I have my itinerary for Ireland pretty well set, but have a few areas still not decided. I would appreciate any suggestions or <BR>comments on places, amount of driving, where to stay for nights 9, 10, etc. Here goes<BR><BR>Day 1 - Fly into Dublin, stay 2 nights, sightsee in city<BR>Day 2 - Dublin, sightsee in city, maybe a trip south to Wicklow mountains<BR>Day 3 - Drive to Belfast, catch a late afternoon ferry to Troon, allows time for sightseeing along the drive and in Belfast<BR>Days 4-8 Scotland<BR>Day 9 - Arrive in Belfast on ferry in early afternoon<BR>Day 9, 10 - ?? I have several options here and lots that I want to see.<BR>Would like to do the drive north from Belfast along the coast to Glen of Antrim (maybe even stop for a hike), Giants <BR>Causeway, and then to Donegal. Know that I want to base myself in Donegal for 2 nights (not stay 2 different places for 1 <BR>night each). I was thinking of Rathmullan, Letterkenny or Donegal Town. Is it too much to drive along the coast from Belfast <BR>(starting at 2:00 in the afternoon) and try to get to Donegal to spend the night? Should I just head straight from Belfast to <BR>Donegal? In Donegal I would like to see places in the northwest (Inishowen, Fanad Head, Glenveagh), so I am thinking that <BR>Rathmullan makes the most sense. But that does make the drive to Galway long (4 hours). Better base myself in Donegal <BR>Town? I know there will be much to see wherever I stay. What town is a good base in Donegal?<BR>Day 11 - Early morning drive to Galway, I know this going to be a long one<BR>Day 11, 12, 13 - Based in Galway, explore to the north and to the south (Connemara, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands)<BR>Day 13 - morning for more sights in Galway area, afternoon drive to Dublin<BR>Day 14 - Fly out of Dublin<BR><BR>I would appreciate suggestions, especially for Days 9,10. <BR><BR>Thank you.<BR><BR>

First, do not believe the times given by internet sites for drives. <BR><BR>When are you going, it makes a big differences do to the hours of darkness?<BR><BR><BR>Are you taking your car on the ferry to Scotland (most rental firms do not allow it)?<BR><BR>The drive from Belfast to letterkenny along the glens and the causeway on main roads is a good five hours if no troubles, stopping, getting lost, siteseeing, hiking etc.. And starting at 2pm or lets say 2:30 if you get off the ferry fast and find your way out of town. Means you'll be arriving in Letterkenny at 9pm.<BR><BR>Are you staying at a B&amp;B where it is common to arrive between 4 and 6. Check to see if they will take late arrivals.<BR><BR>The drive from Rathmulleen to Galway is 5 plus hours again with no stops. Easily done in July when the light is long but obviosuly doesn't allow for much time. <BR><BR>You'd be better off taking a day away from Galway if you want two night in Donegal plus a night enroute from Belfast

gr8travels,<BR><BR>You've the makings for a great trip, but the prospect of going from Belfast to Galway in two days - including the the sights of the Antrim Coast and north and south Donegal - is problematic.<BR><BR>Should you leave Belfast on day nine at about 2:00, then attempt to explore some of the Antrim Coast attractions during the late afternoon, you'll be rather exhausted by the time you reach Derry City, let alone Letterkenny or the much more distant Donegal town.<BR><BR>If the weather is on your side on the afternoon of day nine, you'll no doubt want to explore the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. With that in mind, perhaps it would be wise to spend the night along the Antrim Coast or drive on to Derry City. <BR><BR>On day ten drive south to Donegal town where you should base yourself for two full days. (This, of course, means you'll have to sacrifice a day in Galway - a hard pill to swallow - but southern Donegal deserves at least two days.)<BR><BR>As for lodging in Donegal, consider Ardnamona, a terrific B &amp; B that's located on the shores of the very scenic and unspoiled Lough Eske, just a few miles outside Donegal town. To learn more about Ardnamona, see www.tempoweb.com/ardnamon<BR><BR>Should you stay in this part of Donegal, by all means take time for a drive out to the village of Glencolumbkille, over the highly scenic Glengash Pass. Moreover, view the spectacular cliffs of Slieve League, the highest in Europe and a nice and untouristy alternative to the Cliffs of Moher.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

DavidD<BR><BR>Thanks for the B&amp;B web site of Ardnamona - it looks like a great place and I may just check it out when I'm there in 2 weeks. Just a FYI; the web site is now<BR>www.ardnamona.com<BR><BR>Cheers!

Rather than stay in Donegal town which is rather congested, consider staying in Killybegs, a little further up along the coast. This would be a good base for seeing Glencolumbkille. As posted above the Glengash pass is a particularly beautiful route to take, very wild and scenic. Killybegs is a pretty fishing village, lots of B&amp;B's and often good music at the Sail Inn.<BR> Kevin

Thank you to all for your comments and suggestions.<BR><BR>I am traveling in the end of April, sunrise is 6:00, sunset is close to 9:00. Yes, I am taking my car on the ferry to Scotland. I have the approval of the rental company, bought the necessary 5 Star Cover from AA Ireland, and also found a great deal on the ferry ticket ($142 for the car and 2 people round-trip).<BR><BR>I have decided to eliminate Galway from the itinerary. It was a hard decision, but I would rather have the time to enjoy what I do see rather than being rushed, and I'll do Galway when I fly in/out of Shannon on the next trip <BR><BR>New itinerary<BR>Day 9 - Arrive in Belfast on ferry in early afternoon, drive north along the coast to Glen of Antrim (maybe even stop for a hike), Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, stay somewhere near Giants Causeway - Anyone have suggestions for lodging??<BR>Day 10 - Drive to Donegal, Grianan Fort, Inishowen Peninsula, Fanad Peninsula, heading east toward Horn Head<BR>Where to base my lodging? I'm thinking either Rathmullan or Dunfanaghy.<BR>Day 11 - Donegal - Glenveagh Park, Ardara, Slieve League Mountains - stay in Killybegs or Donegal<BR>Day 12 - Donegal - more of the above or additional sights if I have the time - stay in Killybegs or Donegal<BR>Day 13 - morning for more sights in Donegal area, drive coast down to Sligo, afternoon drive to Dublin<BR>Day 14 - Fly out of Dublin<BR><BR>Does that seem more reasonable? As before I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks again for your help.<BR>

If I were you I would save Scotland for another trip. 4 nights in fabulous Scotland just won't do it justice especially since you are practicly loosing 2 days just ferrying between the two.<BR><BR>I would add some time in the Southern Ireland and add Dingle and maybe Kenmare or Cork.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you are trying to get too much in. Irrover is exactly right about not believing the drive times on the internet sights. Also, very good advice on arrival times. <BR><BR>I presume that is an either/or in Dublin with Wicklow mtns vs. sightseeing.<BR><BR>IMHO, to do the things you would like, I would leave the Scotland part out. If you are taking a car, it will be VERY expensive. You would be better off renting a different car when you arrive.<BR><BR>I wouldn't go past Ballycastle on that first day back in Ireland should you decide to stay with your plan.<BR><BR>Inishowen is a full day. It is a 100 mile loop, which doesn't sound like much, but the roads are very rural and you'll want to stop frequently. Fanad is a half a day. It's not just milage, but the things that you want to do during those miles.<BR><BR>I think David had a pretty good plan with the notion that you need two full days in Donegal. <BR><BR>Bill

Sorry, that response sat on my computer overnight. That is a great fare for the ferry. Your itinerary is much more reasonable, but IMO you won't be able to get in all of day 10. I don't think you can do Fanad and Inishowen and Horn head in the same day. As a reference, I left Inishowen (Red Castle area) and did Fanad and got to Dunfanghy in the late afternoon last May. <BR><BR>If you are staying at a B&amp;B, and you have breakfast with them, you probably won't leave much before 9:00 (maybe 8:30). The Irish are not early risers and depending on the B&amp;B, they rarely start serving before 7:30, frequently 8:00. You will will certainly have to convice them if you want something earlier, and I wouldn't want to do that. You would be able to get earlier starts if you were staying in hotels. <BR><BR>Hope this is helpful.<BR><BR>Bill

Most rental companies DO allow you to take their cars on ferries. I've done it several times, with the express permission of the rental agency. And that is a good deal you got on the ferry. It's often not cheaper to dump your car in Belfast and rent on the other side in Scotland (believe me, I've checked), as you usually get much better rates when you have a longer rental, even after factoring in the price of the ferry.<BR><BR>For lodging after your Antrim Coast drive, check out the Bushmills Inn. Haven't stayed there, but have only heard good things. Food's supposed to be very good.<BR><BR>BTW, it's the Glens of Antrim, not Glen of Antrim.

Ann<BR><BR>I can tell you that Avis, Dollar and Sixt do not allow you to take it off the island (at least when rented in the republic)

I rented from Avis (at Shannon) in April and took my car to Scotland. They knew I was taking it across, and didn't have a problem with it. The only caveat was that if by chance the ferry actually sank, the insurance would not cover replacement. I rented with National/Alamo in August (at Belfast) and did the same thing.

Again, thanks to all of your for your advice. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions.<BR><BR>An fyi on the car rental, I am renting from Hertz and they have no problems with taking it to Scotland, only required the 5 Star Insurance through AA Ireland.<BR><BR>Bill - I understand your advice about Day 10, I am thinking it will be some of Inishowen (not the whole loop) OR the drive out to the lighthouse on Fanad. <BR><BR>One last question, I'm looking for a nice hotel near the Dublin airport (not Jury's please) to spend my final night. I would prefer something on the nicer end, with a good restaurant on premises to have dinner. Any suggestions? <BR>

consider going to the Dingle Penninsila. It was my favorite. Also, in renting a car try and use a gold visa. It often includes automatic insurance coverage. Ck with cc issuer to be sure. Roads are narrow and driving times always take longer than you thing they will. Easy to get off the beaten track and explore in Ireland with a car.

gr8:<BR><BR>I understand there is an airport Holiday Inn, and it appears to be very close. It is, no doubt, devoid of charm, but probably pretty convenient and fairly reliable quality.<BR><BR>Bill

Just to back a recommendation to stay at the Bushmills Inn near the Giants Causeway. I have stayed there and the atmosphere is just sublime - the food is vey good. If booking, ask to stay in the original block. Although they are smaller than the more modern rooms, they are more atmospheris and cheaper. Alternatives are the Causeway Hotel which is right beside the Giants Causeway and owned by the National Trust or the Smugglres Inn which is a pub/restaurant with rooms about a mile away towards Bushmills