A trip to UK - Ireland, London, Scotland

Hi guys!

We are planning a trip in September to Dublin and surroundings, then 2-3 days in Edinburgh, then four days in London (maybe + Manchester).
I had a few questions.

First of all - weather. How cold it is to travel in Ireland in September? Is it just chilly, or also very windy? Is it possible to camp outside in the country, or we can just forget about it?

Trains from Dublin to Belfast – how convenient are they? Is there any problem in purchasing tickets online?

Belfast – I don't know whether we'll have a lot of time in Belfast, maybe only a day – is there a point in going there for a day, or is there too much to see and one day is simply not enough?

Dublin – is there cheap, but nice accommodation in Dublin?

Also, a question regarding all abovementioned cities – London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester and Edinbugh – are there any tourist sites (or non-tourist sites) that aren't mentioned in all kinds of guides (even in Eyewitness), but should be?

Thank you all in advance!

From what I heard, there are several good hostels in Dublin and at good prices too. I actually stayed at 'Abigails' hostel and I would use it again no problem. It's in the very centre of Dublin and was friendly and clean. They also have a secure luggage room if you arrive early and just want to dump your stuff.

[ Edit: Edited on 09-Jul-2009, at 04:08 by fabyomama ]

Wind is a permanent feature of Ireland, however it won't be too cold in September. It won't be exceptionally warm, but it should be pleasant.

Dublin? Wet, windy and overcast or you could get an Indian Summer day? Like the rest of these islands September could be either (well July could be either lol).

Belfast? I would say that a day is enough for a good walking tour, photographing some of the Victorian architecture in the centre and visiting a pub or two.

London? What isn't in a tourist guide that is worth doing? Going for a walk up Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill? (Camden Market, by the lock, is over-rated IMO nowadays).

Quoting Buzzcock

...London? What isn't in a tourist guide that is worth doing? Going for a walk up Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill? (Camden Market, by the lock, is over-rated IMO nowadays).

Check out Travelcards for London and the river bus, which is a good way to see a lot of stuff.

Thanx, guys!

I actually meant what is there in London in addition to the regular tourist sites, but I think we'll have enough for 3-4 days as it is.

Buzzcock, maybe you also know what is the best way to arrive to Belfast from Dublin? I tried to look it up on the Translink website, but did not find it. Thanx!

fabyomama, the river bus sounds like an awesome idea, thank you.

BlankFrack, actually, the dates of our trip have changed, we'll probably go in August, so now I'm not really worried about the weather.

Also, we were thinking about going to Cork and Galway, do you have any suggestions on what to do there, what not to miss?

Thanx again

Hey

I dont really think you need to change your dates..September is usually okay a mix of rain and warm days you just never know in Ireland you could be really lucky and get really nice weather. I def wouldnt let the weather change your travelling plans though because in Aug you could get lots of rain too...

I def recommend you to pay a visit to Galway..personally it my fav city in Ireland..Cork comes second..Dublin is very busy/unfriendly and extremely expensive (Rip off Ireland..!!)..Im Irish by the way..
Galway is really friendly city..its small but theres loads of street preformers and great sessions to be had in the likes of The Crane bar/Naughtans/Ti Coiles/Taffes (if your looking for trad music)..
Towards the end of Sep theres the Oyster Festival in Galway (weekend event) it brings a great buzz around the place..If your coming in Aug theres the annual Race festival which goes on for 1wk startin 2nd-9th..again this is one wk that Galway is great craic (however its always really busy so if your lookin for a relatively normal wk avoid this time)..

Another idea would be to visit the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway..I think you can get a day trip but Id reccomm camping a nite out there..the islands are really small and the language is Geailge.. the locals are really friendly and its good fun..The views are fab!!
Still in the West a drive out towards Cliften is def worth it some fantastic beaches (some secluded where you can camp..just make sure u bring disposable bar b and your all set)..You can also do loads of water activities out there too -wind surfin etc..)Again the views are spectacular out that way..Some of the most beautiful beaches are on the West coast!!

The cliffs of Moher are another popular tourist destin (worth a look if your driving along west coast)..The Giantscauseway up north in Antrim is also cool enough..worth a gawk if up that direction..

It wouldnt be a bad idea to rent a car when in Ireland as public transport isnt the best..!!and youll pay an arm and a leg for trains (if you have to use public transport I reccomm buses it takes abit longer but times are more frequent and its a hell of alot cheaper!!)..

Neways hope thats of some help..
Enjoy..

Hi caznemoy,

thank you soooo much for your reply, loads of useful info! Now we're definitely going to visit Galway, and we'll think about the Aran islands (the fact that we don't speak Gaelic won't be a problem there?) Also, thanx for the tip about transport, we'll probably rent a car. Do you know any good, but not too expensive specific camping sites on the coast?

Thanx again!

I totally agree with caznemoy that renting a car is the best way to Ireland. And don't miss Donegal which is the most scenic county on the island.
Rather than spending too much time in Edinburgh, I'd suggest you travel up the West coast, preferably by car. Places like Fort William, Lochinver and Ullapool are not to be missed. Especially Ullapool and Durness which have, in my opinion, the most beautiful campsites in the country.
August and September should both be fine for camping. You may get the occassional shower but it is not something to worry about. But beware of the midges.

No prob..glad to be of help!!

On the Aran Island the locals all speak English too but hearing the Irish language is cool enough..you might pick up a few phrases on your way..lol

Id try thrifty.ie or travelsupermarket.com where you can compare carhire prices..

In relation to campsites Im not too well up on them..but out in Cliften and Connemara we`ve often just gone camping beside the beach..Once its not too public (and once you bring all your belongings/rubbish with you) you can really camp anywhere..

How many of ye are travelling together?? An option for realatively cheap/central/safe accomm in Dublin is apartments..some sleep up to 6 ppl and can often work out cheaper than buget hotels and not much more expen than private hostels.. One that I have used is stayapartments dublin..we stayed here on a thurs nite (4of us) and it worked out at €25 each..the apt was so central just off the hapenny bridge (beside temple bar and jarvis shopping centre) clean and safe..

All the best..