My wife and I are planning our itinerary in Ireland and are having a difficult decision about where we should spend an extra night. Right now we have 1 night in Derry, 2 in Portrush, 1 in Belfast. We have an extra night to apply somewhere. We will be spending 1 night in Westport and then driving north. We have never been to the North West of the Republic nor to Northern Ireland. We have been to Dublin and New grange. Should we spend our extra night in Derry or Belfast? Or somewhere else? Opinions please.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2282 posts
In view of all the current restrictions, when are you planning this trip for?
Posted by
3123 posts
If you're able to edit the heading of this thread, you might change it to Northern Ireland since it seems most of what you're asking about is in NI, not the Republic of Ireland.
Posted by
OP
Bakersfield
37 posts
Trip is being planned for September 2020. If needed we will postpone until next year, probably May 2021.
Posted by
3123 posts
If it was me, I'd add a second night in Belfast, mainly because I'd like to go see Mount Stewart, estate of the Marquess of Londonderry. If that doesn't particularly interest you, then I'd say it's a tossup between Belfast and Derry. I wouldn't add another one-nighter as those tend to eat up a lot of time checking in and out, unpacking and re-packing.
Posted by
OP
Bakersfield
37 posts
Thank you for the input. I am leaning toward a second night in Belfast as well. I agree that the single night stops are less efficient than the 2 to 3 night stays. What about lodging in Belfast? Where is the best area to stay? Rick's book doesn't list very many hotels or B and B's.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8880 posts
Not far from Portrush is Port Ballintrae and the Bayview Hotel. That would be my choice of place to stay.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8880 posts
In Belfast we stayed at the Premier Inn Titanic Quarter. Little character but fabulous location. Reasonable pricing, free parking, right along the river with easy walks to Titanic Experience or downtown.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Add another day in Belfast.
Ditto what Carol said about the Premier Inn in the Titanic Quarter.
Be sure to visit Mournes near the Kelly Cellars Pub. Still dream of their seafood chowder.
Small pub to enjoy The Spainard.
Crumlin Road Gaol is well worth the effort to tour.
Posted by
OP
Bakersfield
37 posts
Thank all of you for your posts. I do have an additional request for opinions. I am going to be booking a car and as I have traveled the Irish roads before will be getting a small car for my wife and I. Would an economy car be suitable for circling Ireland (Dublin to Belfast in 2+ weeks) or would a compact car be the better choice? The difference in price is a bit more than $300.
Posted by
OP
Bakersfield
37 posts
I was unaware of the possible issue of taking the rental car across the border into Northern Ireland. The rest I knew about. What about the size of the car on Irish roads? Any experience?
Posted by
OP
Bakersfield
37 posts
I just spoke to a representative at Auto Europe and Hertz allows their rental cars to be driven into Northern Ireland with no additional fees. I opted for the Economy size.