Daytrip or overnight in Belfast?

I was glad we spent the night in Belfast. We stayed at the Premier Inn Titanic Quarter which was quite convenient.

Hi Carol,

What did you feel you gained from staying overnight?

Would you recommend going directly there from Galway and then from Belfast to Dublin?

My concern is that the Galway to Belfast route looks to be about 5-6 hours via train so I'd almost need 2 days there instead of 1.

I also looked at going Galway to Dublin, staying there for 2 nights, then shorter train trip from Dublin to Belfast for 1 night, but then I'd need to go back to Dublin for 1 night before the flight home..Seems inefficient to have two separate stays in Dublin but the 6 hour train journey from Galway will also be inefficient which is why I was leaning towards a day trip instead to reduce hotel changes.

With only 8 days I'm trying to maximize my time as much as possible!

Some folks might be wary, but depending on your flight departure time, coming from Belfast that morning isn't out of the question.

Flight's around 9am so that's not an option..

Hey there Belfast is good for a day trip but an overnight would give you more time to explore remember Belfast is the UK so you'll need pounds not Euro for the trip

Looking at the Irish rail timetable it looks like there should be a train at 735am but when I enter my dates the earliest slot is 930. Any ideas as to why or if the earlier slot will open once I'm in the 90 day window to purchase online?