Ireland extension or Iceland Layover
Feb 5, 2024 16:19:45 #
kotography4u wrote:
Got it! If you get the opportunity, go to the Aran Islands and/or the Blaskett Islands - they're both jaw-dropping. Also, the Beara peninsula. The beaches there look crystal blue like the Carribean...
Good to know! Thanks.
Feb 5, 2024 16:20:23 #
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!
Feb 5, 2024 19:54:39 #
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.
Feb 5, 2024 20:09:58 #
therwol
Loc: USA
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.
Feb 5, 2024 20:13:19 #
therwol
Loc: USA
goofybruce wrote:
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.
Feb 5, 2024 22:26:04 #
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!
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!
Feb 6, 2024 08:33:09 #
Feb 6, 2024 08:44:31 #
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!
Feb 6, 2024 08:46:49 #
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.
Feb 6, 2024 09:08:53 #
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!
Feb 6, 2024 09:16:08 #
Lagoonguy
Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL
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.
Feb 6, 2024 11:52:01 #
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
Feb 6, 2024 13:24:21 #
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.
Feb 6, 2024 15:50:16 #
Saxguy
Loc: Plano, TX
Great advice by Therwol. I would add an additional item to that list:
Insure a rental car down to the TIRES.
Insure a rental car down to the TIRES.
Feb 6, 2024 16:03:53 #
therwol
Loc: USA
Saxguy wrote:
Great advice by Therwol. I would add an additional item to that list:
Insure a rental car down to the TIRES.
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
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.