Advice for this itinerary...

Don · Member

Advice for this itinerary...

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Carlingford is definitely worth two nights -- particularly if the first is on arrival day. As Michele said, my wife and I loved Beaufort House for the start of our grand, month-long "Retirement Tour"!

http://ireland.activeboard.com/t51514087/commentary-on-the-retirement-tour/ Some fair details about Carlinford from late-2010. My trip reports from Antrim (Ballycastle), Derry and Donegal are older, though (2007 and 2009) so they might not be as useful.

What are your interests -- scenery, ruins, castles and monastic sites? ? ? confuse

Don · Member

Thanks for the quick and helpful reply Bob. Our three days in Dublin will take care of our city interests, so for the rest of the trip we're interested in scenery, monastic sites and history, music/pub life.

We're thinking about Ballyvaughan because this is our friends' first trip to Ireland and they'd like to see the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and we'd like to take the ferry from Doolin to Aran Islands.

I'll check out past postings in the trip reports section.

Don

Geno · Guru

Don:

When looking into Carlingford, these photos helped seal it for me! I want to go there also.

Geno

Don · Member

Very good to hear from you Geno. It's a been a long since we chatted on Pat's forum. We still need to meet at Dick Mack's!!

The more I hear about Carlingford, the more it sounds like two nights there would be worthwhile.

Also, I'm thinking that rather than go from Donegal to Ballyvaughan/Clare, it might be wiser to limit ourselves to Sligo/Mayo, maybe Galway and then back to Dublin for the last three days.

Good to be in touch with you and others here!

Don

Geno · Guru

Don:

See my private message. One suggestion I made was to go stay in Westport, as that is a good option after Donegal, and you do go straight through Sligo on that route. I really like Mayo a great deal. Go to Kylemore Abbey if you get in that area, and consider taking the Doolough Pass road from Westport to Galway as you start making your way back to Dublin.

My best,

Geno

P.S. -- Having a Guinness with you at Mack's is still on my list! One of these days.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Sligo is a place that many tourists just pass through. However, there is much to see and do in the area. One of my favorite drives in Ireland is Gleniff Horseshoe a little north of Sligo. If you are considering a stay there let me know and I will tell you more of what to see in Sligo.

tony2phones · Guru

Might be some points of interest along this old plan https://goo.gl/xrDQtD

For Sligo http://www.discoversligo.com/ & http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/caves-of-kesh/

Don · Member

Thanks for offering to tell us more about what to see in Sligo. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

Thanks to all for your comments and tips.

Don

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Don -- I agree with Geno about the Doo Lough Drive -- It's one of my personal favorites!

Also can't help but agree with Michele's assessment of Sligo -- my 'Retirement Tour' included a LOT of Sligo time! biggrin biggrin

Things to do IN Sligo: http://stranded.ie/2010/07/09/top-10-things-sligo/

A list of Scenic Drives for the Rest of your plan:

Ards and Mountains of Mourne:

http://www.downdc.gov.uk/Documents/Tourism/Mourne-Visitor-Guide---FINAL-09-01-2014.aspx

Causeway and Antrim Coast:

http://www.causewaycoastalroute.com/scenic-drives.html

http://www.causewaycoastalroute.com/torr-road.html

http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/Game-of-Thrones-Itinerary.T1163.aspx

Donegal:

http://www.activeme.ie/guides/driving/inishowen-100-scenic-drive-donegal-ireland-top-10-things-to-see-and-do/

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/fanad-scenic-drive/10843

http://www.everytrail.com/guide/slieve-league-coastal-drive-along-donegal-bay

http://www.joe.ie/life-style/irelands-great-drives-the-glengesh-pass-donegal/36911

http://www.ireland.com/en-gb/wild-atlantic-way/county-donegal/

Sligo:

http://www.sligotourism.ie/adventure/type/driving-tours/

THAT should get you STARTED ! biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Don · Member

This is great stuff, Bob, many thanks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

If you like hiking you could climb Knocknarea. Glencar Lake & Waterfall are gorgeous. Parkes Castle (although nearby Sligo is officially in Leitrim) & there are boat rides on the lake. Strandhill beach and seaweed baths. Rosses Point has many associations with WB Yeats as does Drumcliff and Inishfree. Creevykeel and Carrowmore for those who like ancient history.

Don · Member

We've booked our first at Beaufort House in Carlingford.....thanks for that suggestion!

Now....any recommendations for B&B or hotel near Giant's Causeway. We're thinking about staying there for two nights, and welcome suggetions for places to visit.

Thanks!
Don

tony2phones · Guru

We use Avarest Guest House in Portrush, sits just above the harbour. http://www.avarest.com/

Michele Erdvig · Host

Causeway Lodge near Bushmills is lovely.

Don · Member

We're filling in our itinerary for the June trip, and your advice has been helpful.

Can anyone recommend B&Bs in these areas: Ardara, Donegal; Westport; and Doolin?

Thanks!

Don

tony2phones · Guru

Outside Ardara http://www.donegalthatchbedandbreakfast.com/ , just outside Donegal town http://www.drumcorroyhouse.com/ , Central for Westport http://st-anthonys.com/ outside Westport on Clew Bay http://www.seapointhouse.com/ .

Geno · Guru

Don:

I've stayed at both Boulevard Guesthouse and Linden Hall in Westport, and both are nice and well located to walking to all pubs and restaurants in town. Between the two, I thought the breakfasts were much better at Linden Hall and the rooms were really big. Either place is fine, and the Boulevard Guesthouse is an interesting property right on the canal. I would stay at either again.

In Doolin there is no decision for me -- we always stay at Daly's House, an incredible place with perhaps the best host we have on our trips.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Tuesday 26th of May 2015 08:38:11 AM

Pic · Veteran Member

I have stayed at both Boulevard and St Anthony's in Westport and loved both of them. Great location, good food and wonderful hosts. In Donegal we stayed at The Arches. It's located about 10 minutes outside of Donegal town on Lough Eske. It's a little tricky to find the first time but once you do it is so worth it. The setting is beautiful, the rooms are lovely and Noreen is a delightful hostess. Hope that helps!