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Our tour Ireland – Northern Ireland took us from 2018 to Dublin, Galway, Sligo, Derry, Belfast and back to Dublin.
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The countdown has started…
… 38 days left!
In the restaurant in the seaside resort of Fuschl the idea was born during dinner to make a trip to Ireland/Northern Ireland together.
Already the next day the planning started and during the week the trip started.
Fuschl Seaside Resort – Restaurant near Manuel – 22. August 2018
Preparations are in full swing.
Tamm
We started with the S-Bahn to Stuttgart main station and continued with the Lufthansaexpress to Frankfurt main station. The train was on time and the 1st class was comfortable.
After checking in at the long-distance train station in Frankfurt – we booked Business Class this time, costing only 10€ more than Economy Class – a Lufthansa Boeing 721 took us from Frankfurt to Dublin at 10:25 am on time. Arrival was at 11:30 am.
Car rental – Rent-a-car – carr a chíos
Pick up your suitcase and immediately we went to the Rent-a-car shuttle station directly in front of the airport. A Hertz shuttle brought us to the actual car rental. Completing formalities, indicating three drivers and we had the keys of a VW Passat in our hands. This should be our faithful companion for the next week and shortly before 13:00 o’clock we started immediately. The driver’s seat on the right side was still a bit unusual. Oh yes, you have to drive on the left side!
After a short stop of three hundred meters, checking mirrors and seats, then two laps in the first roundabout or trácht timpeallán – that’s the name of the roundabout in English/Irish – we started towards Dublin.By the way: The Irish language is called GaeilgeSightseeing Dublin in Irish
We continued on Stockhole Lane. Some roundabouts later in zigzag mode we drove past the Light House Cinema to the Liffey River. Oh how beautiful. On Aran Quay we went east along the Liffey River. Because of the high traffic volume the trip was slow. Apparently half of Ireland was on the way in Dublin, at least that’s what it felt like. The stop and go ride took us to and then over the Samuel Beckett Bridge into Macken Street. Past the Google Grand Canal Plaza, the headquarters of Google Ireland Ltd. we continued on the Mespil-, Grove-, Parnell-, Dolphin Rd always along the Grand Canal. On the right side we could see Griffith College. Sebastian can you still remember it?
Hotel search
At some point we landed on the R110, the road towards Hotel Louis Fritzgerald. From Naas Rd. we turned into the R113, to turn right after a short distance. On Knockmenagh Rd we approached the Hotel Louis Fritzgerald from behind. Bam, suddenly we had landed in a Dead-End Street or deireadh marbh – that’s what dead ends are called here – with the hotel in sight. And how should we continue? En nice gentleman explained and then the way to the hotel: “Please turn around, straight ahead, then left, then right, then left again, now turn left towards the hotel, turn left before the gas station to the hotel”! Everything understood!? We managed everything, almost everything, but then we rushed past the petrol station. Because we couldn’t turn around we drove on. Unfortunately we landed on the M50 and after 5km!! we could finally drive towards Dublin again and made it over the R110 and Naas Rd to turn right away and then successfully drive to the hotel at the gas station. Wow what kind of act?
The check-in went fast. Underground parking included. We shook our heads for a while, then we went to the tram station Red Cow Luas Stop, about 1,1km away from the hotel.
Sightseeing Dublin 2nd part
Buying a ticket for 2 people was very easy. After 30 min driving we reached Jervis Luas Stop. On foot we went over the Millennium Bridge to the famous Temple Bar district. Further to Trinity College with a short stop and then over the O’Connell Bridge to the 121,2m (398 feet) high Spire, correctly called The Spire.
Cappuccino time was then at the SoMa At The Spire. Via Earl Street and Connolly Station we landed at the Abbey Street Luas Stop. Buy a ticket and 30min later we were back at the Red Cow Luas Stop.
Pick-up service Renata
20min later we were at the hotel. After a short break we grabbed our Passat and drove on the M50 to the airport. 20min later we parked in the Dublin-Short Stay Car Park A. 100m and we were already in the Arrival area. Then we waited for Renata …
… let’s go -> Two becomes three
Fuschl am See
Relaxed we went from Fuschl by car directly to W.A. Mozart Airport Salzburg.
After check-in Renata brought an Embraer 195 from Austrian Airlines to Frankfurt on time at 19:05. Landing was at 2010 o’clock. Further it should go with an A320 at 21:40 clock from Frankfurt to Dublin. The arrival was delayed for about 1h – Lufthansa had lost some staff – are there any things? Quickly they were looking for replacement staff. Well, that takes time sometimes – the plane landed in Dublin at 23:35 local time.
5 minutes before midnight – Renata’s suitcase was probably the last suitcase on the luggage belt – Renata came towards us from the arrival door. The joy was great, the welcome was warm.
Finally we could take Renata on board.
We loaded the suitcase and started our trip on the M50 – for us without any madness, Hertz arranged that – towards the hotel. 15 min later after a comfortable ride we arrived already at the Hotel Louis Fritzgerald. The check-in of Renata was very fast.
And we continued at the bar, had the welcome and other things to celebrate.
Oíche mhaith Baile Átha Cliath
Good night Dublin
Jó éjszakát Dublinban
Gute Nacht Dublin
Sightseeing Dublin
After getting up and an excellent breakfast we walked to the Tramsation Red Cow Luas Stop. We bought three tickets at 5,40€ each. After a 30min drive we reached Jervis Luas Stop and walked over the Millenium Bridge to the Temple Bar area. Short walk to Trinity College. Further over the O’ Connoll Bridge, Connoll Street to The Spire. Here was the meeting point for the Dublin Free Walking Tour.
Dublin Free Walking Tour
About 50 people were waiting for the Travel Tour Guide. There were then two and the participants were then divided into two groups. We did the tour with Conor – in English with Gaelic accent. Many Germans were in the group. Conor was wearing a flabby sweater, holes for the fresh air supply incl… He had studied electrical engineering to dedicate himself afterwards to his hobby Travel Tour Guide as a fulltime job – parents were very proud(;-) – was his loose statement. In general Conor shone with his entertainment skills. He had an answer to every question and started at 10:00 am. First stop was at the O’ Connoll Bridge. On it to Trinity College. Then on to the Temple Bar district. Here we had a little coffee break.
Then we went to City Hall, Dublin Castle, The Chapal Royal. The tour ended after 3 exciting hours in Dubh Linn Garden.
Thank you and goodbye Conor. The tour with you were a great experience!
Simply Amazing – South Side Tour
On Sunday we were with Conor on the South Side Tour. We met at “The Spire”. The yellow umbrella was not to be missed. Although the group was quite big with about 25 people, Connor convinced us with his entertainment qualities and his English, which is also very well understandable for mainland tourists, underlaid with light “gaelic accent”. His enormous knowledge was simply impressive. The three hours lasting tour went by in no time, because detailed information followed detailed information, questions he could answer all – simply incredible.
If you are ever in Dublin, you should not miss this tour! Generous tip of course included!
Book of Kells – Leabhar Cheanannais – Library Trinity College
After the great tour we went to have a coffee and a snack and cappuccino. Here we met an Australian couple who recommended us to visit the Old Library at Trinity College. It was fitting, we wanted to go there absolutely.
When we arrived at the Trinity College Library, better known as the Book of Kells, which is on display on the ground floor of the building, we queued up at the end of the line. After a waiting time of 15min we could buy the tickets. First we were guided through the Book of Kells exhibition.
The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript from the eighth or ninth century. It is considered an outstanding example of insular illumination and was declared a World Document Heritage Site in 2011.
On the first floor we could then admire the Old Library – The Long Room. We were speechless.
Simply incredible.
After feeling a thousand photographs and endless amazement we left the building and walked back towards the Temple Bar district until we reached the Spire.
We found a cozy restaurant for dinner and enjoyed cider or Irish beer, the way to the Jervis Luas stop was short. We bought the tram tickets again for 5,40€. After 30min tram ride and 20min walk we reached our hotel.
We got up early and enjoyed the rich breakfast buffet.
We packed our suitcases and checked out and off we went with our Passat on the N7, then we turned on the M50 direction Airport. After about 4 km we turned left onto the M4 towards Galway. Now there was still a distance of about 200km ahead of us. At Kinnegrad we continued on the M6.
The motorways in Ireland are in a very good condition. Little traffic and speed 120km/h make driving very pleasant. Even if you are driving on the left side all the time you don’t get a headlight flasher from behind(,-)
Arrival in Galway
Against High Noon the end of the M6 was reached. At the first roundabout we used the first exit. We passed the Galway Technology Park and headed for the city. We did a little roundabout in the city. We passed the Galway Cathdral on the R336. Because we were so early we wanted to enjoy the drive along the coast. The route was very nice.24/7 Outdoor Launderette
We stopped at Topaz and had a snack and cappuccino. Here we saw a 24/7 Outdoor Launderette. For 4€ you could do your laundry and for 2 more Euros you could even let it dry. Afterwards we drove back to Spiddal to enjoy the view to the sea at the harbour. The boats in the harbour lay all on the ground. On the narrow L1320 we reached the N59 to drive back to Galway. After two or three laps of honour over the Roundabout Cementry Cross – Crois Reilig an Timpealláin – we finally reached the Nox Hotel Galway. The hotel was located in the industrial area and had plenty of parking spaces. The check-in was fast. pedestrian zone – pedestrian zone – crios coisithe
After a short stay we stormed to Galway on foot. After 30min we reached the central square Eyre Spare. There we turned into the well-known pedestrian zone, William Street, Shop Street, High Street.
Aran Sweater Market
Here a colourful shop, pub or restaurant lined up next to each other. It was great to walk and look at. At the end of the pedestrian zone we reached the Aran Sweater Market. Now it was time to shop, the shop made a great impression from the outside and inside.
Kings Head
The pedestrian zone was full of people. Apparently all of Ireland was on the road in Galway today. We decided to have dinner at Kings Head. Yummy it was!
The Quays Bar
Now we still had the desire for live music and cider!
Short trip to Taaffer’s Bar. Unfortunately there was no place free.
We treated ourselves to cider with live music in The Quays Bar. We also managed to get a place at the bar for us.
When they played, the three man band played incredible music, incredible music, ceol dochreidte. The breaks were definitely longer than the playing times. No matter, it was still good!
At the next table we met some Spaniards, who enjoyed the atmosphere with us and at some point we headed home to the hotel in Irish drizzle.
We did not get lost and arrived safely. It was an achievement after the few cider.
Sligo
Who knows Sligo? Anyone who travels to Ireland does not necessarily stop at Sligo. Most people will pass sligo, as it is a well-known traffic junction on the way to Northern Ireland. Sligo has about 18000 inhabitants and is located at the Garavogue River in the province of Connaught. Well we stopped there, as Sligo was on the way from Galway to Derry/Londonderry. We were quite impressed.
The way was the goal
Right after breakfast we drove to the cathetrale of Galway. The journey led us over the Salmon Weir Bridge directly to the cathedral. We could park directly at the building. The cathedral is quite young. The construction was started in 1958, in 1965 it was consecrated. Different architectural styles from Romanesque over Byzantine architecture up to Gothic characterize the cathedral.
Further we drove on the N59 to Clifden, a small nice village beautifully situated at a bay. We stopped at Market Street to enjoy a cake and coffee prepared with love at Ullen’s Bistro & Coffee Shop. We were also rewarded by a great view over the bay.
After a short walk we continued our trip with Inge at the wheel on the N59 via Letterfrack to the next stop at Westport Quay. After a short walk we drove on to a small castle directly at the Carrowbeg River.
Renata now took over the wheel. We continued on the N59 to Newport. At a short stop we had a nice view to the Newport Viaduct. Now we went on the narrow country road R311 to Castlebar and then directly on the N5/N17 to Sligo. We crossed downtown and ended up directly at the Hotel Riverside, located on the river of the same name.
After parking directly in front of the reception and checking in, we took the elevator to our rooms on the top floor.
Wow! What a view.
We took a spin around the nice little downtown and ended up in the John F. Kennedy Parade. At the Fiddlers Creek Restaurant we enjoyed a great dinner with a nice window view. Made by the long and beautiful drive we were ready for bed early. Good that the way to the hotel was quite short. We could not get lost there.
Derry/Londonderry
Derry or officially Londonderry (Irish: Doire Cholm Chille) is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and has over 86000 inhabitants. The city is beautifully situated on the River Foyle on the border to Ireland. The city became famous because of the Northern Ireland conflict between the Protestants/Unionists and the Catholics/Republicans which escalated in 1972 in Bloody Sunday.
With mixed weather – well, we are in Ireland – we started right after breakfast towards Derry/Londonderry. We drove along the coast to Donegal and then continued on Ireland’s roads to Letterkenny. We continued on the N13. After Demberry Hill we crossed the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The border is indicated by the signs “Welcome to Northern Ireland” and “60” “Speed limits in miles per hour”. Mh, 60m/h! How many km/h is that again? Stupid if you own a vehicle with a metric speedometer.
Northern Ireland
Now we are on the A2, Buncrana Rd.
On the A2 we drove along the River Foyle. Passing the Peace Bridge and The Diamond we went directly to the Abbey B&B at 4 Abbey St. Was easy to find thanks to GPS. Due to the lack of parking – High Noon – in the Abbey St. we had to park our Passat a bit offside.
Abbey Bed & Breakfast
Equipped with a great reception and adjacent breakfast room, the Abbey B&B made an immediate impression on us. We were received very nicely. Our nicely and functionally furnished rooms were on the first floor.
By the way, the closing mechanism of the doors works right side up, like with us on the European mainland(;-)
Derry/Londonderry
After unpacking we went straight off, off to the city. Past the Free Derry Corner and the Bloody Sunday Monument we went to Chamberlain Street. Afterwards we visited the Museum of Free Derry – impressive and depressing at the same time.
We walked on, up to the Derry City Walls. Left and right lush green Irish lawn.
Passing St. Columb’s Cathedral we made it to the Primark. After the Peace Flame we crossed the Peace Bridge to see the Oktoberfest tent at Waterloo Pl. After a short coffee break at the Scullery we went to the Granny Annies Derry located at The Diamond. From the outside inconspicuous, but inside huge with an impressive interior. A wrench and an oversized lipstick as a toilet handle showed the way to the right place depending on the gender.
Incredible!
In such an atmosphere the food tastes twice as good.
Via Butcher Street we went back to the Abbey B&B. Parking lots were endless. Shortly after moving the car we went to bed at 10pm.
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway (Irish: Clochán an Aifir or Clochán na bhFómharach) is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland near Bushmills. About 40000 basalt columns of uniform shape can be entered and visited.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede (Irish: Carraig an Ráid) is a small island in Northern Ireland near Ballycastle and Ballintoy. The island can be reached via a Rope Bridge, 30m high and 20m long.
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus (Irish Carraig Fhearghais) is a small Northern Irish town in the north of Belfast. The city has about 30000 inhabitants and is characterized by a golf course in the middle of the city. Here Chris and his friends started playing golf. The Carrickfergus Castle is also well known.
Causeway Coastal Route
The Irish breakfast at the Abbey B&B was a bit delayed but prepared with love and tasted delicious.
At the neighboring table we got into conversation with Australians, who took the roundtrip in the opposite direction. They raved about the Irish landscape and the nice people. They were surprised by our nationalities. After all, we had a Hungarian on board who is travelling with Germans and lives in Austria.
After a warm farewell we immediately took the A2 towards Ballykelly on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Some miles we had to jerk over the roads with 30km/h. Well, in front was a vehicle with Irish license plate, which was probably equipped with a metric speedometer. And the driver stuck to the speed limit of 30 km/h. But these are miles, he could have driven 48km/h without a bad conscience. These are just the problems of cross-border traffic with different units.
Giant’s Cause Way
After Ballykelly we continued via Coleraine to Portstewart. The well-kept Ballyreagh Golf Course directly at the sea lined the road and formed the separation to the residential buildings. Across the golf course we drove a small gravel road towards the sea. What a sight! Like out of a picture book!
We continued via Portrush to Bushmills. A few miles later we reached the Giant’s Cause Way Visitor Centre. After getting the tickets we took the purple marked trail. After about 0.8 miles we reached the Giant’s Cause Way.
Incredible! A real highlight!
We made the way back on foot. Less able-bodied people can use the bus to the Visitor Centre for 1 pound or 1,20 Euro.
Quickly we went on to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The parking lot was about 0.8 miles from the bridge at The Weighbridge Tearoom. With pouring rain in the meantime we made our way to the bridge. The entrance fee was a handsome 8 pounds per person.
In front of the bridge there was a queue of people. After about 15min we had made it. Over a suspension bridge we were allowed to juggle the 20 meters and abyssal 30 meters over to the island.
On the island we could then enjoy the great view of the open sea and the coastline.
Carrickfergus
Back at the parking lot we quickly made our way back to Carrickfergus via Ballycastle, Waterfoot, Glenarme and Larne. Rain as if from buckets accompanied our journey in Carrickfergus. Irish weather.
A short visit to Carrickfergus Golf Club followed. Chris, a golf instructor in Austria – Renata knows him well – grew up in Carrickfergus and gained his first golf experience on the green of the golf club. Like his brother, he is still a member of the club today.
A short stop at Carrickfergus Castle and on we went the last 12 miles towards Belfast.
Belfast – Where is our apartment
The journey continued on the A2 to Belfast. Just before Belfast on the M5 directly along the sea to Sailortown and then again on the well-known A2 and on Victoria Street, Cromac Street and A24 we turned into Ormeau Ave. After a lap around the Clayton Hotel we decided to park in Maryville Street. According to Maps the destination seemed to be so close.
Renata and Hans started looking for our “Luxury Apartment in Central Park” while Inge was guarding the car. The demand in the Clayton Hotel for a Central Park nearby caused astonishment. Nobody at the reception knew us. Mh, what to do. We decided to look on Bedford Street. Same result at Grand Central Hotel Belfast, nobody knew.
Back to the car, we got a call from Martin, the landlord. We arranged to meet at the Clayton Hotel in 15 minutes. And via Whatsup we got information about the location of the apartment, probably between Alfred- and Adelaide Street. After 20min there was nothing to see from Martin, so Renata and I decided to go to the apartment, always looking for Martin, there was nothing to see from Martin and we did not find Central Park. At the reception of a company in Alfred Street the decisive tip. Across Alfred Street into a small courtyard entrance, there it was, the Central Park.
Yuppie!!! Found it!!
And where is Martin?
We called him. Well, Martin was waiting at the Clayton Hotel. Classic.
We decided to meet him on Ormeau Ave. We met in front of the Limelight. Wow, great! The welcome was warm. And off we went straight to the apartment in Central Park. Parking lot W3 was reserved for us. With the elevator we went to the 6th floor. Just entering the maisonette apartment promised something unusual. Huge kitchen with living area, three bedrooms with beds simply …
Incredible! And what a view!
Martin explained everything important. Then we got Inge and drove through the protecting gate – great, the key worked – and parked our Passat on W3. Renata decided to have the bedroom on the same floor as the kitchen. We took the room one floor higher. A picture of Cesar Manrique drew our bedroom.
Finally arrived!!
By the way Martin: Martin rents the apartment with a co-partner through various travel agencies, including Expedia. He himself works in Birmingham and comes to Belfast from time to time to introduce new tenants. We kept in touch with him through Whatsup and received a lot of information about interesting activities in Belfast. After the departure we thanked him, he was happy with us about the great time we had in Belfast.
An addendum: When we were looking for the apartment – we had already agreed on an arrival time of 6pm when we booked – Martin tried to reach us by email, by Whatsup, by mobile phone and even at home in Tamm!
After a short break, we set off on foot for the city. Along Adelaid Street, past the City Hall and the Spirit of Belfast we walked to Victoria Square. Dinner was then at the restaurant Fish City in Anna Street. Delicious it was. At 9.30pm the long and eventful day was over for us.
Belfast – Sehenswürdigkeiten, St. George’s Market, Stormont Castle, Friedensmauer Belfast, Titanic Quartier, …
Belfast
Belfast (Irish: Béal Feirste) has 340000 inhabitants and is the capital of Northern Ireland and is situated on the Bay of Belfast. The Lagan River flows here into the Atlantic Ocean.
The scene of the Northern Ireland conflict in the 1970s still shapes parts of the cityscape today.
Belfast is known for the Titanic, which was launched more than 108 years ago in the Harland & Wolff shipyard.
We had our breakfast quite early at Starbucks on Adelaide and Franklin Street. Back at the apartment, brushing our teeth and off we went to Highstreet. Here the red Hop-On-Hop-Off buses start. The area of the actual starting point of the buses was widely cordoned off. Here we could see the charred building of Primark, which was completely burnt down on 28.08.2018. Impressive photos can be found on the internet and we bought tickets for the buses from a flying salesman. At 10am we started for a Red-Line-Round on the upper deck of a bus through Belfast.we went to the Titanic Quarter, passed the George Best Airport – what an honour for a footballer, the airport carries his name – to Stormont to the Presidential Palace, back at St. Petersburg. George’s Market, City Hall, Grand Opera House, Rise Sculpture, on the Falls Road to Shankill, Bobby Sands Mural, Garden Of Remembrance, on Cupar Way past the Peace Wall Belfast, left the Catholics (Republicans), right the Protestants (Unionists), to Shankill Road, and back to High Street.Incredible! walked past the Albert Memorial Clock to The Big Fish, the Salmon of Knowledge, the Beacon of Hope, ICC Belfast Waterfront Hall to St. George’s Market – Cafe Break.
Then we parted ways.
Inge and Renata took the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to the Presidential Palace to visit Stormont Castle. Unfortunately the castle was closed. They drove on to the Titanic Quartier.
I walked to Peace Wall Belfast. Via Lanark Way and Shankill Road back to Albert Memorial Clock – our meeting point.
After a round in the old town we had dinner at the Morning Star. The food was ok. At 9pm we had to go back on the track early the next day.
Belfast – Dublin Airport
Up at 2.30am. What madness! Packing, keys in the postbox 3 and deposit it was off at 3.40pm with the Passat on the M1 and A1 via Newry to Ireland.
At this time there were some buses with Disco-Returners on the road. What a service.
Just behind Newry a 120km/h sign. We arrived back in the Republic of Ireland. Now the display on the speedometer matches the speed indicator on the side of the road again.
At Balbriggan we made a fuel stop. Immediately we went on to Dublin Airport. There we had to return our beloved Passat at Hertz. The return went quickly. A Hertz bus brought us to the T1. Check in, hand in our suitcases and at 9.10am we started our flight to Frankfurt.
Arrival in Frankfurt
Arrived in Frankfurt, we visited the Starbucks at the long-distance train station. A last cappuccino together with Renata and our ways separated again.
Renata still visited Frankfurt and flew punctually at 7 pm to Salzburg. Her red speedster brought her quickly and safely to Fuschl am See.
We left at 14:50 with the ICE/LHexpress to Stuttgart. In the ICE the car LHexpress was closed due to a technical defect. Great. Seat reservation was simply gone, the train was overfull! Standing in the train we reached Mannheim. There the seats thinned out.
“Thankyou for travelling with Deutsche Bahn”
Arrived in Stuttgart, we went home with the S5.
After nearly 3000km by plane – round trip – and about 1500km by car, train, bus and on foot we arrived back home!
All in all it was a nice and eventful holiday. Especially with our travel companion from A/HU.
Also we learned to appreciate the hospitality in foreign countries once again.
Lufthansa – Everything worked out perfectly. To recommend on the routes to Ireland.
Always worth a trip. Breathtaking landscape with lively villages with colourful pubs and shops. Hikers and nature lovers get their money’s worth as well as city lovers.
Dublin – A young city with impressive squares, a great entertainment city tour and beautiful pubs
Galway – Shines by a great location and a lively old town with numerous typically Irish colourful shops and pubs and an impressive cathedral
Sligo – A nice quiet little town on the Garavogue River.
Derry/Londondery – Beautifully situated on the River Foyle on the border to Ireland and known for the Northern Ireland conflict between Protestants/Unionists and Catholics/Republicans.
Belfast – A surprisingly beautiful, vibrant, youthful and historic city at the mouth of the Lagan River.
Slán – Féach tú an chéad uair eile
Goodbye – See you next time
Viszlát – legközelebb látlak
Auf Wiedersehen – Bis zum nächsten mal
