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Post Info TOPIC: Northwest/Northern Ireland Itinerary


Newbie

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Northwest/Northern Ireland Itinerary


We are going to be in Ireland late July for 12 nights. This is our 2nd trip. We did the south and southwest the first trip. I want to see the northwest and north this trip. We'd like to hit some of the main locations but don't want to see every tourist attraction. We enjoy a more leisurely pace, hiking, natural beauty, a little shopping, good food, and pubs and music in the evenings. We do like to get off the beaten path a bit. Budget is mid range.

 

Here's what I have so far- the only part that is booked currently is Lisdoon:

Night 1- Land Dublin, rent car, drive to ? (suggestions welcome!), pubs and music, spend the night.

 

Nights 2-4- Lisdoonvarna for a wedding, see the Burren, explore the area

 

Night 5- Clifden area to explore the Connemara National Park

 

Nights 6-7 - Wesport area, Crough Patrick, Achill Island Drive

 

Nights 8-9 Donegal area, Slieve League

 

Nights 10-11, Portrush area, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, rope bridge, Game of Thrones territory

 

Night 12, Dublin, Fly out Day 13

 

I really want to spend some time in Belfast but can't find a place for it. Does it make any sense to stay in Westport for 3 days and explore the Connemara from there? I would like to avoid as many one night stops as I can. Is there a place we are spending too much time or not enough? What would you change if anything? Suggestions on towns, routes, or particular points of interest are most welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.



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I'd recommend,if you can, flying into Shannon and out of Belfast. It may be a little more in terms of airfare, but not likely too much. Check rates for dropoff on rental car, as well. I found it was worth it, but your mileage may vary!


County Clare is lovely. You'll have no end of exploring the Burren in your time in Lisdoonvarna. We've stayed both in Ennis and in Ballyvaughan. The smokehouse is great for shopping. Check out the Burren Perfumery for something different. Lots of walking places. Ailwee Caves, Poulnabrone Dolmen, but there are many more sites.

Connemara is another garden spot. If you like the movie The Quiet Man, see Cong for filming locations. Dog's Head Bay is a great drive. Just pick a road and explore!

Westport - one of my favorite towns. We've stayed there twice, and it's a great place for food and nightlife as well as trad music. Matt Molloy's pub!

Donegal - We've stayed both in Ardara (loved Nancy's Pub!) and Bunbeg. I recommend both. The coastline is amazing. Do not miss Slieve League or Glencolmcille. Glenveagh Park is also amazing, and Mount Errigal/Five Sisters area. If you have the time, Inishowen is sublime. Grianan of Aileach is another fantastic site. I loved Beltany Stone circle, too.

The Antrim coast - We stayed in Cushendall at the Riverside B&B and did day trips along the coast and through the glens. Glenariff park is a great place for gentle hikes, so many waterfalls. Lots of Game of Thrones sites. I sought many of them out on purpose (If you want my trip report, I'm happy to share).


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My two trip reports for Northern and Western Ireland.

greendragonartist.com/travel/ireland-2013/
greendragonartist.com/travel/coasting-through-the-emerald-isle-on-pints-of-cider/

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Guru

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As answered elsewhere. "Better to explore the Connemara from Clifden than Westport. Given the area you want to cover moving rather than sitting is the best logistical way to go." This map might give some points of interest along your possible routes https://goo.gl/xrDQtD also includes links to maps for West Clare https://goo.gl/UtW24m and the Connemara https://goo.gl/UL09QA

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Welcome to the forum. Your itinerary looks good. I would leave as is. You could do a half day in Belfast on the day you drive to Dublin. You will already have seen the Antrim coastal area. If you depart right after breakfast take the quickest route to Belfast for whatever sightseeing you want to do in the city. It is about a two-hour drive from Belfast to Dublin. Presuming you will stay at an airport hotel the night before departure?

Some places of interest along the way:

Cong: https://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/ireland-friday-freebie-cong-abbey/ & https://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/ireland-friday-freebie-cong-woods/

Sky Drive (Clifden)

Deserted Village: http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/deserted-village-achill-island-co-mayo/

Rosses Point (Sligo)

Drumcliff Yeats' Grave

Gleniff Horseshoe Drive (north of Sligo)

Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones): https://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/ireland-friday-freebie-the-dark-hedges/

That should get you started. Let us know if you have other questions.

 

 



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