Putting together an itinerary for an 11 day self drive trip this summer (two of us; retired and active; love walking and hiking and restaurants and pubs!). We've already spent time on the Dublin south to Galway route (stopped in Trim on the way back) so this time it's Northern Ireland. So far, we'll fly in to Dublin and drive to Belfast (staying 2 nights and using the RS tips to sightsee) then on to Ballycastle for 2 nights (Giant's Causeway and other suggested meanderings). That leaves about 4 nights before we're back in Dublin for the final few days. Having a hard time figuring out how to maximize that time. Derry? Sligo? Westport? Other? At most we'd like to spend only about 3 hours of direct driving a day (meaning it's fine to be sightseeing driving around with lots of stops, but not solid 5 hours on the motorway type of driving). Any and all suggestions are welcome. Also, I thought 4 months out would be sufficient to find lodging, but it's been more difficult than I thought. Been using AirBnB. Booking .com seems that not much is available. Any ideas for that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. all! Travel on!
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
672 posts
I liked Derry and felt it made a good counterpoint to Belfast re: the Troubles and current times. Staying in the city with a car can be a challenge, though. I had a hard time finding accommodation there at all. Some folks like to stay in Letterkenny and day trip to Derry. There is parking at the mall.
Also in Donegal are the Slieve League cliffs. There are hikes of varying difficulty there. Also in the North are the Sperrins Mountains. There are three Thomas Dambo troll sculptures to see there, including one that is on a hilltop that you hike to.
Re: where to stay, I suggest broadening your search area. Distances are short in Ireland, and with a car, you can stay anywhere. Just make sure you’re within walking distance of the pub if you plan to drink at all.
Posted by
OP
USA
2 posts
Thanks for the Letterkenny tip. Not on my radar, but there is more choice in accommodations for sure! Is 2 days for that area enough time?
Posted by
164 posts
While it wasn't quaint, we found the Ibis in Coleraine convenient (we needed to grocery shop) and easy to access from main route (also, decent breakfast and reasonable cost). We stayed there one night after coast and toured Derry/Grainan Ailech enroute to Donegal.
Highly recommend Slieve League and wish we had enough time to visit Glenaveagh and more of Donegal. The drive from Donegal (town) back to Dublin airport is more than 3 hours (4?), but it was fairly straightforward.
I was in Westport many years ago and remember it being quite lovely but otherwise my tips there are out of date.
Posted by
164 posts
just to add.....we parked at quayside to visit Derry. It worked out well.