Ireland trip advice
Discussion
I have never been driving in Ireland. Plan is to go mid September for 4 nights. Could go for longer but that is the ideal. Cross to Belfast and return the same.
Thought I’d ask here for advice on driving over there as it will be in an Aston, areas to visit, roads, distances covered over a day, restaurants en route, recommendations on any good hotels?
Also are there any areas in NI outside of Belfast (and Ireland) we should be avoiding?
Or just not bother
Thanks in advance.
Thought I’d ask here for advice on driving over there as it will be in an Aston, areas to visit, roads, distances covered over a day, restaurants en route, recommendations on any good hotels?
Also are there any areas in NI outside of Belfast (and Ireland) we should be avoiding?
Or just not bother
Thanks in advance.
Edited by M1AGM on Friday 18th August 18:44
I can help. I live in N.Ireland, not far from Belfast. Coincidentally i've just bought my first AM (2015 Vanquish) on Wednesday and brought it over on the Cairnryan to Larne boat. I was nervous about getting it onto the boat with the ramps etc but no issues.
Do you have any sort of itinerary in mind?
Belfast is a decent city for a night on the beers, also would recommend a black taxi tour if you want to learn about the city's darker past. I can recommend a driver if you are interested, PM me.
I would head North East from Belfast and up the Antrim Coast Road, great coastal drive. Stop off at Carrickfergus to wander round the castle, then up the coast, lots of nice little villages and beaches. Make sure to stop at Cushendun, beautiful village and has the caves from game of thrones. Head out of Cushendun (probably avoid Torr head road which is stunning but not one for an Aston), head on round towards Ballycastle, Ballintoy Harbour (GOT), Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-reed rope bridge, ending up in Portrush. Probably enough driving for one day.
For the most part it is a safe country, very little car theft and as long as you dont drive into any "flaggy" areas you'll be fine. Some roads are narrow so your wheels will be your biggest concern...
Do you have any sort of itinerary in mind?
Belfast is a decent city for a night on the beers, also would recommend a black taxi tour if you want to learn about the city's darker past. I can recommend a driver if you are interested, PM me.
I would head North East from Belfast and up the Antrim Coast Road, great coastal drive. Stop off at Carrickfergus to wander round the castle, then up the coast, lots of nice little villages and beaches. Make sure to stop at Cushendun, beautiful village and has the caves from game of thrones. Head out of Cushendun (probably avoid Torr head road which is stunning but not one for an Aston), head on round towards Ballycastle, Ballintoy Harbour (GOT), Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-reed rope bridge, ending up in Portrush. Probably enough driving for one day.
For the most part it is a safe country, very little car theft and as long as you dont drive into any "flaggy" areas you'll be fine. Some roads are narrow so your wheels will be your biggest concern...
Edited by Irish_Stu on Friday 18th August 19:48
Irish_Stu said:
I can help. I live in N.Ireland, not far from Belfast. Coincidentally i've just bought my first AM (2015 Vanquish) on Wednesday and brought it over on the Cairnryan to Larne boat. I was nervous about getting it onto the boat with the ramps etc but no issues.
Do you have any sort of itinerary in mind?
Belfast is a decent city for a night on the beers, also would recommend a black taxi tour if you want to learn about the city's darker past. I can recommend a driver if you are interested, PM me.
I would head North East from Belfast and up the Antrim Coast Road, great coastal drive. Stop off at Carrickfergus to wander round the castle, then up the coast, lots of nice little villages and beaches. Make sure to stop at Cushendun, beautiful village and has the caves from game of thrones. Head out of Cushendun (probably avoid Torr head road which is stunning but not one for an Aston), head on round towards Ballycastle, Ballintoy Harbour (GOT), Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-reed rope bridge, ending up in Portrush. Probably enough driving for one day.
For the most part it is a safe country, very little car theft and as long as you dont drive into any "flaggy" areas you'll be fine. Some roads are narrow so your wheels will be your biggest concern...
This is great info stu, I’ll pm you. Thanks.Do you have any sort of itinerary in mind?
Belfast is a decent city for a night on the beers, also would recommend a black taxi tour if you want to learn about the city's darker past. I can recommend a driver if you are interested, PM me.
I would head North East from Belfast and up the Antrim Coast Road, great coastal drive. Stop off at Carrickfergus to wander round the castle, then up the coast, lots of nice little villages and beaches. Make sure to stop at Cushendun, beautiful village and has the caves from game of thrones. Head out of Cushendun (probably avoid Torr head road which is stunning but not one for an Aston), head on round towards Ballycastle, Ballintoy Harbour (GOT), Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-reed rope bridge, ending up in Portrush. Probably enough driving for one day.
For the most part it is a safe country, very little car theft and as long as you dont drive into any "flaggy" areas you'll be fine. Some roads are narrow so your wheels will be your biggest concern...
Edited by Irish_Stu on Friday 18th August 19:48
The Antrim Coast is indeed a great drive - a few more places to visit is Glenarm Castle which is a super pit stop for a bit of lunch and to stretch your legs. There are a couple of good pubs in the village. Bushmills Hotel is worth staying at, especially if you take in a visit to the Distillery which is the oldest licenced distillery inn the world. Park up at Ballycastle, maybe the Salthouse Hotel with its amazing views out towards Scotland. Consider a boat trip out to Rathlin Island if you are into your bird watching, another good pub on the island.
Northern Ireland is a small area, so everywhere can be got to in a matter of hours.
When up at Portrush consider heading into Londonderry and take in some its history.
A trip to NI would not to worthy without heading down to the Fermanagh lakes. Great fishing, boating and scenery with an abundance of hotels, pubs and some excellent restaurants - you will pretty much find good food wherever you might go. Whilst here and if feeling fit try walking the Stairway to Heaven or a more sedate visit to the Marble Arch Caves near the National Trust's Florence Court.
GOT was mentioned above - if you are a fan there is a Studio Tour just South of Belfast at Banbridge.
Another area worth a visit is in Co Down and the Mountains of Mourne. Play golf at Royal Co Down, stay in the Slieve Donard Hotel for a treat. Take a drive up to Silent Valley Dam.
Strangford has great eating and drinking spots - take the ferry over to Portaferry to visit the Aquarium and learn something of Strangford Lough - the largest sea lough in the British Isles with it's fascinating marine life.
I'm only touching on some of the things to see and do - loads more.
Belfast itself is a buzzing city with more pubs and restaurants than you can shake a stick at.
Welcome to our little nation and make sure to enjoy yourself.
Northern Ireland is a small area, so everywhere can be got to in a matter of hours.
When up at Portrush consider heading into Londonderry and take in some its history.
A trip to NI would not to worthy without heading down to the Fermanagh lakes. Great fishing, boating and scenery with an abundance of hotels, pubs and some excellent restaurants - you will pretty much find good food wherever you might go. Whilst here and if feeling fit try walking the Stairway to Heaven or a more sedate visit to the Marble Arch Caves near the National Trust's Florence Court.
GOT was mentioned above - if you are a fan there is a Studio Tour just South of Belfast at Banbridge.
Another area worth a visit is in Co Down and the Mountains of Mourne. Play golf at Royal Co Down, stay in the Slieve Donard Hotel for a treat. Take a drive up to Silent Valley Dam.
Strangford has great eating and drinking spots - take the ferry over to Portaferry to visit the Aquarium and learn something of Strangford Lough - the largest sea lough in the British Isles with it's fascinating marine life.
I'm only touching on some of the things to see and do - loads more.
Belfast itself is a buzzing city with more pubs and restaurants than you can shake a stick at.
Welcome to our little nation and make sure to enjoy yourself.
PeteB62 said:
Great info looking to plan a trip myself next year to Ireland. Can anyone comment on the Stranraer to Belfast crossing, anything to be concerned about in an Aston?
Very much appreciate the local info provided from the North any recommendations from down south?
The Stranraer boat now leaves from Cairnryan…. I brought my vanquish home on the Cairnryan to Larne ferry last week with no issues whatsoever- I would imagine the Belfast ferry is similar and is well kitted out for cars like ours. Very much appreciate the local info provided from the North any recommendations from down south?
Update.
Just got back earlier from Ireland. Managed about 20 miles off the ferry before a blowout on one of the rears has grounded me in a layby on the A75 waiting for recovery to York. So whilst here I thought I do this post.
We did the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry. Worked well. Stayed at Turnberry the night before which made it a nice drive over to the port in the morning. Once in Belfast we headed north to the Gobbins which is a nice attraction to do, then up to the Salt House in Ballycastle. Next day we went over to Giants Causeway then across the national park to Loch Eske where we stayed. The next day was a quick 2 hour blast back to Belfast where we had many Guinness, drinks at the Observatory and dinner at Ox, we stayed at the Culloden. Overall a fantastic trip. Thanks for those that contributed advice, it was very helpful.
Just got back earlier from Ireland. Managed about 20 miles off the ferry before a blowout on one of the rears has grounded me in a layby on the A75 waiting for recovery to York. So whilst here I thought I do this post.
We did the Cairnryan to Belfast ferry. Worked well. Stayed at Turnberry the night before which made it a nice drive over to the port in the morning. Once in Belfast we headed north to the Gobbins which is a nice attraction to do, then up to the Salt House in Ballycastle. Next day we went over to Giants Causeway then across the national park to Loch Eske where we stayed. The next day was a quick 2 hour blast back to Belfast where we had many Guinness, drinks at the Observatory and dinner at Ox, we stayed at the Culloden. Overall a fantastic trip. Thanks for those that contributed advice, it was very helpful.
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