My husband and I are traveling to Dublin and have arranged for a rental car. We have scheduled 3 nights near the Giants causeway to try and see what looks to be so many sights! I have been trying to figure out a rout to and back to Dublin without spending all of our time driving but seeing what are must see areas. Would it be better to drive up the coast through Belfast then to the causeway and spend our time there or go up to Derry before heading over to the causeway area? The mourne mountains looks so inviting. We prefer only a few places to stay overnight and do day trips as opposed to driving to a different place overnight. Years ago I never got to see Northern Ireland when I was there because I was intimidated by the politics and the restrictions. ( yes, that was 20 years ago). I know it is a beautiful area and want to try to take in what we can in 9 days. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Land of La
9219 posts
Might you consider taking the train or a bus ( both a 2 hour ride) from Dublin to Belfast and spend a night in Belfast. Check out the Premiere Inns. (The newer one in the Titanic Quarter had some great online rates a year ago) Things to see and enjoy in Belfast are a Black Cab Tour of The Troubles, a tour of The Crumlin Road Gaol, St. George's Market, Belfast City Hall and the Titanic Museum. Seafood chowder at Mourne's a MUST ! Next day rent your car at the George Best City airport and make your way to the Giants Causeway and environs. About and hour and thirty minute drive. Find a B n B to base out of. The after exploring NI, return your rental at the airport and return to Dublin by train or bus. You could do this in reverse which makes sense as well, staying overnight in Belfast AFTER visiting the Causeway and returning the rental. If you do rent a vehicle in Dublin know there are tolls to pay between the two countries. You can pay them online.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
We set up the rental when we bought our plane tickets. Will need to see if we can re-adjust pick up and drop off. Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1692 posts
Ireland is not that big an island in the great scheme of things. Collecting a car at Dublin you can be in Belfast in a couple of hours, the Boyne/Mary McAleese Bridge accepts tolls in euros only. You will need a car in Northern Ireland to get a grip of the area.
If you are going to the Causeway you will be near enough to Londonderry/Derry/Stroke City and the north west of the Ireland. I can recommend Omagh and the Ulster American Folk Museum.
Though if you hire a car and are near the border, you may wish to fill up in the Republic. It can be up to 20% cheaper.