Airfare steal, so going to Ireland with a couple friends. We traveled to Ireland in 2015 and did the west/southwest. We are considering going north this year. Without a lot of time to plan, I looked at Rick Steves' itinerary and thought to start west in the Connemara area and follow his itinerary into Westport, Derry, Portrush, Belfast, Trim and then back to Dublin. We will have boots on the ground 8 days. Questions: are we trying to do too much? Will most hotels and/or B & B's be open during this time of year? What about the popular sites? Will they be open? Is it possible to book places to stay as we go, or should we pre-book? If anyone is familiar with the area, moderately priced places to stay and/or eat would be nice to know. All about the view most of the time... I understand it will get dark in Ireland around 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm, so I guess we'll just have to head to the pubs!! How about the weather? My apologies if my questions are too broad. We love to sight-see, but probably won't do any long distance hiking. Thanks in advance for any information or suggestions!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
We’re in Trim right now, 2 weeks into a 3 week trip to do a similar route. Hours at some sights are suddenly cut now that October has arrived, and at least a couple of the B&B’s we’ve used aren’t open in November. If you book ahead, you’ll at least be assured of a room each night, without having to search. We’ve actually stayed in different towns than you list, except for Trim, so I won’t name places, except in Trim, we’re at the Tigh Cathain B&B and had dinner at the excellent Khan Spice Indian restaurant tonite (a change of pace from excellent seafood along the northwest coast and more meat-and-potatoes offerings further north), a great value. The fish and chips place across the street from the entrance lane had a line, so it’s likely a winner, too. Heading to Dublin in 2 days.
We actually had to cut much of our N. Ireland portion short, so only popped into Derry for 4 hours, but it frankly felt much more hectic and less welcoming than places in the Republic of Ireland. The Giants Causeway, however, was an incredible sight, and you’ll likely have fewer crowds. Anywhere along the coast, the views will be amazing, but expect breezy wind, maybe intense gales. Rain could dampen views, thoyugh. Our planned day in Belfast got canceled (long story-maybe next trip) but the Neolithic sights in the Boyne Valley today were fascinating. We’re seeing more tomorrow, so I’d recommend including Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth to your agenda. Be prepared for lots of sheep droppings at Dowth (maybe not so much by November?), but the carved stones are amazing.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, TX
15 posts
Our itinerary is fluid at this point, so we're open to suggestions. I mentioned Steve's 'stops' as a reference to the route we're considering. We may decide to skip Belfast, slow down and take in more of the other sites. Appreciate the information regarding Trim. If you have the opportunity, any other northern cities you enjoyed and places you stayed would be welcome.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
As mentioned, some of these places may be seriously shut down for visitors by November, but you may find some lodging and experiences available, and will likely have the places to yourselves. After Galway (stayed at Petra House, and oysters at Oscar’s restaurant can’t be beat), we stayed in Clifden (stayed at Buttlermilk Lodge and had dinner twice at Mitchell’s), then up near Sligo to explore the Carrowmore and nearby megalithic sights and drive the beautiful Mullagore Head loop (Ocean Heights B&B was nice but actually pretty out of the way), then up in northern Donegal, basing ourselves in Dunfanaghy. The Mill there is a wonderful Inn/B&B/gourmet restaurant, but, again, check to see if/when they’re available. Just outside of town, the Horn Head loop drive has a short (3-4 minute uphill) walk to an old WW II observation tower but views are great all along the drive. We did a lot of other off-trail hiking and climbing as well, which you said you weren’t doing. Hope this helps.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8880 posts
I love the Giants Causeway, Antrim Coast. Suggest Bayview Hotel Port Ballintrae.