The British Isles are stuffed with fascinating locations to discover from multiculturally vibrant cities to pure landscapes that can take your breath away, however which nation is the perfect one to really journey to – Scotland or Ireland?
You’ll discover gorgeous location after gorgeous location in each nation of the United Kingdom so it may be arduous making an attempt to determine which nation your travels ought to begin in. Do you go for Scotland with its historic capital metropolis and spectacular lochs or Ireland with its emerald surroundings and love for Guinness?
So you don’t should throw them each right into a hat simply to select a rustic at random, we’ve put collectively a complete information on all issues delicacies, castles, cities, and landscapes so you may make your resolution based mostly on the type of vacation you actually need.
Best for landscapes
They don’t name Ireland the Emerald Isle for nothing and with its abundance of rolling hills and grassy landscapes, it’s simple to see the way it will get its identify – there’s actually inexperienced in every single place. And that’s only the start. Bursting with geological wonders and dramatic coastlines, Ireland is a nature-lover’s dream and options pure landmarks such because the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, the Twelve Bens in Connemara, the Midland area, the Wicklow Way and Donegal.
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When it involves Scottish landscapes, there’s one other ‘L’ phrase that involves thoughts and that’s lochs. Estimated at a staggering 30,000 positioned throughout Scotland, these lochs (lakes/fjords) are a sight to behold with their deep waters, alleged sea monsters (we’re speaking about you Loch Ness), and picturesque environment. But Scotland’s pure magnificence doesn’t cease there.
Scotland’s landscapes have impressed poets, songwriters, and artists the world over and in the event you get the possibility to discover the Scottish Highlands, Eoligarry Beach, the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, and the Trossachs National Park, you’ll be simply as captivated as they have been.
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Best for cities
While it’s simple to get caught up in Ireland’s pure magnificence, the cities on this a part of the world additionally deserve some recognition and appreciation – like, have you ever ever seen a metropolis extra magical than Dublin? Founded an extended, very long time in the past (we’re speaking 841 A.D), Dublin is Ireland’s fascinating capital metropolis and is stuffed with pebble-stoned pathways and historic buildings which have had front-row seats to historical past for hundreds of years.
But Dublin isn’t Ireland’s solely metropolis providing with Galway, Belfast, Limerick, and Kilkenny all price a go to in the event you’re huge on pub tradition, nightlife, historic landmarks, conventional meals, and that well-known Irish hospitality (let’s be sincere, who isn’t?)
When it involves Scottish cities, you merely can’t go previous the enchanting Edinburgh. Or the trendy, cultural hub of Glasgow. Or the legendary Inverness. Or the historic metropolis of Stirling. Honestly, the record goes on and on.
Each metropolis presents their very own distinctive perspective on the nation’s previous and if you begin strolling their stone-paved streets and marvelling at their historic buildings, you’ll not solely really feel each single century that has come and gone, however you’ll additionally begin to marvel on the tales round each nook.
With loads to be realized, loved, and skilled in each metropolis, it may be arduous to resolve which one it’s best to go to – you’ll wish to discover all of them.
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Best for castles
There are an estimated 30,000 castles in Ireland (together with any restored castles or fortified ruins), and for such a small nation that’s fairly spectacular. This means you don’t should journey very far to see an instance of Irish historical past in all its historic glory. Whether they’re completely preserved or only a pile of crumbling ruins, every citadel comes with its personal story and loads might be realized about why it was constructed and who it was for.
Whether you wish to marvel on the towering construction of Doonagore Castle in County Clare, stroll among the many romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle on the dramatic cliffs of County Antrim, or kiss the Blarney Stone like hundreds of individuals earlier than you at Blarney Castle, Ireland’s castles are certain to have you ever feeling such as you’re in your very personal fairytale.
Compared to Ireland’s spectacular quantity, Scotland solely has round 2,000 castles to its identify however simply because they’re missing in amount, doesn’t imply they’re missing in high quality. With tower homes and peel homes mostly discovered alongside the border with England and bigger Renaissance-style castles located within the nation’s northeast, there’s certain to be a citadel or two to marvel at wherever you go.
From Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock overlooking the capital metropolis, to the medieval Stirling Castle that’s seen legendary battles waged outdoors its partitions, Scotland’s castles are each enchanting and unmissable.
Best for delicacies
If there’s one factor that sums up Ireland’s delicacies, it’s carbs, carbs, and extra carbs. In truth, it’d be arduous to seek out an Irish restaurant the place carbs aren’t on the menu. From the sometimes-sweet, sometimes-salty soda bread to the hearty, Irish stew stuffed with beef and root greens, Irish delicacies is assured to fulfill your cravings and refill your abdomen in one of the simplest ways.
Once you’ve had your fair proportion of scrumptious meals, why not wash it down with a wholesome pint-full of Guinness? If Ireland’s identified for something, it’s this thick, darkish beer that’s usually topped by an inch or two of froth. Created in 1759, this iconic beverage solely boasts 4 elements – malted barley, hops, yeast, and water – and is even reported to have main well being advantages together with a ton of iron and fewer energy than most breakfast juices.
After all that exploring, it goes with out saying you’ll want a heaping plate of meals to get your power ranges again up, and fortuitously, this nation’s delicacies has you sorted. Whether you wish to munch on some candy scones with clotted cream, dig right into a Sunday roast full with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and loads of gravy, or dine on Scotland’s nationwide dish, Haggis, you gained’t ever go hungry in Scotland.
The verdict
The alternative of Scotland or Ireland is simply too near name with every nation boasting fascinating belongings you merely don’t wish to miss. Scotland has the landscapes, however Ireland has the castles. Scotland has the meals, however Ireland has the beer.
And each international locations promise cities stuffed with historical past, nightlife, welcoming hospitality, and historic structure that’ll have you ever feeling as if you’ve gone again in time. So, we’re calling this one a draw.