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Northern Ireland and Donegal

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Starting to plan for visiting Northern Ireland in July, including Belfast, and Derry and Donegal. My husband and I are in our mid-70s and prefer slow travel with lots of time to soak in our surroundings. This will be our 4th trip to Ireland and we haven’t visited since before the pandemic.

I’d like to fit this trip into a week, not including the days to get there and back from the US. Thinking of taking the train from Dublin to Belfast upon arrival, and renting a car when we leave Belfast. I’d like to spend the last half day and night in Howth. I’d love suggestions from this group for any aspect of this : how long in each place, where to stay, what to see, where to eat and drink. Not particularly interested in the Titanic Museum unless it’s completely wonderful. Also prefer to spend more than one night in the same place, taking day trips from a base. Hoping this group is as helpful as always!

Posted by
467 posts

Upon arrival in Dublin, going directly to Belfast: The train is in Dublin itself. You will have to cab or bus to the train station, then take the train. Two bus lines however, go directly from Dublin airport to Belfast.

Posted by
3096 posts

The express buses go directly from the airport into Befast city center - takes about 2 hrs.
The Titanic Museum is world class but unless you're particularly into Titanic lore you could probably skip it ... especially in July when the crowds will be at their peak.
In Donegal: we enjoyed our stay near the village of Dunfanaghy a few years ago. From there you're central for day trips over to the cliffs at Slieve League, the little folk village at Glencolumbkille, Glenveagh Castle, and Derry. There's also the Ulster-American Folk Park near Omagh which is worth a visit, especially if your hertiage traces to Ulster. It's very well done.
The coastal drive along the N56 is dotted with scenic byways and pretty seascapes if you want to divert a bit off the usual tourist track.

Posted by
73 posts

I’ve been trying to respond without success to your query and keep getting a message saying I’m not allowed to post in this forum.

Oops! There are problems with your reply.
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I think the problem is the name of the tapas place in Howth I’m trying to recommend! It seems to be interpreted as a vulgarity.

I’ll try again - My family is from Donegal and I was just there last month. A couple of highlights from my most recent trip were Glenveagh National Park and the castle, our stay in Caisleáin Óir Hotel and the sight of Errigal (Donegal’s tallest mountain) poking out from a halo of clouds. It’s a beautiful area. As others have noted, you might want to consider the direct bus from the airport to Belfast to avoid having to go into town and Connolly Station to catch a train which will add to your journey. In Howth there is a terrific spot for tapas lunch. I can’t post the name, but it shares a name with a James Bond movie and begins with the prefix for eight (octo). Anyway - it’s my go to spot for delicious chowder served with brown bread, the freshest oysters, fried potatoes and crisp white wines. Prepare to wait in line, but it’s always wonderful.

Posted by
247 posts

Some ideas/suggestions from me:
-In between Dublin and Belfast is a beautiful part of Northern Ireland called the Mourne Mountains- I would definitely recommend spending some time there and walking in the mountains if you feel up to that. Newcastle is a good town for a base or you can easily do it as a trip from Belfast.
-Lots to do in Belfast- I really like the Titanic Museum, but if you're more interested in an actual boat you can visit the SS Nomadic which was a White Star Line tender ship. The Ulster Museum is great and would recommend a black taxi tour if you're interested in the history of the Troubles. For places to eat, I like the Micheal Deanes restaurants: https://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/restaurants/
-Definitely visit the Crown Bar, it's a work of art and one of the few pubs owned by the National Trust.
-I'm sure you are planning to visit the Causeway Coast, which is a highlight of this region. If you have time I also highly recommend taking a boat out to Rathlin Island.
-In Donegal, definitely visit Glenveagh National Park and Slieve League. The northern coast is beautiful as well, especially around Portsalon/Ramelton. I really liked the Bridge Bar in Ramelton for food and the Blue Goat for buying snacks.

Posted by
336 posts

Unless you are flying via Aer Lingus you can fly into Belfast just as easy as any Dublin route.

We fly SFO-LHR-BFS a couple of times a year and its an easier journey than Dublin-Belfast by train/bus

As far as driving and sites:

Belfast. A cab tour of the murals, peace wall and Shankhill/Falls Road

Antrim Coast on the A2 is spectacular. 2 days is plenty of time (assuming the weather cooperates. Always build in an extra day for bad weather) and stay in one of the many hotels on the coast.

Derry for a night or two. If you are interested in the Troubles a tour of the Bogside and the museums is a must. The Peace Bridge and Derry's Walls are great walks with incredible views. We always try to catch a Derry City FC match when we are there assuming it's in season.

Donegal - Inishowen 100 Peninsula is amazingly scenic and worth 2 days to explore. I can recommend a great tour guide/historian in Buncrana if you are interested.

From there a trip across the R251 to Mount Erigal and to see the Poison Glen. One of the best views on Earth. You can keep going west to Gweedore and the Bloody Forelands. Incredible views and one of the Gaeltacht areas. If you can arrange a night in on Arranmore island is incredible

From there, south down the N56 to see the cliffs of Slieve League. IMHO they are better than the Cliffs of Moher and you are almost guaranteed to have it all to yourself (except for a couple of sheep)

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