Question about Northern Ireland

Zstep · Veteran Member

Question about Northern Ireland

Michele Erdvig · Host

Great to hear you are headed back to Ireland. July 12 is Orangemen's Day aka the Marching Season and there are lots of parades and bonfires. There is usually a police presence in case of trouble. Last year certain areas of Belfast were blocked off: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/13/3000-police-northern-irelands-marching-season There were some problems in 2013 but the strong police presence has quashed that recently. But if you feel uneasy you could certainly time your visit to depart before July 12.

Additional info about areas where the parades take place: Belfast Telegraph story.

Depending on where you are going in Northern Ireland, you may or may not see anything related to the celebrations.

tony2phones · Guru

The North is a large area quite possible to be there on the 12th and not see a parade. I would avoid the Bonfires and housing estates around Belfast and Derry that a tourist wouldn't be visiting anyway. Black cab tours might not be running around that time?

As to Itinerary I generally advise doing the North straight on arrival at Dublin Airport but you know how it fits best for your tour.

yesiree · Guru

Because the 12th is a holiday, some areas get busy and accommodations can be booked or pricey... especially along the Causeway Coast and Belfast. For that reason, I'd stack Northern Ireland in the earlier part of your trip.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Good point Corey. Also since July 12th is a Tuesday the weekend before will probably be very busy.

Zstep · Veteran Member

Good feedback, everyone. I'm likely to shift NI to the front end of the trip before heading to Donegal, then County Mayo before heading back to Dublin.

Important lesson learned from the last trip. Find one B&B and stay for 3 nights if possible, using it as a base to see the surrounding region. Last time around we changed places almost every day and it was exhausting.

Waiting on the arrival of your book, Michele, before I really dig into the planning extravaganza.

Roy · Guru

You're right. Changing places to stay every night is no fun, and a lot of extra work. I can usually get a discount for staying multiple nights too.

Green Dragon · Guru

Good advice above! I loved the B&B I stayed at in Cushendall, Riverside B&B. Great central location to the charming town (Johnny Joe's pub just a couple buildings away). No more than an hour or so drive to just about anything along the Antrim Coast or in the glens.