Northern Ireland itinerary
 

Looking for input on a six-day trip from Galway, looping up toward Northern Ireland, and dropping down into Dublin. We lived in County Clare for two years and are very familiar with the west coast, including Galway, and Dublin, but are wondering if anyone could recommend some spots that are special on the route we plan to travel. Traveling with extended family ranging in age from 4 1/2 to 80. We're up for big walks but it's essential that the elders have a place to park themselves and have a tea. Thanks!

I wanted to add that one itinerary we're considering is going from Galway to Donegal, then Derry, Belfast City, Newgrange and Armagh, and then Dublin. Thoughts?

That sounds like a great itinerary but do the coast http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/causeway/

I loved Ballintoy Harbour, maybe it was the day we were there but the surf was crazy wild. I live on the coast but nothing like that.

Thanks, Macross! I was thinking that adding the Causeway might be a good thing to do. Do you recommend staying more than one night in any of those areas?

It sounds like an awful lot for six days.

Galway to Donegal is a big drive for the day. You might want to split that up. The coast is a day trip for sure so would pick Portrush or Bushmills for the night. Maybe Belfast for two nights. Stop at Newgrange on your way to Dublin?

I think y'all are right about trying to do much for the time we have. Hard to do long drives with the kids so the more I can split things up, the better. I'm wondering if Derry or Belfast might be too much for the trip. We've spent time in Derry and seen the murals but never been to Belfast. If I was going to do this trip and definitely wanted to include the Causeway, could you recommend other places you wouldn't miss given the time we have? Also, we have to end up in Dublin as the trip ends there.