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County Donegal/Northen Ireland help

Posted by (Colorado, USA) on

I am currently planning our trip for summer 2017 for our family - myself, husband and 11 year old son. We are flying into Dublin (2 nights), and then taking the train to Belfast (1 night). My plan is to pick up a rental car in Belfast and head to Donegal town (1 night). I already have B & B reservations up to this point. We would then like to spend 2 more nights in County Donegal, perhaps further north. I'm having a difficult time picking the town for those two nights. Anyone love a town, village, or B & B in the area?

I was thinking that we would then head over to Giant's Causeway (maybe Portstewart?) for one night before heading to Scotland, either taking the ferry or a quick flight (TBD).

We love hiking, biking, history and pub culture. This is our third time to Ireland, but our first time to the north - and would appreciate any feedback or advice.

THANK YOU!
Molly

Posted by
1097 posts

We did this 10 or so years ago. Picked up car in Dublin, drove to Newgrange, passed briefly through Belfast and on to B&B in Portrush. Next day, visited the Giant's Causeway, Bushmills (whiskey!), and the castle that fell into the ocean (can't remember name, too long ago!), another night in Portrush. Next morning early, we drove to Derry, see the town, then on to Donegal. We loved Donegal - had a very late night in a pub with locals.

From there we went on to Galway via some other sites, but sounds like you're headed elsewhere. Pity. :)

This was our second trip, did the southern loop the fist time around. Would love to go back, but too many other places need seeing. Sounds like you're as enamored with it as we are.

Posted by
771 posts

Heading back across Northern Ireland, I think an 11 year old would enjoy some of the main sights: Dun Luce Castle, mentioned above as the ruined castle, the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge one can cross, if you dare (!) from the mainland to a tiny island, and the Giant's Causeway. These are are doable in a day, if you devote the day to them. They should all be described in travel books as they are the major sites (other than Bushmills) in the area. Definitely memorable, especially for a kid, since they are all involve climbing around rocks and across ropes! Maybe take one night from Donegal to accomplish this?

Posted by
28 posts

Thanks everyone! We have figured out the trip and we are looking forward to it.

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