Northern Ireland any advice?

[PauloV12V]

We have friends in Belfast whom have invited us to stay with them on a Saturday in July. Is it worth getting the Liverpool-Belfast ferry over and going for 5 days? Is there much to see on the north coast (Giants Causeway methinks?).. or any advice from someone who may have a scenic route suggestions? Places to stay?

Also, how safe is it to take a sports car? or do we take the landrover!?
Thanks for any tips!
Regs

[JuniorD]

Safe as anywhere for a sportscar, strange question!

You'll get more info and answers to the other questions on the NI regional forum
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...

[PauloV12V]

Hi Junior,
Thanks for that.
Yes I ask as I have a key scratch the length of my bonnet! Kindly coined last week.

[JuniorD]

Sorry to hear you were keyed.

As for the ferry from lpool to Belfast, its a long old crossing! From South/middle England I prefer the Holyhead - Dublin route and then drive up to NI. It's much quicker and more flexible.

[ChrisBMW]

My advice would be go somewhere else, sorry but you did ask.

If you are going to come over choose your date in July carefully, anytime after the 12th will be fine.

[Tyre Smoke]

ChrisBMW said:

My advice would be go somewhere else, sorry but you did ask.

If you are going to come over choose your date in July carefully, anytime after the 12th will be fine.

Was going to say this. July is marches, marches, marches with a bit of marching thrown in.

What part of Belfast is it? This might make your choice of vehicle for you.

North coast is good - Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, etc. Don't rule out a run up to Londonderry/Derry () and over the border to Donegal.

If you are doing Liverpool to Belfast make sure you do the night crossing. There is nothing, absolutely nothing to do on the ferry. So going by night ensures you arrive fresh off the boat for an Ulster Fry.

[ChrisBMW]

The Marches are only on the 1st and 12th of July, anytime after the 12th will be fine if you are still wanting to visit.

You are better driving over into Donegall for the scenery type of thing, its only a couple of hours drive from Belfast.

If you want to stay in Northern Ireland the Enniskillen lakes area is about as good as it gete here, the north costal drive is good but there is nothing really at the end of it to see.

[Tyre Smoke]

True about the Coast road.

When I lived over there, we only went to the Enniskillen Lakes twice in 8 years. They are definitely worth a visit. Wish we had gone more often, but it's not a straight forward drive from Limavady.

That is something else to consider. It takes a lot longer to get anywhere, simply because of the road infrastucture.

[PauloV12V]

We have friends in Bangor and central Belfast. Weekend of July 13th pencilled in.. Jet2 flights £90.

Maybe I should just fly instead and drive round Southern Ireland from Dublin..?

Or am I opening up a grand debate here?!

Regs

[Tyre Smoke]

That weekend is marching weekend.

Your choice, but most sane people avoid, unless you like bowler hats and orange sashes.

As the joke used to go....

What's the difference between an apple and an orange?

There's no such thing as an apple b-st--d.

[ChrisBMW]

The marches take place on the 1st and 12th of July regardless of if they are at the weekend or not, the fact that most people who have nothing to do with the marches leave Northern Ireland in droves over this period should tell you something.

I have lived here all my life yet I can't remember when I was actually here over the 12th of July.