Alright, so let me tell you about this trip I put together to Ireland and Scotland. It’s been on my mind for ages, you know? Seeing those landscapes, the castles, all that history. I finally decided, “Okay, let’s actually do this thing.”
Getting the Ball Rolling
First things first, I had to figure out the “when.” I looked at the weather, tried to avoid the super peak season but still get decent days. Settled on late spring. Then came the big one: flights. I spent a good few evenings, I tell ya, just trawling through websites, comparing prices, trying to find flights that didn’t leave at silly o’clock in the morning or have crazy layovers. It’s a bit of a game, that whole flight booking thing.
Once the main flights to Dublin and back from Edinburgh were sorted, I started sketching out a rough route. I didn’t want to pack too much in. I’ve done those trips where you’re rushing from place to place, and honestly, it’s just exhausting. So, I listed out the must-sees for me in both countries.
Ireland: The Emerald Isle Adventure
So, I landed in Dublin. First impression? Lively. People were friendly. I’d pre-booked a car. Now, driving on the left, that was an experience! The roads, especially once you get out of the city, can be pretty narrow. You really gotta pay attention.
My itinerary for Ireland looked something like this:
- Dublin: Spent a couple of days exploring the city. Did the Guinness Storehouse, walked around Temple Bar (bit touristy, but you gotta see it), and visited Trinity College.
- Galway & West Coast: Drove across to Galway. Loved the vibe there. Then went down to see the Cliffs of Moher. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, pictures don’t do it justice.
- Ring of Kerry: This was a long driving day, but the scenery was just stunning. Lots of stops for photos.
For accommodation, I mostly used a mix. Some small hotels, a couple of B&Bs. I found booking ahead was key, especially for popular spots. I’d spend evenings before the trip just reading reviews and getting places booked. I tried to find places with good parking, which is a big deal when you have a rental car.
Hopping Over to Scotland
Getting from Ireland to Scotland was pretty straightforward. I just booked a short flight from Dublin to Edinburgh. Quick and easy. No point faffing with ferries for me on this trip, time was a bit of a factor.
Edinburgh. Wow. Totally different feel to Dublin, but equally amazing. That castle dominates the city, it’s incredible. I did a lot of walking there. My feet were definitely feeling it by the end of each day!
Here’s a rough idea of my Scotland leg:
- Edinburgh: Explored the Royal Mile, hiked up to Arthur’s Seat for the views, and definitely checked out the castle.
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: Took a day trip out here. So much beautiful nature. Wanted to see a proper loch, of course.
- Highlands (a taste): I didn’t have time for a full Highlands tour, but I did a longer day trip that looped up towards Glencoe. The landscape there is just epic, really wild.
In Scotland, I again used a mix of a hotel in Edinburgh and a guesthouse for one night when I ventured a bit further. Again, booking in advance just took the stress out of it. I found that figuring out public transport in Edinburgh was easy enough, so I didn’t have a car there for the city portion.
Looking Back on It All
So, what did I learn? Well, packing layers is essential. The weather can change so quickly in both places. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s a bit drizzly. Comfortable walking shoes are a non-negotiable. I must have walked miles and miles.
Also, don’t underestimate driving times, especially on those scenic routes in Ireland. You’ll want to stop a lot, and the roads aren’t motorways everywhere. It’s part of the charm, though.
Food-wise, I had some great meals. Lots of hearty pub food, fresh seafood. And yes, I tried haggis in Scotland. It was… an experience! Not bad, actually.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip. A good bit of planning went into it, for sure. I spent a fair amount of time researching, booking things, making sure I had a plan that flowed well. But seeing those places with my own eyes? Totally worth all the prep work. It wasn’t just ticking boxes; it was about soaking it all in. I came back with a camera full of photos and a head full of memories. And honestly, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
