We were planning on being in Portrush, NIreland on July 11/12 until I read in Rick Steve's book about July 12th and the "marches". So, after doing some internet research, I still do not have a conclusion about 1) how "rowdy" it gets there 2) how busy it is, especially since the 12th is a holiday for them 3) how "safe" it is as we are traveling with a 7 and 1 year old. We certainly do not want to get mixed up in political tension; we just want to see Giant's Causeway and many of the other great things (this is my 3rd Ireland trip, but I have never been to the North and was looking forward to seeing it, and just don't want to miss if it isn't necessary.) I know this is a very specific topic, but if anyone has experience with this and can lend some advice, that would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
OP
St Louis, MO, USA
30 posts
And, I in no way am looking to incite a political discussion with this question.
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
Have been in the Giant's Causeway area..with a stop in Belfast on the 12th of July and had no problems. It is a beautiful place to visit and would be a shame if you missed it :)
Posted by
Dublin, Ireland
105 posts
With a name like Elizabeth you should be absolutely fine up there on the Twelfth (can you insert a smilie here) Things have eased considerably in the last 10/15 years but there is inevitably some tension and the odd incident, you are highly unlikely to encounter conflict but you could be inconvenienced by marches (closed roads, villages etc). Portrush should be fine, but if you have a choice doing Portrush/Giants Causeway a few days before or a few days after would be ideal.
Posted by
OP
St Louis, MO, USA
30 posts
Thanks, everyone. I also consulted our guesthouse owner (whom we know a bit), in the Republic, and she said we should be fine, too. I'll be fine with Elizabeth, but our 7 year old's name is Clare---after the county. :) We do not have the trip flexibility to do NI later....had we known about The Twelfth, we would've been more strategic in our plans. To avoid it, we'd have to undo the previous 14 days. Oh well, that's part of trip planning. I certainly want to experience the Causeway and other things up there since I haven't before. If anything, it'll be an educational experience for my 7 year old.
Posted by
Dublin, Ireland
105 posts
Don't worry about it Elizabeth, you'll be grand. You named your daughter after God's own county, hope you will be visiting while you're over here. Enjoy it!
Posted by
OP
St Louis, MO, USA
30 posts
John, Oh yes. We're doing practically the entire country. Can't wait!!!
Thanks for your advice.