This will be my first trip to Ireland and I’m so excited. I’m planning to rent a car and drive from Belfast to Athlone which is where my Norton and O’Brien Irish family is from. We have a week to explore.
I am hoping for some recommendations on activities and accommodation along the route.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1012 posts
You might consider taking the train (or, more likely, the bus) from Belfast and renting the car at the Dublin airport if that is where you intend to drop it off. First, you won't want a car in Belfast. Second, picking it up in the UK and dropping it off in Ireland is likely to come with a hefty price tag.
As far as activities along the route, take a look at Newgrange and the other Boyne Valley sites. https://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/boyne-valley-drive/heritage-sites
I encourage you to find out as much as you can about your Nortons and O'Briens before your trip so that you can visit any identifiable sites associated with your family. Powerful stuff. Enjoy.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2653 posts
I am not sure why you are starting in Belfast to go to Athlone to Dublin. Maybe you could clarify? If you do this,as said above you may find an extra charge renting a car in one country and dropping off in another. You will also need the ETA for Northern Ireland.