Suggestions for trip to Ireland

[luap.h]

don't forget St. Stephens Green! - its really nice on a sunny day especially, and it's not too far from Grafton Street/Temple Bar

Watch out driving towards Dublin from Belfast, it can become quite a trek, not much in the way of motorways, and they usually have roadworks on most of them Watch your speed in NI as well, the PSNI take great pleasure in pulling you over!

How could I forget Belfast Zoo!! There's also Belfast castle, leading to a nice walk up the Cave hill for some really nice views of the city. The Knockagh Monument also provides a nice view over Belfast Lough.

The Ulster Folk And Transport museum is a great place - anyone know if they still have the DeLorean in there? You could also check out the Ulster American Folk Park.

Bangor is also a popular place to go, a nice seaside town with plenty of shops. Portrush for more seasideness, fairground rides and for the Dunluce Centre!! I went back last week after going when I was 11. Turbo Tours 3D - Dino Island! That was great fun!

There's also an aquarium in Portaferry which is really good, and you can ride the ferry to Portaferry

For music, the more traditional sort is found at pubs, and local bands playing the Empire, Katy Daly's, Aunty Annies, Menagerie and the LimeLight to name a few. There are some gig listings at www.fastfude.com and http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland...de/index.shtml

If it's cheesy disco/pop, the Beach Club is where to go - with Body Shots and girls in very short skirts.

Best place to eat is Springstein's American Diner in Carrickfergus - that american fried chicken is the best, I love that place! One thing you must do is go to a local chipshop and order a Pastie Supper - this stuff puts Cornish ones to shame. A true Northern Ireland delicacy There's also Maud's Ice Cream Factory in Glenoe, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge which spans an 80ft chasm between the mainland and tiny Carrick-a-rede island. Not to be outdone with the Guiness factory, we have the Old Bushmills Distillery.

cave hill view

[RoGuE|SaBeR]

I'm from Northern Ireland myself

Basically everything luap.h has said! Make sure you see the Giants Causeway it's pretty much a one off occurance in nature. There are some fantastic drives around the North Coast especially if you get a good day but it really does know how to chuck it down here if it wants to.

I'm close to Ballymena and I would say visit it but, well, there isn't really a whole lot to see in Ballymena... asides from sheep but that's an NI joke.

Belfast on the 12th night? Definately an iffy one! Stay off the Shore Rd as I'm sure luap.h will tell you
Can be pretty rough in and around those bonfires.

There is a brand spanking new motorway to Dublin from Belfast. My mate went to Metallica concert in Dublin last friday. On the Saturday it took him 2.5hrs drive to get from Dublin to Ballymena which is an extra 25 miles from Belfast so you will be grand for driving.

Keep your sterling for up here and get your Euros for down there.

*Tip - When your going to the south, wait till you get over the border before you get petrol! It's so much cheaper down there. Run your tank close to empty for when you are going over.

[Rob]

Wow, excellent tips guys, eternally grateful

Only thing that puzzles me is you keep referring to '12th' night. I think I'm probably being thick here but, guessing this an Irish term for bonfire night, not actually the 12th November? Cos I leave on the 9th.

And yup, will have to do Giants Causeway. We got friends in Newcastle too, so guess we're gonna have a little play with the Mourne Mountains.

[RoGuE|SaBeR]

What dates are you here?

Do you mean bonfire night as in the English Guy Fawkes event on 5th November or 12th July as in Northern Irish event King William winning the battle of Boyne?

[Rob]

Aha! Now I see I am over between 5th and 9th November.

[RoGuE|SaBeR]

Alrighty then!

Ok don't hold your breath for bonfires over here on Guy Fawkes night. Very much an english thing that we don't really celebrate at all here. All the wood is currently being pulled together for the bonnies on the 11th July.

You'll be safe

[scottyman]

LOL - classic.
talked to a mate of mine from galway - said that there are often problems taking hire cars over the border - I think it's insurance problems or zummat like that.
temple bar rocks - and the accomodation is great apparently. I've still got my vouchers to stay there later in the year (heading to belfast for a wedding, and doing a couple of days in galway, mayo and dublin)

[Rob]

talked to a mate of mine from galway - said that there are often problems taking hire cars over the border - I think it's insurance problems or zummat like that.

Thanks Scotty. Been checking this out, I have to pay an extra £22 (with Budget) for cross border insurance if I wish to take car into South.