Ireland Itinerary Help -- for FEBRUARY
Nov 8th, 2005, 07:11 AM
#1
Original Poster
Ireland Itinerary Help -- for FEBRUARY
Oops . . . I posted this wrong. No wonder I didn't get any responses. Take 2:
I'll be flying into Belfast mid-February and am making myself crazy trying to plan a 7-day itinerary. Those who responded to my previous post convinced me that I'll be happiest renting a car. So . . . I'll be picking up a car in Belfast and will have seven days to tour before returning to Belfast for business. (Since I'll be spending additional time in Belfast, I don't need to include it in my 7-day plan.)
I'm most interested in seeing the country's natural beauty -- nature walks, coastal views, and strolling in charming towns, as well as visiting castles. But I know February is not the ideal time for most of this. I guess touring gardens is out
So much of what I read about seems to be located on the West Coast (i.e., Dingle). That's a long drive from Belfast -- but I'll do it if that's where the best sights are. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your help.
I'll be flying into Belfast mid-February and am making myself crazy trying to plan a 7-day itinerary. Those who responded to my previous post convinced me that I'll be happiest renting a car. So . . . I'll be picking up a car in Belfast and will have seven days to tour before returning to Belfast for business. (Since I'll be spending additional time in Belfast, I don't need to include it in my 7-day plan.)
I'm most interested in seeing the country's natural beauty -- nature walks, coastal views, and strolling in charming towns, as well as visiting castles. But I know February is not the ideal time for most of this. I guess touring gardens is out
So much of what I read about seems to be located on the West Coast (i.e., Dingle). That's a long drive from Belfast -- but I'll do it if that's where the best sights are. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your help.
Nov 8th, 2005, 01:58 PM
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No need to drive to Dingle! Some of the most beautiful and regularly ignored sights are just north of Belfast.
Take the Antrim Coast road north out of Belfast towards Larne. Stop in Carrickfergus to see the castle. You can't miss it on the coast road. There are some cheesy manequins inside, but otherwise it's a very impressive building.
The coast road north of Larne is really a coast road. You are right on the water most of the way. I thought Carnlough was an interesting looking town the last time through. We stopped and walked along the harbor for a bit but didn't really spend much time there.
The Glens of Antrim are certainly worth the time and Glenariff (just outside of Cushendall) is considered the "Queen" of the glens. As you drive up the glen, there is a sign for (I believe) the Manor House Lodge off to the left. There are trails from there that lead up the waterfall walk which is really quite beautiful. even if there is a slight mist you are well protected under the canopy of the trees.
The town of Ballycastle is a good spot to start exploring the north Antrim coast. The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede will be closed at that time of year but the trail may be open. That trail actually extends to Giants Causeway and beyond I believe.
The Causeway is another big stop. Peculiar basalt columns rising from the sea. At this time of year you will see few tourists which would be a plus at Giants Causeway.
Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed one in the world is just up the road from the causeway. Have your hand ready to go up when they ask for tasters. The ruins of Dunluce Castle is next sitting in a spectacular cragg of rock overlooking the sea. It's famous story about the kitchen falling into the ocean below is enought to warrant a visit.
So that's just the Antrim coast and you could easily spend a lot of time there. You could continue on to Derry (or Londonderry depending on who printed your map) and walk the old city walls, some of the most complete still standing anywhere. You could head into the repulic and see as much of Donegal as possible. The Inishowen Peninsula is a day in itself and the lighthouse at Fanad Head is sitting in a truly spectacular location. That should keep you plenty busy.
No need to go to the SW. The northeast (NI) is beautiful.
Bill
Take the Antrim Coast road north out of Belfast towards Larne. Stop in Carrickfergus to see the castle. You can't miss it on the coast road. There are some cheesy manequins inside, but otherwise it's a very impressive building.
The coast road north of Larne is really a coast road. You are right on the water most of the way. I thought Carnlough was an interesting looking town the last time through. We stopped and walked along the harbor for a bit but didn't really spend much time there.
The Glens of Antrim are certainly worth the time and Glenariff (just outside of Cushendall) is considered the "Queen" of the glens. As you drive up the glen, there is a sign for (I believe) the Manor House Lodge off to the left. There are trails from there that lead up the waterfall walk which is really quite beautiful. even if there is a slight mist you are well protected under the canopy of the trees.
The town of Ballycastle is a good spot to start exploring the north Antrim coast. The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede will be closed at that time of year but the trail may be open. That trail actually extends to Giants Causeway and beyond I believe.
The Causeway is another big stop. Peculiar basalt columns rising from the sea. At this time of year you will see few tourists which would be a plus at Giants Causeway.
Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed one in the world is just up the road from the causeway. Have your hand ready to go up when they ask for tasters. The ruins of Dunluce Castle is next sitting in a spectacular cragg of rock overlooking the sea. It's famous story about the kitchen falling into the ocean below is enought to warrant a visit.
So that's just the Antrim coast and you could easily spend a lot of time there. You could continue on to Derry (or Londonderry depending on who printed your map) and walk the old city walls, some of the most complete still standing anywhere. You could head into the repulic and see as much of Donegal as possible. The Inishowen Peninsula is a day in itself and the lighthouse at Fanad Head is sitting in a truly spectacular location. That should keep you plenty busy.
No need to go to the SW. The northeast (NI) is beautiful.
Bill
Nov 9th, 2005, 05:37 AM
#3
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Bill - Thank you SO much for your suggestions. They look fantastic and have me wondering why one hears so little about the scenic beauty of the North. I wonder if that area has been avoided because of the "troubles." You have probably saved me many hours of driving
Nov 9th, 2005, 06:35 AM
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Songdoc,
I would spend all 7 of your days in NI. You will most likely get some rain and colder weather and what with short daylight hours you will have less time to do a lot of driving. You will want to spend a few days in each area in case you aren't able to get to or see those scenic places Bill was talking about (walking or driving) due to poor weather. (I remember one trip I really wanted to visit The Burren area in Co Clare but had only scheduled time enough for a drive through it. Because it was early spring, fog rolled into the area and was so thick I couldn't see anything beyond the side road ditches. I comeptely missed even the slightest glimpse of The Burren!)
So make out a list of places to see in NI (and maybe nearby Donegal) and then take you time touring around those areas for a week. You will find tons of "natural beauty" on your way.
Safe travels,
Wendy
I would spend all 7 of your days in NI. You will most likely get some rain and colder weather and what with short daylight hours you will have less time to do a lot of driving. You will want to spend a few days in each area in case you aren't able to get to or see those scenic places Bill was talking about (walking or driving) due to poor weather. (I remember one trip I really wanted to visit The Burren area in Co Clare but had only scheduled time enough for a drive through it. Because it was early spring, fog rolled into the area and was so thick I couldn't see anything beyond the side road ditches. I comeptely missed even the slightest glimpse of The Burren!)
So make out a list of places to see in NI (and maybe nearby Donegal) and then take you time touring around those areas for a week. You will find tons of "natural beauty" on your way.
Safe travels,
Wendy
Nov 9th, 2005, 07:49 AM
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I travelled twice along the coast road from Belfast to Partrush to Donegal and enjoyed the trip. Recently I travelled in the opposite direction and because I was right beside the sea as we drove along I enjoyed it even more.If you are in Northern Ireland I would definitely go to County Donegal for a few days-there is a ferry from Magilligan to Greencastle to get you right up to the most northerly point in Ireland which is actually in the republic.
Nov 9th, 2005, 01:02 PM
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Songdoc:
It is true that some people avoid NI because of an unsubstantiated concern about "the troubles". Fine with me. Makes for better touring for the rest of us.
As Wendy was saying, you need to be prepared for foul weather and spending a couple of days in an area is a good idea. You could actually easily spend the whole time just in NI or with good luck and weather, take an excursion into Donegal. A town like Ballycastle my be a good jumping off point for much of the Antrim coast because you can get to the Glens of Antrim and virtually everything on the North Antrim coast. The roads in NI are much better than those in the Republic so you will travel at a quicker pace. Even the often feared Torr Road compares favorably to many roads in republic. Now the road down to Murlough Bay off of the Torr Rd is another matter.
We stayed this year at a place called Crockatinney Guest House (http://www.crockatinneyguesthouse.co.uk/) which is between Ballintoy and Ballycastle. We enjoyed our stay there. The rooms were nice, each with a private balcony and a fine view out to Rathlin Island. The breakfast room has an even better view. I think it was 25 GPB pppn.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/postrep...mp;keyword=134
I don't know of any places withing the town of Ballycastle. There seemed to be plenty of activity when I was there in May. It would be somewhat slower in May, but my guess is that it's big enough not to be dead. I prefer small towns to larger. That's just me.
Keep planning, you should have a blast.
Bill
It is true that some people avoid NI because of an unsubstantiated concern about "the troubles". Fine with me. Makes for better touring for the rest of us.
As Wendy was saying, you need to be prepared for foul weather and spending a couple of days in an area is a good idea. You could actually easily spend the whole time just in NI or with good luck and weather, take an excursion into Donegal. A town like Ballycastle my be a good jumping off point for much of the Antrim coast because you can get to the Glens of Antrim and virtually everything on the North Antrim coast. The roads in NI are much better than those in the Republic so you will travel at a quicker pace. Even the often feared Torr Road compares favorably to many roads in republic. Now the road down to Murlough Bay off of the Torr Rd is another matter.
We stayed this year at a place called Crockatinney Guest House (http://www.crockatinneyguesthouse.co.uk/) which is between Ballintoy and Ballycastle. We enjoyed our stay there. The rooms were nice, each with a private balcony and a fine view out to Rathlin Island. The breakfast room has an even better view. I think it was 25 GPB pppn.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/postrep...mp;keyword=134
I don't know of any places withing the town of Ballycastle. There seemed to be plenty of activity when I was there in May. It would be somewhat slower in May, but my guess is that it's big enough not to be dead. I prefer small towns to larger. That's just me.
Keep planning, you should have a blast.
Bill
Nov 14th, 2005, 04:42 AM
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You can also head south of Belfast. I used to live in a village called Killyleagh. It's home to the oldest private-inhabited castle in Ireland. You can't go in, but it's nice to look at! And there's a great cafe, Picnic, across the street. Killyleagh is on the Strangford Lough, and there are nice walks around Delamount Park which is about 1-mile outside of town. You can stay at the Dufferin Coaching Inn B&B a few doors down from Picnic. The Dufferin Arms Pub is a good spot, and they have open music sessions on Saturday afternoons. Get in early and have lunch because the seats fill up fast. It's a great way to spend a cold February afternoon, and evening, and night!
There are great drives around Strangford Lough. Just get a map and stick to the coast.
The Mountains of Mourne are spectacular, but be careful hiking in the winter. Lots of people end up being rescued because of fog.
Downpatrick is where St. Patrick is buried, and there's a nice visitors'/St. Patrick Centre in town. Not too much else in Downpatrick.
Hillsborough, which is pretty close to Belfast, is probably the best town just to wander about it. It's beautiful, with lots of Georgian homes.
Have a great time, and good luck with your business in Belfast--my husband's from Northern Ireland, and he still hates doing business there--can't stand how slowly everything moves and the overwhelming bureaucracy! Hope you have a better experience.
There are great drives around Strangford Lough. Just get a map and stick to the coast.
The Mountains of Mourne are spectacular, but be careful hiking in the winter. Lots of people end up being rescued because of fog.
Downpatrick is where St. Patrick is buried, and there's a nice visitors'/St. Patrick Centre in town. Not too much else in Downpatrick.
Hillsborough, which is pretty close to Belfast, is probably the best town just to wander about it. It's beautiful, with lots of Georgian homes.
Have a great time, and good luck with your business in Belfast--my husband's from Northern Ireland, and he still hates doing business there--can't stand how slowly everything moves and the overwhelming bureaucracy! Hope you have a better experience.
