Northern Ireland Itinerary

I would say that you would not want to miss the new Titanic Museum opening at the end of this month. I'm not sure about the web site but just doing a search should give you a lot of information.
The Antrim coast is a must as well as a quided tour,either by taxi or tour bus, of Belfast and the past "troubles." A day trip from Belfast to Derry on the train is a great experience also. There is also a lot to be seen in Donegal if time allows.

I second the idea of the Antrim Coast. Work westard from Bushmills which is worth an overnight to visit the Giants Causeway. Good B&Bs here. The northern coast is considerably less traveled and more relaxing.

www.titanicbelfast.com

Bob, the Antrim Coast has so much to offer. We stayed 3 nights hear Ballycastle at the Kinbane Farmhouse B & B and did our day trips from there. I can highly recommend this accommodation. Don't miss Carrickarede Bridge (spelling??), but close enough. When in Belfast take a Black Taxi tour. Very worthwhile.

Thanks for the advice. We'll be spending time on the Antrim Coast for sure. It's a wonderful bonus to our trip to be in Belfast on the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic. Looks like a huge event. And to think, this all started because of a Bucket List wish to see Van Morrison perform in Ireland. Our good fortune.

I would make a point of going to Derry. Much recent history there.

Are you golfers? Royal Portrush and Royal County Down just two of many excellent courses in Northern Ireland, the former will host the Irish Open this year. Both in the area you plan to visit.

We've stayed in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. It's located by Lough Erne. It's a very nice, picturesque large town - the drive is very nice too. There are numerous B&B's, I have always stayed just outside of town at the Willowbank House.

Hi Bob! A fellow Iowan here. If you are looking for a beautiful drive I would concur with the Antrim Coast that takes you through the Glens of Antrim and up to the Giant's Causeway. If you have time take a walk over the Carrick-a-Reed (sp) bridge. I would also add that County Down has a lot to offer. If you are a fan of St. Patrick there is Down Cathedral in Downpatrick and Saul Church, just outside Downpatrick. You can see a wall of a barn where good ole St. Patrick started his first church. In addition, in County Down, there is are a few picturesque little towns and villages - Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee, and if you like old Abbey Ruins Grey Abbey (my personal favorite). I lived in Groomsport for a year and some 20 years ago and find Nothern Ireland and its people to be stunningly beautiful. Have a great time! And cheerio!

We will be there at about the same time. Our itinerary is two nights in Drogheda, five in Donegal, two in Ballynahinch, then on to County Kerry and County Cork. Stops after the New Grange area include (mostly in this order ) Cloughougther Castle, Boa Island, Beltony Stone Circle, Derry, lots of Donegal coastal drives, Carrowmore, Carrowkeel, Yeats sites around Sligo, Enrew Abbey, Delphi, Lough Nafooey, etc. .............Achill and Clare Islands also get rave reviews, but we probably won't have time for those......Our last day we intend to visit Clonmacanoise Abbey. If they interest you, most of these sites have Wikipedia entries.

You just can't miss the Giant's causeway. It is an awe-inspiring sight. You might also want to look at the Botanic Garden in Belfast. It has one of the oldest palm houses in the world. If you haven't made your lodging reservations, look into the Old Rectory Guesthouse in Belfast.