Britain/Ireland for the holidays

[Jock Scot]

I have been thinking about your visit to the Inverness area and your wish to see Culloden.The visitor(maybe the new one?)centre might or might not be open,but I had occasion to be in Inverness on Christmas day with not a lot to do,last year.I went to Culloden,it was closed of course and just,ahem, "popped" over the low fence and walked the battlefield.No one was there to bother me and whilst it was slightly surreal, it was a memorable time.Good stout shoes and warm clothing,including a warm hat,is a must.Culloden is only a very few(less than 10) miles from Inverness.

A trip on Loch Ness might happen at the time of year you are thinking about,I cannot say.If it does, be prepared for a cold trip!

All the very best to you both,JS.

[beloitpiper]

As far as Ireland, don't go to Dublin. Sure, it's a big city with a lot of sights to see, but if you want IRELAND, go west. Immediately. Stay in Galway, which is the perfect home base, and go to the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, The Ring of Kerry, etc. Plus, Galway (especially around Christmas) has the the best nightlife in Ireland. They have something for everybody and the best traditional music outside of Doolin.

Any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[McGurk]

You cant miss Culloden if you're traveling so far and staying in inverness!

At that time of year the Visitor centre isnt open (especialy this year, as they're moving to a new building) But the site, the battlefield itself, is open, and there are plenty of signs taking you through the progress of the battle. There's also the monuments there and some great views too.

[Beertigger]

As far as Ireland, don't go to Dublin. Sure, it's a big city with a lot of sights to see, but if you want IRELAND, go west. Immediately. Stay in Galway, which is the perfect home base, and go to the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, The Ring of Kerry, etc. Plus, Galway (especially around Christmas) has the the best nightlife in Ireland. They have something for everybody and the best traditional music outside of Doolin.

Any other questions, feel free to PM me.

I so wish I had time to get to Galway. And a foray to Connemara would be grand. Unfortunately, we just don't have the time - a couple of days in Dublin is all we'll be able to squeeze in for Ireland.

Oh well. Maybe in a few years we'll manage to scrape up enough pennies for another trip...