Dublin to Ballycastle

jedivader · Member

Dublin to Ballycastle

Michele Erdvig · Host

jedivader,

What day of the week? What sorts of things are you interested in doing and seeing along the way? How long do you want the drive to take? Everyone is different and there is no "one size fits all" answer.

Michele

TxDevil · Veteran Member

Personally, I like driving the back roads. Seeing what REAL Ireland is like. Not just the M1. But, if you're skiddish about driving where there is barely enough room for you and another car ... or afraid of getting lost. I'd stick to the M1. :)

Happy Travels.

jedivader · Member

We would be heading up to Ballycastle on Tuesday (10/2). We are interested in: castles, ruins, micro-breweries, scenery.

Just wondering if it was worth the time to go around the Co. Down area or if we shouldn;t bother and just head straight to Ballcastle.

Michele Erdvig · Host

jedivader,

The Down coast does not have the WOW factor of the Antrim coast. It is gentler and mostly at sea level. Co. Down has a lot to offer but for those who will spend some time there. I am particularly fond of the Ards Peninsula and Mount Stewart. Many houses, gardens, etc. are not open on weekdays in NI in off-season.

You may be better off going directly to Ballycastle. Depending on your route you could stop off at Hillsborough for lunch. What a lovely town! There is a fort and park in back of town, a beautiful church and Hillsborough Castle (since it is an official royal residence opening times are hit or miss).

Michele