My daughter and I are planning a trip to Ireland for August 2014 and need to choose between visiting Belfast & Dublin OR Galway & Dublin. We only have time to visit two locations. So which do you prefer, Belfast or Galway? Any advice anyone can give regarding preference and why, will help us to make a decision. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Do you have a copy of RS Ireland Guide Book yet? If so, great. If not, you may want to get a copy (it can be ordered elsewhere on this web site) as it is full of useful information that you could use to help determine which two cities might be best for you. We took the RS Ireland Tour and certainly enjoyed our stay in that country. Happy travels
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7168 posts
Well, Galway is one of my favorite cities. But, if you're doing Dublin and only one other I would say go to Belfast. Partly because they're quite different and partly because the recent history made Belfast very interesting for me. It's like another world, very much a city of contrasts. I loved it. If you go to Belfast, take at least one organized tour, maybe a walking tour, to get the guide's perspective. It really brings the 'troubles' to life.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I haven't been to Northern Ireland. The only thing I can add is, judging Ireland by Dublin isn't the best way to do it. Big cities are big cities. I'd rather skip Dublin and visit Galway (although there are good sights in Dublin). The single best sight anywhere in Ireland is a local pub with a traditional music session. The people are wonderful and IMO the local amateur musicians play as well, or better, than professional recording artists. You miss that by only visiting Dublin.