Between Ballintoy and Dublin- HELP

aprilmay · Veteran Member

Between Ballintoy and Dublin- HELP

Michele Erdvig · Host

Aprilmay,

Are you overnighting in Balllintoy? There are the usual great things to do like Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. There are more off-the-beaten-path things to do like drive Torr Road, visit the Dark Hedges, see Mussenden Temple and Estate, visit all the various beaches and coves along the way. You can drive onto most of the beaches in your car.

If you want a place to stop partway down to Dublin you might consider Newtownards in the vicinity of the beautiful Mount Stewart House & Gardens. Or Downpatrick where St. Patrick is supposedly buried. A bit farther south and in the Republic is Carlingford.

I think the most important site you are thinking of in North Dublin (really in Co. Meath) is Newgrange at Bru na Boinne. If you are interested in history and archaeology then this would be considered "the pyramids or Stonehenge" site of Ireland.

Michele

aprilmay · Veteran Member

Yes, staying in Ballintoy to be close to the Carrick bridge if open, and Giants Causeway- seemed like a lot left to see before Dublin.. on another site someone mentioned only a half- day between Ballintoy and Dublin- but seems like I would miss seeing many sites,,,

Newgrange I have heard, one must arrive in the morning???

I do want to see Mount Stewart with its gardens.. what is around Newcastle?
Carrickfergus?
Thanks for your insight!

Aprilmay

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Aprilmay,

Having done County Antrim a few times, I would certainly suggest Torr Road, Glens of Antrim, Antrim Coast through Larne, and stop at Carrickfergus, then Belfast. If you have a spare day, I would see Belfast. The "Troubles" area, Catholic and Protestant with Black Tours. Belfast centre is interesting, the Crown Liquor Saloon (one doesn't have to drink to go in there). Then Downpatrick, Mourne Mountains, Four Knocks Passage Tomb, Dublin.

So much to see, so little time!!

Helen

Michele Erdvig · Host

aprilmay,

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is open from March 4 through October. Generally, it is a good idea to arrive at Newgrange as early as possible to avoid dissappointment. However, in off-season or shoulder season it may be possible to get a tour at any time. It just depends on how many people show up on a certain day. You can tour the museum but it is the actual entrance to Newgrange that is restricted to a certain number at a time because of the size.

Near Newcastle is mostly coastal scenery, a golf course and the Mountains of Mourne.

Most people visit Carrickfergus for the castle.

Michele