England, Scotland, Ireland
Who has done this recently on a 7-14 day trip? Recommendations?
Replies to: England, Scotland, Ireland
Being an aviation buff, I'd recommend paying a visit to the Duxford Airfield northeast of London,
and also stop by the Imperial War Museum on the south shore of the Thames...fun to walk around Covent Garden area as well.
Heading up to Scotland, try to play some golf at either St. Andrews or Carnoustie, but on the way, stop in Edinburgh, as mentioned by others...and call ahead for a dinner reservation at "The Witchery"...just below the Castle itself...perhaps the best dining experience my wife and I have ever had...the service was impeccable as well. Also, virtually next door to The Witchery is the "Scotch Whiskey Experience"...if you're so inclined; can taste the differences from all regions of Scotland (e.g. the 'smokiness' of the whiskey from Skye)
I'd also recommend driving through Stirling and then on to Glencoe (sight of the McDonald's Massacre...very historic for Scots)...as you reach the road's summit before getting to Glencoe, there's a good chance you'll see and hear a Highlands Bagpiper by the side of the road...there's a pull out where you can stop and listen to him (maybe even give him a tip). Ft. William lies beyond...your choice as to how far - and wide - you then choose to go in the Highlands.
Now, as for Ireland...where not to go??...I'll have to bulletize my recommendations...(Note: it only takes <4 hours to cross the island on major roads)
Dublin...
>The Post Office
>Howth
>Trinity College...Book of Kells
>National Museum
>Temple Bar...esp. the "Palace Bar", which still has local musicians playing traditional Irish music.
>Guiness Warehouse...take the tour...get your Certificate for pouring Guinness...learn how to play the 'Bodhran'
>Jameson Distillery...another tour
>Grafton Street (walking...no cars)...then on to St. Stephen's Green
>Lots of places to stay, but recommend near Merrion Square or #10 Leeson St. Upper
>Ask locals where to go...
South of Dublin...
>Glendalough...St. Kevin's hermitage
Heading North...stop at Tara...then Newgrange...both historical "Musts"
Northern Ireland...
Belfast...
>Titanic Museum
>Downtown...walking
Head North...
>Giants Causeway
>Bushmills...Eat or Stay at Bushmills Inn
>Dunluce Castle
>Portrush...play golf at Royal Portrush...walk around the 'Raymore St.' area...good restaurants/views
Head SW to Sligo...play golf at Enniscrone...a hidden gem.
Stop in Galway...walk around town.
Stop at Lahinch...play golf...my favorite in all of Ireland/Scotland
Keep going south along the coast..
>Tralee...more golf
>Dingle...a must for Gaelic History
>Killarney
>Glengariff/Bantry Bay
>Blarney Castle...you don't have to kiss the stone...but the castle is interesting
On the south coast...
>Kinsale...a must stop...esp. "Charles Fort"
>Cork (Cobh)...many places to see, incl. University College, Cork
That's it for now...I think you'll need a few more trips to cover Donegal in the Northwest and Waterford/Wexford in the Southeast.
Hope this helps
I wrongly presumed.
Nevertheless, best to narrow down travel.
All good places. But, not all three in one bite.
Have to agree here, two weeks in each country is lovely. What time of year?
Spend time in small villages, A few days in the Isle of Sky, Edenborough, St. Andrew's area, Glasgow. Take your time and meet the locals. Ireland is vast, two weeks and include Northern Ireland. England, Fuck the English.
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It’s not Myrtle Beach. It is Europe.
I don’t do golf trips. Except once with my pals 15 years ago. 5 days in Ireland. Red Eye to Shannon, Tralee, Waterford, Balleybunion, Old Head.
Great time. If my crew did it again, we unanimously agree that if we do it again as old men in our 60s and 70s, we will break it up.
Think about going to one of the three suggested destinations. Rather than play everyday, mix up the trip with a break every 3rd day and do other activities or sightseeing.
Just a suggestion. The golf is terrific, but it could become Groundhog Day, if the trip is golf, golf, golf.
Where did I say anything about golf?
Thanks for the tips anyway…
Here's a few:
1) If you are a walker or hiker, consider Hadrian's Wall. You can book a three-day hike through the most beautiful section of the wall and stay in B&B's. Your luggage gets carted to your destination each day. ten-twelve miles per day. Incredible history and stunning landscapes. BMail if interested and I will send you a link.
2) Edinburgh is great. The castle is really something. There is a group of AirB&Bs right on the edge of the castle - basically perched on the wall.
3) York is worth a day.
4) Stay in Bath or Bristol for a few days, Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral are day-trippable from there. Bath is really great. Cardiff is also an easy train ride for a half day. If you are a Top Gear fan, Jeremy Clarkson's farm is also an easy trip...watch his show Clarkson's Farm on Prime(?) for a warmup.
5) Falmouth or Penzance for a look at Cornwall. There are also great coastal walks here...same companies that run the Hadrian Wall walks.
6) Devon is interesting as well.
7) There are great walking tours of London. Google London Pub Walks. The walks in Hampstead and Notting Hill are great (find the one that stops in at the Windsor Castle pub).
Always look at the trains for trips between cities in England. Often much more speedy/convenient than, say, flying from London to Newcastle.
Awesome, exactly what I was looking for…
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See above.
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Thanks
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