Northern Ireland Travel Forum

We were planning a day trip from Dublin in Novenmber - but I recently read that there was some problem with the rail tracks north of Dublin.
I was looking for advice from the VT fraternity on the following:
- Is a day enough to get the main sights in Belfast?
- Would it be better to take the bus or train from Dublin?
- Once in Belfast, would we need any bus/transport pass/tickets, or could we walk to most of the sights?
- Would it be OK to walk Falls/Shankill, or is cab the recommended mode?

Appreciate any inputs!

I am pondering a whizz over to N Ireland next February (being from the UK I am well-prepared for the weather!).

My main interests are archaeology/history (up to around 1600, usually) and landscape. Giant's Causeway is a must-see, obviously.

The plan will be to fly into Belfast, hire a car at the airport and explore for 3/4 nights then return the car and spend the last 2 nights in Belfast itself.

I don't want to stay somewhere different every night. So perhaps one place in the north/north-west and one in the south would make sense, allowing me to make a circle and return the car?

Any ideas on good bases? They don't have to be big towns, as long as there is somewhere to eat at night.

I am considering graduate school in the UK, but as of right now, I have recently accepted a job outside of Belfast in the Markethill area. I was wondering if anyone could offer any helpful information about the area. Thanks!

Hi,
In November, I will be taking a train from Dublin to Belfast on my way to Derry. What is the best means of transport from Belfast to Derry? Train or Bus?

If bus is the preferred means, how far is the main bus station in Belfast from the main train station (where the trains from Dublin go)?

Is it best to make advance reservations for trips from Belfast to Derry? Or is it better to wait until the day of travel to purchase a ticket?

Thanks,

Bill

I want to go shopping in belfast. what is the name of the famous departure store in belfast ar?
Please kindly answer me about this question.

hello all

getting into belfast soon for about 5 days. im very keen to see it all and love being out and about. are there any particular areas where i can go and see the daily belfast life and also any areas where it can be a bit hairy!!??

Hi,

What are the chances of finding parking on a Saturday around:
1. Victoria Street Station
2. Belfast Europa Bus Centre
3. any other more appropriate place recommended please??

Is it advisable to drive around the city, especially around the docks, etc. How bad will the traffic be?

Many thanks

Darshan

I have no idea what to ask, but I might be visiting Belfast some time in August. All I know is that I'll be setting sail from Bergen, and if the wind permits, I might make it all the way to Belfast. I won't ask about the beer since I know I'll enjoy anything the tap will give me. I also know I will enjoy any type of Irish whisky....oppps sorry, whiskEy as it's bound to be good. And I don't need to ask about the people as I already have met a few of them here and there. The nature and countryside will also guaranteed be welcoming to the eye. So what is there left to ask???

Hi,

Are there several daily return bus-runs to the causeway (from Belfast)?

Is the journey about a 2.5 hour single trip?

Many thanks

Darshan

I will be in Belfast in July and want to visit Giants Causeway and Bushmills. What is the cheapest v easiest way to do this? Public transport or organised excursion? Any advice gratefully received.

I am planning on taking my mum to Northern Ireland for a few days. We will be travelling from Scotland by car and would appreciate any advice on our trip. My mum is 75 and has just been diagnosed with mixed dementia which is Vascular dementia and Alzheimers disease. She has always wanted to go to Ireland and as she is still in the early stages my husband and myself has decided we better do it now before it is too late for her to enjoy it. We are thinking about July but not sure what accomodation would be best as she she needs to be near us. Maybe a hotel with adjoining rooms or guest house with rooms next door to each other or maybe a caravan park with some entertainment on site. My mum also has difficulty walking and going up stairs so it would have to be on the level or lifts. Can anyone recommend a reasonable priced place but nice clean freindly and comfortable. Also what ferry is better to travel with. Also an area which is easy for her to use her 3 wheel walker.


Thanks Jackie

Hi All

we were thinking of spending 3 days in Northern Ireland in August

1st if all is it a worthwhile place to go to?

Is there much to do in and around Belfast, do we need a car when we are there?

We like cites like Prague to Paris would this compare in any way to those in terms of local culture and events?

Thanks

Er

Hi

I'm Chinese and I was wondering how's the racism situation in Belfast currently?

I understand that it is carried out by a small group of people but how bad is it?


Thanks

I'm looking for a good fish (in sense of seafood - not fish & chips) restaurant in Belfast.

I spotted 2 in the city guide (Mourne Seafood Bar & Tedford's) but neither seem to be open on a Monday evening, and that's when I'll be there!

Any ideas anyone?

I will be in Glencolmcille for 3 nights beginning April 15th, and I would like to stay in a B&B, if possible, however I am not finding the town on most of the websites Google has directed me to. Might anyone have any ideas to share? I would like it to be clean, but it does not have to be fancy, and I would prefer one with breakfast, but can live without it too.

Thank you!

The reason I am asking is I know a young person who is going on a working holiday next year - and she will have to take a lot of her heavy work gear with her - and airlines are so strict these days about weight.
So I suggested she learn to do the thrift shop thing to get a few going out for the craic nights. Here in Australia you can pick up reasonable clothes very cheaply.
So do you have a culture of thrift shops and what are they called?

I have posted this question in the Ireland forum too because it's not clear yet which part of Ireland she will be in.

Apologies if this should be in the 'Technical' forum instead, but I wanted to add this nice wee town to my list of Travel Destinations, but it just appears under 'United Kingdom' with no clue as to where it is. Could this be amended please?

Hi hi,

My original plan of Northern Ireland traveling is to Belfast, Mourne Mountain and Antrim. Any other places that is a must see? I'll only be spending 4 days here. Is it too short? Do let me know.

Thank you. Cheers.

Anyone know any pubs in the Creggan/Brandywell/Bogside neighborhoods, other than the Bogside Inn, that would be welcoming to tourists? We'd like to have a couple pints with the locals.

Hi, Hoping someone can help me out on this - I'm travelling to Belfast for the day soon.
I am looking for a cheap accommodation in the University area for long time.
Internet connection is essential.

Any help appreciated!
Best Wishes,

Peter

Hi i was wondering if there are any good educational toy shops in Belfast?

Hello all
I'm hoping to stay for 1 night near the Giants Causeway and hoping for a good place with their own carpark too.
Can anyone recommend a good place? I don't know the area at all. We've checked Ballycastle Backpackers and there is no joy there, they are all booked out.
I guess we'd be hoping for somewhere around Bushmills but anywhere within several km's of the Causeway is advantageous.
Thanks everyone
DG

If I want to rent a car in Dublin my credit cards automatic insurance does not cover it, but if in the UK it will. Does anyone know if I can take a car rented in Belfast into the republic of Ireland?

hi folks
planning a trip to belfast and looking for some guidance on where to stay in city that will be near to nightlife.
also interested in good pubs with live music
thanks

I'll need to spend a night in a B&B in Belfast before catching a ferry from the Victoria Terminal on West Bank Road. Any advice, please, on what area of the city to look in, or, better still, any recommendations? (I've lived and worked in cities with docks areas, and they aren't always the best areas to spend the night!)

would really appreciate any suggestions for 2 single gals in our 30's on where to go out in Belfast
We're looking for somewhere sophisticated but lively...no kiddies!!
thanks in advance
Annie

I am from the Netherlands.
Be for my work in Ballymena, from 5 jan. til 16 jan.
Are free at least sunday(11-01) and maybe saturday(10-01), anybody with nice things to do, in Ballymena or surrounding for that days?

Greetings,
Gerard.

Driving to Belfast from Dublin. I have two questions:

1) Where do I convert Euro to pounds? Should I just find the nearest bank?

2) Going to start at the Crown Bar and walk downtown. Where should I park my car?

Thanks,
Paul.

Hi

I'm also visiting The Giants Causeway as part of a 4 day trip to Ireland in February. I'd also like to visit or stay in the County of Donegal.

I've been looking at a cottage in Rathmullan, but also considering Downings and to be honest I'm completely open to suggestions as I know nothing about the area.

I also need somewhere to stay for the first night that is close to the Devil's Causeway as intend to visit that on the next day and then travel down towards Donegal.

Therefore can anyone recommend a good place to stay in the Counties of Antrim, Derry or Donegal that has some great local pubs and beautiful scenery. I want a village or small town atmosphere with friendly locals and Irish music preferably near the Coast...

I hope that's not too specific.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Ben

Spending approximately 8-10 days in Northern Ireland. Starting from Dublin and departing to Scotland, probably from Belfast (or nearest port). Traveling about mid July and using public transport, would like to see some off the beaten track areas as well as the tousity areas. Any ideas greatly appreciated.
Anne