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12 Day West/North Ireland in July. Need assistance with picking locations to lodge.

We are going to be in Ireland late July for 12 nights. This is our 2nd trip. We did the south and southwest the first trip. I want to see the northwest and north this trip. We like to hit the main locations but don't want to see every tourist attraction. We like to get off the beaten path a bit. Here's what we have so far:

Day 1- Land Dublin, rent car, drive to Ennis, pubs and music, spend the night.
Day 2-4- Doolin, Lisdoonvarna for a wedding, see the Burren, explore the area
Day 5- Clifden area to explore the Connemara National Park
Day 6-7 - Wesport area, Crough Patrick, Achill Island Drive
Day 8-9 Donegal area, Slieve League
Day 10-11, Portrush area, Giants Causeway, Bushmills
Day 12, Dublin, Fly out

I really want to spend some time in Belfast but can't find a place for it. Is there a place we are spending too much time or not enough? What would you change if anything? Thanks in advance for your help.

Posted by
317 posts

Greetings from Ireland, one night in Portrush would be enough. Apart from a nice beach, famous golf-course (£100+ per round) and a few good restaurants theres very little there. Its value it that it is right beside the star attractors like the causeway and bushmills.
Id go on to Belfast after visiting the North Coast attractions.
Belfast is a fascinating and excellent city to visit
Slainte/Good health
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Derry & Dingle

Posted by
2 posts

Stephen,

Thanks so much for your reply. We will make that change as you suggested. Also, would it be totally crazy to spend night 1 in Dingle? We got engaged on the Slea Head on one of the cliffs. I would really love to go back but not sure we would have the time driving straight from Dublin airport and having to be in Lisdoon the next day.

Cheers,
Kat