Welcome back!   

My 'Go To' source for archeological interests has a SPIFFY, New, 'Clickable' Map!:  https://megalithicirelandmap.github.io/   As always, you can rummage through their regular site, as well, for either 'County By County' or 'Site Type' (Megaliths, Monasteries, Round Towers, Fortifications):  http://www.megalithicireland.com/

Just to get you started: 

The 'Green Blur' version:        

Day 1: https://goo.gl/maps/X9gZyeq6iEy    Monasterboise, Proleek Dolmen, Faughart, Mountain of Mournes, and Downpatrick

Day 2:  https://goo.gl/maps/WgpYKyxMrjL2    the Ards  and into Belfast.

Day 3, more of Belfast, but add a trip to Carrickfergus Castle:  https://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Carrickfergus-Castle-Carrickfergus-P2814 

Day 4: https://goo.gl/maps/oJL2fZK3w1x   Glens of Antrim, Torr Head, Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbor.

Day 5:  https://goo.gl/maps/jZCCguek4Ax  Bushmills, Giant's causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Derry

Day 6:  https://goo.gl/maps/hExGzBaspbn   Omagh (Ulster-American Folk Park), Loughcrew and Trim

Day 7:  to Dublin

If that's ONE too many, drop Carrickfergus and only stay in Belfast for one night.

 

What are their interests? Do they prefer Bob's "green blur" or a slightly slower pace? Do they want to stay at hotels or B&Bs?

Some places that I really like:

Newgrange and Bru na Boinne
Carlingford
Trim Castle
Hillsborough Castle, Gardens & Fort (cute village too)
Mount Stewart House & Gardens
Greyabbey
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum: http://nmni.com/uftm
Ards Peninsula
Antrim Coast and all associated spots i.e. Torr Road, Giant's Causeway, etc.
Dark Hedges

I think the above could fill a week but I also like the area around Enniskillen with its castles, caves and gardens.

Thanks, all! This will help so much. They are young and resourceful, and will be able to just pick and choose from what I offer in the way of suggestions. I don't know if they will prefer to go at a fast pace, or a slower one, with the idea that, what the heck, they will come back another time, for sure. :).

Hello all,

 

I have more information now from the folks who are going to be in Dublin from July 4-9, and want to do the Northeast from July 9-15 (home). 

The Dublin itinerary is quite full.  They are traveling with a choral group, and the tours are pretty much in place. 

They are on their own from July 9-14 and are renting a car and heading north.  They are staying in an Air B & B in Castelrock the entire time.

They want to see a lot, but at a not-too-fast pace.  Ha, ha.....I know what you are going to say.  I will tell them what I know from experience (both mine and yours) and they can decide.

They are wanting to do a day boat trip to Scotland.  I am completely in the dark about that one.  They have not booked anything other than the Air B & B.

So.....car rental recommendations (it's been a while for me and I think there have been changes)

What is within reasonable distance from Castlerock....

Can't they do Newgrange/Tara on the way up? 

I think that's it.  All help welcome and appreciated.  I will check out these maps sites meanwhile. 

Marie

Just a quick word about this post....the young couple did indeed go to Dublin and the Northeast and they loved it so much they want to buy a house over there!