I have a conference in Belfast at the end of this month, Oct. 2015. I just have 2 days before the conference that I would like to go and find a quant little village not too far outside Belfast to go and enjoy for a few days. I plan on renting a car, to explore a little bit of the countryside.
Any recommendations?
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1639 posts
One advantage of Northern Ireland is most of it is not too far out of Belfast. It depends what you want to see. I like Carrickfergus and the castle there but quaint it probably ain't according to your definition.
I'd see if you can get over to the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh, even staying over on that side of Northern Ireland before the conference, the Omagh area is interesting with some interesting villages even if the park has shut for the season.
One thing leaving Belfast in Northern Ireland is politics will never be that far apart, and that may influence your choice. The Carrickfergus I mentioned is in a very unionist part of NI, Omagh a nationalist one. The best bet is get a good guide book to Ireland and read the recommendations for NI thoroughly.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you MC for your input. I really appreciate that.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2815 posts
If the weather cooperates you might consider taking the coastal road up thru the "Glens" just to the north of Belfast all the way to the Giants Causeway and remain overnight in the coastal village of Portrush - not far from Derry, which is one of the prettiest walled towns in all of Europe.
From Portrush it would be a short drive down to Omagh and the Ulster American Folk Park, which I also highly recommend. Would be a great stopover on your way back to Belfast (if the park is still open).
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1639 posts
One place to consider that is not a village is Londonderry/Derry. The city on the Foyle with the many names has an attractive historic centre, and a past not many cities would want but hopefully a better future.