Ireland vs. Scotland

[nsldelaney]

Okay, so y'all have been kind enough to guide me in the direction of taking a holiday that explores just one country-- rather than trying to spread myself too thin in all of the UK/Ireland. So here's the quandary now: Ireland or Scotland?

Is one more expensive than the other? Is one more hospitable than the other? Which is more scenic? Which has the quainter inns?

I want to see both, but I do want to see them one at a time, in an effort to 'do it right' and really get into the countryside.

Is either country more practical for camping? I'd like to rent a car and tour around, staying in hostels and inns, but I love camping and would love to give that a try if it's feasible.

Any insight is appreciated
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[laz]

It's a tough question to answer, but I went for Scotland

Why? Probably because I know Scotland slightly better than Ireland, as I used to have family there, I have worked there, and I have visited a lot on holidays, whereas all my travel in Ireland has been for work so I have had little opportunity to explore. (But, then, for these very same reasons, I would probably choose Ireland for myself!)

For me, both countries have a lot to offer, but Scotland just edges it for me for a greater variety. Hiring a car gives you great flexibility, and a roughly circular route through cities, the Highlands and visiting one or two of the islands off the west coast would give you the best feeling for the country.

There are some magnificent cities to visit, Edinburgh and Glasgow being the obious ones, but others, such as Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness. Edinburgh is the least "Scottish" of these, but could easily fill 2-3 days just to see a selection of the highlights (castle, Royal Mile, the Scottish Museum, the Royal Yacht, Princes Street shops, whisky museum), while Glasgow gives you more of a feel for industrial, working-class Scotland (but still with loads to do).

It's very easy indeed to explore the Highlands. A good start point is to head west from Aberdeen into the Cairngorms (although you can also simply head north-ish from Glasgow or Edinburgh). You could stay a few days in or around Aviemore, before heading further west to Fort William (at the foot of Ben Nevis) and then down the coast to Oban. From there, you have plenty of options to explore the western isles by ferry (Mull, Outer Hebrides), or head out to some of the islands further south (Islay, Jura, Arran). The Highlands and Islands really do provide some of the most scenic landscape in the British Isles, perhaps in Europe! But be prepared...even though they are relatively "small" (Ben Nevis is only about 1300m), there are some pretty wild and inhospitable places, and the weather is ...well... variable!

As for cost, I would guess that Ireland may be slightly cheaper, but I don't think there would be a huge difference.
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[funkodrunko]

Scotland all the way! Im biased though being Scottish.

Not taking anything away from Ireland, I just think there's more to see.

Laz pretty much summed it up. You've got it all, mountains, beautiful scenery, lots of lovely cities and who can forget, the loch ness monster?

Ireland does have Guiness though
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[hotelstvedi]

Bonnie Scotland all the way.

We have the landscape, the culture, the architecture, the history, the arts, the people, and the food. Ireland has all of these things in abundance too but ours is a wee bit better.