you can also get a taste of rice and noodle dishes in Ireland. Let the child in you take a step back and absorb the simplicity and peace of Scottish farms. Sunfish, eels, mackerel, lobsters, and crabs are just a few of them. For those who prefer to travel by bus, the leading bus provider in the Republic of Ireland is Bus ireann, while Translink is the largest provider in Northern Ireland. For folks who dont like rain, Ireland might bum them out as rain is very frequent there. Collective Knowledge: How often have you visited Ireland? Any "top 10 thing sights to see" you want to share? By comparison, Ireland features over three thousand castles and ruins. Airfare from Ireland can cost you 62 USD while a plane ticket in Scotland is around 69 to 70 USD. Scotlands just the right place for that. Irish cuisine is characterized by hearty stews, savory pies, and seafood. Driving in Ireland and Scotland - Ireland Forum - Tripadvisor How to See or Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland. The abundance of music-related festivities in its cities will leave your ears happy. It's best and less stressful to begin your driving experience away from big cities, so try renting your car in a smaller town. Make a reservation or avail tickets to enter and roam inside these establishments. Come and marvel at the rich and royal beauty of Irelands past by taking some photos of its castles. Obviously, if you have the time, we highly recommend that you travel to Ireland and Scotland. The Emerald Isle is also famous for its smooth whiskey, including brands like Jameson, Tullamore Dew, and Bushmills. Ireland: Irelands capital of Dublin is home to plenty of literary history, the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery tours, and the historic Kilmainham Gaol. Behind the wheel you're totally free, going where you want, when you want. 06 Nov 11262 shares Trips to Ireland and Scotland are some of my favorites to help plan. For those who love dance music Terminal V is a go-to event. I am 72 years old in good health with good vision and zero accidents for the last 50 years. Ireland is home to 30,000 castles. Ireland 26-5 Scotland: Six Nations 2022 - as it happened Castles range in their level of dilapidation (or decimation), from the grassy knoll ruins of the 15th-century Caherminnaun Castle, to the gorgeous mid-section of the 16th-century Boston Castle or rundown Blarney Castle (where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone), to the luxurious, gold interiors of Ashford Castle, which currently functions as a 5-star hotel. Driving in Scotland? Here are 13 HELPFUL Tips - The World Pursuit The bright green hills, stunning lakes, cobblestone streets, and snaking country roads that seemed so storybook in the sun have a tendency to transform into grey, damp, and downright dreary sights in the rain. +1 to what Nakagoli has said. What are the most popular things to see and do in Ireland? Once youre done with the tour, youre going to get at least one free serving of this Irish drink. These work well if you follow the golden rule: Traffic in roundabouts always has the right-of-way, while entering vehicles yield. Ireland and Scotland are around the same size and boast a vast square mileage of countryside to city. You can visit Edinburghs Scotch Whisky Experience for a large collection of bottled liquors. International restaurants are most common in the bigger cities, with European and Chinese being popular choices. From unique attractions to delicious cuisinelet us be your guide as we make the ultimate comparison of these two awe-inspiring nations. If you board a plane from Edinburgh to Dublin, itll take you 50 minutes to an hour to get there. Both Ireland and Scotland offer their own unique transportation options for tourists. Scotland vs Ireland - Rick Steves Travel Forum Scotland: Flights to Edinburgh can range anywhere between a seven-hour one-way flight from New York to a 17-hour two-stop trip from Los Angeles. For those who dont drink alcohol, a trip to this side of Dublin is still worthwhile because the things that youre going to learn will give you some insight into Irish drinking culture. Ben Nevis is the most impressive natural wonder in Scotland. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Obviously, if you have the time, we highly recommend that you travel to Ireland and Scotland. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you'll be sharing tales from Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come. For example, theres the famous Loch Ness, as well as Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Loch Shiel. Hes one of Scotlands martyrs who bravely faced torture and execution. The Merrion is Dublins most exclusive luxury hotel, and has a convenient location across from the Government buildings in four 18th-century townhouses. Horror stories about driving overseas are fun to tell, but driving in the British Isles is really only a problem for those who make it one. Visitors to Scotland can drive for up to one calendar year with a standard US driving license. Glasgow Summer Sessions is a musical event that is more focused on contemporary music. How do I start to plan my trip to Ireland? It's best and less stressful to begin your driving experience away from big cities, so try renting your car in a smaller town. Whether its a frigid, windy day in Scotland or an impromptu picnic on an Irish hilltop, a cute scarf is a must for the area no matter the season. In the Republic of Ireland, the speed limit is in kilometers per hour, road signs are usually bilingual (but not always geill sli means "yield"), and roads are more likely to be bumpy and poorly maintained. After a tiring day of exploration, a meal at a nearby restaurant will satisfy your famished tummy. This choice comes down to aesthetic preference: do you like your castles old and crumbling or slightly still recognizable? If you are already over in Europe or the U.K., you can also reach Scotland via train (we love the overnight sleeper service for the convenience and scenery) or unload at one of Scotlands several cruise ports, including hot spots like Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. Even though Ireland is the wealthier country of the two, you cant assume that Scotland is struggling because its still a rich country. Youll have to deal with winding narrow roads that have lots of traffic (even in the countryside), pedestrians (especially in the countryside), and traffic signs in kilometers. Pricing for Apex Grassmarket Hotel. Its not widely spoken, but its unlikely that youll understand anything if you hear it. So, depending on your interests, you may enjoy the landscape in Scotland or Ireland better. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116048279', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Ireland and Scotland in early June. Scotland vs. Ireland green fee costs? Both countries offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, but which one is cheaper to visit? 9 Important Things to Know Before Your First Orlando Vacation, 7 Nude Travel Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List, 10 of the Best Things to Do in Costa Rica. If seat belts are fitted to your car, they must be worn by both drivers and passengers. Like Ireland, Scotland also takes pride in the architectural designs of its castles. The Republic of Ireland is not under monarchy rule anymore but these countless castles left their mark. Ireland is a bigger country than Scotland. If we were forced to choose between the two, we would opt for Edinburgh. Some airlines have cheaper options than others. However, the devil is in the details, reflecting each countrys culture and crops. Even in the dead of winter, bare trees with snow-covered branches are a sight to behold. What do I need to know about bed and breakfast accommodation? By comparison, Ireland features over three thousand castles and ruins. There are distorted guitars, guttural screams, danceable beats, and mellow piano sounds. If youll excuse the boxing terms, Scotland didnt beat Ireland with a knockout punch. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. View day-by-day trip itinerary. Theyre not hesitant to add elements from Asian and other European dishes to their cooking. Although driving on the left side of the road may seem overwhelming, youll get the hang of it in no time! For example, the most famous national parks in the countryCairngorms and Loch Lomond & The Trossachsare well known for their mountainous terrain. We are gathering ideas. Because of their closely-intertwined histories with England and other areas of Europe, Irish and Scottish cuisine have a similar stock with which they have blended their traditional recipes. We think Scotland is best for mountains and Ireland is best for coastal drives. Ireland vs. Scotland: An expert decides which nation really is the king of golf - Golf Join InsideGOLF and have your best golf season ever Travel Ireland vs. Scotland: An expert. The state of both was shaped by centuries of monarchy and conflicts. Overall, youll notice that there are more chain hotels in Ireland, although theyre only in the bigger cities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Those are only a few to an endless list. London even assesses a congestion charge about $15 per day to drive in the city center. Scotland wins if tourists like music, local produce, and natural landmarks. Scotlands cities are full of life and energy because of its exciting musical events. Also be prepared for wildlife and pets to suddenly cross the road, and know that you might come around a curve to find cows or (especially) sheep resting right in the middle of the pavement. For example, haggis served alongside neeps and tatties is a traditional Scottish meal that everyone should try. Not only will you be driving on the left, but you'll be using roundabouts, where traffic continually flows in a circle around a center island. Travelling Around Scotland by Car | VisitScotland And you will need to allow extra time in Ireland and Scotland for your journeys. Are you looking to have an unforgettable vacation in Scotland or Ireland? London even assesses a congestion charge about $15 per day to drive in the city center. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Their music pieces are not dependent on that instrument alone. There are 6 ways to get from Scotland to Ireland by plane, bus and ferry, bus, train, car or car ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Return the favor when you're closer to a wide spot in the road than they are. The simpler way of life reminds you that not all things need to be super commercialized. Like England, Scotland and Ireland speak varying permutations of British English with accents and dialects being heavily dependent on the region or even city. The Irish sea is 315 meters (1,033 feet) deep. Aside from the impressive view of nature and old castles, a trip to Ireland is not complete without Guinness. Itinerary. But in general, Irelands plane tickets are a few dollars cheaper than Scotlands plane tickets. Published: May 17, 2023 Are you looking to have an unforgettable vacation in Scotland or Ireland? When posting questions on the forums, why is it better to give my budgets in Euro? As your body and eyes wander, youll be delighted that the land around you is not barren. Scotland vs. Ireland for a young couple with 1-2 weeks of Consider it a treat since the world doesnt often get to hear words in Gaelic. Four-leaf clovers and different depictions of a small creature called the leprechaun. With a rich industrial history, it surprisingly manages to pull off Victorian style with a sleek metropolis. Would spend about five or 6 days in Scotland then fly from Edinburgh to Dublin. If youd rather leave the driving to someone else, there are also a lot of bus tour companies with itineraries from two days to two weeks, or you can hop on the train for an old-fashioned, romantic journey. In general, we would say that driving in Scotland is easier. Most importantly, both Ireland . But from somewhere in Scotlands coastal area, Northern Ireland is visible. Packing: What Should I Wear and What Essentials Should I Bring? The airy brasserie and bar serves some Scottish favorites, and has an extensive kids menu. Theyre descendants of Celtic tribes who resided in modern-day Ireland and Scotland. Most Americans fly into the Dublin Airport (DUB) when visiting Ireland. When it comes to Ireland and Scotland, you may think they share quite a few similarities and you'd be right! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116058689', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car coming off a redeye. The Perfect Scotland and Ireland Itinerary - Wanderlust Crew Scottish distilleries have mastered the art of making whisky or scotch. This international airport is located in northern Scotland, providing easy access to the Scottish Highlands. In the last 20 years, the roads in the Republic of Ireland have improved dramatically and there are many new, high-speed motorway options for covering long distances. Of course, in Britain and Ireland you'll be driving on the left-hand side of the road. Pay attention to the instructions painted on the pavement as you approach bigger roundabouts; they tell you which lane to be in for a destination well before you get to the actual roundabout. Winter wheat, potatoes, and strawberries are also grown and sold to locals and tourists. By train, the travel time can take 5 to 10 hours. All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. Whichever streets you end up on, be sure to remember to look right-left-right before crossing. Both of these countries are riddled with castles but vary greatly in their condition and design. Ireland has a bus system that connects most major and mid-sized towns, but renting a car is the best way to see the Irish countryside. Unfortunately, the difference between Scotland and Ireland regarding the cost depends on various factors like the time of year, accommodation choices, transportation, and planned activities. Renting an auto would make it easier for you but apart from that roads are built to a high standard in both countries unless you're going down minor country lanes. Since most tourists want to spend their vacation by taking things slow with nature, Scotland seems better. Depending on the areas of Scotland you want to explore, Americans can also consider flying into the Inverness Airport (INV). Most roads in Scotland and Ireland are narrow. On the other hand, Dublins literary history, friendly locals, and lively pub scene attract a diverse range of visitors. Both of these beautiful countries make for Instagram-worthy road trips, but they are most definitely not created equal in their self-driving experience. Typical Scottish dishes have a savory flavor (even in the desserts) and include blood sausage, buttery shortbread, smoked fish, neeps (a type of turnip) and tatties (potatoes), and haggis (a staple dish containing sheep heart, liver, and lungs, plus oatmeal, spices, and onions) A full Scottish breakfast will typically include bacon, blood sausage, tattie scones (hashbrowns), fried eggs, Lorne sausage, and oatcakes. Dublin chefs dont cook in the confines of traditional Irish dishes. Transport from Cork To Glenbeigh Ireland. Outside the main cities, the major activities are castle hunting, scenic drives, and admiring and exploring the countryside. Youll encounter them all over the Isle of Skye and along the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Other famous Irish castles to visit include Kilkenny Castle, Bunratty Castle, and Dublin Castle. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116057945', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Edinburgh to start the trip. For example, Scotlands museums typically have free entry and are great for kids, like the National Museum of Scotland. Even people who dont drink might learn some interesting facts about Scotlands favorite liquor. - Travels With The Crew February 16, 2023 European travel Family Travel Destinations Scotland vs. Ireland, which one should you visit? accommodations will be more expensive in the cities in both countries, including Dublin, Galway, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. You may have heard of at least a handful of them, including. The National Wallace Monument is also one of Scotlands most famous landmarks. Connemara - where the tour busses don't go, Transportation options from / to Irish Airports. Best for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. As mentioned, you have to make a stopover in Wales if you are boarding a ferry from Dublin. remember too, that Scotland uses sterling, miles, and gallons. Of course, there are also many things to do indoors. The abundance of musical events and festivals is evidence of how much the locals value music. Scotland: Edinburgh is Scotlands capital city, though Glasgow is its largest. The tourism seasons in Scotland and Ireland begin around Easter each year and end around October. Meanwhile, we were more impressed by the interiors of castles in Ireland. wheres the best place to stay in ireland? Trying to decide between doing France by car (we've already hit some spots over the last few trips) or doing England and ?. Scotland was easier than (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Finally, rememberthat the traffic laws will differ slightly depending on if you are driving in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland, which are two different countries. You name it. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you. The flight distance between Ireland and Scotland is 210 miles (338 km). secondly you probably will not be allowed to take a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just remember that the direct options are sometimes only seasonal offerings during the high season for tourism to these areas (summertime). Scotland vs Ireland Scotland vs Ireland Jump to bottom Posted by Nicole P (Truro, NS, Canada) on 10/18/13 10:57 PM Ok, so we just finished this years trip (California!) . Nonetheless, Scotland has many free activities and museums compared to Ireland, making it the more budget-friendly option for certain tourists. Spots like Edinburgh and even up in the Highlands and the Isle of Skye have easier accents and dialects that are more akin to what foreigners may be used to hearing. Read More: How to Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland. After the tour, you can buy some bottles for drinking or take them home as souvenirs and gifts. Driving in Ireland: A Comparison to the United States The land of Braveheart. In the venues, theres plenty of food, drinks, and merchandise to choose from. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Generally, accommodations will be more expensive in the cities in both countries, including Dublin, Galway, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The charming cobblestone streets of the surrounding Grassmarket area are populated with cafes, restaurants, and traditional Scottish pubs. Overall, youll notice that there are more chain hotels in Ireland, although theyre only in the bigger cities. Scotland. Scotland and Ireland are two countries famous for their green landscapes and unpredictable weather. Adjust your perceptions of personal vehicular space. Its not exactly a distillery, but its more of a liquor museum thats worth checking out. Unfortunately, no matter how you slice it, West Coast folks are looking at at least one stop and pretty hefty double-digit flight times. Aside from the attractions mentioned, there are more to discover so dont hesitate to explore. The national speed limit on motorways in Ireland is 120km/h (74 mph). Looking to book in a group of 9 or more? However, when it rains, it rains buckets. The two ferry routes operate 11 times combined in a single day. Generally, the climate here is milder thanks to the Gulf Stream, though some may argue that youre more likely to run into rainy days in Ireland. The most important rule of the road in Ireland is: keep left. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Ireland vs. Scotland: Which is the better golf destination? Travel to Scotland from Ireland by Flight & Ferry When planning a trip to Ireland or Scotland, budget is an essential factor to consider. The four-leaf clover symbolizes faith, hope, love, and luck. The hotel we stayed in wasn't great, putting it mildly. Of course, a visit to Dublin wouldnt be complete without a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Its a place where you can travel the world through your taste buds. Even if you don't drive there, as a pedestrian you'll have to remember that among our British and Irish cousins' many unusual habits, traffic comes from the opposite direction look both ways before crossing any street. How to Travel Between Ireland & Scotland | USA Today The wettest months occur during the winter time: typically December and January. In general, southern Ireland has a much milder climate than Scotland, thanks to the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). With this in mind, shoulder season provides the ideal combination of fewer visitors with ideal weather. (The average 20 inches of rain pulled in during August, October, and December seems to validate that sentiment.) For example, theres the famous Loch Ness, as well as Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and Loch Shiel. but having done your learning in Scotland, you will be able to leave Dublin airport in a rental car.but dont plan on driving into Dublin city.it is chaos ! Just watch for roundabouts, where youll need to drive in a clockwise direction. Every stone and every crack on their walls can tell different stories about what life in Ireland was like back in the day. Self-driving in Scotland is common and, some may argue, is a lot easier than in Ireland. If you are traveling from Northern Ireland to Scotland, ferry trips only take 2 hours. What are the 10 must see things including. For a smoother drive in Scotland, using a smaller vehicle is advised. Its no secret that Ireland is known for its potatoes, and its not surprising that several of the revived Irish dishes served today have a potato element. Flying to Ireland or Scotland from the U.S. Did you enjoy this post? For a tourist who marvels at medieval castles and diverse food, Ireland is the place to visit. Stuff in Scotland is also slightly cheaper than products in Ireland. However, note that driving on the Isle of Skye in Scotland is an outlier. By comparison, Ireland doesnt have any geographical features that compare to the Scottish Highlands. There are also a lot of human elements that can make you appreciate agriculture. The countryside is well-cultivated and colorful, so a trip outside the cities is equally exciting. For a tourist whos looking for real-deal medieval castles, Ireland is a place for you. Nonetheless, the Shannon Airport (SNN) is another excellent option, especially if you want to explore Irelands West Coast. From traditional folk music to jazz and more music genres, music is always a big thing here. The climate must have something to do with that. When it comes to dessert, Scotland is well known for its shortbread. so watch out for different speed limit signs etc, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.
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