katherinebw

I tried to post this yesterday but probably did it wrong. We are arriving from the U.S. in Dublin 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday in Sept. and renting a car (automatic). Our first stop will be Newgrange for 2-3 hours, but then we'll head for a B&B in Ballycastle. Various mapping sites say it will take 4.5 hours from Dublin to Ballycastle. Is 4.5 hours a true estimate? We will probably run out of steam by mid afternoon, and I'm wondering if it wouldn't be wiser to stop in Carlingford or Portaferry for the first night. If so, are there any comments/advice about one of these towns vs. the other? We'll be in Ireland for 17 days and want to go north, then west, then south, winding up in Kinsale/Cobh before heading up to Shannon airport. Thank you and I will probably be back for more advice as I plan.

littlejane

Carlingford is a lovely spot to stay, very easily accessible from Dublin so very do-able in the same day as Newgrange. Lovely old ruined abbey to visit and a good buzz in the evenings. I like Ghan house there, but there are plenty of B&Bs and apartment rentals in Carlingford depending on your budget.

Rastaguytoday

Use www.viamichelin.com to get your times and route(s).

The best thing about using the website, is that is gives you detailed turn-by-turn information, as well as speed limit changes.

We're actually going to stay in the town of Larne, UK, which is right on the coast.

katherinebw

Thank you Rastaguy for that one.

flpab

You will love Newgrange. I am always in a daze the first day but keep going so think driving far would not be wise. I love the smaller villages. I feel bad now that the new highways are built and so many people pass right by them now.