Scotland vs. Ireland: Which Country Should You Visit?

When choosing where to spend your next trip to Europe, you can never go wrong with choosing between Scotland or Ireland – but as the two countries are so similar and geographically close, it can often be a challenge to breakdown Scotland vs. Ireland and choose which trip to take.

Ring of Kerry in Ireland

Ring of Kerry in Ireland; June 2019

Having visited both countries extensively, navigating both public transportation and road trips in Scotland and Ireland and discovering each country top to bottom – I’m going to provide my full breakdown of Scotland vs. Ireland to help you decide which country you should choose for your next travel adventure.

 

Quick Answer: Should You Visit Scotland or Ireland?

🏴🍀 Should You Visit Scotland or Ireland?

The battle cards below will help you decide whether Scotland or Ireland is the better fit for your travel style.

🏴 Choose Scotland if…
🏔️ Mountains + dramatic landscapes

You’re craving big, moody scenery — the kind of landscapes that look like they belong in a movie: rugged peaks, sweeping valleys, and endless photo stops.

🏰 Castles + medieval vibes

You want that medieval Edinburgh feel — cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

🚆 Train rides + scenic routes

If you love the experience of travel as much as the destination, Scotland is perfect — some of the routes feel like the main event.

🌌 Isle of Skye = isolated beauty

You’ve always wanted to see the Isle of Skye for that wild, isolated, jaw-dropping beauty — think “end of the world” energy in the best way.

🍀 Choose Ireland if…
🍻 Pub culture + social energy

You want to dig knee deep into pub culture — live music, storytelling, and that “talk to strangers and leave with friends” vibe.

🚗 A simple, easy road trip loop

Ireland is amazing if you want an itinerary that feels straightforward: pick a route, drive it, stop whenever something looks pretty, repeat.

🌊 Coastline + Cliffs of Moher dreams

You’re going mainly for the coastline — and you specifically want the iconic “wow” moment of seeing the Cliffs of Moher in person.

🏙️🌿 City + countryside combo

You want a trip that mixes city life with countryside escapes — think of Dublin as a mini mini mini London , and then balance it out with iconic day trips and road trip stops like Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, and so much more Irish countryside.

If you want ideas for where to go, this guide will help: Ireland itinerary inspiration .

Scotland vs. Ireland: Full Breakdown Between the Two Countries


Cost: Is Scotland or Ireland Cheaper?

In all honesty, I found the price points between the two cities to be fairly similar – with accommodation and restaurants costing about the same in each country.

Hotels & Accommodation

I found accommodation prices for both Ireland and Scotland, whether it have been in Dublin or the countryside of either country, to have been relatively the same.

The only thing I would note, however, is that it was more challenging to find accommodation in Scotland – particularity in the Isle of Skye, even after high season.


Rental cars + fuel

The prices point for renting a car and filling it up with gas (or as they say in Ireland and Scotland, “petrol”) – were relatively the same. I wouldn’t be as concerned on the price here as much as I would be about driving on the other side of the road!


Food & drinks

I found pub prices and coffee shops to be similarly priced between Scotland and Ireland. The only thing to note is that if you are using USD, your losing more money when you spend the GBP – meaning this is something to factor in when you budget your trip to Scotland or Ireland.


Attractions (castles, distilleries, tours)

Ultimately, there were more attractions in Edinburgh as a whole – a couple of which were quite pricy (such as the Edinburgh Whiskey experience). I do think I found entrances to castles a little more expensive in Scotland than I did in Ireland.

 

Best Time to Visit Scotland vs. Ireland

I personally think the best time of year to visit both Scotland and Ireland is during shoulder seasons, as both countries can be insanely crowded during the peak of summer – meaning visiting during the late spring or early fall is the best choice.

Best months for scenery

If you want foliage and colorful landscapes, visiting during autumn is your best bet – but if you’re hoping for a little bit more sunshine (of which isn’t even guaranteed in the summer as both countries are known for moody, cloud weather that can change on a dime), you may want to try visiting Ireland or Scotland in May or June.


Best months for fewer crowds

If you want to avoid crowds in both countries, I would say visiting Scotland or Ireland between September or November is your best bet. August is bound to be insanely packed as both international and other Europeans will travel there during summer breaks.

green and brown rock mountain on the isle of skye scotland

Exploring the Isle of Skye in Scotland; September 2024


Best months for road trips

My dad and I took a road trip to Scotland during September, and least to say – it was truly perfect. We had the best mix of sunshine, long daylight hours, and less crowds.

On the other hand, I have taken a road trip in Ireland in early June. The weather was just as good as it was in September, but far more crowded than our Scotland road trip.

As a whole, I would say the best month for a road trip is during shoulder season – either in May before summer crowds hit or in September once they’ve died down.


Worst time to visit (weather-wise)

Winter is hands down the worst time of year to visit both Ireland and Scotland. Both countries experience painfully short days and wet, icky weather – both of which make for a less-than-fun tourist experience in either country.

Giant’s Causeway in Ireland

Giant’s Causeway in Ireland; June 2019

 

Landscapes: Which Is More Beautiful — Scotland or Ireland?

As a whole, if I had to pick which country is more beautiful – I would say that Scotland has more dramatic and jaw-dropping landscapes than Ireland does.

Mountains & dramatic scenery (Scotland win)

Scotland wins hands down in terms of the most dramatic landscapes. When driving the Isle of Skye, you’ll come across valleys, meadows, and more – all in a single drive. It’ll be hard to believe you’re within the same country, as the scenery is truly that cinematic and changes on a dime.


Rolling green countryside & coastal cliffs (Ireland win)

If what you’re looking for is luscious green fields and coastal cliffs, Ireland has a bigger supply of that than Scotland does – with places like Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher exceeding expectations.

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland on a sunny day

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland; June 2019


Best photo spots & “wow” factor

This is a hard pick, but again – if I had to choose one over the other, I would say that Scotland has a bigger “wow factor than Ireland does. This is because the overall scenery and landscapes in Scotland are more alluring, interesting, and varied than they are in Ireland – meaning it will surprise you with just how many types of topography you’ll see in a single trip to Scotland.

 

Which Country Is Prettier: Scotland or Ireland?

Determining whether Scotland or Ireland is prettier depends on your definition of pretty. If “pretty” refers to cute, colorful towns – Ireland has far more of those than Scotland does (which is more medieval and brown colored). If pretty is determined by natural beauty, Scotland wins by a mile – which constantly changing, eye-opening landscapes between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye.

Driving through the varied terrain on the Isle of Skye in Scotland;

Driving through the varied terrain on the Isle of Skye in Scotland; September 2024


Capital Cities: Dublin vs Edinburgh

When visiting either Scotland or Ireland, you’ll probably fly into or make one of the two capital cities your base – meaning it’s important to decide whether you’ll prefer Dublin or Edinburgh.

🍀🏰 Which City Is Better: Dublin or Edinburgh?

✨ Question 🍀 Dublin 🏰 Edinburgh
⏳ Better for a short trip? 🍀 Dublin This is a tough choice, as both cities are perfect for a short weekend trip – but as a whole, I would say that Dublin has fewer “tourist” attractions than Edinburgh, meaning it could feel less overwhelming for a short 2 or 3 day trip. 🏰 Edinburgh Edinburgh is also amazing for a short trip, but it’s packed with must-sees — which can feel a little more “go go go” if you only have 48 hours.
🚶‍♀️ More walkable? 🍀 Dublin Both cities are small and walkable, but the main attractions in Dublin can feel a little more spread out. 🏰 Edinburgh Both cities are walkable, but I would say the main tourist attractions in Edinburgh are a shorter distance apart than in Dublin.
🌙 Better nightlife? 🍀 Dublin Dublin takes the cake for better nightlife – as there are far more pubs and clubs in Ireland’s capital city than in Edinburgh. Dublin is definitely more of a city for the youth. 🏰 Edinburgh Edinburgh has nightlife too, but overall it has a calmer, more family-friendly and student vibe.
🗺️ Better day trips? 🍀 Dublin Day trips from Dublin can be incredible, but many of the big ones (like the Cliffs of Moher ) require a minimum 2 to 3 hour drive each way. 🏰 Edinburgh I would say Edinburgh is better for day trips, as Glasgow is a short 45 minute train ride away , and it’s super easy to plan without renting a car.

 

Transportation: Getting Around Scotland vs Ireland

Both Ireland and Scotland have a mix of great accessibility via public transportation, such as train, and then having certain must-see places that can only be accessed by a car.

As a whole, I think Scotland’s public transportation wins by quite a bit – such as with fast, high-speed trains that take you between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Plus, Scotland’s public transport can reach remote areas as well.

I found this to be missing in Ireland, as while there are still trains – they aren’t as fast or always the most convenient option, with access to public transport more common in Dublin, Cork, and Galway – but missing from more rural areas such as the Cliffs of Moher.

Which is easier without a car?

I think that Scotland is slightly easier without a car, but note that even then – you won’t be able to fully enjoy and see all that the Isle of Skye has to offer without one.


Which is best for a road trip?

Ireland is great for a full on road trip: where you can start in Dublin and do a route Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Sligo, and back to Dublin.

Scotland is also great for a road trip, but the driving you’ll be doing will be more like one big drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye – and then exploring the Isle of Skye from there.

Therefore, it’s best to decide whether you want a road trip with several stops and switching hotels each night (Ireland) or picking a home base and exploring from there (Scotland).

Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland

Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland; June 2019


Which country has the best public transportation?

 I found the public transportation in Scotland to slight better than in Ireland, as you can reach even rural areas with Scotland’s public transport – of which is virtually impossible with rural areas in Ireland that can only be access by scar.


Which is easier for first-timers?

🏴🍀 Scotland or Ireland for First-Timers?

The overview cards below will help you decide whether Scotland or Ireland is the better first-time destination for your travel style.

🍀 Ireland
🎶 More lively + more “good fun”

Ireland is known for being more energetic and social — think pubs, live music, nightlife, concerts, and that classic “good fun” vibe people love. If you want your trip to feel constantly alive, Ireland is the pick.

🚗 Easier driving (for many travelers)

If you’re coming from the US, Canada, or most of mainland Europe, Ireland can feel like the easier road trip choice — because you’ll be driving on the right side of the road. It’s still stunning, and the routes are very beginner-friendly.

✈️ Best if you’re only doing Ireland

The biggest thing to know is that you’ll typically need to fly into Ireland, so it’s best if Ireland is the main focus of your trip (rather than part of a bigger multi-country Europe itinerary).

🏴 Scotland
🚆 Better train connections

Scotland is overall more connected by trains — and for first-timers, that can make planning way easier if you don’t want to rent a car right away.

🌍 Easier to combine with Europe

Scotland can actually be reached entirely by train from mainland Europe — by switching in London and taking the Eurostar from there. Ireland is different, because you generally can’t reach it by train — you’ll need to fly.

🌙 Quieter + softer first-time vibe

Scotland is generally “quieter” and less lively than Ireland. Don’t get me wrong, Ireland is amazing — but it can feel nonstop. Scotland is a softer introduction to pub culture, scenery trips, and slow travel.

And if you want the ultimate road trip? Scotland’s Isle of Skye is one of the most stunning options in Europe.


Castles, History & Atmosphere

Contrary to what many people say on the Internet, both Ireland and Scotland have a plethora of castles to visit – so don’t let castles as a whole decide your Scotland vs. Ireland debacle.

Instead, try to decide which country to go to given the backdrop and vibe each country’s castles have to offer.

Scotland’s castles + Highlands vibe

Castles in Scotland often rest on hills or in the middle of a major road, such as Eileen Donan or Urqhart Castle. The scereny is often moodier, and more neutral colored than the castles in Ireland – which are surrounded by luscious green grass and even flowers.

🏰 Best Castles to See in Scotland

🏴 Edinburgh Castle

The most iconic castle in Scotland — sitting right above the city like a crown. It’s the perfect stop if you want sweeping views over Edinburgh and a true “first-time in Scotland” moment.

🌊 Urquhart Castle

A stunning castle ruin overlooking Loch Ness. Even if you don’t spot Nessie, the views here feel straight out of a movie — and it’s one of the most scenic stops in the Highlands.

🛡️ Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, surrounded by water and dramatic mountain backdrops. It’s the kind of place that instantly feels like peak Scotland scenery.

⛰️ Dunnottar Castle

Perched dramatically on the cliffs above the sea, Dunnottar Castle is hands down one of the most jaw-dropping castle locations in Scotland. It’s wild, windy, and unforgettable.

eileen donan castle scotland

Eileen Donan castle in Scotland; September 2024



Ireland’s castles + storytelling culture

Ireland is a bit more folklore centric than Scotland, with a lot of the castles tourists often visit in the country having a backstory behind it – and aren’t usually on the “side of the road” but tucked away in more private settings.

🏰 Best Castles to See in Ireland

🍀 Blarney Castle

One of the most famous castles in Ireland — and home to the Blarney Stone, which people traditionally kiss to gain the “gift of gab” (aka the ability to speak charmingly and confidently).

I personally found it kind of gross (I went in 2019 pre-COVID)… but if you find the tale interesting, be my guest! Even if you skip the stone, the castle grounds and gardens are absolutely worth visiting.

🏰 Kilkenny Castle

One of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Ireland — Kilkenny Castle is the perfect mix of history, architecture, and an easy visit that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Plus, the surrounding park is stunning for a peaceful walk afterward.

🏙️ Dublin Castle

Right in the heart of the city, Dublin Castle is a great option if you want a castle experience without leaving town. It’s one of the best “quick history stops” in Dublin and makes a perfect add-on while exploring the city center.

blarney castle ireland

Blarney Castle in Ireland; June 2019


Which feels more “movie-like”?

It’s really difficult to choose whether Scotland or Ireland feels more movie like, as both have rich history and cultures behind their castles – if I had to choose, I would say the ones in Scotland feel more pictorial due to their more dramatic landscapes and backgrounds. 


Friendliness

Prior to traveling to Ireland, everyone would tell me that the Irish are amongst some of the friendliest people in the world… but I can’t lie to you – I didn’t find them to be exceptionally warm, extroverted, or amiable.

It’s not that I found Irish people to be cold, but I just didn’t find them to be the friendliest people in the world – but it also really depends on each individual person you meet. I’ve been to Zermatt and met a really friendly Irish person, meaning I find this to be more dependent on each individual person rather than based on stereotypes.

However, that being said – as a whole, I actually found people in Scotland to be slightly more approachable and willing to chat – having spoken with people in Glasgow while having a cup of tea, much like you would strike up a converstion with a stranger in the United States.

I had less experiences of that in Ireland, besides in Dublin – where I spoke with local people around my age in cafés and coffe shops at the time (back in my early 20s, so take this with a grain of salt).

victoria street edinbrugh

Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland; September 2024

 

Cuisine: Food in Scotland vs Ireland

It seems that a lot of people seem to associate Irish and Scottish cuisine with the rest of the United Kingdom, which doesn’t get the best reputation for having varied or flavored cuisine – but honestly, I found that both Scotland and Ireland had fun cuisine to try!

🍽️ Traditional Foods to Try: Ireland vs. Scotland

The battle cards below highlight what traditional foods are actually worth trying in both Ireland and Scotland — especially on a first trip.

🍀 Ireland
🍞 Soda Bread

A classic Irish staple that you’ll see everywhere — especially at breakfast. Just a quick note: be careful if you’re dairy-sensitive or vegan… this isn’t vegan! I ate it in Ireland and my body was definitely not used to the dairy.

🍳 Full Irish Breakfast

The most iconic “sit down and commit” breakfast in Ireland — usually packed with eggs, sausage, and lots of hearty extras. It’s the kind of meal that will keep you full until dinner.

🥣 Irish Stew

Warm, classic, and comforting — Irish stew is one of the best meals to try when it’s cold or rainy. It’s simple, hearty, and very “local pub dinner” coded.

🥔 Potato Bread

A super underrated one — potato bread is filling, cozy, and perfect alongside breakfast. If you love carbs (same), this one’s an easy yes.

🏴 Scotland
🐑 Haggis

The one everyone talks about — haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from minced sheep organs mixed with oats, seasoning, and spices (usually cooked inside a casing).

Try at your own discretion 😭 my dad tried it and said it was incredibly heavy to eat for breakfast… and that’s coming from an American where we eat big breakfasts ourselves!

🥐 Sausage Rolls

A comfort food classic that’s quick, filling, and easy to grab on the go. Perfect for travel days, train rides, or a casual lunch when you’re sightseeing nonstop.

🥕 Neeps & Tatties

One of the best traditional Scottish sides — made with mashed turnips (neeps) and mashed potatoes (tatties). It’s simple, cozy, and honestly a great option if you want something vegetarian-friendly.

🌱 Great veggie option!
Beautiful water on the Isle of Skye in Scotland

Beautiful water on the Isle of Skye in Scotland; September 2024


Scotland vs. Ireland: Vegetarian/vegan friendliness

As a vegan of almost 10 years, let me tell you – I ate very well in both Ireland and Scotland. I did find that Scotland had a few more vegan options, but I also went to Scotland much more recently – so take my experience as slightly outdated.

Nevertheless, I have several veggie friendly options to share for both Ireland and Scotland:

🌱 Vegan Options: Ireland vs. Scotland

The battle cards below break down some of the best vegan-friendly spots (and easy vegan go-to options) in both Ireland and Scotland.

🍀 Ireland
🍩 Rolling Donut

A chain all over Dublin with incredible vegan donuts — I’m talking cream-filled and everything. If you want a sweet treat that doesn’t feel like a “sad vegan substitute,” this is the spot.

🥣 Veggie Soup of the Day

All across Ireland (especially on a road trip), the vegetable soup of the day is often vegan — just ask your waiter to confirm before ordering.

✅ Pro tip: stay away from soda bread — it’s usually NOT vegan!
🍔 The Saucy Cow

A great vegan spot for when you want your chance to try classic pub food — but with vegan versions that actually taste good.

🏴 Scotland
🍔 Mad Hatter

One of the best places in Edinburgh for pub-style vegan burgers. Perfect if you want something filling, cozy, and very “Scottish pub night” coded.

🧁 The Hungry Gull

Vegan meals and cakes right in the middle of the Isle of Skye — which honestly feels like a miracle when you’re somewhere so remote.

🌶️ The Chanter

Another great pub in Edinburgh with vegan-friendly options — and their buffalo cauliflower wings are seriously so good.

🔥 The Festival

A must-know vegan spot in Scotland with great vegan burgers — and a show-stopping chili that is genuinely so satisfying and filling. If you want comfort food done right, this one’s a no-brainer.

coloful street in galway ireland

Wandering the streets of Galway, Ireland; June 2019

Scotland vs. Ireland Weather

As the two countries are very close to one another, they have several similarities in terms of weather – such as summers with suddenly “nippy” days, or a quick change from blazing sun to grey clouds looming over you.

Since Ireland and Scotland both have unpredictable, gloomy weather – the best thing you can pack for a trip to either country is a good rain or windbreaker jacket and lots of layers.

You’ll find yourself wanting to take off or put on clothes several times a day while in both countries, as the weather is constantly changing in Scotland and Ireland!

☁️🌧️ Dublin vs Edinburgh Weather by Month ☘️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The table below compares the average high and low temperatures in Dublin and Edinburgh each month of the year — in both °F and °C.

📅 Month ☘️ Dublin High ☘️ Dublin Low 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh High 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh Low
January ❄️ 46°F / 8°C 37°F / 3°C 43°F / 6°C 34°F / 1°C
February 🌧️ 46°F / 8°C 36°F / 2°C 44°F / 7°C 34°F / 1°C
March ☁️ 50°F / 10°C 39°F / 4°C 46°F / 8°C 35°F / 2°C
April 🌦️ 55°F / 13°C 39°F / 4°C 50°F / 10°C 38°F / 3°C
May 🌷 59°F / 15°C 48°F / 9°C 55°F / 13°C 43°F / 6°C
June ☀️ 64°F / 18°C 52°F / 11°C 59°F / 15°C 48°F / 9°C
July 🌿 66°F / 19°C 54°F / 12°C 66°F / 19°C 52°F / 11°C
August 🌤️ 64°F / 18°C 52°F / 11°C 64°F / 18°C 52°F / 11°C
September 🍂 59°F / 15°C 48°F / 9°C 61°F / 16°C 48°F / 9°C
October 🎃 55°F / 13°C 42°F / 6°C 54°F / 12°C 43°F / 6°C
November ☕ 52°F / 11°C 43°F / 6°C 47°F / 8°C 38°F / 3°C
December 🎄 50°F / 10°C 37°F / 3°C 44°F / 7°C 35°F / 2°C
Near Kilt’s Rock in the Isle of Skye in Scotland;

Near Kilt’s Rock in the Isle of Skye in Scotland; September 2024

Scotland vs. Ireland Culture

Scotland vs. Ireland is a time old debate not because they’re too different, but because they’re very similar culturally. Both have the same gloomy Atlantic energy, have Celtic roots, and take pride in their pub culture – but there also several nuances to take into account before deciding whether to travel to Scotland or Ireland.

The interactive content below will reveal some of the similarities between Scotland and Ireland:

🌙 Same Roots, Different Energy

🍀🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Shared Roots (Why They Feel Similar)
🎻 Celtic Heritage
  • Music feels emotional + ancient
  • Mythology is everywhere (even if no one says it out loud)
  • Clan / family pride runs deep
🍺 Pub Culture
  • Storytelling as entertainment
  • Live music as community glue
  • A vibe that feels warm once you’re “in”
🖤 Humor
  • Dry
  • Self-deprecating
  • Sometimes dark (in a healing way)
🧳 History of Struggle
  • Colonialism + identity politics
  • Emigration stories everywhere
  • A shared resilience in the culture
Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland

Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland; June 2019

🏴☘️ Scotland vs. Ireland: Which Is Better for Your Travel Style?

Not sure whether to visit Scotland or Ireland on your next trip? These overview cards will help you decide based on your travel style — whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or chasing the best mix of cities + countryside.

✈️ Best for First-Time Europe Travelers

Ireland is a better bet if this is your first trip to Europe — especially if you’re already traveling within the EU. You’ll already have the euro on you, and Ireland often feels a bit more aligned with the rhythm of mainland Europe compared to Scotland (which feels more UK-like).

🧳 Best for Solo Travel

Honestly, both are amazing for solo travel — and both feel safe and welcoming. That being said, if solo travel feels intimidating for you, Scotland (and Edinburgh in particular) might be the easier choice. It’s a bit more introverted and slower-paced compared to Ireland, where pub culture can feel louder, chattier, and more constant.

💞 Best for Couples

Both work beautifully for couples — it just depends on the vibe you want. If you want something more secluded, scenic, and romantic, Scotland (especially the Isle of Skye) is unbeatable. If you’re both more intrepid and want a packed, fast-moving itinerary, Ireland is perfect for constant variety.

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families

I find Scotland much more conducive to a family trip than Ireland. Edinburgh is packed with family-friendly attractions, and it’s easy to build in scenic adventures like a trip to the Isle of Skye. Ireland leans more heavily into pub culture (especially in places like Galway and along the Ring of Kerry), making it feel slightly better suited to a trip with friends.

⛰️ Best for Nature Lovers

Scotland is the obvious choice for nature lovers. If dramatic landscapes, foggy mountains, and cinematic scenery are what you’re craving, you simply can’t miss the Isle of Skye.

🏙️🌿 Best for City + Countryside Balance

Ireland is the better choice if you want a strong mix of city life and countryside — without it feeling like you have to choose one or the other. From Dublin to Galway, the Giant’s Causeway to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland makes it easy to build a trip that alternates naturally between lively cities and jaw-dropping scenery.

🍀🏴 FAQs on Scotland vs. Ireland 🏴🍀

🌍 Is Scotland or Ireland better for a first-time trip?
I think for a first-time trip, Ireland is a little bit better — this is what I did first, and it was great because it introduced me to the kind of landscapes and culture I would later find in Scotland.

I also think if you go to Scotland first, you may be slightly disappointed with the scenery you’ll find in Ireland — not because it’s not beautiful, but because it’s arguably less grandiose than Scotland.
🧳 Which is better for solo travelers?
Both Scotland and Ireland are exceptionally safe countries for solo travelers. I have been alone in both Edinburgh and Dublin and never once felt unsafe.
🌿 Which has better nature: Scotland or Ireland?
This is a tough pick, as both countries are so beautiful — but if I had to choose, Scotland has the upper hand. The mix of valleys, gorges, waterfalls, barren land, and luscious green fields just can’t compare to Ireland.
🏙️ Which city is bigger: Edinburgh or Dublin?
Size-wise, Edinburgh is actually bigger than Dublin — with its 264 square kilometres (102 square miles) outdoing 118 km² (45 sq miles).

That being said… when walking around Edinburgh, it arguably feels smaller than Dublin does — probably because it’s less bustling, and the main attractions are closer together.
👥 Where do more people live: Edinburgh or Dublin?
Far more people live in Dublin, as it was recently ranked the 11th most congested city in the world with over 2 million people in the greater Dublin area.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh has nearly half of that amount with around 530,000 residents (as of 2024) .
📸 Which is prettier: Scotland or Ireland?
It’s so difficult to choose, but if I had to… I think Scotland is prettier than Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway are beautiful, but the Isle of Skye and Glencoe simply can’t be beat.
💸 Which is more expensive: Scotland or Ireland?
I find the prices in both Scotland and Ireland to be around the same in terms of accommodation and eating out.

The only thing I find a bit pricier in Scotland is the cost of tourist attractions — like the fees for entering castles.
🤝 Where are people friendlier: Scotland or Ireland?
I personally found people in Scotland to be a little friendlier than in Ireland — but don’t worry, people in both countries will absolutely help you as a tourist.
🗣️ Which accent is harder to understand?
It depends completely on the region and the person.

I’ve had friends from parts of Scotland with very soft accents, and then my bus driver in Ireland had an unbearably thick accent that I, as a native English speaker, could barely understand.
✈️ Should I do Scotland and Ireland in one trip?
You can absolutely do Scotland and Ireland in one trip, as the two countries are close to one another — but please don’t try to rush it!

If you plan to do Scotland and Ireland in one trip, be sure to give each country at least one full week to properly explore both the cities and countrysides.
view of Edinburgh in Scotland

View of Edinburgh in Scotland; September 2024

 Still can’t decide on whether Scotland or Ireland is the better trip for you? Take my interactive quiz below to determine whether Scotland vs. Ireland is right for you!

🍀🏴 Scotland vs. Ireland Quiz 🏴🍀

Choose one answer per question — your results update automatically.

🌊 Which one have you dreamt of seeing longer?

🍲 Which food excites you more?

🏙️ Do you like young lively towns or quaint medieval places?

📚 Are you a nightlife person or cozy up in a café with a book?

🏛️ Which city do you like better: London or the little medieval towns you have seen elsewhere in Europe (think Saint-Malo) in France?

🥃 What’s your drink of choice?

🍃 Do you prefer spring or autumn travel?

🚗 Which excites you more?

🧳 Do you like one big road trip with a different hotel every night, or staying put in one place and daytripping?

✨ Your Live Results

🍀 Ireland score:
🏴 Scotland score:

If 🍀 is higher → you’ll probably love Ireland more.
If 🏴 is higher → you’ll probably love Scotland more.
If it’s tied → you’re literally built to do both.

🍀 Ireland:
🏴 Scotland:
Driving through the Isle of Skye in Scotland

Driving through the Isle of Skye in Scotland; September 2024

Looking to read more about Scotland and Ireland to plan your trip to one or both countries?

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Last updated: February 16, 2026