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Drive Bushmills to Dublin airport

Mid September towards the end of our trip to Ireland, we need to drive from Bushmills to Dublin Airport to return our car before going to Dublin for a few nights. Initially, I asked for a more scenic route. Now, I'm hoping that we can see both Trim and Newgrange. I thought the route going on the west side of Lough Neagh would be more attractive and easier. However, Google maps is telling me there are some private roads?? Further, because I think it will be a tight day, I'd like to get to Newgrange and then Trim in the fastest way possible. It looks like I could save at least a half hour by driving on the east side of the Lough and skirting Belfast. I would love some comments on the route. Generally, we like to avoid driving in larger cities, but if it is not too nerve racking and does save us time, we'd like to consider it.

  1. Comments on the route?
  2. Comments on the plan for the day?
  3. How much time do I need for Newgrange?
  4. How much time for Trim? If we arrive after closing which I think is 5pm, I think we can get good views by walking along the river opposite of the castle, am I correct?
  5. Anything I need to know that I'm not asking?
Posted by
8422 posts

G3RRY, yes, thanks. There is a 3 hour tour and a 2 hour tour. Unfortunately, it seems the 2 hour tour is right away at the start of the day. I'm not quite sure if people go back to the visitor center if they didn't finish or if that is not an option.

Posted by
3040 posts

The tour buses leave from and go back to the Visitor Centre, so you can go back in to see more of the exhibition and also visit shop cafe and toilets.

Posted by
663 posts

You could also, on your way down, drive through The Dark Hedges - a cool, tree-lined road about 20 mins into your drive outside Bushmills.
We took about 2hrs to visit Newgrange, which was plenty of time. We went in off season (April) so had no problems getting tickets a bit last minute (most likely not the case for September.)
I will say it's roughly at 3 hr drive without traffic, and there usually is a lot of traffic. So your drive most likely will take longer than you think. And there are many places with road construction currently, which further slows down the routes. Just something to factor in if you plan to visit both Newgrange and Trim.