We're flying to into Belfast on July 2 and have booked the Blackhead Lightkeeper's House for the 5th to the 12th, but need to establish an itinerary for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. We are renting a car in Belfast.

We're debating going straight to the Southwest coast and perhaps later doing a day trip to Dublin while we're at the Lighthouse.

We need some "must-see" suggestions and reasonable timelines to get there and making it back to Belfast for check-in on the 5th. We have a GPS and are planning on purchasing the European maps to accompany it. Driving on the left is going to be challenge enough

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Krista

kclarke,

It will take you 1 day to get from Belfast to the Southwest and another day to get back again. That leaves you 1 day there!!!

If I were you I would stick to the North and Dublin.

Drive up the Antrim coast and spend a few days near the Giants Causeway.

If you are going to Dublin from Belfast for a day trip, use the train or bus. The road from Belfast to Dublin is fine but traffic and particularly parking in Dublin is a nightmare and very expensive.

Helen

Kclarke,

I have re-read you post and didn't realise you were spending so much time in Belfast.

Another option would be to drive to Co Donegal.

There are some lovely places there to visit.

Helen

I swear I responded to one of your posts. It seems to be lost. I suggest you take the train to Dublin and back and then rent the ar when you return. There is no need for a car in Dublin and it's tough to drive and park in the city. If you weant to get outside the city, take one of the fine tours to places like Glendalough or Newgrange.

Getting to the SW (unless you fly) and coming back two days later is not an option. You certainly coldn't drive there on jet lag so the 1st day would be lost. It's at least a full days drive from Befast to the SW.

Bill

wow, great typing on my part!

Thank you Helen and Bill!

We thought that we were being too ambitious...we just needed some expert advice to steer us in the right direction.

We will rebook the car for the 5th -12th in Belfast and train it down to Dublin. We have booked a hotel in Dublin for the 3 days at the Best Western Ashling. Do you think we will be close enough to where we need to go downtown??

Thanks so much for the help!
Krista

The Ashling isn't really the closest to the city center. The LUAS appears to go right by and would give you pretty easy access. The issue is that I don't really know the neighborhood at all. I've been to Smithfield (and the fabulous and un-noticable Cobblestone Pub) which is nearby. Not the most beautiful section of Dublin but it is said to be on the rise.

I stayed at the Best Western Royal Dublin on O'Connell St which I though was a risk, but my room didn't face the street (not sure any do) and it was fine and comfortable. It was certarlly located and much closer to Connolly Station where I think you will be coming in.

By the way, you'll see plenty of beautiful coast if you take the Antrim Coast Rd north. Blackhead looks really great. Let us know what's it's like. I always thought it would be fun to stay there.

Locals can tell you about the neighborhood that the Aisling is in.

Bill

Hi Kclarke,

I don't know Ashling but I have driven through it on the road from Bublin to Belfast before the new road.

IMHO it is too far out of Dublin for someone without a car.

I would suggest you re post with Dublin hotel in the title.

There are more central hotels within your budget out there.

Helen

I haven't been into the Aisling, but from the outside it really looks dreary. Plus, although it is on the Luas line, the area is dangerous at night, as is using the Luas on this line after dark. There are nicer places that you can stay in Dublin - just do a search on the board.

I would not place the Ashling in the middle of nowhere.

It's still pretty much in the city center, close to Heuston station.
A 5 minute ride with the tram (LUAS) to/from O'Connell St, Busaras, or Conolly Station (where your bus or train from the North will arrive, respectively) for little money.
There is also a "hop on, hop off" city tour bus stop at Heuston station, if you like that kind of sightseeing. National Museum of Ireland is also a next door neighbor of the hotel, Guinness Storehouse is in walking distance on the other side of the River Liffey.

kclarke,
Our family just returned from Belfast (as our homebase).
Our main focus was exploring Antrim Coast which was beautiful.

I can tell you that we did drive to the SW coast to see the Cliffs of Moher and the trip took a good solid 5 hours (with no stops).

Now mind you, that was leaving at 4:30 a.m. in the morning (throwing 3 sleeping kids in the car). Coming back, I can tell you it took us much longer (about 7 hours with more traffic).

Must sees for North Coast were: Giant's Causeway, Carrickarede Bridge, Derry, Dunluce Castle, Carrickfergus Castle. Many places to stop along the way.

I might also suggest Giant's Ring (I believe SW Belfast).

Other than the insane trip with 3 kids to Cliffs of Moher which was fun.... we mainly focused on the North Coast. We "wanted" to try to make it to Dublin, but it wasn't possible with our 8 days there.

Enjoy! We're planning another trip next year to explore the South.

Which train? I'd like to check out the schedules.

thanks,
Krista

try this:

http://www.translink.co.uk/enterpriseservices.asp

Bill