Wales vs Northern Ireland

A fast-growing tourist destination, the country of Wales is rooted in medieval history complete with castles and monuments that tell of a glorious past. Aside from its heritage, Wales is noted for its picture perfect views comprising mountains, bays and a vast countryside with villages and towns that take you back in time.

Northern Ireland is no amateur when it comes to wowing its visitors either. From the castles of Belfast to the riverfronts of Derry, Northern Ireland has much and more to keep its visitors occupied.

So, where would you like to go? Here’s some detail to help you come to an informed decision.

WALES

Cardiff
The capital city of Wales in the United Kingdom, Cardiff is a port city with a bustling bay. Cardiff Bay is a regenerated project created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff. It is the hub of activity with restaurants, bars, the Roald Dahl Plass, which is open amphitheatre style plaza and Techniquest, an educational science and discovery centre and planetarium. While in Cardiff, also visit St. Fagans National History Museum depicting the social history of Wales, the Gothic style Cardiff Castle built on the remains of Norman and Roman ruins and the Anglican Llandaff Cathedral built in the 12th century. For some fun, head to Wales Millennium Centre, an arts centre located in the Cardiff Bay area and Mermaid Bay, a boardwalk on the waterfront with shopping, dining and recreational activities.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Air France, Jet Airways, KML and British Airways operate via flights from India to Cardiff. Check for available flights from your city here.

 

Northern Ireland

Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast offers historical tours, shopping districts, exquisite dining venues, sprawling golf courses and a nocturnal nightlife. Plenty of IRA relics are also immortalized here – giving the tourist a glimpse into Ireland’s revolutionary past (or, as some might say, present!).

Do not return from Belfast without visiting the Stormont Castle, Queen’s University and the St. George’s Market. Although a number of tourists cite safety concerns from what they read in the news and Belfast’s reputation as a rebel refuge during the stormy days of IRA, the fact that it has been voted the safest city in the world after Tokyo should be enough of a reassurance, I imagine.

Derry

Well on its way towards becoming Northern Ireland’s cultural hotspot, Derry may not have the beauty of an archetypal Spanish city or the infrastructural convenience of Belfast, but it makes up for that in spades. How, you ask? Well, by sporting a marvellous riverside and plenty of historical landmarks to fill your itinerary for days on end.

You have to visit the footbridge constructed over the River Fowle – interestingly named the Peace Bridge. Moreover, no visit to Derry is complete without a walk around the Bogside Murals, or beside the walls that withstood countless sieges and attacks from determined invaders.

How to Get There

Cheaper airfares and sparsely populated flights operate between India and Northern Ireland. But that is no reason for you to shy away from a visit. A number of carriers do operate here, comprising Etihad Airways, British Airways, Air France, Emirates and more. If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.

Germany

Berlin

The capital city of Germany owes much of its tourist influx to its World War II and Cold War history. Divided after WWII into zones of the East (Soviet Union) and the West (USA), the city became the centrepiece of the Cold War struggle and has the marks to show for it. Visit the Reichstag, which was the spot for perhaps one of the most iconic photographs in history of Soviet soldiers planting the Communist flag atop its crumbling structure. Or visit the Brandenburg Gate – noted for its similarity to the Arc de Triumphe in France. Most of the notorious Berlin Wall has now been demolished, but you can still see sections of it near the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie.

Munich

Easily one of the most popular cities in Germany (although Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt give it a worthy competition), Munich is known for its culture and of course, the Oktoberfest. Beyond the beer-guzzling, Munich’s acclaimed arts and culture scene comes alive in its many opera houses and theatres such as the National Theatre. Medieval walls, ancient churches and majestic palaces sit along with teeming marketplaces and entertainment districts for the tourist to enjoy a curious sensation of being in two different eras at the same time.

How to Get There

 A flight to Berlin or Munich is always available, courtesy the large fleet of Lufthansa and, of course, the country’s notoriety with both tourists and students. Apart from Lufthansa, carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Jet Airways and Air India operate a busy schedule to airports in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. . If you wish to book your ticket, please search here.                                                     

Destination	Belfast, Northern Ireland	Cardiff, Wales
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 8548 (per night at Park Inn by Radisson Belfast Hotel) Rs. 6643 (per night at Ramada Encore Belfast) Rs. 13432 (per night at Europa Hotel Belfast)	Rs. 5,585 per night (Standard room at Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre) Rs. 7,190 per night (Superior room at Park Plaza Cardiff Hotel) Rs. 8,805 (Standard King room at St. David's Hotel & Spa Cardiff )
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 6,000 per day	Rs. 4,000 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 190 per ticket	Rs. 180 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 4,100 per day	Rs. 3,000 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

A holiday in both these come with their own uniqueness. For a more urban experience, head to Northern Ireland and for a more rustic experience amidst mountains and nature’s bounty, head to Wales.