After Ireland’s early lead Finn Russell – and the chin of captain Stuart Hogg – helped Scotland regain the advantage but Johnny Sexton sent the visitors in 14-10 ahead at the break.
In the second 40 minute half, Ireland further extended their lead before the home side roared back level 24-24 at BT Murrayfield and it was finely poised with five minutes to play.
However a late penalty from Ireland captain Sexton, with Russell off the field with a head knock, proved decisive and sent Ireland second in the Six Nations table and handed Gregor Townsend’s team a second consecutive home defeat.
Here is how the Scotland players rated out of 10...
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14. Sean Maitland - 7
Solid performance from the Scotland wing, particularly in defence. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
15. Stuart Hogg - 7
Scotland captain moved to stand-off for final 20 minutes but will be frustrated by his side’s costly errors and sluggish start. Photo: Brendan Moran - SNS Group
16. Substitutes
David Cherry (Edinburgh), Jamie Bhatti (Bath), Simon Berghan (Edinburgh), Grant Gilchrist (Glasgow), Nick Haining (Edinburgh), Scott Steele (Harlequins), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh) Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group