scotland vs ireland golf trip

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Ireland vs. Scotland: Which is the better golf destination?

Golf is not so much our profession as it is our passion at Golf Digest, and often that passion translates to philosophical, analytical, ideological and, occasionally, idiotic workplace discussions about the game. During this time of pause in our sport (and in the world at large), we decided to take these office conversations online in hopes of providing a welcome distraction.

In our latest installment of the “Great Golf Debates,” E. Michael Johnson and Mike Stachura tackle the pressing question: Which is the better golf destination, Ireland or Scotland?

Mike Stachura : A debate over Ireland and Scotland? Why not choose something more straightforward like who makes the best barbecue (I see you, Memphis and Kansas City, but please let me introduce you to the great state of Alabama). Or maybe who’s the coolest behavioral economist (Leavitt is funny stuff, but really Kahneman is the OG, obviously). Or why not your favorite Friend? (Rachel? Monica? Phoebe? Please. Clearly, poignantly, with a passion that makes the soul ache for a thousand ages, Mr. Heckles). But be that as it may, let’s, as the witty internet equipment guru likes to say, get stuck in.

Ireland is a love song sung by Glen Hansard with a voice on the edge of romance and regret, filling up a Dublin side street just after the bars have closed. Scotland is a somber, quiet, wistful, majestic comedy that is as much reflection as it is celebration, like Local Hero. In Ireland, you always want to have another drink even if you don’t drink—and someone is always there to buy you one. In Scotland, you always want to stay another week. Or month. Or forever. Oh, what? You wanted to talk about the golf? It’s the same thing.

Scotland seems a tour through golf’s rugged history (Prestwick, Dornoch and, obviously, St. Andrews, although there are incomparable others on that list, from Crail to Cruden Bay). At every turn, it feels like every course should be played twice to understand that what first seems impossible or goofy is actually entirely navigable and in a word, genius. In Ireland, the best golf always seems to have a twinkle in its eye before smashing a shillelagh across your left temple. But then it picks you up and has a laugh with you. Royal County Down is famous for this, but so are the par 3s at Portmarnock and the par 4s at Ballybunion Old, all of which are lovingly described in that perfectly Irish phrase that is at once compliment, joke and threat, “an absolute cracker.” That phrase has been summarized to mean “beyond brilliant.” So if golf in Scotland is brilliant, I’d say golf in Ireland might be an absolute cracker.

E. Michael Johnson : Hmmmmm. The home of golf versus golf that feels homey. In full disclosure I’ve spent far more time in Ireland than Scotland, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate both. Perhaps not fully understand but understand enough. You’ve done a lovely job of setting things up with impeccable pearls of prose worthy of such lovely lands that I can’t even hope to match, so I won’t even try. As the commercial said, “Stay in your lane, bro.” For me that mostly means golf and drinking, neither of which are in your wheelhouse. OK, you do know golf. I mean, weren’t you travel editor of Golf Digest for about three weeks once? But I digress.

What’s difficult about picking a side is it depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want to be standing on the tee at St. Andrews with its clubhouse and 600 years of accumulated history bearing down on you and the sense that you are following in historical footprints set centuries earlier or do you want to make the wonderfully beautiful drive out on the Ring of Kerry to the peaceful splendor of Waterville G.C., perhaps stopping at Tralee either on the way there or on the way back? Although both places are among the last strongholds of that endangered species known as the caddie, do you prefer the Irish loopers who tend to be more jovial and good storytellers or the old-time Scots who, while often more businesslike, have the kind of local knowledge you’d expect from a seasoned tour veteran? It’s a tougher decision than whether or not to start watching “Tiger King.”

MS : Once we get coronavirus kicked, I’m hoping the CDC also just as quickly develops a “Tiger King” vaccine. And while drinking might not be in my wheelhouse, I’m willing to learn. Even tried Guinness when I was in Portrush a couple years back. Tasted like what finding a sweater in your bag on the back nine of a late October round feels like. And the Harbour Bar is one of those places you more or less have to feel. It’s not the food or even the drink. It’s just a sense that time doesn’t matter, laughter comes easier and why am I paying for a therapist and an investment advisor when this guy behind the bar is solving all my problems with quotes from Yeats and Seamus Heaney.

Scotland has some of those places, too. The music’s just not as good. (However, I was not skilled enough for the tasting at Bushmills, at 10 the next morning. Of course, that sounds like a typical Thursday for you, because, well, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.) Let’s first be clear on one thing: There’s plenty of wicked-good parkland golf in both Ireland (Adare Manor, K Club, Druid’s Glen, Mount Juliet, Carton House) and Scotland (Gleneagles, Loch Lomond, Duff House? Blairgowrie?), but if you’re going to play that kind of golf in Ireland and Scotland, it better be because you’re staying a month or on sabbatical. The links stuff is what you’re after, and if it’s a numbers game, Scotland might have more of it. And, frankly, it’s probably going to be an easier driving experience. The roads in Ireland are better than they were, but that’s like saying leeches were a great leap forward in medicine.

Kevin Markham

EMJ : Good to hear you passed on the 10 a.m. Bushmills. You need some mad drinking skills for that. And if you need a teacher on the imbibing front, I know a guy.

As for parkland golf, you can keep it. Not that it’s bad. Places such as Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and some of the ones you mentioned such as Adare Manor and Gleneagles are perfectly fine. But you didn’t travel across the pond for “fine” and these courses simply lack the grandeur of links golf. St. Andrews, Turnberry, Prestwick, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon—the names roll off the tongue with a cool liquidity that transports golfers beyond the over-stylized, ultra-manicured fairways of golf here in the States. In fact, Scotland holds almost a religious cache for so many. But then there’s Ireland—a country about the size of Maine—with great golf almost everywhere you look. Waterville, Ballybunion, Lahinch in the southwest; Old Head down south in Kinsale, Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and County Louth (Baltray) in the Dublin area; Rosses Point and Donegal in the west and my word, Portstewart, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in the north. It is simply disgusting how many wonderful courses there are.

Now sure, the roads are terrible for the most part, but barreling down a narrow two-lane street driving on the wrong side of the road only enhances the experience, not detract from it. You just might want to wait for that properly “pulled” Guinness until after you’re off the road. I’m trying to find an argument for Scotland here, but it’s proving difficult.

MS : Great golf almost everywhere you look? As someone we all know from Scotland might say, “Are ya daft, man?!”

Scotland is awash in the greats of links golf like you mention, yes, but its second tier lineup and even its third tier surprises are movie-set quality. Nairn, Gullane, Brora, North Berwick, The Machrie, Western Gailes, Castle Stuart and the staggeringly under-appreciated Machrihanish, whose opening tee ball over the Atlantic Ocean can make you feel like the first guy who successfully cliff dove. Or in my case, didn’t.

But don’t fall asleep on Dunbar or Fraserburgh or Elie, which might have more holes you think you can birdie than any one course in your life. Until, well, you don’t. Kind of like the feeling I have when I look at a barbecue menu in Birmingham. Too much pork for just one fork, I believe is the expression.

EMJ : I guess for me it comes down to this: The historical significance of Scotland is undeniable. But I don’t go on a golf trip for a history lesson. The breadth of excellent courses in Scotland is substantial (and not all are “name” courses as places such as Brora, Western Gailes; Royal Aberdeen, Machrahanish and others testify), but some are stingy about who they let on (see: Muirfield) or in the case of St. Andrews require securing a tee time often as much as a year in advance. Sorry, Scotland, but in Ireland I find the people friendlier (after all, its motto is “Céad Míle Fáilte” or “land of a thousand welcomes”), the food better and the golf every bit as good, but a tad more accessible. And there are plenty of those lesser-known courses there are well. Ardglass, The Island Club, Ballyliffin, Enniscrone, Carne, County Sligo, Rosapenna and Dingle. Not a poor choice in the lot.

And while there are a number of fine hotels and other accommodations in Scotland, I love the fact that at a B&B such as Teach de Broc next to Ballybunion the bar doesn’t close when the keeper of the house goes to bed. I also simply have a soft spot for the Emerald Isle. It was my first trip abroad, then a few years later I went with a photographer to 22 courses in 10 days covering almost the entire outside of the country from the southwest all the way to the north and back down to Dublin. In 2015 I went on the best buddies trip of my life to Ireland. So I am flooded with good memories like this photo I took from the Waterville clubhouse of our second group finishing up. How do you beat that? Perhaps by later on rewarding ourselves with the reviving power of a whiskey and a recounting of the day on the turbulent linksland, with the hospitality of those serving us at its most warm and sincere. In short, golf in Ireland is an experience that enhances the belief that it is good to be alive.

So Scotland or Ireland? I’ll take Ireland, but not by much. In fact, it’s so close I think we need to go back to gather more evidence.

MS : Fair play, as they say over there. Even though we’ve just spent the better part of a James Joyce short story saying Ireland is that and Scotland is this, what we’ve really shown is that both of these aren’t merely equally tantalizing bucket list destinations, they’re entire bucket lists in and of themselves several times over. They aren’t like a box of chocolates. You know exactly what you’re going to get and you get it and it is spectacular and life-alteringly memorable and spiritually restorative in the way other people wrongly ascribe to French Impressionism or certain kinds of pizza places or early Kurosawa films, or, God save us, baseball. It is ridiculous to even consider any other destination in their class. Like suggesting there is a better kind of Dorito name than Cool Ranch. And I’ll grant you Ireland shakes your hand before you’ve even extended your arm.

But I’ll also remind you of a round at Western Gailes that teed off at 6, ended in the gloaming with the general manager greeting some straggling Americans with open arms and an open bar and then upon hearing that one of us was getting married that Monday with no family able to make the trip, set him up with the local minister and showed up in full Scottish highland dress kilt and tux with, of course, a second one for the groom. A best man you didn’t know you had. Scotland, Ireland, both are up for the task.

So, yes, here’s to more research. And soon. For all of us.

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Imagine awakening one morning and being told that a Maserati and a Ferrari were parked in your driveway, ready to roll. Or that 10 cases each of Dom Perignon and Roederer Cristal were on ice in your rec room, or that Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox were perched provocatively on the arms of your La-Z Boy. All you had to do was choose one of them. That’s how I felt when the phone rang and an editor instructed me: “Take a good look and tell us which is the better destination for golfers, Scotland or Ireland.”

I was verging on clinical giddiness when the realization hit: This would be an impossible task. After all, on the surface Scotland and Ireland are indistinguishable. Both have gorgeous countryside, charming little towns, craggy castles, quaint pubs, tweed-jacketed men on bicycles and more sheep than people. Both have huge shirt logos and tiny vegetables, long summer days and short soda cans, feeble water pressure and powerful winds, too few ice cubes and too many Indian restaurants, terrific fish and terrible hamburgers.

And both, above all, have magnificent collections of golf courses. Moreover, I was biased. I love Scotland so much, I’ve moved there. I pay Scottish taxes and speeding tickets, stand in line (sorry, in a queue) at Scottish post offices and bakeries, visit Scottish doctors and recycling centers (sorry, centres). I even eat haggis. How could I possible assess Ballybunion et al., with an objective eye when I live on the Old Course at St. Andrews?

Worst of all, I hadn’t been to Ireland in more than 20 years. Admittedly, my memories of that visit were fond – exceedingly fond – but were they accurate? A lot had happened since 1981—to Ireland, to the world, to me. Truth be told, this wasn’t a matter of comparing Jennifer and Courtney; it was comparing a one-time love to my one true love, that long-ago mistress to my longtime wife.

But the job had to be done. And so I did the only thing I could: I returned to Ireland, where I drove 1,500 miles, visited 22 golf courses, stayed in 11 hostelries, consumed gallons of Guinness, lost two dozen golf balls, gained eight pounds, had breakfast with an elephant and totaled my Ford Focus in a field full of sheep, all in quest of the answer.

The first thought that struck me when I saw my long-lost colleen was that the years had been kind to her. The beyond-the-fairways Ireland I’d remembered was fringed with poverty. Beggars hobbled through the Dublin streets and many of the winding rural roads were dotted with painfully decaying homes. Not anymore. Over the past several years, the Republic of Ireland has enjoyed one of the most robust economies in the world

There is a happy, brightly painted look to the towns—indeed, most of the 50 or so villages through which I motored had a more upbeat and sprightly feel than their auld grey Scottish counterparts. Meanwhile, along those country roads most of the dilapidated shacks seem to have disappeared, replaced by dozens of modern homes. Big ones. Every aspect of the Irish economy has blossomed over the last 10 years, and none more than golf tourism. By contrast, Scotland’s share of the pie has shrunk, due in large part to an underfunded, fragmented and poorly managed marketing effort. Maybe the most telling reflection is in Ryder Cup site selection. Scotland will play host in 2014, but Ireland got it in 2006, at a golf course that’s less than 20 years old. More than 50 courses have sprouted in Ireland since 1990, and nearly all of them offer a warm welcome to traveling golfers. Two of the newest and most impressive are at Carton House , 14 miles west of Dublin Airport in the town of Maynooth. Within the stone walls of an 1,100-acre estate that was the ancestral home of the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare, are two courses, one a parkland layout by Mark O’Meara that weaves through specimen trees and alongside several ponds and streams. Holes 13 through 15, two par 3s sandwiching an heroic par 5, are just as fetching and almost as demanding a stretch as Augusta’s Amen Corner.

The other course, the one that’s getting most of the attention, is by Colin Montgomerie. It’s an exposed, low-lying, links-type layout, lined with tall grass and hungry bunkers. The Irish Golf Union will soon make its home at Carton House, and once the old manor and attendant lodges are fully outfitted, this place will probably become golf destination No. 1 in greater Dublin. But surely the course in the Dublin area that has assumed the highest profile is the one by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay at the Kildare Hotel & Country Club , known worldwide as the K Club, site of the 2006 Ryder Cup.

To put it bluntly, this was the most disappointing course on my visit and one of the most overrated I’ve ever played. If you’re seeking a true Irish experience, don’t bother to play the K Club. It’s Florida golf—think Doral on drugs—with water everywhere along with a series of intentionally obscured tee shots, hard-to-decipher doglegs and repelling greens. How Darren Clarke managed to shoot 60 there in the 1999 Irish Open I’ll never fathom—I had 60 by about the 11th hole. Let’s just say the K course was a strikeout with me.

But the rest of the place was a knockout. The accommodations at Straffan House, around which the Palmer course plays, were impeccable in all respects, as befits Ireland’s only AA Five Red Star hotel. The hot bath, superb meal and bottle of wine were just what I needed after the ego-bruising I’d suffered. And to be fair there’s a second, kinder/gentler course on the property. Subsequent stays at Rathsallagh House , Adare Manor , Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle affirmed that Ireland can match any destination in the world for first-class lodging, food and service. All four of those establishments have fine parkland courses on their grounds, the two best being Adare, where in 1995 the late Robert Trent Jones crafted the last of his more than 400 designs; and Dromoland, where Ron Kirby and Joe Carr just completed a masterful reconfiguration.

Taken together with Jack Nicklaus’ Mount Juliet ; the three lakeside classics down south at the Killarney Golf Club ; and—the best of them all— Druids Glen  by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, there’s a compelling case for the supremacy of Ireland in parkland golf. In reply, Scotland has only the courses at Gleneagles , Blairgowrie and the super-private Loch Lomond .

But winning that battle is like winning the JV scrimmage, so let’s get to the main event: the grand and glorious links courses we Americans cross the Atlantic to play.

I’ll get right to it: I’ve now played the top dozen or so links on each side, and based on that experience, I have to give the edge to Ireland. I can already feel the cold stares of St. Andrean neighbors. But let’s take a side-by-side look at the first-string squads—the top half-dozen links from each land.

Representing Team Ireland: Ballybunion, Royal Portrush, Lahinch, Portmarnock, Royal County Down and Waterville.

For Team Scotland: Carnoustie, Muirfield, the Old Course, Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon and Turnberry.

Now, those of you who have been fortunate enough to play all or most of those courses, tell me if you don’t agree that the more exhilarating and engaging tests of golf are, for the most part, on the Irish side. Maybe it’s the fact that Ireland is the first line of defense against the winds and surf of the Atlantic, maybe it’s the deeper green of the fairways or the sheer cliffs that drop vertiginously to broad sandy beaches—whatever the reason, there’s something massive and mystical about the great links of Ireland, something that’s missing in their Scottish counterparts.

Whether it’s the 7th tee at Ballybunion, the 17th at Waterville or the 6th at Royal Portrush, the combination of stern shotmaking demands and majestic scenery causes this golfer’s blood to rush.

Scotland appeals in a subtler, quieter way. With the exception of a few holes at Turnberry and Dornoch, we’re low to the ground, down amid the dunes, plying our way across humps and hummocks rather than battling heroically against three-story sandhills and defiant plateau greens. Sure, along with the Irish scenery come some blind shots, goofy kicks and onerous hikes from green to tee. But it’s all part of the invigorating joy, a happy tradeoff for the grandeur of the playground.

Now let’s expand the squads and bring in those young recruits the scouts have been touting. For Team Scotland, there’s Kingsbarns , a nouveau links sculpted artfully by Mark Parsinen and Kyle Phillips from a tract of seaside farmland just outside St. Andrews. Kingsbarns grabs your attention at the 1st hole and never lets go with a series of inspiring and ingeniously plotted holes that look as if they’ve been there for centuries. Currently it ranks among the top 50 courses in the world and should probably be in the top 25.

But that’s it. Scotland has not produced another significant course—at least not one along the sea—in the last two decades. (There are several in the works.)

By contrast, Team Ireland has signed four rising players, each on a different coast: Starting in the east and moving clockwise around the island, they are the European Club (1992), Old Head (1997), Doonbeg (2002) and Carne (1993).The European Club, on Brittas Bay about an hour south of Dublin, is a no-frills mom-and-pop operation owned and run by golf writer-turned-architect Pat Ruddy and his family. Ruddy has nursed the course from humble beginnings into an enthralling and unrelenting test. It features a couple of unorthodox gambits‹steep bunkers sided with wooden-plank ” sleepers” and two extra par 3s (holes 7a and 12a) that bring the course to 20 holes—but there’s not a blind shot in sight and three of the holes (7, 12 and 13) have been ranked among the top 500 in the world.

Old Head, near Kinsale on the southern tip of the island, is set on what is surely the most spectacular golf terrain in the world, a 220-acre promontory high above the Atlantic. A St. Andrews neighbor of mine had described it derisively as “a fine place to walk your dog,” but I found it far more than that. Granted, the tightly cramped setting doesn’t allow for a completely straightforward course, but the six-man tag team of architects did a commendable job of shoehorning the 18 holes. Of course, it’s the holes on the edge of the cliffs (there are nine of them) that make this place something special. Without question, the par-5 12th is the most jaw-dropping 564 yards I have ever walked.

At Doonbeg, Greg Norman was given an incredible setting—a stretch of mammoth, rolling dunes on the west coast halfway between Ballybunion and Lahinch—and he made the most of it. In fact, he made a bit too much. Just as with his first course, the Medalist in Hobe Sound, Florida, the Shark’s first pass seems to have been aimed at his own stellar game more than those of us mere mortals.

When, after hitting the 1 st green with a sand wedge, I faced another sand wedge shot for my first putt of the day, I knew I was in for an adventure. The ensuing four hours included a traffic jam of crisscrossing holes at the center of the course (where the tee shot of one of my fellow players came within a whisker of cold-cocking a wanderer from another hole) and at least three greens where three-putting was not a possibility but  an achievement. But Greg has already begun toning things down, and in another year or so he will undoubtedly have himself a bona fide gem.

Carne, also known by its town name Belmullet, sits on the remote northwesternmost tip of Ireland. In 1984, the locals took it upon themselves to encourage tourism by forming a company, buying 260 seaside acres and commissioning Eddie Hackett (Ireland’s Robert Trent Jones Sr.) to build them a course.

It turned out to be Hackett’s final work, and also his best, an absolutely joyous 18-hole romp through the dunes. Hackett did not move much earth, but in exchange he asks us to trek constantly up to elevated tees, down to nestled greens, and sometimes back up to elevated greens. The result is sort of the Cruden Bay of Ireland, a course as fun to photograph as it is to play, but with arguably the strongest stretch of finishing holes this side of Carnoustie.

Situated as it is, Carne serves as a sort of gateway to a collection of equally undiscovered gems in the northwest of Ireland, and each seems to be outdoing the other for the attention of traveling golfers. There is venerable Sligo, long and treacherous, with fairways that toss your ball mercilessly right and left, and its signature 17th hole, a dogleg par 4 that is one of the hardest in the game.

There is Enniscrone, recent beneficiary of a rerouting that includes six dramatic new holes by Donald Steel set among colossal sand hills.

There is Rosapenna , its original 1891 layout now joined by a new baby brother, a rigorous Pat Ruddy examination called Sandy Hills that some feel will outdo even his European Club.

And there is the excitement of what is to come on the nearby island of Bartra, where after nearly seven years of negotiation, Nick Faldo has purchased 360 acres of duneland, accessible only by hovercraft, and intends to ” handcraft” the ultimate links.The courses of the northwest require a bit of traveling, but what you spend in petrol you’ll save several times over in the green fees and lodging costs that average less than half of those in the rest of Ireland (or Scotland).

The population is sparser, the traffic is less dense, the pace of life is  slower and the scenery is just as stunning as anywhere in the country. Indeed, you never know what you’ll encounter around the next bend. Certainly, on the early morning when I turned onto the road leading to Enniscrone, I had little idea I was about to come face to face with an elephant.

But there he was, all alone on the misty linksland, trunk swaying as he shifted lazily from side to side, staring at me as if I were the one who didn’t belong. I stopped the car and beheld him for a moment, sipping my take-out coffee and wondering whether he was an Indian elephant or an African elephant. I can only say with confidence that he wasn’t Irish. Like your correspondent, he was merely a visitor, taking part in the annual Enniscrone summer carnival.

But the elephant incident wasn’t my biggest surprise as a motorist. That distinction belongs to the day prior, on the rain-slicked road from Belmullet. I don’t know whether I looked away from the road at the map or spent too much time ogling the cliffs of Downpatrick Head. But the next thing I knew, I was skidding through a hairpin right turn, plowing through a wire fence and launching my Focus airborne.

There was just enough time for “Ohmygod, is this it?” to flash through my mind, then I was face-first into an airbag. The car had sailed 20 feet, dropped another 20 and landed nose-down in a pasture of vaguely amused sheep. Smoke was spewing through the dashboard, the car’s headlights were about a foot from my chest and my only escape was by smashing through the passenger-side window. Miraculously, however, I was unhurt—all but my pride.

A dazed 15 minutes later, my belongings and I were crammed into the car of a Good Samaritan named Michael and a short while later delivered into the welcoming arms of the Stella Maris Hotel in Ballycastle, where, also miraculously, the proprietor turned out to be an old friend and colleague, Terry McSweeney, former publications director for the PGA of America.

The rascal had married an Irish girl, Frances Kelley, and the two of them had bought an old convent in Frances’ hometown and converted it into a stunning seaside hotel. Thanks to the nurturing of Terry and Frances—and a 50-mile lift from Terry to the Knock Airport, the closest car-rental location, I was on my way again the next day.

The forbearing if foolish folks at Murray’s Europcar even entrusted me with another set of wheels. I’m not sure I’ll ever be as cautious a driver as my wife wants me to be, but I do know this: Henceforth I will pay heed to all signs that read “Slippery When Wet.”

My over-aggressive driving aside, I must say the Irish road system still has far to go. You have to know it’s not an ideal situation when:

• The guy at the Dublin Airport car rental counter, asked whether he has any cars available with satellite navigation systems, replies, ” No, we’re not set up for that in this country yet. Besides, getting lost is all part of the Irish experience, isn’t it?”
• At intersections, the signposts (which look like a kindergarten kid made them out of popsicle sticks) direct you to the nearest 10 or 12 towns and point in at least that many directions on the compass, despite the fact that your only options are left and right.
• Signs in about half the country—including Dublin—are printed in two languages, English and something only Darby O’Gill and the Little People understand. For example: “Dublin City Centre 4 miles/Dufna Slaegh Tiramisu 6 km.”
• Someone tells you, “It’s a 50-mile drive, but you better allow three hours.”

I’m convinced it’s all been perpetrated by a sect of demented leprechauns who lurk behind those stone walls, giggling at the sight of each steering-wheel-banging motorist.In Ireland, getting there is emphatically not half the fun. But thefrustrations are more than compensated for by the places—and people—you encounter. Several moments stay with me: The proprietor of the Old Presbytery B&B in Kinsale who drove several miles to his son’ s home and back to fetch a charger for my cell phone. The garage mechanic who looked at my deflated tire and said, “I’ll be happy to blow you up—no charge.”

The Adare Manor bellman who led me into my enormous second-floor suite by announcing, “When Bill Clinton came here a few years back, this is where he slept—please don’t ask me who with.”

Mind you, I do not subscribe to the stereotype that all Scots are dour and all Irish are silly-happy, but there is an undeniably brighter hue to the Irish face, a distinct optimism. A Scotsman sees clouds forming and talks of rain. An Irishman ignores the clouds.

I loved the warmth of Ireland, her courses, everything about her—even more than I had two decades earlier. But the bottom-line question still remained:

Is Ireland Better Than Scotland as a Destination for Golfers?

Uh— no.There are three reasons Scotland wins this match. The first is benchstrength. Once you get past those starting squads and hot new recruits—when you dig down to the next dozen courses on each side, and the dozen after that—the edge shifts firmly back to Scotland. There are simply more good links courses in Scotland—many more—than in Ireland.

Scotland, let it be known, also has a far more organized and modern road system—but the truth is, you don¹t need to do much driving, and that’s reason number two. If you want, you can stay in one place your entire visit, play a different course each day for a week or so, never drive more than half an hour and never play a less than top-quality course.

In the Ayr region, in addition to Troon and Turnberry, there’s Old Prestwick (site of the first 12 Opens), Prestwick St. Nicholas, Western Gailes, Barassie and the refurbished Kintyre Course at Turnberry, not to mention the private Dundonald (if you can get on).

Near Muirfield there’s Gullane Nos. 1 and 2, North Berwick, Luffness, Longniddry and Dunbar (all links courses, all British Open qualifying sites). In the Highlands it’s a bit more spread out, but you can easily make a week out of the courses at Dornoch, Skibo, Nairn, Brora and Tain, plus Neil Hobday’s just-renovated course and club at Spey Bay.

But make no mistake, the ultimate one-stop mecca is St. Andrews—and now more than ever. Why go anywhere else when there are four superb links courses (Old, New, Jubilee, Eden) within walking distance of town; four more beauties (Kingsbarns, the Duke’s, the Devlin and Torrance at the Fairmont St. Andrews Bay) within a 15-minute drive; four links charmers in the fishing villages of Crail, Lundin, Elie and Leven (all less than a half-hour away); and four parkland beauties (three at Gleneagles, one at Blairgowrie) within an hour’s drive. And lest we forget, Carnoustie is just 45 minutes away. That’s 17 courses—with an 18th, St. Andrews’ Castle, on the way.

Ultimately, Ireland never had a chance for the simple reason that Scotland’s head start was insurmountable. It is the place where golf was born, the place that has given us Old Tom Morris, the featherie, the Road Hole, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, and 88 British Open Championships. My heart is where my home is – lay me down in the cradle of golf.

But I will confess: Now and then, there’s nothing like an Irish fling.

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Scotland vs Ireland: Which is the best golf destination?

Coke or Pepsi?….. Cats or Dogs?…… Tiger or Jack? Ahhhhh, some of life’s unanswerable questions.

We’ve got another one for you and, considering we’re all about playing golf around the world here at YGT, you can probably guess the theme. When it comes to golf, which is best for a golf break? Scotland vs Ireland golf – which will pip the post?

We’re sure plenty of you have experienced the joys of golf in either country or maybe even both. So be sure to join the discussion in the comments section at the bottom of the article. But first, let’s see what two of our most experienced staff members at YGT have to say on the matter.

In the green corner, fighting for Ireland, we have Tom Stephenson, and in the blue corner, for Scotland, we have our plastic but endlessly passionate Scotsman Rob Houston.

So, in the words of Michael Buffer, “LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMBBBLLLLE!”

Golf Travel Regional Manager UK & Ireland

Golf Travel Team Manager, UK & Ireland

The categories they gave their opinion on were:

Championship Golf Societies Couples High Handicap Golfers

Low Handicap Golfers Luxury Nightlife Scenery

Golf Breaks with Championship Golf

Championship golf in scotland.

Scotland Vs Ireland golf, it’s a no brainer to me why Scotland is superior. So why does Scotland offer better championship golf than Ireland? Well…golf was invented in Scotland, so to put it simply: it is The Home of Golf.

Scotland has 7 Open Championship courses ( Carnoustie / Prestwick / Royal Troon / Turnberry / Muirfield / Musselburgh) and if that’s not enough, European Tour events like The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (which includes Kingsbarns , The Old Course and Carnoustie) as well as the Scottish Open, a European Tour Rolex Series event, are also an annual stop for Europe’s finest golfers.

The Scottish Open was first held at Downfield GC near Dundee, before moving to the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club for 15 years and then the likes of Castle Stuart , Royal Aberdeen , Gullane , Dundonald Links & The Renaissance Club.

The Ryder Cup, the greatest team event in men’s golf, has been held at Gleneagles & Muirfield. Scotland has also played host to many qualifying events and the Seniors or Ladies events too.

Scotland has hosted more major golf tournaments than the Island of Ireland by a staggering number. The courses are household names amongst us armchair golfers, as well as being on all of our bucket lists.

Championship Golf in Ireland

The European Tour has visited the Emerald Island on numerous occasions and has also hosted one of the most famous Ryder Cups in recent memory. Darren Clarke, playing after tragically losing his wife, took centre stage as Team Europe battled the USA en route to a record victory.

The Irish Open has been held all over Ireland too, and following in the footsteps of your heroes is relatively easy. Venues such as Portmarnock Old , Druids Glen , The K Club , Fota Island , Ballybunion and Carton House have all hosted the cream of the crop on The European Tour, and are easily accessible to visiting golfers.

Royal Portrush is the only course outside of Scotland and England to have hosted The Open, most recently in 2019, and with The Ryder Cup heading back to Ireland again in 2027; championship golf in Ireland just keeps going from strength to strength. It’s not often that you are able to play one of the most famous courses in the world without certain restrictions so a golf break to Ireland really must include a round at Royal Portrush.

According to many, Royal County Down is currently the No.1 Golf course in the world…not even Scotland can lay claim to having the best in the business! That alone is the only reason you need to look no further when trying to compare golf breaks in the UK.

Scotland vs Ireland Golf for Societies & Groups

Golf in scotland for societies.

In my opinion, Scotland just nips ahead of Ireland as being best for Golf Societies as well. There is a trip out there for every budget and every group.

If we start with the resorts, there are six resorts with two+ courses in Scotland. These cater for every society group depending upon budget and location ( Green Hotel , Murrayshall , Dalmahoy , Fairmont St Andrews , Turnberry and Gleneagles ). They’re well spread through the central belt of Scotland.

To join these resorts you have some fantastic town & city breaks, that offer not just a range of differing courses all within close proximity but the opportunity for nightlife as well. The best spots being at the Ayrshire Coast , Edinburgh , St Andrews , Aberdeen and Inverness . These areas offer a good range of different accommodation as well as courses that are easily reachable and varied.

Every group that visits Scotland, no matter the location, is sure to find some great Scottish Hospitality.

Golf in Ireland for Societies

When it comes to Scotland vs Ireland golf for groups and those looking to get away or a society break, Ireland and Northern Ireland offers some great options. Not only do the Irish do everything in their power to make you feel at home, they welcome everyone – golfers and non-golfers. This, in my opinion, is why you see so many return trips to Ireland – The Welcoming!

The main attraction Ireland offers for groups and bigger parties is the luxury of having two courses on-site, or a second course close by. Druids Glen , K Club , Carton House , to name a few are all European Tour venues, these all have 36 holes on site. They are a test for all abilities when it comes to skill level, and all have 5* hotels to match on-site, with access to all leisure facilities. This is ideal for non golfers in the group, or to relax after a tough day on the Links.

With venues offering just one course, I always look at Dublin , Cork , Killarney & Belfast for suggestions. These areas consist of amazing golf to add on for a mini “tour”, great hotels, and of course, the attraction of getting out for a drink in the evening on your doorstep. Everyone likes a drop of the black stuff, right?!

The best attraction for groups in Northern Ireland is either to stay on-site at Lough Erne and play the two tough courses there or to stay in Portrush . Staying in Portrush offers a 10 minute drive to Portstewart , Castlerock and of course the two courses at Royal Portrush. Splitting the courses over a few days within the group means you get easier access to the courses. This is by far the premium Northern Ireland golf trip. If Belfast is the option you want, Royal Belfast is a must! It’s the oldest golf club in Ireland and is minutes away from the home of former world No.1 Rory McIlroy and his home course, Hollywood.

If Royal County Down is your choice, paired with the two courses on-site and Ardglass , you have some of the best golf in the UK!

Golf Breaks for Couples

Golf in scotland for couples.

To say I would be biased here is an understatement, having got engaged at the stunning Gleneagles Resort . I cannot think of a better couples getaway than a trip to Scotland. Scotland has everything to offer from the romance of Loch Ness, the rugged beauty of the Highlands to the majestic Trossachs and Cairngorms. Just make sure you relax & take in your surroundings.

Not only can you take in the beauty of Scotland’s scenery, but when you get off the courses you can listen to the Piper marching at the front of Turnberry in the evening, enjoying gastronomy in Scotland’s only 2 Michelin star restaurant Andrew Fairlies at Gleneagles or the mountain views out of your room at The Spey Valley Resort . Romance and relaxation can be found everywhere.

Whether you opt for the splendour of Scotland’s 5* resorts ( Turnberry , Gleneagles , The Old Course Hotel or Fairmont St Andrews ), the Old Manor House Hotels of Murrayshall , Mar Hall & The Dalmahoy or choose a relaxing weekend getaway at one of Scotland’s other resorts ( Green Hotel / Spey Valley / Westerwood / Cardrona ), there is something here for every couple. Playing golf and enjoying the luxurious spas the hotels have to offer is the best place to rekindle the magic.

Golf in Ireland for Couples

Couples golf in Ireland is becoming ever more popular, with the amazing 5* hotels, a day in the spa, and huge hotel grounds for romantic walks. Ireland gives couples the best chance to recharge and enjoy some time away from the hectic 9-5 working world.

My personal favourites would be Druids Glen , Carton House , Galgorm Golf and Spa Resort , Trump International at Doonbeg , The Heritage Resort , Portmarnock Links , Adare Manor to name a few. Each of these have fantastic golf, offering some amazing views across the landscape, and some of the best spa offers money can find.

Adare Manor even won the 2020 award of Michelin Sommelier, so sitting down in a 5* hotel with a 5* meal, comes with a 5* wine list, what an amazing option to have. I don’t know of many hotels in the UK that offer a wine list to this extreme! Not to mention, it is going to host the Ryder Cup in 2027. For me, this is the memory maker and a chance to brag to your friends about the trip you have just booked or have been on.

Galgorm Hotel offers so much more than golf. If you’re staying for a few days, why not try a days horse riding or an afternoon clay pigeon shooting. The golf course is also host to the Challenge Tour’s Northern Irish Open, hosted by one of the world’s most famous boy band members, Niall Horan and his management company Modest Golf!

The majority of golf and spa hotels in Ireland offer more than just one restaurant option. This is a huge plus when it comes to travelling abroad, as not everyone goes for the same menu or food. So when looking to travel to a UK destination, if you’re a foodie who wants to relax and enjoy some time with your partner, Ireland is the place to be.

Scotland vs Ireland Golf for High Handicap Golfers

Golf in scotland for high handicap golfers.

With golf in Scotland, most people associate it with Championship Courses as we talked about above, however, there is golf for all abilities. The resorts of Dalmahoy / Fairmont St. Andrews and Turnberry all have a 2nd course that play very well for the higher handicapper. To support these resorts you also have the likes of Macdonald Cardrona / Westerwood / Craigielaw & The Green Hotel which are all fantastic resort courses that cater well for beginners.

Outside of the resorts, there are fantastic courses suitable for the higher handicapper as part of a tour. A particular favourite for me would be Troon Darley and Belleisle over on the Ayrshire Coast. I must also mention Nairn Dunbar and Boat of Garten up towards the highlands and Peebles and The Glen down towards the borders. They are surrounded by championship courses and often overlooked by other golfers, meaning availability is normally pretty good. These courses are keen to impress and prove themselves that the hidden gem is as good as any course out there.

Golf in Ireland for High Handicap Golfers

All abilities of golf need to be catered for in order to have a good trip. Ireland easily ticks the boxes for this requirement.

The higher handicapped golfers should look towards the courses that are more forgiving, enjoyable and fun. The courses I have been to and do suggest would be Castleknock , Roe Park , Templepatrick , Moyvalley to name a few. The hotels on-site offer great bar choices, dining options and with the majority of resorts, they will still be near a town for a night out.

The courses above offer a range of tees to suit all lengths, so from the beginners in the group to the players at the stronger end, everyone is catered for.

Irish golf is often looked at as tough, demanding and for the lower handicaps, but this is a myth, the golf here can be catered for everyone, mixed abilities of ladies and gents, low to high handicaps.

Golf Breaks for Low Handicap Golfers

Golf in scotland for low handicap golfers.

Why is Scotland better for the lower handicapper? Simply put, it’s because of the sheer number of championship courses available and I must reiterate it being the home of Links golf . The Links Association claims there are only 247 true Links courses in the World and Scotland has 85 of these, spread throughout the country. Then take in the ever-changing weather and even the best golfers can struggle to tame the game – Carnarsty got its nickname for a reason.

You can follow in the footsteps of your golfing Heroes with The Open rota courses , trying to emulate their famous shots and put yourself against the low scores posted. The likes of Western Gailes , North Berwick , Royal Aberdeen , Nairn , Royal Dornoch are just a few of the older courses that make you have to plot your way around the courses and not just overpower. Then there are the newer courses that have been so well designed they push themselves into the UK’s top 100 straightaway. Special mention to Kingsbarns , Dumbarnie , Trump Aberdeen , Castle Stuart and Spey Valley .

Go to the courses you know the best players have been. The places that have made legends. The places that can truly test your skills.

Golf in Ireland for Low Handicap Golfers

Irish golf – Where to start when talking about a tough challenge. The links golf in Ireland is second to none. Longer golf courses, a continuous mental battle and so much more.

The lower handicapped golfers think they can play any course and eat it up, but not Ireland! Tralee , Ballybunion , Waterford , European Club , Portmarnock , Old Head Links , Dunluce at Portrush for example are all links golf courses, and you need to know how to play all shots in order to play well. Sometimes, 30 Stableford points looks like a bad day, but not on these types of courses.

The wind can come at you from all angles, rain at any second and bright sunshine the next! All 4 corners of Ireland offer the best challenges, there is not one spot I can put my finger on that is better than the other.

In my opinion, and if you can financially afford, is to definitely do 3-4 days and 4-5 rounds. Enjoy the hospitality on offer, enjoy the tough tests on offer, and make some of the best golfing memories possible. You never know who you may bump into – rumour has you could meet some of best golfers in the world warming up on the Links before The Open.

Luxury Golf Breaks

Luxury golf breaks in scotland.

I don’t see how Ireland can compete here, as golfers going to Scotland you have so much choice around luxury, it is not just the courses. All 5* properties have fantastic dining opportunities eg Andrew Fairlies at Gleneagles . Who doesn’t want to open their curtains onto views overlooking the Ailsa course at Turnberry . All the luxurious options have recently been refurbished and offer everything you would expect for a 5* hotel.

When it comes to Gleneagles, not many hotels can compete with its Breakfast, then there also is the Johnnie Walker Blue lounge. Take in a cigar and your own personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is always pretty special. This hotel has been voted consistently in the top hotels in the world.

The Old Course Hotel & Fairmont St Andrews both have fantastic spas and either views looking back over the town of St Andrews or of the Road Hole. The Old Course Hotel also has a vast selection of Whisky so no matter your palate there will be a wee dram to help you sleep at night – my personal favourite the Macallan M at £1200 a go.

On top of that, you have got the Jigger Inn owned by the hotel that sits alongside The Road Hole, where you can have one of the best club sandwiches around, swilled down with their own Jigger Ale brewed locally. If you want to stay somewhere more Boutique in style then head to Macleod House part of the Trump complex in Aberdeen , or Greywalls Hotel in the East Lothian fantastic hotels that over you a fantastic Scottish experience. Tartans are resplendent and give a very cosy feel to your stay, making it feel almost like your home away from home.

Along with the amazing accommodation offerings you have got other activities as well. Whisky is probably Scotland’s biggest export. There are numerous different distillery tours on offer around the country to visit with each region having its own unique tastes. If you like peaty Whisky make sure you get some of the Islay Whiskys (Ardbeg etc…) or if you prefer something more rounded try Dalmore. Why not also look at Deer Stalking & Falconry two of the more distinguished activities available in Scotland’s cherished countryside to supplement your golfing experience.

Luxury Golf Breaks in Ireland

Every country in the world offers amazing 5* hotels, including amazing dining options, as well as luxurious Spas and much more. Ireland is no different!

Wherever you look across the North / South divide you can find something on a budget, or the high end extreme. If luxury is what you’re after look no further than the Sleeve Donard , Mount Juliet , Castlemartyr , Farnham Estate , Dromoland Castle & Lough Eske Castle to name a few. With huge rooms, luxury amenities and robes to match, why not order room service and chill with some bubbles in some of the finest rooms on show.

The spa at the majority of the 5* hotels in Ireland are award-winning, and not only do they come with indoor spa area’s, but some even offer outdoor options. A glass of the finest Champagne and a hot tub bubbling away, make for an amazing trip.

Some of the best options, in my opinion, can be found in the South West of Ireland. Looking at the Aghadoe Heights Hotel or Muckross Hotel and Spa , playing some amazing links golf. If money isn’t an issue, we can look at organising travel in your personal helicopter! Yes, we have had numerous requests for this. Flying from these hotels gives easier access to some further golf, including the likes of Lahinch or Doonbeg!

Upgrading on some of these rooms do come at a cost, but for a special anniversary of just a one off, it’s pretty cool to be able to say you have stayed in a castle.

Golf Breaks with Nightlife

Golf breaks with nightlife in scotland.

Scotland offers such a variety of after-golf activities. As mentioned previously Whisky is quite possibly Scotland’s most famous export, with over 130 different distilleries spread throughout the country There is also an abundance of history and culture with famous castles and battles of independence against Edwards Longshanks (The Hammer of Scotland). Head to Stirling Castle for a look back in time with William Wallace or visit Edinburgh Castle where the Stone of Scone (The Coronation Stone) is back in residence.

In my opinion, there is no greater city than Edinburgh . It has everything you could want on offer; take in the architecture or for a night out, head to Rose Street or Haymarket. Glasgow is no different with a great night out to be found down Sauchiehall Street.

Outside of these 2 cosmopolitan hubs, there is great nightlife to be had in other golfing areas where you can find a great local pub or bar. St Andrews and Ayr as university towns offer very different types of nights out but both great fun for golfing groups.

The booming market of craft beers is evident in Scotland with the likes of BrewDog who have opened up bars in all areas, even Edinburgh Airport. The Old Course Hotel has The Jigger Ale served in the Jigger Inn too. Where better than to sit on a sunny evening watching players struggle with The Road Hole whilst supping a great ale. Not to be outdone, Turnberry has also got the Ailsa Amber Lager, again to be enjoyed looking over the 18th fairway of the Ailsa thinking back to how Tom Watson threw away the 2009 open.

No matter what sort of extracurricular activities you want after your golf, Scotland has it all in abundance.

Golf Breaks with Nightlife in Ireland

Nightlife? Well, what can I Say? Why would you want to go anywhere else other than Ireland?

When I think of a golf trip, I don’t instantly think “the trip must be all about the golf”, I think, let’s choose somewhere that we can get off-site for a few hours after. No matter what corner of Ireland you are in, everyone can enjoy a night out of town. With the constant live music over a weekend, you really will struggle to find an empty bar. Top tip: the deciding factor of which bar to choose from would be how busy it is.

Every single city/town in Ireland has a pub that all the locals go to and here you can get the real Irish flare. Local stews brewing away, and finishing the night with an Irish Coffee, what more do you need?

The big attraction of Ireland is Dublin and it draws in the crowds. With the Guinness Factory and Jameson distillery, what more could you want to do for a day away from the course.

Cork has a strip of bars and drinking holes that stay open to the late evening. Killarney has a brewing company in the city, with craft ales and a pizza oven, Belfast has a bar on every corner it seems, and Galway is known for its nightlife.

In terms of where to go, Scotland or Ireland, I don’t think there is a comparison – There is never a bad word said about a weekend away with your pals in Ireland. And according to the drinks business, Guinness is the 10th most famous alcoholic drink in the world, not the UK, the WORLD!

Scenic Golf Breaks

Scenic golf breaks in scotland.

Scotland cannot be beaten for nature, views and the general aura around its natural habitats. Golf in this instance is no different, the views from the golf resorts and courses around the country are second to none. I mentioned that Scotland has 82 of the 240+ official links courses in the world. Just think back to the famous pictures from the Ailsa course at Turnberry , you are spoilt for views here, looking back up to the beautiful white hotel, out to sea and the Ailsa Craig or even the famous lighthouse.

Head across the country and play either the Castle Course or either of the Fairmont St Andrews courses and you can look down on to the spectacular view of St Andrews. There are also views of the famous Forth Bridge from Bruntsfield Links . There will never be a shortage of sea views when playing golf in Scotland, even the scenes from Trump Aberdeen cant be spoilt by the wind farm, it just seems to add to the majesty of it all.

There are the rugged inland views on a heathland course like The Duke’s , Blairgowrie and Ladybank . Spey Valley and Boat of Garten have the mountainous backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park. The views do not stop there as Gleneagles and The Kings Course , in particular, give you a stunning lookout of the Trossachs. Those lucky enough to be invited to play at Loch Lomond or that can nip to its neighbour Cameron House can take in the stunning Loch Lomond itself. The pièce de résistance has to be The Highlands where Scotland is at its best with Brora , Tain and Royal Dornoch .

What you also have to consider when you look at these courses is the thoroughfares to get to them, take yourself off the main routes and take the lesser-known road and see what the Scottish countryside has to offer particularly with the North Coast 500. As the famous song, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond goes:- “you’ll take the highroad & I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore you”.

All of the above and I have not even mentioned the most famous golf photo in the whole of golf worldwide: The 18th hole at St Andrews and the Swilcan Bridge . One of the most iconic must-see views of all.

Scenic Golf Breaks in Ireland

When it comes to views in the Scotland vs Ireland golf comparison, I’d say the scenery are both pretty close. On their good days, you can look out the coastline and see for miles in both destinations.

Wow factors that give Ireland the edge here is that the majority of world-famous films have actually taken place here. Films such as Star Wars & Game of Thrones provide some of the jaw-dropping backdrops.

The best setting for golf courses in Ireland is often found right on the edge of a cliff. A tee shot two yards sideways could be out of bounds or the ocean. Courses such as Old Head , Portmarnock old and links, Trump International Doonbeg , Wicklow , Ballycastle are touching distance with the ocean. This brings in the tough challenge of the wind and rain and a true links test.

In the West of Ireland you have courses such as Connemara , Carne Link s & Dingle . Next stop and the next piece of land is the USA!

The winner of the most picturesque resorts and courses has to go to Ireland. My favourites are Adare Manor , set in the grounds of the most perfectly laid turf (and a castle!). The European Club with its rolling sand dunes and links and County Louth where you can hear a pin drop. I mustn’t forget County Sligo for the mountain range backdrops, Lahinch for the naturalists in us, Ballybunion for breathtaking scenery. Royal Belfast , the oldest golf club in Ireland, has the backdrop of the Titanic museum. Of course, the world’s Number 1 ranked course, Royal County Down is a stunner. The rolling hills, the rolling dunes, the perfect and purest golfing photo is to take place here and not on a bridge in Scotland.

Scotland vs Ireland Golf – Both Winners

It’s a tough call. Scotland and Ireland are both incredible destinations to visit not only for the golf, but for off course activities too.

If you have visited either destination, drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts. If you’re in the process of planning a trip, hopefully our first-hand experiences have helped you to decide which is the best golf break for you.

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Ireland vs. Scotland: An expert decides which nation really is the king of golf

Need an expert on Scottish and Irish golf? Tom Coyne wrote the book on them. The author has penned several critically acclaimed tomes, including A Course Called Ireland , for which he played all of its seaside holes in 16 weeks, and his latest book, A Course Called Scotland , where he played 111 rounds across the country in less than two months. After seeing just about everything both nations have to offer, here’s how Coyne breaks it down.

After all the miles, the money, the months I’d spent as a father in absentia while traveling and writing my books, there is the inevitable reckoning: Was Scotland or Ireland king of the links? Where would I send the golfer with one cross-Atlantic trip in his bag? Where did my links-loving heart truly lie?

It’s time to stop dodging the question for fear of souring the feelings of dear friends in either golfing Eden. In A Course Called Ireland and now A Course Called Scotland, I’ve played my way around the entirety of both countries and have amassed enough memories and proclivities to definitively wade into this golf traveler’s debate. Let’s settle it in a nine-hole Ireland vs. Scotland match-play standoff, in which I won’t allow myself the luxury of a draw.

Hole 1: History

I’ll start with an easy and uncontentious category. While an Irish golf tour can educate you on Celtic pre-history and hard-fought independence and great battles of the British Isles as you cruise past crumbling castles in your luxury bus, Ireland’s golf history is relatively young in comparison to Scotland’s ancient connection to the game. Every Scottish links seems to hold an encyclopedic mass of golf legend, and the Morris and Robertson lore at St. Andrews make it a required pilgrimage for any golf history buff. The names of all the game’s greats haunt Scotland’s holes; golf history reigns in its birthplace.

Scotland 1 up

Hole 2: Value

The softened euro has made golf in Ireland even more budget friendly, but the falling pound post-Brexit is helping out Scottish visitors as well. Both countries boast upmarket, big-ticket tracks for golfers who don’t care about cost and want to cross Kingsbarns or Ballybunion or Turnberry or Old Head off their bucket list, and both also offer shocking value for golfers willing to travel off the beaten tourist path (Strandhill, Carne, Ardglass, Connemara are budget savers in Ireland, as are Brora, Crail, Nairn, and Kilspindie in Scotland). It’s a close call on the best deal, but Ireland’s northwest counties of Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal present a vast smorgasbord of world-class golf at absurd prices. Bargain hunters willing to roam will revel in their Irish finds. Point, Ireland.

Hole 3: Accommodations/Food and Drink

B&B’s can be of very high standard in Ireland or Scotland, and both destinations have caught on to Americans’ penchant for big rooms and large showers, so either hub can sort you out for luxury golf accommodations. The food in either country is better than you expect, and relatively similar—great seafood, gorgeous soups, and surprising pockets of gourmet gastronomy to dispel former prejudices about dining in the British Isles. So it comes down to libations, as it often does on such golf trips. Scottish whisky versus Irish whiskey is a debate of such size and sensitivity that I dare not touch it here, so we’ll leave it to the pints. And as the advertisements around Ireland proclaim, Guinness is good for you. This one goes to Ireland.

Ireland 1 up

Hole 4: Convenience

Dublin tends to offer more direct flights from the States then Edinburgh or Glasgow (you might have to connect through London), but once you have arrived, Ireland can’t quite hold its own when it comes to the ease of a Scottish golf jaunt. Ireland’s links are mighty, but they are also widely spread around the island, while you can drop anchor in a half-dozen golf towns in Scotland (Prestwick, North Berwick, Aberdeen, Inverness) and play for a week without ever re-packing your bag. Advantage Scotland.

Hole 5: People

For all the friends I made in Scotland with whom I will play and exchange inappropriate text messages for the rest of my life, there is something almost mythic about the nature of Irish hospitality. While some Scots operate with an air of British propriety, in Ireland, there are no strangers anywhere, visitors included. The welcomes you receive and the efforts that the Irish will go to in making sure you are enjoying your visit will boggle your travel-weary mind. Ask an Irishman where the golf course is, and he’s just as likely to tell you as he is to hop in your car and drive you there.

Hole 6: Golf Quantity

Even the most devoted Hibernian linksman will concede that Ireland can’t compete with the sheer mass of Scottish links and parkland courses available to visitors (roughly 300 vs. 550). Not only are there myriad layouts to choose from in Scotland, but they often arrive in travel-friendly clusters in which links play right up against one another (see Royal Aberdeen and Murcar, or Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes). Study a golf map of Scotland and you’ll be overwhelmed with the gluttony of options, and you’ll understand the indecisiveness behind my once playing 107 of them in 57 days. It’s hard to know when to stop. Scotland takes this one.

Hole 7: Golf Quality

This is a coin-flip category for sure—with Scotland possessing a good chunk of the Open rota courses, you’d think Turnberry and Troon and Carnoustie and the Old would make it the heavyweight favorite for best courses. But for me, you travel to either country for links golf, and links golf is golf in the dunes. And when it comes to dunes, Scotland possesses perhaps one or two rivals (Askernish and Cruden Bay) to the behemoth sand ranges one finds in Ireland’s Carne, Tralee, Portrush, Lahinch, and Enniscrone. They’re not just big, but they offer a sense of natural, unspoiled drama that stirs the golfing soul. While many Scottish links can feel more subtle in their quality, most Irish versions will slap you across the face with shots you had only seen in your dreams.

Hole 8: Golf Quirkiness You travel far to see and play golf you can’t find at home, and while Irish courses hold their own eccentricities, the quirks of Cullen and Covesea in Scotland (two short courses played through what feels like an archeological excavation), the Rockies par-three at Anstruther (perhaps the hardest and most preposterous 3-shot hole on the planet), the sliding-into-the-ocean fairways of Stonehaven, or the incomparable twelve-hole layout of Shiskine, a geological wonder of a course that I could go around for the rest of my days, Scotland’s golf peculiarities ensure you will return home well-stocked with preposterous stories.

Hole 9: Fun

They call it the craic in Ireland (pronounced crack, don’t feel weird if someone tells you where you can find some), it translates to fun, and it is a word you will hear often and come to know deeply during an Irish golf tour. Scotland is tough to top for a real golf-head, a player passionate about history and course design, or for a student of the finer points of links golf. It’s also unbeatable for those who want to avoid the tour bus and golf their brains out. But when it comes to pure fun, craic is an official Irish pastime. They practice the art of simple joys with an air of carefree contentedness that make Irish days feel like gifts, even the rainy ones. (I was going to include weather as a category, but it’s too simply a draw, with a daily chance of rain, chance of sun around either coastline.) From the pub jokes to the caddy blarney to the hosts set on sending you home smiling, Ireland gets the nod when it comes to laughs. And as I tend to recall the laughter more than I recall the golf shots, fun seems a fit tiebreaker for this epic golf clash.

Ireland wins, 1 up

A Course Called Scotland is Tom Coyne’s fourth book. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and two daughters, and is an associate professor of English at St. Joseph’s University. Learn more about Tom on his website .

The 19th Hole (Ep. 58): Ireland vs. Scotland, which golf destination is better?

It’s Scotland versus Ireland on this edition of The 19th Hole with Michael Williams, as Irish Ambassador to the United States Daniel Mulhall and Visit Scotland Golf Director David Connor throw down on which destination is best. And don’t miss Michael’s suggestions for courses to play in Ireland and Scotland.

Check out the full podcast on SoundCloud below, or click here to listen on iTunes!

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Mondays Off: Don’t let pride dictate your golf equipment decisions, Rickie vs. Bryson

We share your golf passion. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX , Facebook and Instagram .

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Scottish Irish Combination Deluxe

If you can’t decide whether to travel to Scotland or Ireland, then do both on our SW Ireland & Best of Scotland package with Guaranteed St Andrews Old Course.

Along with a guaranteed time on St Andrews Old , this package also includes British Open venue Carnoustie Championship , St Andrews Castle Course of David McLay Kidd fame, and the 3 best courses in SW Ireland, Ballybunion Old , Waterville , and Lahinch Old .  Deluxe Hotel accommodations.

Availability is limited – Please call for specific dates.

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Day 1 Arrive in Ireland Enjoy your first 2 nights at a 5 Star Hotel in Killarney, one of the most picturesque towns in the Southwest.

Day 2 Play Waterville Course Although it does not have the history of Ballybunion, this majestic links course perched on Ballinskelligs Bay has become accepted as one of the finest courses of its kind anywhere in the world. Long but not hilly, it is enjoyable to walk, with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kerry Mountains. Each hole has individual characteristics and every club in the bag will be needed.

Day 3 Play Ballybunion Old Course Undoubtedly, Ireland’s most famous golf course – a place of giant sand hills and deep valleys, this links course is a treat for the senses. Wildly beautiful and spectacularly located, when the wind lashes in from the Atlantic, this is not a place for the faint-hearted!

Spend the following 2 nights at Trump Doonbeg. Day 4 Play Lahinch Old Course or Trump Doonbeg Lahinch is steeped in history and the features of this famous course are carved out of natural terrain. The Old Course is the permanent home of the South of Ireland Open Amateur Championship (first played in 1895). This course also regularly hosts the Irish National Amateur and Professional Championships.

Doonbeg Course, redesigned from 2014-2016 by the great Dr. Martin Hawtree, the course has kept its original integrity by allowing the soul of the land to flourish while enhancing the playability and greens of each hole.

Day 5 Travel to Scotland Spend your next 3 nights at a 5 Star Hotel in St Andrews, the home of golf.

Play St Andrews Castle Course St Andrews Castle Course is located 2 miles outside of St Andrews, occupying a majestic cliff-top setting, which has been converted from a flat potato farm into a roller coaster ride of gargantuan proportions. David McLay Kidd, the young Scotsman responsible for Bandon Dunes, deserves all of the credit for creating a seaside gem, more than worthy of carrying the St. Andrews name.

Day 6 Play Carnoustie Championship Course Dating back to 1560, Carnoustie is described as one of the true wonders of the golf world. Frequently used for the British Open, this 18-hole layout presents one of the greatest challenges for any player at the top of his game. Day 7 Play St. Andrews Old Course on a Guaranteed Starting Time It was nature that formed St. Andrews over the centuries, and the St. Andrews Old Course has seen little change from its original layout. From as early as 1552, this course has been visited by Royalty, as well as the greatest golfers the world has known. From the 1st hole crossing the bridge over the famous Swilcan Burn, to the 18th with its notorious Valley of Sin, there is no other golf course with the history of the St. Andrews Old Course.

Day 8 Depart Scotland.

• 7 Nights 5 Star Hotel Accommodations
• Full Breakfast each morning
• 6 Rounds of Championship Golf, including St Andrews Old
• Rental Vehicle in Ireland shared by 4
• Rental Vehicle in Scotland shared by 4
• All local taxes

Courses in this Trip

• Ballybunion Old Course
• Lahinch Old
• St Andrews Castle
• Carnoustie Championship
• St Andrews Old Course

Starting at $9,760 per golfer

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Ireland vs. Scotland: Which is the better golf destination?

By Mike Stachura and E. Michael Johnson Golf is not so much our profession as it is our passion at Golf Digest, and often that passion translates to philosophical, analytical, ideological and, occasionally, idiotic workplace discussions about the game. During this time of pause in our sport (and in the world at large), we decided to take these office conversations online in hopes of providing a welcome distraction.

In our latest instalment of the “Great Golf Debates,” E. Michael Johnson and Mike Stachura tackle the pressing question: Which is the better golf destination, Ireland or Scotland?

Mike Stachura: A debate over Ireland and Scotland? Why not choose something more straightforward like who makes the best barbecue (I see you, Memphis and Kansas City, but please let me introduce you to the great state of Alabama). Or maybe who’s the coolest behavioural economist (Leavitt is funny stuff, but really Kahneman is the OG, obviously). Or why not your favourite Friend? (Rachel? Monica? Phoebe? Please. Clearly, poignantly, with a passion that makes the soul ache for a thousand ages, Mr. Heckles). But be that as it may, let’s, as the witty internet equipment guru likes to say, get stuck in.

Ireland is a love song sung by Glen Hansard with a voice on the edge of romance and regret, filling up a Dublin side street just after the bars have closed. Scotland is a sombre, quiet, wistful, majestic comedy that is as much reflection as it is celebration, like Local Hero. In Ireland, you always want to have another drink even if you don’t drink—and someone is always there to buy you one. In Scotland, you always want to stay another week. Or month. Or forever. Oh, what? You wanted to talk about the golf? It’s the same thing.

Scotland seems a tour through golf’s rugged history (Prestwick, Dornoch and, obviously, St. Andrews, although there are incomparable others on that list, from Crail to Cruden Bay). At every turn, it feels like every course should be played twice to understand that what first seems impossible or goofy is actually entirely navigable and in a word, genius. In Ireland, the best golf always seems to have a twinkle in its eye before smashing a shillelagh across your left temple. But then it picks you up and has a laugh with you. Royal County Down is famous for this, but so are the par 3s at Portmarnock and the par 4s at Ballybunion Old, all of which are lovingly described in that perfectly Irish phrase that is at once compliment, joke and threat, “an absolute cracker.” That phrase has been summarized to mean “beyond brilliant.” So if golf in Scotland is brilliant, I’d say golf in Ireland might be an absolute cracker.

E. Michael Johnson: Hmmmmm. The home of golf versus golf that feels homey. In full disclosure I’ve spent far more time in Ireland than Scotland, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate both. Perhaps not fully understand but understand enough. You’ve done a lovely job of setting things up with impeccable pearls of prose worthy of such lovely lands that I can’t even hope to match, so I won’t even try. As the commercial said, “Stay in your lane, bro.” For me that mostly means golf and drinking, neither of which are in your wheelhouse. OK, you do know golf. I mean, weren’t you travel editor of Golf Digest for about three weeks once? But I digress.

What’s difficult about picking a side is it depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want to be standing on the tee at St. Andrews with its clubhouse and 600 years of accumulated history bearing down on you and the sense that you are following in historical footprints set centuries earlier or do you want to make the wonderfully beautiful drive out on the Ring of Kerry to the peaceful splendour of Waterville G.C., perhaps stopping at Tralee either on the way there or on the way back? Although both places are among the last strongholds of that endangered species known as the caddie, do you prefer the Irish loopers who tend to be more jovial and good storytellers or the old-time Scots who, while often more businesslike, have the kind of local knowledge you’d expect from a seasoned tour veteran? It’s a tougher decision than whether or not to start watching “Tiger King.”

MS: Once we get coronavirus kicked, I’m hoping the CDC also just as quickly develops a “Tiger King” vaccine. And while drinking might not be in my wheelhouse, I’m willing to learn. Even tried Guinness when I was in Portrush a couple years back. Tasted like what finding a sweater in your bag on the back nine of a late October round feels like. And the Harbour Bar is one of those places you more or less have to feel. It’s not the food or even the drink. It’s just a sense that time doesn’t matter, laughter comes easier and why am I paying for a therapist and an investment advisor when this guy behind the bar is solving all my problems with quotes from Yeats and Seamus Heaney.

Scotland has some of those places, too. The music’s just not as good. (However, I was not skilled enough for the tasting at Bushmills, at 10 the next morning. Of course, that sounds like a typical Thursday for you, because, well, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.) Let’s first be clear on one thing: There’s plenty of wicked-good parkland golf in both Ireland (Adare Manor, K Club, Druid’s Glen, Mount Juliet, Carton House) and Scotland (Gleneagles, Loch Lomond, Duff House? Blairgowrie?), but if you’re going to play that kind of golf in Ireland and Scotland, it better be because you’re staying a month or on sabbatical. The links stuff is what you’re after, and if it’s a numbers game, Scotland might have more of it. And, frankly, it’s probably going to be an easier driving experience. The roads in Ireland are better than they were, but that’s like saying leeches were a great leap forward in medicine.

Kevin Markham Royal Dornoch

EMJ: Good to hear you passed on the 10 a.m. Bushmills. You need some mad drinking skills for that. And if you need a teacher on the imbibing front, I know a guy.

As for parkland golf, you can keep it. Not that it’s bad. Places such as Killarney Golf & Fishing Club and some of the ones you mentioned such as Adare Manor and Gleneagles are perfectly fine. But you didn’t travel across the pond for “fine” and these courses simply lack the grandeur of links golf. St. Andrews, Turnberry, Prestwick, Carnoustie, Royal Dornoch, Royal Troon—the names roll off the tongue with a cool liquidity that transports golfers beyond the over-stylized, ultra-manicured fairways of golf here in the States. In fact, Scotland holds almost a religious cache for so many. But then there’s Ireland—a country about the size of Maine—with great golf almost everywhere you look. Waterville, Ballybunion, Lahinch in the southwest; Old Head down south in Kinsale, Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and County Louth (Baltray) in the Dublin area; Rosses Point and Donegal in the west and my word, Portstewart, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down in the north. It is simply disgusting how many wonderful courses there are.

Now sure, the roads are terrible for the most part, but barreling down a narrow two-lane street driving on the wrong side of the road only enhances the experience, not detract from it. You just might want to wait for that properly “pulled” Guinness until after you’re off the road. I’m trying to find an argument for Scotland here, but it’s proving difficult.

MS: Great golf almost everywhere you look? As someone we all know from Scotland might say, “Are ya daft, man?!”

Scotland is awash in the greats of links golf like you mention, yes, but its second tier lineup and even its third tier surprises are movie-set quality. Nairn, Gullane, Brora, North Berwick, The Machrie, Western Gailes, Castle Stuart and the staggeringly under-appreciated Machrihanish, whose opening tee ball over the Atlantic Ocean can make you feel like the first guy who successfully cliff dove. Or in my case, didn’t.

But don’t fall asleep on Dunbar or Fraserburgh or Elie, which might have more holes you think you can birdie than any one course in your life. Until, well, you don’t. Kind of like the feeling I have when I look at a barbecue menu in Birmingham. Too much pork for just one fork, I believe is the expression.

EMJ: I guess for me it comes down to this: The historical significance of Scotland is undeniable. But I don’t go on a golf trip for a history lesson. The breadth of excellent courses in Scotland is substantial (and not all are “name” courses as places such as Brora, Western Gailes; Royal Aberdeen, Machrahanish and others testify), but some are stingy about who they let on (see: Muirfield) or in the case of St. Andrews require securing a tee time often as much as a year in advance. Sorry, Scotland, but in Ireland I find the people friendlier (after all, its motto is “Céad Míle Fáilte” or “land of a thousand welcomes”), the food better and the golf every bit as good, but a tad more accessible. And there are plenty of those lesser-known courses there are well. Ardglass, The Island Club, Ballyliffin, Enniscrone, Carne, County Sligo, Rosapenna and Dingle. Not a poor choice in the lot.

And while there are a number of fine hotels and other accommodations in Scotland, I love the fact that at a B&B such as Teach de Broc next to Ballybunion the bar doesn’t close when the keeper of the house goes to bed. I also simply have a soft spot for the Emerald Isle. It was my first trip abroad, then a few years later I went with a photographer to 22 courses in 10 days covering almost the entire outside of the country from the southwest all the way to the north and back down to Dublin. In 2015 I went on the best buddies trip of my life to Ireland. So I am flooded with good memories like this photo I took from the Waterville clubhouse of our second group finishing up. How do you beat that? Perhaps by later on rewarding ourselves with the reviving power of a whiskey and a recounting of the day on the turbulent linksland, with the hospitality of those serving us at its most warm and sincere. In short, golf in Ireland is an experience that enhances the belief that it is good to be alive.

So Scotland or Ireland? I’ll take Ireland, but not by much. In fact, it’s so close I think we need to go back to gather more evidence.

MS: Fair play, as they say over there. Even though we’ve just spent the better part of a James Joyce short story saying Ireland is that and Scotland is this, what we’ve really shown is that both of these aren’t merely equally tantalizing bucket list destinations, they’re entire bucket lists in and of themselves several times over. They aren’t like a box of chocolates. You know exactly what you’re going to get and you get it and it is spectacular and life-alteringly memorable and spiritually restorative in the way other people wrongly ascribe to French Impressionism or certain kinds of pizza places or early Kurosawa films, or, God save us, baseball. It is ridiculous to even consider any other destination in their class. Like suggesting there is a better kind of Dorito name than Cool Ranch. And I’ll grant you Ireland shakes your hand before you’ve even extended your arm.

But I’ll also remind you of a round at Western Gailes that teed off at 6, ended in the gloaming with the general manager greeting some straggling Americans with open arms and an open bar and then upon hearing that one of us was getting married that Monday with no family able to make the trip, set him up with the local minister and showed up in full Scottish highland dress kilt and tux with, of course, a second one for the groom. A best man you didn’t know you had. Scotland, Ireland, both are up for the task.

So, yes, here’s to more research. And soon. For all of us.

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Scotland vs Ireland – The Great Golf Trip Debate

We should point out, right up front, that this question is similar to asking a parent which of their children they like better. It’s an impossible question, and one that most travel companies would rather avoid. And understandably so.

But given how many times the question comes up, we are asked this on a daily basis, we would be remiss to leave it unanswered for anyone considering a Scotland or Ireland golf trip.

What follows is a comparison of Scotland vs Ireland Golf trips, based on six important factors.

Scotland is The Home of Golf for a reason. The earliest mention of the game in historical record occurred over three decades before Columbus set sail for America. The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers penned the first rules of golf when Thomas Jefferson was still learning to crawl. Even in Dornoch, considered a far flung outpost for centuries, the game has been played since before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth Rock.

When it comes to Scotland vs Ireland, this is one match that is fairly lopsided. Ireland, of course, is home to its own rich heritage in the game. But only in Scotland can you play in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris on The Old Course, stroll through his famous shop in St. Andrews, and bask in the greatness of the true Home of Golf.

Scotland wins 7 & 5

When discussing Ireland vs Scotland Golf trips, we’re often asked which country will cost more. The short answer: It depends. The choices you make for your trip, such as accommodation options and courses played, will drive the overall cost more than anything.

But if we were to craft two somewhat similar trips in each country, the Ireland itinerary will often have a slight edge in terms of price-point. There’s a variety of reasons for this – supply and demand in Scotland is one, better exchange rate in Ireland is another – but in the end the real value is in the eye of the beholder.

Memories often come with a price, but their value to each of us lingers long after that price is forgotten.

Ireland wins 1 Up

When it comes to natural beauty, Scotland vs Ireland is essentially like Tiger Woods playing against himself.

Ireland has Killarney National Park, the cliffs of the Southwest, and the dramatic seascapes of the North Coast.

In Scotland, lasting memories come courtesy of the vistas of the rolling hills near Gleneagles, the magnificent sunsets of the West Coast, and where the mountains meet the sea in The Highlands.

If choosing your destination was essentially a beauty pageant, these two would have to share the crown.

Match ends All Square

In recent years, airlines added a variety of non-stop routes from the U.S. to both Scotland and Ireland. Those routes are slowly returning after the restart of international travel, but both destinations have been impacted equally. As a result, this match will focus on your time on the ground.

We’ve shared many times how the great courses of both countries are clustered inside a number of regions. Within those regions, however, the courses of Scotland typically offer a much shorter commute  from your home base.

In fact, there’s several areas for golf in Scotland where one could spend a week, play a different world-class course every day, and never repack the suitcase. The majority of our travelers, to both countries, usually opt to play the headlining courses of more than one region. In Scotland, they can do so with just a single hotel change.

In contrast, Southwest Ireland golf trips generally require three hotels and a number of hour-long commutes to the course. The Dublin-Northern Ireland combination also may require two hotel changes, but the commutes are quite a bit shorter. It’s always an enjoyable and scenic ride and the majority of our travelers prefer to have a local behind the wheel rather than wandering the country on their own, but the windshield time required in Ireland gives this match to Scotland.

Scotland wins 3 & 2

Hospitality

Attempting to crown the most hospitable country in a match of Scotland vs Ireland golf is a fool’s errand. The warm hospitality and general friendliness of both countries is known the world over. From the moment you arrive in Scotland and Ireland alike, you will feel welcome and, at times, like a member of the family.

Extending the question to food and drink, a wealth of outstanding dining, from Michelin-star chefs to casual pub grub, is available on a golf trip to either country. In addition, Scotland may have the whisky, but the Irish famously keep all of the best Guinness for themselves. Scotland may have the best 19 th  holes in St. Andrews, but Ireland has the best pubs in Dublin!

Although it’s the golf which has brought you on the trip, the hospitality of the local people is likely to be as memorable as any shot on the course.

The great links courses of Scotland and Ireland are home to no shortage of awe-inspiring moments. When it comes to sheer drama on the course, however, there is still little doubt which country reigns supreme.

Compared to the terrain of Ireland, visually speaking, many of the courses in Scotland are a fairly benign affair. Don’t get us wrong, there’s plenty of excitement in The Home of Golf, but it’s the exception, not the norm.

Across the Irish Sea, moments like the 4th at Royal county Down, the 5th green at Royal Portush, the daunting dunes of Enniscrone, or any number of shots at Old Head Golf Links, happen with pleasing regularity.

Thanks to both the quantity and quality of spectacular shots and vistas, Ireland wins this one handily.

Ireland wins 4 & 3

Final Record: 2-2-2

You didn’t really think we’d pick one country over the other, did you? Nevertheless, we hope that the insight here was a helpful starting point to the Scotland vs Ireland debate.

We say starting point because there’s many more factors to consider when choosing your destination. At the start of the planning process, Donna Salerno Travel will walk you through all of these factors in detail. Armed with a clearer picture of what awaits, you can then make the best informed decision for you and your trip.

At that point, all that’s left is to sit back, and let us craft the unforgettable experience that awaits.

Ready to plan your Golf adventure!  Let Donna Salerno Travel handle all the details; YOU have all the fun!

[email protected] or 888-777-7820   You’ll love where we take you.  

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How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland – 12 Important Decisions

There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve asked a common question: How do I plan a golf trip to Scotland? Getting your trip from the idea phase to firmly on the calendar requires navigating a series of important decisions. Some are a little more important to others, but each of these is vital to the overall success of your trip.

How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland

We’ve covered 12 of the most important decisions for planning a Scotland golf trip in the following infographic. Each decision is covered in further detail below, along with links to in-depth guides related to the question at hand.

Type of Trip

Most golf trips to Scotland start as just an idea. Perhaps you and a few buddies dreamed up the plan in the grill room over post-round cocktails. Maybe you’ve considered a family golf trip to Scotland . Or maybe you and a group of couples from the club would like to take a trip together. In that case, here are the best destinations for couples golf trips across the pond.

Whatever the case, our advice is to pick one style and stick with it. A blended approach between buddies, family, and couples is often less than ideal.

The Invite List

This decision, perhaps more than any other, can make or break your golf trip. So much so, that we’ve devoted an entire guide to the topic of selecting your invite list for a golf trip to Scotland . As the old saying goes, one sour grape can spoil the entire bunch. Choose your travel companions wisely.

Your Budget

Money may be an uncomfortable topic, but it’s vital that you and your travel companions are on the same page in terms of budget. Yet another example of why the invite list is so important. Your budget will also influence some of the other important decisions you’ll have to make while planning a Scotland golf trip. By covering this topic upfront, the planning process will go smoother and you’ll eliminate the possibility of some friction during the trip itself.

When setting your budget, it’s important to first understand all of the factors that will impact your final price. To that end, we’d suggest reading How Much Does a Golf Trip to Scotland Cost ?

DIY or Golf Travel Company

Planning the average Scotland golf trip requires the research and execution of roughly 40-50 separate reservations. That doesn’t include the countless other decisions you’ll make along the way, such as where to eat and what to see. The question to ask yourself is whether you can afford the amount of valuable time that’s needed to successfully pull it all together on your own. If you have any doubts, then perhaps it’s best to “hit the easy button” and enlist the service of an expert.

Golf travel companies will handle all of the heavy lifting when planning your Scotland golf trip, but choosing the right one presents its own conundrum. That’s why we’ve shared our insight on identifying the best golf travel companies for your trip.

Spoiler alert: It’s not always us .

Custom or Stock

If you opt for the “hire an expert” route, it’s important to understand that not all golf travel companies are created equally. Many companies offer a variety of pre-packaged itineraries designed for the masses. For some, these itineraries will suit their group just fine. For others, a more customized approach is required. To understand the key differences between the two, we’d suggest reading about the benefits of custom Scotland golf packages before pin-pointing your itinerary.

Self-Drive or Driver-Host

Next to your invite list, no decision will have a greater impact on your journey than choosing between a self-drive trip and hiring a Driver-Host. Most H&B travelers prefer to sit back and let a local handle the driving as opposed to dealing with the stress themselves. This decision may impact your earlier answer to the budget question, however the effect on your overall cost is minimal with 8 travelers in your group. But, as explained in the benefits of hiring a Driver-Host , the impact on your overall experience simply can’t be measured.

Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources , on Golf and the Good Life in Scotland.

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In our experience, the work and family obligations of you and your travel companions will influence the dates of your trip more than anything else. There are some important considerations, however, when choosing the best time of year for a Scotland golf trip . Everything from overall cost to ease of availability to other events in the area may sway your decision here.

Where to Go

Scotland is home to an abundance of bucket-list worthy golf courses. Unless you have a couple of months to devote to the task, playing them all in a single trip is simply impossible. Fortunately, these courses are generally clustered within half a dozen regions around the country. Our suggestion is to divide and conquer. Pick one or two of the best regions for Scotland golf trips and leave the others for your next journey.

Courses to Play

Even if you’ve wisely narrowed your trip to just a couple of regions in Scotland, narrowing down which courses to play is still quite a dilemma. Your selected regions are likely home to Open Championship venues , Top 100 golf courses in Scotland , and other courses each that are worthy of a place on your itinerary.

Unless you’re planning on mixing in some 54-hole days, seeing them all will be tough to manage. We’ve explained how to choose where to play on a golf trip to Scotland in further detail here.

The key takeaway: You probably can’t play them all .

How Much Golf

This may be a golf trip, but it’s important for your group to decide just how devoted to golf they want the expedition to be. Should you throw in one of the best 36-hole days in Scotland or take an entire day off to rest and enjoy some sightseeing? We’d suggest polling your group on this topic before putting any plans to paper. You may find a consensus is lacking. If so, revisit the benefits of a custom itinerary mentioned above.

What to Pack

The planning phase is completed, your departure date is fast approaching, and the suitcase has come out of the closet. This is one of the most exciting times of your Scotland golf trip. It’s also a time where it’s very easy to overdo it. That’s why we’ve shared this Scotland golf trip packing list , as well as what you should leave at home .

It’s important to remember that golf trips to Scotland are not excluded from an old adage: Pack half the clothes and twice the money.

If all of this sounds like a lot to manage, that’s because it is.

Although these are some of the most important decisions for planning a Scotland golf trip, they’re just the bare minimum required to get your trip off the ground. A seemingly endless supply of decisions, both before and during the journey, will follow along until the moment you return home. Even then, the relief may be short lived. Because as many of the H&B Forces will attest, there’s one decision that’s likely to remain perpetually unresolved.

Where to Next

Whether it’s your first or tenth trip to The Home of Golf, the journey is sure to provide a wealth of unforgettable memories and an unwavering desire to return.

Of course, as we covered above, there’s an easy way to take the burden of these decisions off your back and place them in the hands of an expert.

All that it takes to do so is a little info in the form at the link below. We’ll take it from there.

For more insight on planning your golf trip to Scotland, visit the pages below, read our Scotland golf trip reviews , or have a look through our Yardage Book , where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.

If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker…

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Scotland vs. Ireland: What’s The Best Golf Trip?

Posted February 12, 2018 in Golf Travel , Lifestyle by Trevor Cigich

By Guy Proddow of Golfbreaks.com

Scotland and Ireland are often mentioned when it comes to bucket list golf and ultimate golf vacations. The first thing to note is that as golf destinations they are worthy of those labels, and the second thing is that these countries are easy to travel to, so trips here should not be considered as “once in a lifetime.”

But when it comes to which is best, that’s open to debate. When asked that question, we turned to golfbreaks.com which then turned to the local experts and asked them why their country should be crowned with the “Best Trip” title.

To this end, in the Blue Corner, representing Scotland, we have Kieran Clark, Scottish golf journalist, and self-proclaimed golfing nut. And in the Green Corner, we have Kevin Markham, author of ‘Driving The Green’, and a man who has played every course in Ireland!

We set them the task to describe their best ever seven days, seven round golf vacation and to tell the world why we should all jump on a plane to experience it.

First up, Kieran describes his love of… you guessed it, St Andrews …

SCOTLAND: 7 Days in St Andrews

It would be difficult to find a more fulfilling golfing destination than St Andrews . The town is synonymous with the game, as its spiritual home, and features some of Scotland’s finest links courses on its doorstep.

Throw in an unmatched level of vibrancy that comes from the number of tourists and students at the historic University, more pubs per square feet than anywhere else in the UK, its location amid the spectacular surroundings of beaches and medieval architecture, and you have something approaching perfection for your average, fun-loving golfer.

First, Pay Homage to the Old Course

Naturally, playing the legendary Old Course is a must for anyone visiting the Auld Grey Toon. Host of 29 Open Championships, all of the greats have played here; the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Bobby Jones have all claimed the Claret Jug on the timeless layout. With palpable levels of history and numerous iconic images around you, playing the Old Lady can be overwhelming for some, but it is an unforgettable experience for anyone with an appreciation of the game’s past and its purest form.

Toasting your round afterward in the Jigger Inn or Dunvegan Hotel is the perfect conclusion to a day on one of the game’s truly bucket-list courses.

Choices Abound at the Auld Grey Toon

There are seven courses under the St. Andrews Links umbrella – with the next best of them being the New , which is adjacent to its older sister. This is a more conventional course than the Old , but it remains a classic links challenge in the iconic surroundings of the Home of Golf and is a perfect companion piece to its more famous neighbor. The same can be said for the Jubilee and Eden Courses , both of which have their own understated charm. While the most recently added Castle Course , which is situated just outside the town, boasts some imaginative and thrilling holes.

Take on the Young Pretender and Old Master

St Andrews is also ideally positioned as a base for playing other courses, not least nearby Kingsbarns , which is only eight miles away. Opened for play in 2000 and part of the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour, this modern layout is visually spectacular and tremendously fun to play. On a clear afternoon, you can often see across the North Sea to the small town of Carnoustie and its fearsome and tantalizingly challenging Championship Course that has tested the game’s best players for decades.

Visit the Giants in Lothians and Perthshire

Further afield, and all within just two hours of St Andrews , are the likes of Gleneagles in Perthshire, whose stunning King’s Course is one of the best inland tracks in Scotland, and the delights of East Lothian, which features the iconic links of Muirfield , Gullane and North Berwick within a short stretch of beautiful coastline.

St Andrews Has It All… Who Can Argue?

Ultimately, St Andrews is not only the best-golfing town on the planet, with great courses and an atmospheric nightlife, but it is also an ideal base to sample many of the other great attractions that continue to draw tens of thousands of golfers from across the globe each year.

Scotland’s Best Ever Trip – Here’s the line-up:

• Old Course, St. Andrews
• New Course, St. Andrews
• Championship Course at Carnoustie
• West Links at North Berwick
• Gleneagles Kings

  Other Courses to consider:     Gullane No. 1 , St. Andrews Castle , St. Andrews Jubilee , St. Andrews Eden , Crail

Sounds good right? But now it is Kevin’s turn to hit back at the Home of Golf as he pulls out Ireland’s golfing heavyweights and recommends a trip to the South West of the Emerald Isle.

IRELAND: 7 Days in Killarney and South West Ireland

Ireland’s South West is renowned for its string of links courses which stretch along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It starts with the Alister MacKenzie classic, Lahinch , to the north, and embraces Doonbeg , Ballybunion , Tralee , Dooks and the idyllic Waterville , on the Ring of Kerry to the south. On Ireland’s southern coastline lies the immaculate Old Head Golf Links , peering down on the ocean from 300-foot cliffs on a peninsula which resembles a diamond earring in shape.

Top 10 Ocean Courses…and HUGE dunes!

When it comes to drama and beauty, this region is astounding. Three of these courses make Golf Channel’s Top 10 Ocean Courses in the world ( Tralee , Ballybunion , and Old Head ), while the entire stretch of coastline from Clare to Cork forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

In a face-off between Scotland and Ireland for the ‘best golf trip ever,’ there are two other important considerations: the size of the Irish dunes and the all-encompassing, never-ending, heartwarmingly famous craic. There is no welcome quite like an Irish welcome.

The Culture, the Hospitality…and the Craic!

And there’s no better place to start than Killarney, one of Ireland’s most colorful and vibrant towns. Packed with restaurants, bars, and hotels, Killarney is surrounded by the 26,000-acre Killarney National Park, the 19th century Muckross House, and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Golfers can ease themselves in at Killarney Golf Club , where the Irish Open was held in 2010-’11. Set on Lough Leane, with mountains filling the horizon, this is idyllic parkland golf that’s in good company by the club’s two other tracks.

Big Vistas and Iconic Links

The real action begins with Waterville , Dooks , and Tralee ; three links courses that boast the most spectacular scenery in Ireland. Bays, peninsulas, mountains, and ocean all make these inspiring golf experiences, but playing them is even better. Waterville has the most elegant and rhythmic of dune systems and it is a course which builds and builds, with the closing three holes streaking above the ocean.

Dooks is shorter but packed with character. It is famous for its Natterjack toad and colorful flora, but the course takes center stage. Tralee was designed by Arnold Palmer and/or God – or so said Palmer of the majestic back nine with many of the most impressive holes in the country.

  And Then There’s Ballybunion…

Little needs to be said about Ballybunion , a links which rose to prominence thanks to Tom Watson’s visit in the 1980s. It is another course of muscular dunes and outstanding green settings. And its sibling, the Cashen, boasts even bigger dunes; it’s a charismatic links that adds the extra challenge of some target- golf greens thanks to the design of Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Ninety minutes away, Old Head lures golfers to play luxurious clifftop golf. It doesn’t get more thrilling than this, with nine of its holes literally clinging to the cliffs’ edge.

The all-round golfing package…

Ireland’s South West promises a majestic golf experience with the ‘Irish’ extras to make a visit truly unforgettable.

Ireland’s Best Ever Trip – Here’s the line-up:

• Ballybunion Old
• Ballybunion Cashen

Other Courses to consider:   Ceann Sibeal, Lahinch , Doonbeg , Castlegregory, Cork , Fota Island, Bantry Bay.

In Conclusion

When it comes to the golf, the history of the game and the sheer feeling of the occasion when you step out on the first tee, it would be hard to beat St Andrews as the ultimate golf trip destination.

However, when you take in the overall golf experience, a trip to South West Ireland could just edge it. From the iconic links to the breath-taking landscapes, not to mention the hospitality and the craic, not many golf destinations in the world can compete with Killarney and its accompanying greats.

OK, so we have sat on the fence slightly, but it’s genuinely hard to recommend one over the other. The only way is for you to draw your own conclusions – and that starts with a trip to the British Isles!

CLICK HERE to contact golfbreaks.com if you too would like to experience the magic of a golf trip to the UK or Ireland.

Republished with permission from Golfbreaks.com

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Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit?

Home » Blog » Europe » Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit?

If you’re debating whether you should visit Scotland vs. Ireland, this guide can help you decide which is the best choice for your travel style and preferences.

We’ve taken road trips in both Scotland and Ireland , and I can tell you (from personal experience!) that both countries are absolutely worth exploring .

In fact, I’d say they both are on our list of best road trips in the world. 

How do they compare, you ask?

If I’m totally honest, I feel like Scotland and Ireland are very similar.

During our recent Ireland road trip , we couldn’t stop comparing it to our road trip through Scotland . Around every turn, we’d say, “That view reminds me of Scotland,” or “This pub brings me back to Scotland!”

There are definitely differences between Scotland and Ireland too, but the good news is that if you like one, you’re nearly guaranteed to like the other!

Wondering where to travel: Scotland or Ireland?

If you’re looking for a short and direct answer, here it is: No matter which you choose, you will have an incredible time.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth comparison between Ireland and Scotland , we can do that, too… 

In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities Scotland and Ireland have, as well as what makes them different. 

We’re going over everything from the food to the weather to the landscapes (as well as which country we’d name the winner for each category) so that you can determine where you’d prefer to travel.

Spoiler Alert: If you want to just jump straight to the point and see our personal pick between Ireland vs. Scotland , click here !

Scotland or Ireland: Where should you travel?

• Similarities & Differences
• Hiking  
• Things to Do
• Small Towns
• History & Culture
• Accommodations
• Which is more family-friendly?
• How much time do you need in each?
• Our opinion: Ireland or Scotland

Similarities & differences between Scotland and Ireland

Before we dive into personal opinions, let’s go over the facts and compare the similarities and differences between Ireland and Scotland.

• Scotland: pound sterling (£)
• Ireland: euro (€)

Fun fact: If you travel to the north of Ireland, you will be using pounds instead of euros.

Scotland and Ireland are relatively similar in size.

Scotland is slightly bigger than the Republic of Ireland. However, if you compare the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), it is roughly 2,500 square miles larger than Scotland.

• Scotland is 30,090 square miles (77,933 km 2 ) 
• Republic of Ireland is 27,133 square miles (70,273 km 2 ) 

Even the two countries’ populations are similar. The Republic of Ireland and Scotland have roughly the same population. 

• Scotland: 5.5 million people
• Ireland: 5.1 million people (7 million on the entire island, including Northern Ireland)

When you factor in the size of each country, you’ll find that Ireland is more densely populated .

Also, the major cities in Ireland are bigger.

Ireland’s largest city (Dublin) has twice the population of Scotland’s largest city (Glasgow).

• Glasgow: 600,000 people
• Dublin: 1.2 million people

English is the most widely-spoken language in both Ireland and Scotland. However, each country also has pride for their native language.

The native language of both Scotland and Ireland is a form of Gaelic. While they have similar origins, each language is distinctly different. 

• Scotland: Scottish Gaelic
• Ireland: Irish Gaelic

In our experience, we found that Ireland has much more Gaelic across the country (on signs and menus) than we saw in Scotland.

• Scotland: majority Church of Scotland
• mix of Protestant and Catholic in the north of Ireland

Weather in Scotland vs. Ireland

Both Ireland and Scotland are known for drizzly weather and gray, gloomy skies. 

It’s a vibe – lean into it , pack correctly, and you’ll be fine!

This is anecdotal, but we had great weather in both Scotland and Ireland. In fact, when we traveled to Ireland for 2 weeks in early June, we only had (slight) rain one day. ONE DAY. We even had to buy new clothes while we were there because what we had packed was too warm.

The weather between the two countries is relatively similar, and you could get really lucky or really unlucky with either choice. 

If you’re comparing the countries as a whole, Ireland tends to have milder weather and slightly less rainfall than Scotland. 

Scotland weather stats

• Average annual rainfall: 59 inches (1,500 mm)
• Summer temperatures: 52º-66º F (11°-19°C)
• Winter temperatures: 34º-45º F (1°-7°C)

Learn more: Best time to visit Scotland

Ireland weather stats

• Average annual rainfall: 48 inches (1,230 mm)
• Summer temperatures: 60°-70°F (15°-20°C)
• Winter temperatures: 40°-46°F (5°-8°C)

Learn more: Best time to visit Ireland

Compare those rainfall amounts to our hometown of Bend, Oregon , which averages just 12 inches annually, and it is easy to see why both countries are known for being so rainy!

Our winner: Ireland

We wouldn’t recommend choosing Ireland over Scotland based just on weather because you can get lucky or unlucky anywhere. However, if you’re purely looking at the stats, Ireland is slightly more mild and has a bit less annual rainfall.

Food in Scotland vs. Ireland 

This is a toughie… both Scotland and Ireland are known for cuisines that are, well, heavy on the meat and potatoes.

While I love a good comfort food meal every now and again, it’s certainly not on the list of my favorite cuisines (like Thai food or Mexican food ) .

Scottish foods to try

• Haggis (there are also vegan options)
• Cullen skink (fish chowder)
• Fun fact: Chicken tikka masala is said to have originated in Glasgow, and this dish can be found on pub menus even in the countryside

Irish foods to try

• Botxty (like a potato pancake meets a savory crepe)
• Irish whiskey

In recent years, the foodie worlds of both Scotland and Ireland have been growing and elevating. And what were once thought of as – dare I say – bland cuisines have gotten facelifts in pretty major ways.

In the larger cities, you’ll find world-class dining where chefs are taking traditional foods to the next level while still honoring their roots. And in seaside towns of both Scotland and Ireland, don’t miss the seafood, it is incredible.

We had fantastic food experiences in both Ireland and Scotland and we think you will, too.

Good to know: We found vegetarian and vegan options readily available in both countries.

Our favorite food experiences in Scotland

• Taking a food tour in Glasgow
• Fresh langoustines at The Seafood Shack in Ullapool
• Going on a boutique distillery tour
• Afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Love food? Check out our guide to Scottish cuisine , which is packed with tons of tips!

Our favorite food experiences in Ireland 

• Fresh seafood with a lake view at The Misunderstood Heron food truck
• Fresh oysters at Morans Oyster Shack
• Lunch at The Bulman Bar & Restaurant (just outside of Kinsale) was one of our most memorable meals in Ireland
• We splurged on a nice dinner at the super cozy Ard Bia in Galway and loved every bite!

While I think it partially comes down to the restaurants we chose, we personally would pick Ireland as the winner. Almost every one of our meals in Ireland was excellent. ( Psst! I did TONS of research to choose the best restaurants, which I share in our perfect Ireland itinerary !)

Budget for Scotland vs. Ireland 

Overall, we didn’t find the prices to be too drastically different in Ireland vs. Scotland.

If I had to say which is more budget-friendly, I’d probably choose Scotland, but not by much . I think you could travel to either country with the exact same amount of money and be just fine. 

If you’re on a tight budget, then we’d recommend you limit your time in the big cities, as Dublin and Edinburgh are by far the most expensive places in each respective country.

Good to know: The Republic of Ireland uses the euro while Scotland uses the pound. If you’re traveling from the USA, the euro has a slightly better exchange rate.

Our winner: Scotland

While we found Scotland to be a tad more affordable, I wouldn’t solely make your decision based on budget, because like I said, the costs aren’t all that different.

Landscapes in Scotland vs. Ireland

Rushing waterfalls, rugged cliffs that drop into the sea, white sand beaches with turquoise waters, deep blue lakes flanked by towering mountains, thick forests where the fog clings to the treetops…

Do you think I’m describing Ireland or Scotland?

Whichever one you answered with is correct because you can truly find all these landscapes in both places.

Overall, the types of landscapes are somewhat similar. 

But if you pushed me to further contrast the two, I’d tell you that Scotland is more rugged . More remote. The mountains are higher, the coastlines more removed.

On the other hand, Ireland is greener and has some of the most spectacular seaside cliffs we’ve ever seen. So it depends on your preferences, really.

Our winner: Scotland 

Scotland has more varied and dramatic landscapes. Think higher mountains and more remote coastlines.

Hiking in Scotland vs. Ireland

If you love hiking as much as we do, you’ll want to be sure to pack your boots for your trip regardless of whether you choose Ireland or Scotland. 

While Scotland has higher peaks, both countries have a slew of incredible adventures to be had. From coastal trails to long-distance routes to steep-but-rewarding climbs, you’ll find your hiking bliss in both Ireland and Scotland.

Our favorite hikes in Ireland:

• Diamond Hill
• Keash Caves
• Slieve League
• Secret Waterfall
• Giant’s Causeway
• Benwee Head (on our bucket list!)
• Slieve Doan (on our bucket list!)

Our favorite hikes in Scotland:

• Finnich Glenn
• Old Man of Storr
• Happy Valley
• Fairy Glenn
• Steall Waterfall

Our winner: Tie!

We think both countries have amazing hiking opportunities. Personally, the hikes we did in Scotland were a bit more epic, but that was based mostly on our route and the amount of time we had. We think Ireland has just as many great hiking trails.

Castles in Scotland vs. Ireland

If you love castles, then you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll find plenty in both countries. Truly, you might even get a little sick of them because there are so many.

After some digging, I found that there is no exact count of the number of castles in each country. However, it is estimated that Ireland is home to more than 30,000 castles (and ruins), while Scotland has more than 3,000. 

Psst! Check out our list of the best castles in Scotland !

That means there are quite a lot more castles in Ireland than Scotland . That actually surprised me because I personally felt like I saw more in Scotland, but the numbers don’t lie!

Our winner: Ireland 

There are more castles in Ireland; but if I’m honest, you’ll see more than enough in either country.

Fun things to do in Scotland vs. Ireland

Which has more to do: Ireland or Scotland?

Oh, gosh, I don’t think I can answer that question fully. I think both have endless adventures to be had and many ways to get off the beaten track.

We had truly incredible and action-packed trips to both Ireland and Scotland. And we still have huge bucket lists for each country because we didn’t get to it all. (You never can!)

Instead of choosing a winner for this category, I’ll leave you with some of our favorite activities in both Ireland and Scotland:

Best things to do in Scotland

• Trek into Cairngorms National Park to see reindeer.
• Road trip around the Isle of Skye.
• Have afternoon tea in Edinburgh.
• Watch the sunset from the beach on the northeast shore of Loch Ness.
• Go hiking in Glencoe.
• Keep reading our whole list of amazing things to do in Scotland!

Best things to do in Ireland

• Road trip around the Dingle Peninsula on Slea Head Drive.
• Marvel at the cliffs around Ireland (Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, Kerry Cliffs, and more!)
• Enjoy live music in an Irish pub.
• Take a black taxi tour in Belfast.
• Watch a sheepdog demonstration.
• Keep reading our entire list of fun things to do in Ireland!

Like I said, both countries will keep you plenty busy with all sorts of fun things to do!

Cities in Scotland vs. Ireland

I’ll get straight to the point: We’re not big city people.

When we travel, cities aren’t our main focus. We almost always love the smaller towns and countryside much more than the big cities.

However, we couldn’t very well go to Scotland without seeing Edinburgh, now could we? And same with Dublin in Ireland.

In both Scotland and Ireland, our favorite places were in nature. That said, we really were blown away by the big cities in Scotland. I could live in Edinburgh!

While we didn’t dislike the cities in Ireland per se, we liked the cities in Scotland more. 

Our favorite cities in Scotland:

Read more: We have a whole list of the best places to visit in Scotland .

Our favorite cities in Ireland:

• Dublin 

Read more: We have a whole list of the best places to visit in Ireland .

We liked the cities in Scotland more than those in Ireland. While we didn’t dislike Dublin or Belfast, we really loved Edinburgh and Glasgow (each for different reasons).

Smaller towns in Scotland vs. Ireland

Not to confuse you, but if we change the parameters to small towns, our winner is now Ireland. Again, not by much, but we found so many charming small towns in Ireland that we adored.

Our favorite small towns in Scotland:

Our favorite small towns in Ireland:

There’s just something about the villages in Ireland that beg you to stay!

Culture & History in Ireland vs. Scotland

Both Ireland and Scotland have a shared Gaelic culture, and you can find oodles of historic places and cultural attractions in each.

It’s hard to compare because each country has a vivid and complex history which you can learn about on your trip. 

We personally felt like the pub culture is stronger in Ireland than in Scotland. It’s not by a ton, but noticeably more, which we expected. Irish pub culture and folk music is legendary, after all.

Additionally, in Ireland we felt like there was more Gaelic pride visible to outsiders, as it is on all signs along with English in the Republic of Ireland (we didn’t notice it as much on signs in Northern Ireland).

With more visible Gaelic pride and a stronger pub culture (as well as nightlife, if that’s what you’re into), you can just feel the culture in Ireland.

Driving in Ireland vs. Scotland

We rented motorhomes in both Ireland and Scotland , so we have quite a bit of personal driving experience to speak from. 

Left-hand side of the road 

In both countries, you drive on the left side of the road , so if you’re used to driving on the right (like we are), it can be a bit different at the start.

In both countries, the roads are quite well-marked in towns and cities. Ireland, especially, had a lot of “stay left” indicators.

After a little practice and some chanting (“left side, left side!”), you shouldn’t have too much of a problem remembering which side to stay on. 

Narrow roads

Both Ireland and Scotland have very narrow roads through the rural areas. You’ll quickly get used to single lane roads where you will pull out to let oncoming traffic pass.  

When passing small villages, your vehicle may brush the hedges. For this reason, we’d recommend choosing the smallest vehicle that will work for you in both Ireland and Scotland. 

Between the two, Ireland’s roads seemed narrower.

Driving in cities

Our least favorite part of driving in both Ireland and Scotland was in the major cities. 

Part of this is due to the fact that we were driving large vehicles in each, so maneuvering them on busy city streets in traffic wasn’t fun. 

Plus, parking in big cities can be difficult with a motorhome or campervan, as you can’t enter parking garages due to height restrictions.

With more stretches of open road, Scotland felt slightly easier for driving (especially in a big vehicle).

Accommodations in Scotland vs. Ireland

Both Ireland and Scotland have plenty of accommodation options, from traditional hotels and inns to unique Airbnbs and cozy glamping stays (we have glamping guides for both Scotland and Ireland !). We had memorable stays in both countries.

Where you stay is going to depend a lot on whether you’ve chosen to rent a car or a campervan (more on that in a sec!). 

With the exception of Edinburgh, Scotland’s cities tend to have slightly cheaper accommodations than Ireland’s cities. Both countries have budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

Psst! Make sure you read the secrets to how we never book a bad Airbnb – we’ve basically got it down to a science!

We’ll give this one to Scotland for having slightly better prices, but in terms of quality, uniqueness, and variety, it would be a tie.

Camping in Scotland vs. Ireland

As we mentioned above, we did campervan trips in both Ireland and Scotland, and had incredible experiences in both countries.

We’d highly recommend this as a way to experience both Ireland and Scotland, and we’ve got lots of tips for you if this is how you choose to travel:

• Renting a campervan in Scotland
• Renting a campervan in Ireland

Overall, the campgrounds are very similar in Ireland and Scotland. Sites are not exactly private or wooded like you’d find in much of North America. Instead, you’ll find parking spots and hookups with a range of facilities.

We found the quality of campgrounds was pretty similar in both Ireland and Scotland. We had a couple of really nice campgrounds as well as a few, let’s just say, rustic campgrounds. Prices were also pretty much the same.

Psst! We have detailed camping guides for both Scotland and Ireland !

On a similar note, it is legal to wild camp in both Ireland and Scotland (aka camp in a non-designated campground). If you’re in a self-contained vehicle and looking for a little adventure, then this can be a great option. We did a bit of wild camping in both places and had great experiences. 

Insider Tip: Park4Night is the best app for finding legal places to wild camp in both countries.

Again, this one is too close to call. Both Scotland and Ireland offer great opportunities for camping, as well as for getting a taste of #vanlife .

Psst! If you’re thinking of adding England and/or Wales to your itinerary, check out our list of the best campervan rentals in the UK .

Crowds in Scotland vs. Ireland

Which is more popular with international tourists: Scotland or Ireland?

The data is understandably a little hard to read over the last few years, but in the last full year of truly “normal” travel (2019), Ireland saw more than three times as many tourists as Scotland .

• Ireland: 11.3 million international tourists (2019)
• Scotland: 3.5 million international tourists (2019)

While there are certainly crowded areas in both Ireland and Scotland, we definitely felt it more in Ireland . Well, except for the Queen’s funeral procession, which we just happened to be in Edinburgh for. But that was obviously a one-off thing.

We visited Ireland at the beginning of peak tourist season, but even still, it didn’t feel nearly as crowded as some European countries we’ve traveled to in the summer (I’m talking about you, Croatia !). 

The Cliffs of Moher were definitely the most crowded place we visited in Ireland. Most other places didn’t feel too terribly crowded, even on the weekends.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, there are definitely places you can do that in both countries, but Scotland is less touristy overall.

Which is more family-friendly: Scotland vs. Ireland?

We found both Ireland and Scotland to be family-friendly. 

We traveled with our daughter to both places and found we didn’t have to sacrifice much.

Tips for traveling with a baby in Scotland or Ireland

We have tons of tips for traveling with a baby to make your family trips feel more doable! But here are a couple of tips specific to Scotland and Ireland:

• In both Ireland and Scotland, we found that some distilleries allow minors and some don’t, so this is an activity that you’d want to research in advance.
• We found many cocktail bars allow minors until a certain time (usually 6 or 7 p.m.). Pubs that serve food tend to allow children later, but it can be a good idea to reach out and ask if it’s a place you really want to go to.

Round-up of the winners: Scotland vs. Ireland

Are you keeping score? 

If you want to see how Ireland and Scotland compare on all categories in one place, here ya go:

• Weather: Ireland
• Food: Ireland
• Budget: Scotland
• Landscapes: Scotland
• Hiking: Tie
• Castles: Ireland
• Things to do: Tie
• Cities: Scotland
• Towns: Ireland
• History & Culture: Ireland
• Driving: Scotland 
• Accommodations: Scotland
• Camping: Tie
• Crowds: Scotland
• Family-friendly: Tie

Note: I hope you read the descriptions of each category so you can see why we chose the winner and what the differences are. In most categories, they are very close , and choosing a winner was hard.

How much time do you need in Scotland vs. Ireland?

We think 2 weeks is a perfect amount of time in either Ireland or Scotland. Even 10 days can still give you enough time to see a lot in each place. 

Our Personal Opinion: Scotland vs. Ireland

I’ll be honest and tell you we are terrible at choosing favorites. Of anything. 

Ask me my favorite foods and you’ll be in for a 5-minute conversation that you weren’t prepared for. I’ll ramble on about all my favorites and how it changes day to day because, well, I can’t just choose one. That would be crazy talk. 

Okay, now that you know me a little better ( hey, let’s be friends! ), you can understand why I can’t just give you a straight answer to the question, “Which is better: Ireland or Scotland?”

First of all, I don’t think you can ever definitively say one country is better than another. 

But I also know you came here to get some sort of answer, so I won’t just leave you hanging. If you’re wondering which country to travel to – Ireland or Scotland – here’s what I’d tell you:

• Ireland wins just slightly when it comes to culture and history.
• Scotland wins for landscapes that are more varied, and as Ben says, just a little more epic.

They are tied in many other categories and are both excellent choices, so honestly, don’t overthink it. (Easier said than done, I know.)

At any rate, I’ll leave you with this little gem… I hope it helps you make a decision (or at least makes you laugh!).

• Katie: “Hey Ben, let’s play a game.”
• Ben: *looks up from his computer, a little weirded out* “Okay…?”
• Katie: “Summer or winter?”
• Ben: “Summer.”
• Katie: “Hot dog or hamburger?”
• Ben: “Hamburger.” *kind of catching onto the game*
• Katie: “Apple or orange?”
• Ben: “Orange.”
• Katie: “Ireland or Scotland?”
• Ben: *long pause* “Umm… Scotland? Well, wait now…”
• Katie: “Ha. Got it! Can’t change it now!”
• Ben: *stares at me* “Why?”
• Katie: “Because those are the rules. And I need you to pick one because I can’t!”

Ben went on to defend his decision, “In terms of overall epicness, I think Scotland wins by 1%. The mountains are bigger… the coastal drives are… well, actually they’re equal. That’s why it’s only one percent. It’s the mountains!”

So there ya have it. And I kind of agree with him . If I had to choose, Scotland wins by 1%.

Please, no hate mail from our Irish friends. We love you and your country, and can’t wait to return!

Remember, both Ireland and Scoland are truly incredible places to explore and they make amazing road trips. Whichever you choose will be a fantastic choice, I can guarantee it.

And the good news is that if you love your trip, you know you’ll love the other country, so why not plan that as a next vacation!? 

We have quite literally all the resources you need for both trips, after all!

More resources for planning your trip to Ireland

We’re creating lots of resources for travel in Ireland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ireland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Ultimate 2-week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
• Essential Ireland Packing List: FREE Download!
• Best Time to Visit Ireland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Places to Visit in Ireland You Can’t Miss!
• Unforgettable Things to do in Ireland: Ultimate Bucket List

More resources for planning your trip to Scotland

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Ultimate 2-week Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
• Complete Scotland Packing List: FREE Download!
• Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Best Places to Visit in Scotland
• Unforgettable Things to do in Scotland

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We want to hear from you!

Okay, let’s hear it: what’s your opinion on this debate? Which would be your personal pick in Scotland vs. Ireland? Do you have any other questions for us? Leave your comments below and we’ll try our best to bet back to you!

Comments (3) on “ Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit? ”

Very helpful! Love the winner section of categories idea! And I still can’t decide. lol What small/rural town (in Ireland and Scotland) would you recommend visiting to ‘get to know’ some locals and ‘stay a while’ in one area to get a better experience of life/culture away from tourism? Of course, this area would have to have opportunities to be near locals. (sometimes difficult in rural areas where you didn’t actually grow up with everyone there)

As a native of Dublin who lives in Glasgow I can tell you Glasgow is bigger than Dublin in size, Maybe you should research better you only need to use Wikipedia to see Glasgow is bigger your blog is very misleading.

Your article is interesting.

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