NI and Eire trip returning via which Ferry?
Discussion
So am planning a Feb trip to NI to pick up a (new to me) Audi R8. weather will probably be crap, but fancying a couple of days driving the beast around NI, then into Southern Ireland to visit a friend in Co.Roscommon
Probably try and see the Giants Causeway, any decent driving roads/destinations might be worth a look at while heading south from there?
finally, given choice of ferry crossings and new car which is best ferry home, Dublin/dun laoghaire to hollyhead?
will be heading back to Sheffield from whichever ferry we go back on.
any advice appreciated. Have never been to West coast of Ireland but realistically can only spend 2 days driving i reckon at this time of year.
Probably try and see the Giants Causeway, any decent driving roads/destinations might be worth a look at while heading south from there?
finally, given choice of ferry crossings and new car which is best ferry home, Dublin/dun laoghaire to hollyhead?
will be heading back to Sheffield from whichever ferry we go back on.
any advice appreciated. Have never been to West coast of Ireland but realistically can only spend 2 days driving i reckon at this time of year.
I recommend Stena, larger boat so more level, and you park on the level. With P&O the ferrys are not roll on roll off, you drive up and around within the boat, I had to park on a serious incline with the guy behind me hoping my hillstart was good, and me panicking about the hillstarts of the guy infront.
The motorways over there are good for getting from A to B, free flowing, smooth, but un-inspiring, and when you leave the motorways the roads get very small very quickly with poor sightlines, decent potholes, and the occasional inverse camber to keep you on your toes.
The coast road up around giants causeway is a decent road though.
The motorways over there are good for getting from A to B, free flowing, smooth, but un-inspiring, and when you leave the motorways the roads get very small very quickly with poor sightlines, decent potholes, and the occasional inverse camber to keep you on your toes.
The coast road up around giants causeway is a decent road though.
Peanut Gallery said:
I recommend Stena, larger boat so more level, and you park on the level. With P&O the ferrys are not roll on roll off, you drive up and around within the boat, I had to park on a serious incline with the guy behind me hoping my hillstart was good, and me panicking about the hillstarts of the guy infront.
The motorways over there are good for getting from A to B, free flowing, smooth, but un-inspiring, and when you leave the motorways the roads get very small very quickly with poor sightlines, decent potholes, and the occasional inverse camber to keep you on your toes.
The coast road up around giants causeway is a decent road though.
Cheers for that.The motorways over there are good for getting from A to B, free flowing, smooth, but un-inspiring, and when you leave the motorways the roads get very small very quickly with poor sightlines, decent potholes, and the occasional inverse camber to keep you on your toes.
The coast road up around giants causeway is a decent road though.
Hi 200
I live in NI and know my way about the ROI too so maybe I can help. You're not giving yourself much time for your proposed trip as it also gets dark about 4.30pm that time of year. So far this winter has been mild and dry so hopefully when you come it won't be wet. Plenty of alternative options if it is.
Ok so I assume you are flying into Belfast to pick up the car and then driving north to GC. Loads of great roads up there off the main routes. Be a shame to miss the Antrim coast road. I'd trim the full route to save time so take M2 and turn off for Larne and the A/M8 which will get you up the coast a bit to the more scenic bits. The Torr Head Road is spectacular you can almost touch Scotland but it's a very steep and narrow road with sheer drops into sea, add miles to your itinerary too. Instead keep on the road and head on along it to Ballycastle. Then continue along the coast road to GC. You can walk down to the rocks especially nice along the cliff path but there is a quicker shuttle bus too. After that continue along the road (I think it's A2 but you'll need to check) westwards towards Bushmills and Portrush. Make sure you don't take the more direct and boring inland route. Nice twisty road with great cliff and beach views depending on weather and light. After Portrush continue towards Portstewart only another 3-5 miles you will be driving part of the North West 200 motorbike circuit and you'll drive through the grid on that road. No end of good food up there. Also Accomodation.
Ok no idea where you plan to stay so I'll assume the next day you head to Roscommon, will take about 4-5 hours. Only logical way to get there in the time is the direct way. So head back south on main road to Coleraine then down to Belfast M2 then M1 west to Lisburn/Sprucefield (where I''m originally from) then south on the A1. Once over the no customs (until Brexit?) border the road improves again (EU money) and turns into the M1 again (A roads in ROI are called N for National and B roads are R for Regional, smaller roads aren't named or numbered unless in urban areas). Head down M1 towards Dublin. After Dublin airport head onto M50 southboard. After the barrierless toll (pay online eflow.ie) you take the exit you need, I think M4/M6 west towards Galway. Your mate can keep you right as to where then you need to turn off but probably another 80-100 miles driving. Budget 2-3 euros for each toll booth, prob 3 on way there. Obviously avoid peak time esp around Dublin/M50 as it could add hours. I've only seen it from the other side so moving, always lucky as I lived in Dublin for years and didn't get caught badly except once. Weekend traffic isn't bad anywhere. Then take the ferry from Dublin or DL to Holyhead, I've done it HH to DL after collecting a car in Bristol airport via partytime in Liverpool.
Ok the food and drink is good everywhere and the Applegreen service areas are new and good standard.
To save that road trip to Roscommon could your mate not meet you in Belfast and keep you company on the NI leg? Then you could sail from Belfast via Stena or Larne via P&O. Alternatively just stay around Belfast and do the tourist stuff like Titanic building, Stormont etc bus tours etc.
If you get caught for time and have to dash from NI to Dublin area ferries then I recommend you use the M50 port tunnel, just after the airport. It's miles long, new and great for blipping your supercar. Only 3 euro charge on exit which brings you close to port, Dublin centre and if you need the road to DL I think that road is N11. Cuts out the M50 ring route and also the push through Dublin to get to either HH ferry.
All the best with your new R8 as we say here "keep 'er lit and keep 'er between the hedges!"
I live in NI and know my way about the ROI too so maybe I can help. You're not giving yourself much time for your proposed trip as it also gets dark about 4.30pm that time of year. So far this winter has been mild and dry so hopefully when you come it won't be wet. Plenty of alternative options if it is.
Ok so I assume you are flying into Belfast to pick up the car and then driving north to GC. Loads of great roads up there off the main routes. Be a shame to miss the Antrim coast road. I'd trim the full route to save time so take M2 and turn off for Larne and the A/M8 which will get you up the coast a bit to the more scenic bits. The Torr Head Road is spectacular you can almost touch Scotland but it's a very steep and narrow road with sheer drops into sea, add miles to your itinerary too. Instead keep on the road and head on along it to Ballycastle. Then continue along the coast road to GC. You can walk down to the rocks especially nice along the cliff path but there is a quicker shuttle bus too. After that continue along the road (I think it's A2 but you'll need to check) westwards towards Bushmills and Portrush. Make sure you don't take the more direct and boring inland route. Nice twisty road with great cliff and beach views depending on weather and light. After Portrush continue towards Portstewart only another 3-5 miles you will be driving part of the North West 200 motorbike circuit and you'll drive through the grid on that road. No end of good food up there. Also Accomodation.
Ok no idea where you plan to stay so I'll assume the next day you head to Roscommon, will take about 4-5 hours. Only logical way to get there in the time is the direct way. So head back south on main road to Coleraine then down to Belfast M2 then M1 west to Lisburn/Sprucefield (where I''m originally from) then south on the A1. Once over the no customs (until Brexit?) border the road improves again (EU money) and turns into the M1 again (A roads in ROI are called N for National and B roads are R for Regional, smaller roads aren't named or numbered unless in urban areas). Head down M1 towards Dublin. After Dublin airport head onto M50 southboard. After the barrierless toll (pay online eflow.ie) you take the exit you need, I think M4/M6 west towards Galway. Your mate can keep you right as to where then you need to turn off but probably another 80-100 miles driving. Budget 2-3 euros for each toll booth, prob 3 on way there. Obviously avoid peak time esp around Dublin/M50 as it could add hours. I've only seen it from the other side so moving, always lucky as I lived in Dublin for years and didn't get caught badly except once. Weekend traffic isn't bad anywhere. Then take the ferry from Dublin or DL to Holyhead, I've done it HH to DL after collecting a car in Bristol airport via partytime in Liverpool.
Ok the food and drink is good everywhere and the Applegreen service areas are new and good standard.
To save that road trip to Roscommon could your mate not meet you in Belfast and keep you company on the NI leg? Then you could sail from Belfast via Stena or Larne via P&O. Alternatively just stay around Belfast and do the tourist stuff like Titanic building, Stormont etc bus tours etc.
If you get caught for time and have to dash from NI to Dublin area ferries then I recommend you use the M50 port tunnel, just after the airport. It's miles long, new and great for blipping your supercar. Only 3 euro charge on exit which brings you close to port, Dublin centre and if you need the road to DL I think that road is N11. Cuts out the M50 ring route and also the push through Dublin to get to either HH ferry.
All the best with your new R8 as we say here "keep 'er lit and keep 'er between the hedges!"
Granted it depends on where the OP is staying, but surely your suggested route from Coleraine to Roscommon is hardly 'direct'?
Shorter and quicker via any of these - https://goo.gl/maps/rfpCkA4Me2H2
If anywhere near Belfast, consider a quick detour for a lap of this - https://goo.gl/maps/m4nzRpR3urQ2
The UK's fastest road circuit: lap record a whisker under 134mph.
The Torr Road is well worth the extra time imo.
https://goo.gl/maps/fLJpt1jXjiR2
https://goo.gl/maps/TwKjVujeqb62
Looking towards the Mull of Kintyre.
https://goo.gl/maps/TwKjVujeqb62
A few pics of the Giant's Causeway during our Club visit to NI & RoI.
Oi! That was my cake you thieving gits!
Shorter and quicker via any of these - https://goo.gl/maps/rfpCkA4Me2H2
If anywhere near Belfast, consider a quick detour for a lap of this - https://goo.gl/maps/m4nzRpR3urQ2
The UK's fastest road circuit: lap record a whisker under 134mph.
The Torr Road is well worth the extra time imo.
https://goo.gl/maps/fLJpt1jXjiR2
https://goo.gl/maps/TwKjVujeqb62
Looking towards the Mull of Kintyre.
https://goo.gl/maps/TwKjVujeqb62
A few pics of the Giant's Causeway during our Club visit to NI & RoI.
Oi! That was my cake you thieving gits!
[In the north] I wouldn't recommend torr head in an R8. It's a very narrow and steep road so just stick to the main coast route up from Larne as previously suggested. If it's a nice day then you should stop at kinbane castle before you get to the giant's causeway. It's a true hidden gem if you're into stunning landscapes and you can walk right out on the head land. The Bushmills distillery tour is also worthwhile and takes about 45 mins (if it's running on a weekday).
BelfastBlack said:
I wouldn't recommend torr head in an R8. It's a very narrow and steep road so just stick to the main coast route up from Larne as previously suggested.
The section to the Head itself is a dead end so would only need to be be traversed if you wanted to stop off there. This loop of Torr Road - https://goo.gl/maps/T5ymNtuyixt - is indeed narrow and the second half steep (see the third link in my earlier post), so if that fazes you it can simply be cut out by staying on the main drag (Farrenmacallan Road). The rest of Torr Road really isn't a problem unless you are determined to try and drive it a warp factor 10. For a one-off visit to NI it would be a shame not to include it imo.
The R8 has more ground clearance than the front lip on my car and I had no issues whatsoever.
If heading for the Torr Road, don't be seduced by this inviting straight.
- https://goo.gl/maps/A1t1amEsgUo - fork right then follow the brown signs.Pictures speak a thousand words etc. Yes I agree those more direct routes seem more direct but if you get stuck behind tractors you'll not agree. Never mind no sump on the 'direct' bits. The Ulster GP circuit is very much worth a visit but even though I lived 5 miles from it never thought of it it to visit. Instead going to the most 'relative' NW200. The 132mph is the average I assume. As 120mph is normal on NW200. My neighbour had a bike team on the circuits. Guys died frequently. On short I love my NI it's in a bad place right now. However I love touring NI and ROI despite the E rate being so harsh. Lots of internal NI roads that give good value for money and all legit on UK plates and insurance. Do check out Mournes and south Down and Armagh. I was in Armagh RC cathedral last Sunday 5pm, not another person, went to Church of Ireland Cathederal where the original site was, the main man shook our hands. Meant so much to my RC ROI friend he wanted to be COI. I was more realistic. Anyway the alternatives are a good routes.
Drive from Enniskillen to Sligo and then on to Roscommon. The road is fast and flowing with some slow switchbacks. Any tractor will only be travelling a tiny bit even if you can't overtake them. It's not like people are doing roadtrips in them. Also the scenery is stunning!
Stay away from boring motorways. Everyone just stays in the outside lane anyways so you will go mad.
Stay away from boring motorways. Everyone just stays in the outside lane anyways so you will go mad.
MercedesClassic said:
The Ulster GP circuit is very much worth a visit but even though I lived 5 miles from it never thought of it it to visit. Instead going to the most 'relative' NW200. The 132mph is the average I assume. As 120mph is normal on NW200.
My earlier post about the lap record was wrong.Bruce Anstey's 2010 figure of 133.977mph was broken last year by Ian Hutchinson at 134.089mph (Race 7 - Around A Pound Superbike)
He also set the fastest race average at 132.522mph (Race 4 - James Jamieson Construction/McKinstry Skip Hire Superbike).
For comparison the Isle of Man Senior TT records were set by Michael Dunlop last year at 133.962mph (lap) and 130.685mph (race).
However the TT is run to a very different format. Given the length and nature of the course the figures achieved are arguably more impressive.
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