The journey to Skellig Michael, Ireland, is not only potluck but if you are actually lucky enough to get there, the hike to the top is butt puckeringly frightening, yet exhilarating. Book ahead and pray the weather gods are not temperamental and you might make the first leg unscathed. On reaching the island, be brave, sure footed, don't look down and don't be embarrassed if you need to slide on your bum at times. All going well, you will have a fantastic adventure that was worth every hair raising second, even if you do pee a little.
Ireland is picturesque, green, interesting and expensive! There is so much to see on this island that it's worth hiring a car and just driving for a couple of weeks. The many passes through the ranges are spectacular as are the blackberry lined back lanes and country roads, and the stories of Irish music in the local pubs are all true. If there is a letdown to Ireland it's the Cliffs of Moher. Vastly overrated, horrendous parking and over-inflated costs. You will find many other beautiful vistas around Ireland for free and without having to navigate the population of Europe or losing your toupee in the blasting North Atlantic Ocean breeze.

If castles, strangely named pubs, thick accents, history and gorgeous scenery are not your thing then give the United Kingdom a miss, it's just not for you. The Scots will welcome you with open arms, York will scare you with its ghostly and grim stories, The Cotswold's will invite you in and London will provide endless points of interest and entertainment albeit under gloomy grey skies. So, find a cozy tavern, order the local fare, meet a local and embrace what the UK has on offer. Oh, and if you don't understand the accent, just smile and nod and just hope that you're not selling your favourite child.

UNESCO Sites visited: Stonehenge, City of Bath, Skellig Michael, Edinburgh, Tower of London, Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange, Knowth, Giants Causeway, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Abbey, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, English Lakes District, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Forth Bridge and Gorham's Cave Complex (Gibraltar).

Scotland

United Kingdom

Ireland