3 days in N. Ireland/Belfast...or spend one day on a Dublin trip?

Posted by AaronW (Saint Louis, MO USA) on 08/27/14 04:31 PM

Hello, looking for any tips or hints. I'm flying in and the first day I'm going to do a black cab tour of the city as I fight off jet lag, probably do some pub hopping that day as well as just walking around and seeing the city center. The last day in the city I'm going up to the Bushmills distillery and seeing the Giants causeway, that tour is taking up most of the day. So I've got a day open, and I'm not sure what to do with it. I got Rick's NI book and he doesn't think there is much to see there so I'm wondering if a day trip to Dublin would be a good idea?

Any tips?

Posted by doric8

08/29/14 02:02 AM

1411 posts

there are a lot of great things to see in dublin.....perhaps a hop on hop off bus so you can pick and choose? glad you are seeing Belfast and giants causeway

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

08/29/14 12:51 PM

15582 posts

I just got back from a week in Dublin (also spent a little time in Belfast). Definitely Dublin for a day. There is so much to see and do, or just pub hopping in Temple Bar.

Posted by taylorsears16

Nantucket, MA

09/17/14 06:37 PM

8 posts

Dunluce Castle and the rope bridge are in the same area as Giants Causeway. Both were fascinating places. Also a visit to Derry City! Great historical walled city!

http://www.visitderry.com/

Posted by Joel

Tempe, AZ, USA

09/18/14 05:54 PM

1265 posts

Bigern - If I understand your post, you are spending 3 days in Belfast. Day 1 - is a Black Cab tour and pub hopping. Day 2 - Antrim Coast Tour. Day 3 - You're thinking about a day trip to Dublin. You can purchase a same day return on Irish rail to Dublin is roughly €36. Once you get in Dublin you can do a HOHO bus tour of the city. Then go hit Dublin Castle, St Patrick's, the Book of Kells and maybe a few pubs in Temple Bar. You could also wander around Belfast and check out the University , do a a City Hall tour or there is also the Titanic exhibit.

One question I have, Where are you heading after Belfast ?

I'm not sure if these suggestions help any.

Posted by Claudia

Land of La

09/19/14 01:23 PM

8658 posts

Yes, via rail or bus you could easily take a trip south to Dublin BUT by only taking the Black cab tour you are short changing Belfast. Sorry Rick but you are wrong, loads to see and enjoy in Belfast.

The stellar Titanic Museum, Botanic Gardens, Crumlin Road Gaol, City Hall, St. George's Market, Belfast Exposed http://www.belfastexposed.org, a play at the Lyric Theatre, Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Belfast Castle, the murals of Belfast, http://www.belfast-murals.co.uk, a bowl of seafood chowder or fresh mussels at Mournes, the murals, alleys, pubs and fun atmosphere of the Cathedral Quarter, http://tinyurl.com/o55znkr, Belfast is this and a lot more.