Three countries, seven days, and one solo birthday trip! ✈️
I visited England, Scotland, and Ireland in one trip, and after sharing my adventure on social media, so many of you wanted to know how I did it.
So here’s my itinerary, including the flights I took, where I stayed, and the places I explored. If you’re planning a similar trip, this is for you!
My 7-Day London, Edinburgh & Dublin Itinerary
My route: New York → London → Edinburgh → Dublin → London → New York
I flew between all three cities and booked centrally located hotels to make exploring easier.
Stop 1: London, England 🇬🇧
I started my trip with an overnight flight from New York to London Heathrow.
London was my entry point before continuing to Scotland, and I returned later in the trip for my birthday celebrations.
Getting to Edinburgh: I flew British Airways from London Heathrow to Edinburgh. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Stop 2: Edinburgh, Scotland 🏰
Edinburgh was giving old-world charm, beautiful architecture, and a little Harry Potter magic!
Where I stayed: ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, conveniently located near the Royal Mile.
My Edinburgh stops:
- Royal Mile & Old Town: Historic streets, beautiful architecture, and plenty of places to explore.
- The Elephant House: A famous Edinburgh café associated with J.K. Rowling.
- Museum Context: A magical little shop filled with literary-inspired gifts.
- The Witchery: I got to see the beautiful Old Refectory suite.
Edinburgh is one of those cities where walking around is an activity in itself.
Travel tip: Stay in Old Town if you want easy access to many of Edinburgh’s historic attractions. Bring comfortable walking shoes!
Stop 3: Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Next, I flew from Edinburgh to Dublin with Aer Lingus.
Where I stayed: The Chancery Hotel, right beside Dublin Castle.
I loved the location because it made exploring central Dublin on foot so convenient.
My Dublin stops:
- Temple Bar: One of Dublin’s best-known areas for pubs, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Guinness Storehouse: I booked the STOUTie Experience, where you can have your selfie printed onto the foam of a Guinness.
- Dublin city centre: I spent time exploring the streets and enjoying the atmosphere.
I booked my Guinness Storehouse experience directly through their website and selected my preferred time slot.
Travel tip: Book popular attractions ahead of time, especially when you only have one day in a city.
Stop 4: Back to London, England 🇬🇧
And this is where my birthday celebrations continued!
I started my birthday with brunch in Dublin before flying back to London with Aer Lingus.
Birthday brunch in Ireland and dinner in England? Absolutely! 😂
Where I stayed: citizenM Tower of London.
My London highlights:
- Big Ben & Westminster: Early-morning photos around one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
- Kew Gardens: A beautiful escape from the busy city.
- Birthday dinner: A special way to celebrate another year.
London was my final stop before returning to New York.
How to Travel Between London, Edinburgh & Dublin
Here’s how I connected the three cities:
New York → London: International flight into Heathrow.
London → Edinburgh: British Airways.
Edinburgh → Dublin: Aer Lingus.
Dublin → London: Aer Lingus.
London → New York: International flight home.
You can also take a direct train between London and Edinburgh, which takes around 4–4.5 hours on faster services.
I chose flights because they worked better for my itinerary.
Where to Stay in Each City
These are the three hotels I booked:
London: citizenM Tower of London
Convenient for public transportation and exploring London’s attractions.
Edinburgh: ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge
Nothing fancy, but a great location for exploring Old Town.
Dublin: The Chancery Hotel
A contemporary hotel beside Dublin Castle, within walking distance of many city-centre attractions.
For solo travel, location is one of the most important things I consider when booking accommodation.
What to Know Before Planning This Trip
1. Check your entry requirements. England and Scotland are part of the United Kingdom, while Ireland has separate immigration requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may need a UK ETA or visa and separate permission to enter Ireland.
2. Compare flights and trains. Flying isn’t always faster once airport transfers and security are included.
3. Choose centrally located hotels. You’ll save valuable time getting around.
4. Pack light. Moving between three cities is much easier without oversized luggage.
5. Don’t try to see everything. Seven days is enough to enjoy highlights, but not every attraction in all three cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit London, Edinburgh and Dublin in one week?
Yes! That’s exactly what I did. With short flights and a little planning, you can explore all three cities in seven days.
Is this a good solo travel itinerary?
Yes, especially if you enjoy city breaks. I recommend staying in central locations, planning transportation ahead, and leaving some flexibility in your schedule.
Do I need three different visas?
Not necessarily. England and Scotland share UK immigration rules, while Ireland has separate entry requirements. What you need depends on your nationality and immigration status.
Which city should I spend the most time in?
That depends on your interests. London has plenty to keep you busy for several days, while Edinburgh and Dublin can work well as shorter city breaks.
Is seven days enough?
It’s enough for a highlights trip. If you prefer slower travel, consider extending your stay.
Final Thoughts
Would I visit three countries in seven days again? Absolutely!
From Edinburgh’s historic streets to Dublin’s lively atmosphere and celebrating my birthday in London, each city offered something different.
If you’ve been wanting to explore multiple countries in one trip, I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own adventure.
And remember, you don’t have to wait for someone else to be ready before exploring the world!
Happy travels! 👑
