Northern Ireland in November
Nov 23rd, 2003 | 05:49 AM
#1
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Northern Ireland in November
I will be in Dublin next year about this time, actually late October, early November. I'd like to take about a week and go north through Belfast, maybe along the coast and over to Donegal since that's the only part of Ireland I haven't seen. Any suggestions for interesting stops for this time of year? I prefer small inns or B&B's and pub type food, turf fires. I know some B&B's and attractions are closed at this time of year. Any ideas?
Nov 23rd, 2003 | 07:04 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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Ella,
While I've not toured Ulster during the fall, I can say the region is well worth exploring, and you'll undoubtedly have a terrific time.
While in County Donegal, make a point of touring Glenveagh National Park, located in the county's west. In addition, if the weather is on your side, a hike up to the summit of the Mt. Fuji-like Errigal Mountain can be a memorable experience. Another site worth your time is the stone fort Grianan of Aileach, located not far from Derry City. On a clear day, the fort offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Finally, way down in southern Donegal is the compact Donegal town, which makes an ideal base for exploring points west out to Glengesh Pass, Glencolumbkille, and, perhaps most memorably, Slieve League, the highest cliffs in Europe.
Best of luck.
P.S. Should you stay in southern Donegal, do consider staying at Ardnamona, a truly superb accommodation, located just outside Donegal town along the banks of the tranquil Lough Eske. See www.
tempoweb.com/ardnamon
While I've not toured Ulster during the fall, I can say the region is well worth exploring, and you'll undoubtedly have a terrific time.
While in County Donegal, make a point of touring Glenveagh National Park, located in the county's west. In addition, if the weather is on your side, a hike up to the summit of the Mt. Fuji-like Errigal Mountain can be a memorable experience. Another site worth your time is the stone fort Grianan of Aileach, located not far from Derry City. On a clear day, the fort offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Finally, way down in southern Donegal is the compact Donegal town, which makes an ideal base for exploring points west out to Glengesh Pass, Glencolumbkille, and, perhaps most memorably, Slieve League, the highest cliffs in Europe.
Best of luck.
P.S. Should you stay in southern Donegal, do consider staying at Ardnamona, a truly superb accommodation, located just outside Donegal town along the banks of the tranquil Lough Eske. See www.
tempoweb.com/ardnamon
Nov 23rd, 2003 | 07:07 AM
#3
Joined: Jun 2003
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We just returned from a trip to Belfast
and Donegal and your in for a treat.
Our favorite stop was in Killyleagh (between Dublin and Belfast on Strangford Lough) The small town has a castle in the town square which really sets the mood. The main attraction here however is "The Dufferin Arms "pub. They have traditional jams (not the kind they get paid to show up for) on saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm and it was hands down the best and most authentic music we heard in Ireland (including Doolin etc.)The food is really good and inexpensive. The pub has an inn or there is a great place across the street (cant remember the name but if your interested I have the info somwhere)
Belfast has plenty to do as well. The Ulster folk and transport museum is a very good stop. Black taxi tours up Falls and Shankhill Rds. ,City Hall ,Grand Opera House,Crown Liquor Saloon, and good shopping are all in worth a look in Belfast. A trip up the Anterim coast is a must with the Giants Causeway,Dunluce Castle,Bushmills,and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge being a few of the stops there.
Our second favorite town was Ballyshannon in Donegal. It is a little less touristy than some of its neighboring towns like Ballyvaughn and Donegal town, but I loved getting up at sunrise and walking through town. The atlantic lodge is a wonderful place to stay with B&B or self catering. The owner is amazing and the rooms are very nice for 22.50 EU per night. If you tell her how good breakfast is the next day there will be three times as much on your plate! Ballyshannon makes a great place to explore from with trips to Fermanagh, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo all within reach. There are plenty of good pubs in Ballyshannon as well (21 I was told with a population of 2,500) We did day trips to Glenveagh National Park,Slieve League, there are some fantastic drives through Donegal. Enough rambling....when do we leave again???LOL Any more questions I am more than happy.
and Donegal and your in for a treat.
Our favorite stop was in Killyleagh (between Dublin and Belfast on Strangford Lough) The small town has a castle in the town square which really sets the mood. The main attraction here however is "The Dufferin Arms "pub. They have traditional jams (not the kind they get paid to show up for) on saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm and it was hands down the best and most authentic music we heard in Ireland (including Doolin etc.)The food is really good and inexpensive. The pub has an inn or there is a great place across the street (cant remember the name but if your interested I have the info somwhere)
Belfast has plenty to do as well. The Ulster folk and transport museum is a very good stop. Black taxi tours up Falls and Shankhill Rds. ,City Hall ,Grand Opera House,Crown Liquor Saloon, and good shopping are all in worth a look in Belfast. A trip up the Anterim coast is a must with the Giants Causeway,Dunluce Castle,Bushmills,and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge being a few of the stops there.
Our second favorite town was Ballyshannon in Donegal. It is a little less touristy than some of its neighboring towns like Ballyvaughn and Donegal town, but I loved getting up at sunrise and walking through town. The atlantic lodge is a wonderful place to stay with B&B or self catering. The owner is amazing and the rooms are very nice for 22.50 EU per night. If you tell her how good breakfast is the next day there will be three times as much on your plate! Ballyshannon makes a great place to explore from with trips to Fermanagh, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo all within reach. There are plenty of good pubs in Ballyshannon as well (21 I was told with a population of 2,500) We did day trips to Glenveagh National Park,Slieve League, there are some fantastic drives through Donegal. Enough rambling....when do we leave again???LOL Any more questions I am more than happy.
Nov 23rd, 2003 | 12:42 PM
#4
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Joined: Apr 2003
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I've tried several times to post a reply, but it doesn't show up. I'm getting tired of typing, then having it disappear..... Thanks for the replies. David thanks, lots of good ideas. I checked Ardnamona, looks beautiful,but...ouch, out of my price range. Panhandle- what time did it get dark while you were there? Were many places closed because of the time of year? I've always been to Ireland in the summer with lots of daylight.....but, looking forward to the turf fires and shorter days when you need to find a cozy pub to warm up... Any other favorite towns, places to stay or pubs?
Nov 23rd, 2003 | 01:15 PM
#5
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 599
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Sunsets will be around 5:00 and you are right it makes it cozier. Weather may or may not be an issue though as when we were there we saw a nice mix.
You might also look at the town of Ardara if you would prefer to stay farther north than Ballyshannon.
My two favorite pubs in Ballyshannon were Dicey Reilly's and Josies. Josie is the hardest working woman alive and is always so hospitable. It is a little more relaxed that time of year but her regulars are very open for a nice conversation.
We did two day trips up the Anterim coast from Belfast and didnt actually stay up north. We split the coast in half and did it in two parts...taking the coastal route one trip and one through the Glens of Anterim the other. It might easier for you to stay up north and then loop around towards Donegal.
Carrick-a-rede will be closed that time of year but the rest should be open with adjusted hours. I would recommend picking up a copy of "Ireland at a glimpse" for coupons. We saved a ton of money using it. Have you been to Irelandexpert.com?? its a good website too..lots of info.
You might also look at the town of Ardara if you would prefer to stay farther north than Ballyshannon.
My two favorite pubs in Ballyshannon were Dicey Reilly's and Josies. Josie is the hardest working woman alive and is always so hospitable. It is a little more relaxed that time of year but her regulars are very open for a nice conversation.
We did two day trips up the Anterim coast from Belfast and didnt actually stay up north. We split the coast in half and did it in two parts...taking the coastal route one trip and one through the Glens of Anterim the other. It might easier for you to stay up north and then loop around towards Donegal.
Carrick-a-rede will be closed that time of year but the rest should be open with adjusted hours. I would recommend picking up a copy of "Ireland at a glimpse" for coupons. We saved a ton of money using it. Have you been to Irelandexpert.com?? its a good website too..lots of info.
Nov 24th, 2003 | 01:45 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 899
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In Donegal, there's Oceanview B&B near Killybegs. The location is breathtaking! www.oceanviewhouse.info/
Nancy's Pub in Ardara is a wonderful place to spend an evening and they have very good 'pub grub'.
We were in Ireland in late November a couple of years ago. It was dark by 4:30. We actually enjoyed the different pace. We stopped sightseeing earlier in the day than when we're there in the summer, and spent more time in the pub in the evenings. Can't beat that!
Nancy's Pub in Ardara is a wonderful place to spend an evening and they have very good 'pub grub'.
We were in Ireland in late November a couple of years ago. It was dark by 4:30. We actually enjoyed the different pace. We stopped sightseeing earlier in the day than when we're there in the summer, and spent more time in the pub in the evenings. Can't beat that!
Nov 24th, 2003 | 04:30 PM
#7
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 268
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County Donegal is beautiful--the highlight of our recent trip to NI.
I liked the Credo House in Killeybegs, also. Lovely B&B overlooking the harbor (not as spectacular as Ocean House, though).
I highly recommend visiting the Derek Hill House near Glenveigh. He was a portrait painter for the royal family and various world leaders as well as a great promoter of local talent. He left his house, as is, to NI, so it doesn't feel like a museum at all. Many of his friends, Picasso among them, gave him paintings or ceramics or photos as gifts. Along with his own collection and the collection of the locals; it's a unique museum.
Enjoy.
I liked the Credo House in Killeybegs, also. Lovely B&B overlooking the harbor (not as spectacular as Ocean House, though).
I highly recommend visiting the Derek Hill House near Glenveigh. He was a portrait painter for the royal family and various world leaders as well as a great promoter of local talent. He left his house, as is, to NI, so it doesn't feel like a museum at all. Many of his friends, Picasso among them, gave him paintings or ceramics or photos as gifts. Along with his own collection and the collection of the locals; it's a unique museum.
Enjoy.
