Hidden Gems in Northern Ireland

Why do people think that after decades and decades of gazillions of tourists who read every guide book ever printed, and have visited Paris, Rome or London or, in this case, N. Ireland, that there are "hidden gems"? There are no hidden gems. If it's not in a guide book or on the internet or advice from a well-travelled friend, it is probably in Antarctica.

Norma~

Sorry for the probably stupid question, but I haven't found too much on Northern Ireland in the tour books or on the internet unless it was on Belfast or Antrim. I guess I should have clarified that I enjoy history and taking pictures, so I'm looking for places to go that I can relax and do both. My hidden gems are probably different than what others are looking for.

Sue

Sue,

I don't think you need to apologize. I've been going to Europe for years and on every trip we seem to find fun & interesting things and places that aren't in guidebooks or on the internet. In my experience there are hidden gems that one stumbles upon all over the place.

Tom, probably they were only hidden to you but well known to others.

Well, I hope everyone feels better. Maybe not so much un-touristy as less-touristy..we like Portrush and White Rock (or white rocks) Beach. Londonderry is also very interesting. We did not find a lot of tourists at Belleek either. I think with your attitude you will find lots of hidden gems..people from Montana know what to look for. I'm going to check with my Irish daughter to see what she has to say. As for pubs my rule of thumb is if I go in alone and there are no other women, I leave. They also have to serve food (not all do). But that's my rule.

Laurel~

Thank you for the helpful tips. I will look into Belleek. I have never stayed at a B&B before but I know I don't have to worry about breakfast. So pubs with food will definitely come in handy especially after a Guinness or two.

I did also join the Royal Oak Foundation, a part of the National Trust, so I can have free access to the Ardress House and the Argory among other Trust properties.

Do you have other suggestions for other villages to stay in? I will be at the Charlemont House for at least a week and then may move on. This is one of those trips that is very loosely planned and three weeks of "what should I do today, if anything?"

Thanks again, Laurel!

Sue

Derry is a very interesting city, and people are very friendly there.

I think you will find Northern Ireland very un-touristy, even the "heavy tourist-laden areas" like the Giant's Causeway. (A tip there: the longer walk along the cliffs and coast to see some of the other formations is beautiful--and relatively deserted--but stay on the top of the cliffs and walk out along the cliffs where you will descend to the other formations like the organ and then walk further down to the causeway. Then you can either walk up the paved road or take the tram up if you are tired. If you walk down to the causeway first, the trip to all the other formations and back to the visitor center is uphill. The walk is more fun going down :-).)

We also found Belfast a pleasant city--we had a great deal of fun on a Saturday late morning at the market near the train station (you can buy ready-made food to eat, and it is fantastic) on our way to Carrickfergus.

I think Northern Ireland has had less tourism than many places until very, very recently, so don't feel you have to avoid places just because they are mentioned in a guidebook.

You will run into very few tourists even in the tourist locations in Northern Ireland.

http://www.northantrim.com/theglensofantrim.htm is a nice site for finding hiking areas and hidden glens.

Derry City is a great place, full of history and I think I've run into a total of 3 American tourists ever there. Once you get north of Galway city you will pretty much be on your own.

If you start feeling too cramped you can always drive into Co Donegal and not see anyone for 10 miles in each direction. The Innishowen Peninsula (about a 20 minute drive from Derry City) is an 'undiscovered' (at least for American tourists) gem. Same with Gweedore and the Bloody Forelands.

Sue, That's a great idea, I've belonged to the National Trust and English Heritage for years. The Crown in Belfast is a National Trust property. It's a beautiful pub. How will you be getting around in Ireland? We drove and stayed mostly in farm house
B&B's. Our last one was in Bangor just a short train ride from Belfast.

We stayed in Portstewart last September, instead of Portrush like Rick Steves had talked about. I had heard that Portrush was getting run down. Anyway, we stayed at Cul Erg B&B (which was beautiful and inexpensive) and during our time in Portstewart, we only saw Americans once -- during breakfast at the B&B. Besides that, we didn't see any. We were there on a weekend that had gorgeous weather, so it was REALLY busy during the day with Irish people who were probably just there for the day. The nightlife was pretty good. But on the weekdays, things were quieter. Very relaxing and beautiful place to go.

Lexey, Amy & Tyson~ Thank you, all, for your wonderful tips. There's been a change of plans and now I have to take my trip at the beginning of July, instead of August~ not that it breaks my heart! I look forward to staying at the places you recommended. Lexey thanks for the tips on the Giant Causeway. And, Tyson, the website is great~ I can't wait to check out those glens. Laurel, I will have a rental car in Belfast when I arrive. I hear driving there isn't too bad. Does anyone by chance know about a company called Insurance4carhire that offers coverage for the Excess CDW?

Sue

Spent a few days in NI in 2008. Was looking forward to seeing Portrush as I have photos my father took in the 1930s. Was disappointed as it was very run down. Port Stewart was much nicer, but was "touristy". When in Belfast make sure you visit Stormont, the legislative building. You may not get inside, but the grounds are a vast park. A mile from the gate to the building. Bush is said to have exclaimed, "Your White House is bigger than my White House!" Along the north is the unique Mussenden Temple and ruin of Downhill castle which are interesting, and, when we were there, very quiet.

Amy, Very interesting. We had planned on staying in Portrush. Obviously further research is indicated.

Although I have never been down to the small village of Portbradden I have a great picture of it taken from the cliffs across the bay. Is it worth the drive down
to see the tiny church and is there a pub there?

Hope it helped, Sue. July will give you some amazingly long days

I usually just get the excess CDW from the rental agency, even though it cost a bit more. I figure if something happens it's usually easier if only one company is involved.

Iain, I think you recommended Portstewart when we were in our early stages of planning. I was glad that you did. Even though you describe it as "touristy", it seemed different being among European tourists as opposed to all Americans. Not that I don't love my countrymen, but when in a foreign country, I like to feel like I'm in that country, and not back in America! If it was you, Iain, who suggested it, thank you!

Hi Amy - probably was me. I recall recommending Portstewart to someone a while back. Glad you enjoyed it. The view across the harbour to the old convent/school or whatever it is used for now is quite unique!

One way I have used to find interesting sights not listed in the guide books is to stop in a pub in a small town or out in the country,have a beer, or coffee,tea etc. and just ask some of the locals about places to see in the area. They have always been more than eager to help.