We've been to the Republic of Ireland several times, but never to Northern Ireland. Going there in July '12, as a group of 6, for 7-10 days. Looking for a good home base for a week (self-catering) that is (1) accessible to a variety of sights, particularly, but not necessarily only, Belfast and points of interest along the Antrim coast (Giant's Causeway, Bushmill's distillery, Dunluce Castle, etc), and (2) is located in a place - preferably a town or village that has services and amenities - that is interesting in and of itself. I'm not asking for specific rental properties, but rather geographic locations such as a town or area. Any help much appreciated.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, US
35 posts
Mike Try homeaway.com they might have a rental property. There are 43 properties listed in Northern Ireland under United Kingdom. I think you can find something interesting here. Hope this helps. Andrea
Posted by
Derry
175 posts
Hi Mike, I've stayed in a Portrush B&B for a week during the summer. Nice people, weather. The village/town itself is nice, on the water yet not spectacular but it is a great home base to see all the sights that you mentioned and others you didn't to include: nearby Portstewart, the college town of Coleraine, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge etc. Heck you could even take a train/bus to the interesting walled city of Derry. The modern TI was very helpful. Train/bus service will get you to all the places you want to see. If you enjoy golf your in luck. Wonderful courses. If you are taking young kids you are in luck again as the walkable town has a mid-size amusement park. Check Portrush out on the net, it's a great location for your intrests. Nice trip here!
Susan
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
530 posts
Andrea, Thanks, but as I mentioned I am more interested in hearing views on geographic locations rather than property rental sources. Susan, Thanks for the Portrush suggestion. That's the town that keeps popping up in my readings, sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for not-so-good. But certainly it is well located for the type of week we want to spend. Unfortunately, I'm not a golfer. I kick myself for that every time I'm in Ireland. Thanks for your responses.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Two small towns that might meet your criteria are Bushmills and Ballycastle. Distances are small between sights on the Antrim coast and in 7-10 days you'll easily see everything you want to see.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
530 posts
Great suggestions. Thanks Tom.