Okie

Currently planning a trip to Northern Ireland (definitely want to visit Londonderry area due to family history) and the Republic of Ireland. We have 2 weeks. There are so many amazing places, we are having a hard time narrowing down what areas to visit. What are the Top 10 things that are musts? Other advice in developing our itinerary and maximizing our time there? There will be 8 (2 are kids) of us ages 8-72.

Tony2phones

The top 10 is highly subjective and the top 10 for us living here is way off the top 10 for those who visit if you are talking attractions..

Your priority is the North and particularly Derry so there might be a few places of interest on this Map.

I would be careful in your planning as whilst the island of Ireland looks small on a global map you will find its huge on the ground.. 14 days is my minimum considered time to travel 70% of the coastal drive the map I linked could easy take 2 weeks and still be a push.

Tony2phones

http://goo.gl/maps/gl8uv always helps to include the link!

bilboburgler

to be PC you need to call it DerryLondonDerry this is only because calling it LondonDerryDerry sounds like a start to a song

Cathinjoetown

With 8, how are you planning to travel? That, to some extent, will dictate what is possible in your timeframe.

Padraig

Guideline:
- Most people in the republic call it Derry.
- Most (perhaps all) NI people of nationalist sentiment call it Derry.
- The large majority of NI people of unionist sentiment, especially those who live there, call it Derry except when they are in political mode. It's unfortunate that people on both sides of the NI community are so often in political mode.

You are less likely to get up people's noses if you call it Derry.

Sojourntraveller

Define 'must'. Otherwise just Google 'top 10'. There is nothing in your post to narrow down anything.
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=...nd+attractions

'Musts' only exist in the mind of the individual. Some people would say they 'must' visit the Bata Show Museum in Toronto, Canada for example. Would you consider it a must?

'Musts' are dependent on the individual's interests, not the interests of some strangers in a travel forum.

Okie

Thank you for the map and the suggestion on referring to the location as Derry to ensure PC. That is good knowledge to have.

We don't yet know how we are going to travel around w 8. We were hoping to avoid driving ourselves and possibly getting a driver at least part of the time , but that may just be too costly. If that is the case, we may just drive and/or do a mix with trains, boats, etc.

Sojourntraveller, I agree "musts" is very subjective and that people's interests are all different. However, I honestly asked this question in this forum because I actually wanted to hear stranger's opinions. When I travel, I like to do new things and experience the cultures of the places I visit. Sure, we want to see famous landmarks/attractions, but i don't want to just rely on that which you read about in the travel books. I want the off the beaten track stuff too. I figure by getting opinions of people with varied interests and experiences, I will find some gems I wouldn't have otherwise picked. I also know we can't do it all in 2 weeks, so I'm also just looking for info that might help me narrow the slate .

Thanks, all!

nytraveler

My most sees (items not whole places) are:

Book of Kells (as long as there is some basic understanding or Irish history)
Newgrange - bronze age site - visitors are limited and it can be seen only with an official guide
Ring of Kerry (NOT in tourist season)

flpab

Tony has a great map and info. You have children so hard to tell what they will enjoy. Some days I would split up and do separate things. Dublin has a zoo and Croke park for a tour would be interesting for them while adults do Guinness.

flpab

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-171235-2.cfm

great review

di2315

Newgrange
Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
Ride the Dart, Dublin
Cork
Gallway
Drive around the Ring of Kerry

These would be the top places I have lovely memories of, Okie. Di

latedaytraveler

Hi OKIE,

One suggestion - THE IRISH NATIONAL STUD, a horse breeding facility in KILDARE, not that far from Dublin.

Magnificent horses, beautiful grounds, interesting experience for all ages. Should also provide an opportunity for kids to run/explore a bit too.

http://irishnationalstud.ie/stud/

Tony2phones

Not on the map I linked but possibly a good option The Ulster American Theme Park http://www.nmni.com/uafp just outside Omagh.

Okie

These are all great ideas! Thank you!!! Keep them coming!

azzure

Slea Head Drive, Dingle
Rock of Cashel
Connemara National Park
Kinsale/Charles Fort
Aran Islands
Cliffs of Moher
Glendalough

(Just got back last week)

flpab

The ferry to Inishmore. Kids can rent bikes there to tour. Go on a sunny day if possible. 45 min ride. Best fort and cliff views. I like it more than cliffs of Mother.