I posted about our 7 day driving tour before but had no idea of what we'd do at the time. We've started to narrow things down a bit.
Considering that we'd be driving 5-6 hours to our departure then taking a redeye flight (where I'm unlikely to sleep much) we'll be pretty bushed. I'm thinking of driving somewhere fairly close to the Belfast International Airport,such as Carrickfergus, getting to our lodgings and sleeping for a while, then going out for some sights eg Carrickfergus Castle.There don't seem to be many other things right there but that's OK for the first day.
From there we'd follow the coastal road up and around to Londerry with stops for the Giant's Causeway, maybe Bushmill's,etc. Any other suggested stops? How much of that route should we reasonably plan on for that second day?Good towns to stop overnight?
Friends of ours stay in Moville every year (ancestors in the area) and we might consider taking the ferry across to see it. Anyone have any experience there? Is it worth the considerable side trip?
We'd stay a couple of days in Londonderry seeing the city sights and nearby towns.Maybe a side overnight to Donegal?
We'd end up for a day or two in Belfast, hopefully lodging in the outskirts and taking public transit into the city. The way back to Belfast is up in the air. Is there a route from Londonderry to Belfast that's the most intersting, apart from taking the coastal road back?
We're open to any and all suggestions for sights,lodging, and food. Thanks.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
On day two, as you are driving the northern coast, past the town of Ballycastle, there is Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede, a stop to walk across a rope bridge fishermen used to use to get to their fishing nets. It has a lovely setting. I see that now they have introduced timed tickets, unlike when we were there several years ago.
Another stop, past the Giant's Causeway, is Dunluce Castle. https://discovernorthernireland.com/Dunluce-Castle-Medieval-Irish-Castle-on-the-Antrim-Coast-Bushmills-P2819/ It has a spectacular settling, and an interesting history.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6569 posts
When we were there, we drove from Dublin up to Crawfordsburn after arriving where we spent the night at the Old Inn. The next day, after making a short stop at Carrickfergus castle, we drove the Antrim coast visiting carrick-a-rede bridge, giant’s causway, bushmills distillery (caught the last tour of the day), and Dunluce castle, all on the same day. We spent that night in Portrush, at the Adelphi hotel. It was a long day but we didn’t rush anything.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks everyone so far. Keep'em coming!
I knew about the UK pounds. How can I get some before I leave the US? Will most banks get them for customers?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8397 posts
You can get pounds from banks or AAA. There is another way to do this as well that many posters encourage. Two trains of thought here.
1. Get some money before you leave. Even if the exchange rate is high, the convenience of having some when you arrive is worthwhile.
2. Wait to get your money from an ATM machine upon arrival. Lowest rates and quite convenient. Why pay those high charges in the US?
You might be surprised just how heated this subject can be with many passionate postings either way!
I like to have some money with me when I arrive. I usually just hold back a small amount from a previous trip and keep it for the next. I then go to ATMS upon arrival and along my travels to get the cash that I plan to use on the trip. You should do what feel comfortable for you.
I hope you have a great trip.