Hi all. Sorry for not returning to thank everyone for their kind help earlier on. I've been super busy, been sick, and life just did what it always does...dump some unexpected issues in the lap, and leave us to figure it out. Right as rain now, so wanted to give a quick report.
Our trip was end of May and we spent two weeks in Ireland.
We stayed two nights out at Sandford estate, and used the Luas to get into the center. It was no trouble at all, and we had a peaceful sleep in a two bedroom apt.
Was able to get tickets the day of our trip to Ireland for Kilmainham Gaol. That was the best experience in Dublin. Sad, educational, yet beautiful. Used the Luas to get out there as well, and some walking. Otherwise, we just walked all over the center, and saw the usual things people mention here. I'm not a fan of the HOHO buses, so we didn't do that at all.
Spent two nights in Belfast, and wished that I knew before how much I would love Belfast! Beautiful city, very friendly, helpful people everywhere. Not overrun with tourists like Dublin was.
Did the black taxi tour, but was not impressed. It was okay for a warmup in my opinion. I love history, art and politics, world events, so decided to take the Coiste political tour, and was blown away. They need to charge more for what they deliver. We learned so much, and saw so much. You can find them on FB. Wonderful people to deal with. At the end of the tour, which lasted almost 4 hours, we were taken to a pub for a free Guinness. Doesn't get better than that.
We visited the Botanic gardens, the parks in the area, walked all over the city center into the night, and felt safer than we do at home! Ulster museum is lovely as well, and were able to take a tour of Crumlin Gaol as well.
What worked for us was uber! So quick, so cheap, and each driver was different, so brought something unique to our understanding of Belfast. Deliberately skipped the Titanic because I was trying to avoid the touristy things.
On the way to Belfast we were able to spend time in Carlingford. Lovely town.
We stayed 3 nights in Bushmills and saw a lot in the surrounding towns. My apt in Bushmills was not the greatest, and town isn't anything special in my opinion. Visited Dunluce castle, Giant's Causeway, Portrush (not impressed - Rick went on about it, but I'll give it 1*). Someone here had mentioned Port Stewart, and I was so glad that they did. Loved it. Loved Ballycastle also.
We then spent four nights in Donegal, in Doochary. Glad we didn't stay in Donegal town as I wasn't impressed. Loved my little town in Doochary. Visited Slieve League and Glenveagh park twice! Also Ardara, the caves in that area, gorgeous beaches. Spent a day in Derry and visited Bogside, the Free Derry Museum and the walls. Too many things to mention.
Our final stay was in Clifden. Before we got to Clifden, we stopped off in Sligo. So glad we did. Visited the Abbey there, a museum, and had a lovely lunch. Clifden was okay, but wish I didn't spend 3 nights there. Connemara was lovely, but couldn't hold a candle to Glenveagh. The final day was spent in Trim on the way to Dublin airport. Loved Trim! Stayed the night at the airport and handed over the car that evening.
Loved Ireland. Weather didn't bother us. I love the cold, and was prepared for rain. The food was wonderful as were the drinks. Would go back again, and spend more time up north and Belfast. We only had to deal with hundreds of tourists at Cliffs of Moher. Though the Cliffs are lovely, tour buses full of tourists aren't my thing.
Donegal is more my thing!