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Av8tor


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Going North This Time
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Hello All,

Planning our 3rd trip to the Emerald Isle this May.  Will be arriving the 7th of May and leaving the 17th.  Flying into Shannon and out of Dublin.  We have rented a car and don't mind driving at all (it's the best way to see Ireland).  We visited the South on our last two trips and would like to go North.  Our plans are to sleep in Doolin the first night because we'll be exhausted from the overnight travel.  We also want to walk the trail up to the Cliffs again as it was so breath taking.  As we go North we'll drive through the Burren and drive through Connemara National Park.  Other things that are must see in the North for us are (in no particular order):  Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Cuilcagh Way Boardwalk, The Dark Hedges, Derry City Walls, Mussenden Temple, The Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Glens of Antrim, Mourne Mountains. 

We don't particularly care for big cities, so Belfast in itself isn't somewhere that we would want to stay for multiple nights.  What towns would be great places to stay a night or two?  My parent's 50th wedding anniversary is the 10th and I want to find an amazing restaurant to celebrate.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  We love the sites of Ireland so any other beautiful spots or towns would be appreciated.

Thanks!!



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Itallian Chauffeur


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Welcome to Michele's Forum!

Can you expand as to your plans -- number in party, budget, travel type ('one night stands', 'park and loop' ), Does Galway and mayo figure into the plan?

I will be doing an abbreviated tour of the North this coming May, as well.  Along the Antrim Coast, Ballycastle is a personal favorite, but you will be spoilt for choice.  Portrush is also a popular choice.  Giant's Causeway, Dunluce, Carrick-a-Rede and Bushmills are all within reach of both.

Peruse http://www.irelandyes.com/lodgings.html  for some of Michele's recommendations on places to stay.  We've never had a bad experience at any of her listed places.

Drive ideas:   

Donegal:  https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/pThe-Donegal-Atlantic-Drive.html   Be sure to explore the other options on the upper left hand side of the page, as well.

Northern Ireland:  https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/things-to-do/northern-irelands-top-scenic-drives/



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Av8tor


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Hello,

There will be 3 of us.  We don't worry about the budget too much, and we prefer to stay in bed and breakfasts to meet the locals.  We enjoy the small town feel of Ireland and have loved Kenmare, Dingle, Kinsale, Doolin etc.. in the past.  That is the type of town we are looking for.  While we liked Dublin and Galway, it's just like any other city.   We are intrigued by the West and North West part of Ireland and would be fine with spending the majority of our time there if there is enough to do.  Portrush and Ballycastle look amazing too.

I just ordered Michele's book and really look forward to reading it.

Regards,

Tom 



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Michele Erdvig


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Tom,

Thanks for ordering my book and welcome to the forum. I am currently creating the new edition as an e-book, which is not ready yet. So I refunded your order as it might not be ready in time for your trip. But you can ask anything you want here.

This is a really nice place to stay outside Bushmills: Causeway Lodge. It might fit the bill. Some other areas of Northern Ireland I like are Co. Fermanagh and Co. Down. I know some super places to stay in those areas too. Let me know if you want some suggestions.



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Av8tor


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Hi Michele,

You didn't have to do that, I'm sure the current book would have been a wealth of knowledge for us.  I know I'll be back, so hopefully when the book is complete we'll order again.

 

So here is my current plan and I'm open for suggestions:

 

May 7th:  Drive the Burren and hike some of the Cliff Trail in Doolin and spend the night in Doolin.

May 8,9th:  Drive the loop around Connemara and stay Westport

May 10th, 11th:  Undecided and this is my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary so I need a fantastic restaurant.  Sligo or Donegal?

May 12-13th:  Dunfanaghy

May 14-15:  Portrush

May 16:  Carlingford

17th:  Fly home.

 

Thanks for your input.

Tom



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Itallian Chauffeur


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Please be aware of the North West 200 motorcycle race held in Portrush, May 14 - 18:  https://www.northwest200.org/practice-race-schedule/

Things can get a little rowdy as the week progresses.

If you still want to stay there, book as soon as possible.  A Family Room, or a double and a single?



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Michele Erdvig


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Since Portrush will be chock-a-block, perhaps book the one in Bushmills instead? Book soon as the whole area including Donegal will be crowded.

Are you going to splurge for the anniversary? If so consider a stay at Lough Eske Castle  (I liked the rooms in the actual castle as opposed to the courtyard) or Harvey's Point.

 



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Michele Erdvig


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Do you have your airline tickets yet? With the motorcycle race on, I would try to avoid it if possible.

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
Av8tor


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Would Ballycastle be better? Avoid Portrush completely.  We did already buy tickets.



-- Edited by Av8tor on Thursday 7th of February 2019 07:22:23 PM

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Michele Erdvig


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Ballycastle is fine as is Bushmills. But make your reservations ASAP.

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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.
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