APSHEPPARD wrote:
You have two great options so there is no bad decision. I would prefer the extra days in Ireland. There is an easy ferry over to Hollyhead UK if you wanted to vary a little more by a few days in Wales and thereabouts.
Another option I did not know about! Thanks!
I flew through Iceland when ii went to Scotland and considered spending a couple of days there but a rental car for two days was over $500 so I decided I’d wait and go with some photographer friends to split costs.
SuperflyTNT wrote:
I flew through Iceland when ii went to Scotland and considered spending a couple of days there but a rental car for two days was over $500 so I decided I’d wait and go with some photographer friends to split costs.
That's ridiculous. I rented a car on several trips to the UK, and it cost under $2000 for 6 weeks, not days. I don't remember the exact amount, but it was a good deal each time.
goofybruce wrote:
Driving in Ireland for us 'muricans, will be tough...not only is the traffic coming from the opposite direction, but the roads are very narrow and in many cases on sidehills with ocean on your left when you are driving on the left (and the 'dropoff' is on the other side of the car from what you are accustomed.) If you are the driver, you will spend more time un-clenching your hands from the steering wheel than looking at scenery. (Just riding in the tour bus was unnerving).... And, I would vote for Iceland to maybe get some pictures of the lava flows depending on how close you are allowed to get to them.
Driving in Ireland for us 'muricans, will be tough... (
show quote)
I don't disagree with you on driving in Ireland, however I feel that in spite of the difficulties, it was worth it to us. Keep in mind that we were there in 2001 and 2005 and didn't have the use of GPS, making things even worse. The roads were not well sign posted, and we'd get lost at least once a day, having to use paper maps to guess where we were, and it was common for locals not to know where we were on a map. In spite of that, having a car enabled us to explore places where the tours didn't go. We could spend a whole day in nice places if we wanted.
All these great suggestions! Thanks everyone!
We drove Scotland years ago—did fine in spite of the ‘other’ side and the sheep! Drove the Iceland ring road last year—it was great. Maybe we’ll have to add more time to this trip than I thought!
From what I read, the best parts of the Wild Atlantic Way are the areas furthest from Belfast, where our guided trip ends. I'm looking into a few days driving from Belfast around on the coast to Sligo area on our own, then back to Dublin, fly to Reykjavik, and do some day tours there on a stopover. Now to tackle the details... Thanks for all the input, Heggies!
I've never been to Ireland, but was in Iceland for 2 1/2 weeks and can't wait to go back. So my biased vote is for Iceland.
National Park wrote:
I've never been to Ireland, but was in Iceland for 2 1/2 weeks and can't wait to go back. So my biased vote is for Iceland.
We've never done a guided tour but friends rave about the Rick Steves ones, so we are giving it a try. I'm just a hobby photographer who takes way too many pix on a trip...so I hope I don't feel too rushed. Am trying to be "in the moment" more and not seeing the world only through my viewfinder! So...this will be a little different experience for me.
We loved our self-drive around Iceland...and driving through Europe on our own for 9 weeks. But maybe letting the company do all the driving and planning will be a nice change!
Have you considered adding the Faroe Islands to your trip? When we finished a tour of Iceland two years ago we flew to the Faroes and self auto toured for five days. It was one our best travel decisions. The photo opportunities were amazing. You can drive to many of the islands via under water tunnels. We stayed in Torshavn at the Hilton Garden Inn which was just outside Torshavn with easy access to roads leading to other parts of the islands. We were just as enthusiastic about the Faroes as Iceland and that is saying a lot as you know. You’ve got great choices.
bwana
Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
dbfalconer wrote:
We are doing the 2-week Rick Steves Best of Ireland tour, Dublin to Belfast. It seems very comprehensive. We want to add 5-7 days to our trip. Question: add time in Ireland——where? OR return to Iceland and do a couple of day tours to more remote areas we did not see 2 years ago on our self-drive Ring Road trip? We will fly Iceland Air. Thanks for suggestions.
I'd go for Iceland. Loved it the 1st time and will return.
bwa
That is the most sound given on UHH since I’ve been on here. Follow it too the letter and enjoy Ireland to its fullest. My vote is extend your trip within Ireland. Slainte.
Great advice by Therwol. I would add an additional item to that list:
Insure a rental car down to the TIRES.
Saxguy wrote:
Great advice by Therwol. I would add an additional item to that list:
Insure a rental car down to the TIRES.
I forgot to mention something. If you rent a car and charge it on a VISA card, they provide collision/damage insurance. You have to waive this at the time of signing, otherwise the car rental company will charge a fortune for it. (You still have to accept their liability insurance.)
I've always done this. There may be more information on this site, but I always called the VISA I used ahead of time and verified the insurance.
https://www.visa.com.tt/pay-with-visa/find-a-card/benefits/auto-rental-insurance.html
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