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Belfast to Dublin (counterclockwise) Itinerary Q's & rec's for lodgings & other sites

My trip is next year end of April 2019 thru mid-May. I have my flights booked & am very excited!

**I like to drive & see the [historical or scenic} sites but not necessarily schedule every minute, as I'm a photographer & like to stop & take photos whenever I want! I'm happy spending the day driving to the final destination with stops for lunch & snacks along the way & don't want to pack up & stay somewhere new each night. I love the ocean, so many of my stops are chosen to be on the sea.

**I'd really like to see puffins.

**Recommendations for where to stay (I'd prefer smaller hotels or B&B's with pubs/restaurants within walking distance) & any other specific cool sites to see would be great--otherwise, I'll just check the tourbook for that day's driving route & decide along the way.

**Is there an issue renting a car in Belfast & dropping it off in Dublin?

ITINERARY:

Arrive BELFAST mid-afternoon (from LHR)
Black Cab Tour today or tomorrow

BELFAST
Giants’ Causeway & surrounding scenery, rope bridge

BELFASTto LONDONDERRY
Giants’ Causeway & Antrim Coast

LONDONDERRY
City tour of the Necklace/Noose walls

LONDONDERRY to DONEGAL or SLIGO????
Castle? Other scenery

DONEGAL

DONEGAL to CLIFDEN

CLIFDEN

CLIFDEN to PORTMAGEE
Skellig Michael is on the list—multiple nights to allow for weather issues
Ring of Kerry, probably more than once
Puffins?????

PORTMAGEE

PORTMAGEE

PORTMAGEE to DINGLE

DINGLE PENINSULA

DINGLE PENINSULA

DINGLE PENINSULA to DUBLIN
Gaol, Book of Kells, Guinness, City Tour, pub crawl
Howth & surrounding areas

DUBLIN

DUBLIN

DUBLIN to LONDON

LONDON

LONDON

LONDON to PHOENIX

Posted by
11294 posts

"Is there an issue renting a car in Belfast & dropping it off in Dublin?"

Yes there is. Since these are in different countries, there will be a surcharge, which can be steep. Check now to prevent sticker shock, and be prepared to re-do your itinerary if the charge is too high for you.

Posted by
9222 posts

Add the Gap of Dunloe.

I’m a photographer as well. The Gap of Dunloe was stunning in November with gold,red and green foliage. No clue what Spring foliage will be though. Still the Gap is worth a stop with the camera.

Once you’ve left You should also consider Powerscourt, Glendalough and then drive through the Wicklow mountains to Kinsale. At least a 4-5 hour drive but from my photographers perspective well worth the effort. Lots of eye candy.