Itinerary for Ireland/Northern Ireland for late July into August. Thoughts? Too much driving?

Posted by sarahgbeaudin on 02/15/18 05:31 PM

We recently planned a trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland, flights have been booked as well as hotels. But most hotels can be cancelled and refunded if plans change. Two of us will be traveling together. We are a young couple and want to see as much as possible without getting too exhausted to enjoy the trip. Are we crazy to include the jaunt to Northern Ireland? I really want to see the Giant's Causeway and maybe some Game of Thrones sites. We really tried to avoid spending one night in places, other than a trip to Ashford Castle in Cong as it's way too expensive for us to afford 2 nights. Any input is greatly appreciated as I'm a first-timer to Ireland and to extended road trips in general. Also, if there are any must-sees on our route, please comment!

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin first thing in the morning.
Day 2: Dublin.
Day 3: Pick up rental car and drive to Douglas, County Cork.
Day 4: Douglas, Cork.
Day 5: Drive to hotel in Tralee, County Kerry.
Day 6: Tralee, Kerry.
Day 7: Drive to hotel in Cong, County Mayo.
Day 8: Drive to hotel in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Day 9: Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Day 10: Drive to hotel near Dublin airport.
Day 11: Fly home mid-day.

Thank you! Looking forward to getting feedback :)

Posted by cmwilsonpdx

02/15/18 06:08 PM

33 posts

That is a lot of driving, and my husband and I are champion road trippers. We put over 2000 miles on a rental last time we visited the UK!
I'm set on a visit to Northern Ireland too when we go in September, but we are fortunate enough to have a few more days. If I were you I would try and work something out that focused on Dublin, the top part of the Republic (Cong, Galway, maybe the Aran Islands for a day trip, Cliffs of Mohr), then Northern Ireland and save the bottom part of the Republic for another time.

Posted by ewewoolknit

Vermont USA

02/15/18 07:41 PM

359 posts

Agree. The southwest is worth a trip of its own....So soak in the north. Remember to factor in the unrealistic driving times most apps have for Ireland. Realistically it's 1.5 - 2 times longer than listed. There are a lot of factors at play but it sadly gives folks unrealistic expectations and you end up spending a ton of time in a car. Also the driver and hopefully the navigator will not be able to do much scenery gazing. Driving in Ireland I love but it takes concentration at all times.

It's great for the most part you're taking some time to enjoy things. Think the above poster has a great idea in staying north. You won't go wrong ....So much to see there and you want to see and experience Ireland....Not a dashboard ! :)

Hope you have a fantastic trip. Giants causeway is cool ! Northern top of the island by the ocean is wonderous too and not overrun by tourists.

Posted by bobbing

Seattle

02/16/18 12:02 AM

255 posts

Ewewoolknit is spot-on about driving times. Minority report: avoid Giant’s Causeway which was a big time sink for us. I’m a geo-fan, but I was underwhelmed by the formation and put off by the immense crowds (in May). There are similar formations all over the world that are just as interesting, if not more so. I’m not sure where you’re from, but the American West has plenty of good examples of the columnar basalt formations. There are even a few in the East and either way you don’t need to jostle with tons of people to get to them. The most unique things about GC are the humongous visitor center, vast parking lot and large crowds. The famous English writer Samuel Johnson said of the GC: “Worth seeing, yes; but not worth going to see.” Save your limited time for what is truly unique to Ireland,

Posted by Claudia

Land of La

02/16/18 12:34 PM

8716 posts

Why Douglas?

Why not Kinsale which is much more attractive?

In route stop in Glendalough, then head to the Rock of Cashel and then to Kinsale.

Minimum 2 nights and days in Tralee or Dingle, so beautiful there you'll not want to leave the West Coast. Don't miss the Gap of Dunloe or Killarney National Park or Slea Head.

And if you are going to NI where is Belfast in your itinerary? All I see is Londonderry.

Ireland and NI is all about the friendly inhabitants, relaxing, and enjoying a slower pace.

You are driving too much and your enjoyment of meeting the Irish people and embracing the island's beauty will be greatly diminished with your present itinerary.

Grab a copy of the RS GUIDEBOOK. Read it. Decide if GOT locations are more important than the Gap of Dunloe. Read responses here on this forum about what to see. Use Google map satellite view to peruse Kinsale and other spots I've mentioned to see if they interest you.

I've been to both Ireland and NI 3 times. Since this is your first trip I truly believe you need to eliminate some of the driving. I've driven from Belfast to Dingle in 5 hours but that's ONLY because I'd already seen Glendalough, Cashel, Kinsale and other places like Jeerpoint Abbey. That's NOT what you should do.

Personally, I'd wait to see NI.

However it's an easy 2 hour train or bus ride from Dublin to Belfast. spend 1 night in Belfast and enjoy the Titanic Museum, black cab tour of the Troubles, st Georges Market, the seafood chowder at Mournes and a pint at The Spainyard. Either the downtown or titanic Quarter premiere inn would work. No need for a car.

Again all depends on what is MOST important to you as far as the sites.

Remember NI is part of the United Kingdom so British Pounds will be the currency not Euros. Out of respect you should have an understanding of The Troubles.

Both countries are lovely. Appreciate their history and their beauty.

Slainte!