UK Ireland Scotland Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Dublin, Ireland
    Estimated Distance from Airport: 10 km

    Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland and offers a great start to your trip. Visit Trinity College, which houses the famous Book of Kells. Get a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a stunning view of the city. Wrap up your day with a trip to Temple Bar, Dublin's cultural quarter filled with pubs and restaurants.

  • Day 2-3: Edinburgh, Scotland
    Estimated Distance from Dublin: 343 km

    Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has a rich and fascinating history. Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill, which houses the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town and feel transported back in time. End your day enjoying some of Scotland's finest whiskey at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

  • Day 4-6: London, England
    Estimated Distance from Edinburgh: 670 km

    London is one of the most visited cities in the world and offers an extensive list of things to see and do on a shoestring budget. Visit the Tower of London, the historic castle which has been everything from a zoo to a royal residence. Take a free walking tour of the Street Art of Shoreditch, and see some of the city's most beautiful and creative expressions of public art. Head to Borough Market, one of the oldest and most historic food markets in London, for a cheap food fix.

  • Day 7-8: Bath, England
    Estimated Distance from London: 161 km

    Bath is a city of Georgian-era crescents, stunning architecture, and history. Get taken aback by the beauty of the Bath Abbey, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. Take a dip in Thermae Bath Spa, the only natural thermal hot springs in the UK or take a stroll along the Pulteney Bridge, one of the four bridges in the world which have shops on it.

  • Day 9-10: Isle of Skye, Scotland
    Estimated Distance from Bath: 1026 km

    The Isle of Skye, Scotland's largest island, gives a rugged landscape of mountains and lochs, teeming with wildlife. Take a hike through the Quiraing or explore the enchanted Fairy Glen. Head off to see the Talisker Whisky Distillery and relish some really good whiskey. End the night by stargazing and seeing the Aurora Borealis.

  • Day 11-12: Glasgow, Scotland
    Estimated Distance from Isle of Skye: 216 km

    Glasgow is Scotland's second city, and it packs in some great places of interest. Head to the Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland's medieval masterpieces. Walk around the Glasgow Green to find monuments, fountains, and a modern suspension bridge. Take a look at the Mitchell Library, an incredibly well-stocked library used by many local people and students.

  • Day 13-14: Belfast, Northern Ireland
    Estimated Distance from Glasgow: 206 km

    Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has transformed itself into a lively city full of bars, restaurants, and culture. Be sure to visit the Titanic Museum, capturing the history of the ill-fated ocean liner. Learn about Ireland's political history at Crumlin Road Gaol and visit the Belfast City Hall, where you can take a free guided tour.

  • Day 15: Dublin, Ireland
    Estimated Distance from Belfast: 168 km

    End your trip where you started, in the vibrant Irish capital, Dublin. This day considers leaving some time open to explore places you might have missed on your earlier visit.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Trinity College (2-3 hours, 10-15 Euros)
  • Guinness Storehouse (2-3 hours, 14 Euros)
  • Temple Bar (2-3 hours, variable)
  • Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, 17.50 Pounds)
  • Old Town (2-3 hours, free)
  • Scotch Whisky Experience (1.5-2 hours, 17 Pounds)
  • Tower of London (2-3 hours, 24.50 Pounds)
  • Street Art of Shoreditch (1-2 hours, free)
  • Borough Market (2-3 hours, variable)
  • Bath Abbey (1-2 hours, free)
  • Thermae Bath Spa (2 hours, 37 Pounds)
  • Pulteney Bridge (1-2 hours, free)
  • Quiraing (2-3 hours, free)
  • Fairy Glen (1-2 hours, free)
  • Talisker Whisky Distillery (1-2 hours, 10 Pounds)
  • Glasgow Cathedral (1-2 hours, free)
  • Glasgow Green (2-3 hours, free)
  • Mitchell Library (1-2 hours, free)
  • Titanic Museum (2-3 hours, 19 Pounds)
  • Crumlin Road Gaol (2 hours, 14.50 Pounds)
  • Belfast City Hall (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Approximately 230 Euros or 192 Pounds

Transportation

Travel between destinations can be done via buses or trains, and domestic flights may be required, which cost around 20-60 Euros or Pounds per trip. Consider purchasing tickets in advance online for better fares. If renting a car, expect costs to be around 20-30 Euros or Pounds per day depending on the type of car and season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting additional destinations such as Cardiff, Wales, or the Lake District in England. In case of less time, you might skip visiting Bath or Isle of Skye. Alternatively, spend more time in Glasgow or Edinburgh, as there are many additional places of interest to see.

Airports

London Heathrow (LHR) is one of the largest airports in the world, serving international and domestic flights,located around 40km away from the centre of London. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) located around 17km away from the city centre in Paisley. Belfast International Airport (BFS), located around 18km north-west of Belfast, and Dublin Airport (DUB), located ten kilometers north of Dublin are other major airports in the itinerary.

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