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Southwest Ireland or Northern Ireland?

Hello folks! I have a dilemma. Which is better, touring southwest Ireland OR Derry/Antrim Coast/Belfast?

My wife and I arrive in Dublin Tuesday morning Aug 6, then travel by car rental to meet family at Air BB in Kilkenny. We will tour Waterford and Cobh Tuesday, then at the request of my sister travel to the Cliffs of Mohr on a day trip Wednesday. Thursday we all head our separate ways. My wife and I will have a rental and need to fill up the time between Thursday morning and the following Thursday morning when we fly home. I've hear great things about the Antrim Coast, and a day in Belfast sounds interesting. I'd like to see the town and learn more about the "Troubles.". But we also feel like we should spend time on the Dingle Peninsula etc

Here's one itinerary:
1. do something Thursday and Friday
2. drive to Derry Saturday, stay there Sat night,
3. drive the Antrim coast Sunday, stay in Belfast Sunday night.
4. Tour Belfast Monday, drive to Dublin Monday night.
5. Tour Dublin Tuesday and Wednesday, fly home Thursday

So, the dilemma - can we do southwest Ireland (Dingle, etc) Thursday and Friday before arriving in Derry Saturday. It seems to be too much driving to leave Kilkenny on Thursday morning, drive to Dingle peninsula for Thursday night, then drive to Westport/Connemara for Friday/Friday night, then on to Derry Saturday.

It seems as though we can't do Dingle/southwest Ireland AND the Antrim Coast/Belfast in the time allotted. It seems as though we have to decide on Southwest Ireland Thursday - Monday, then to Dublin OR Westport/Connemara/Derry/Arian Coast/Belfast, then to Dublin.

Any thoughts? Much appreciated!

Posted by
2 posts

I would think within a weeks time you would have time to do both. I always say we can rest when we get home. ha! Currently planning a trip next summer & figuring out logistics as well for 10 days to split between Ireland/Scotland(first time to both), but within a shorter time frame. Eek.

Posted by
2 posts

I just noticed the dates & assume you're just returning? Please share what you ended up deciding to do!

Posted by
2449 posts

Be sure to.tell.car agency you are traveling to Northern Island if you are starting in the Republic.. Also you do not need a.car in Dublin. We started.one of our trips.in Dublin, drove.to Belfast.for.several. days.then drove.west rowards.Derry, down the west coast to Doolin then Dingle.to Kinsale to Dublin but had ten days to do that. Good.luck whatever you do.