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 Topic: Touring Northern Ireland this summer
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08/1/2025 at 4:41pm
Location: Staffordshire
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We are off to Northern Ireland in June, us 2 and the pooch, in June. Looking to book a site for our first night there and then just pottering around up the coast and booking sites as we go and where we decide to go, will that idea work or will it be busy? Hoping not as not school holiday time.
Any helpful tips appreciated aswell!
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09/1/2025 at 10:04am
Location: Staffordshire
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Thanks both, we are in both clubs so opens up more sites. Was shoping to follow the A2 coast road as much as possible, we are 7m motorhome, doable do you think?
Getting late morning ferry so hoping to get up towards Cushendall and the site there for teatime ish on first day.
Looking to spend a couple days on Causeway coast/Bushmills/Portstewart area and then no idea before we make our way towards Omagh region to visit friends for a couple days.
Have heard confflicting info on dog friendliness.
I've been reading up on the Coastal rambler buses whilst in Bushmills area to get about, are they reliable? Take dogs?
Loads to think about and plan
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 via mobile 11/1/2025 at 5:25pm
Location: N. Ireland
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 304
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Quote: Originally posted by George-Mildred on 09/1/2025
Thanks both, we are in both clubs so opens up more sites. Was shoping to follow the A2 coast road as much as possible, we are 7m motorhome, doable do you think?
Getting late morning ferry so hoping to get up towards Cushendall and the site there for teatime ish on first day.
Looking to spend a couple days on Causeway coast/Bushmills/Portstewart area and then no idea before we make our way towards Omagh region to visit friends for a couple days.
Have heard confflicting info on dog friendliness.
I've been reading up on the Coastal rambler buses whilst in Bushmills area to get about, are they reliable? Take dogs?
Loads to think about and plan
I have only driven the A2 in a car, so can't confirm how it would be in a motorhome, and some of the towns themselves are quite tight to drive through, but you certainly can't be the first to try it ?
You mention Bushmills, one of the top NI sites (Ballyness) is in the town, if you're thinking of there you would definitely have to book, it is very busy. There is a bus stop in the site itself which route goes to the Causeway (might be called the Causeway Rambler), but best to confirm that with the site as these sort of things can go on / off over different years. There is a nice CS near Omagh called The Meadows, and there is also Glenpark estate site nearby, in either place in June you should be prepared for a few midges - nothing like West Scotland but there can be quite a few some years.
You are hitting 3 of the 5 main tourist areas in NI already - Glens of Antrim, Causeway Coast and The Sperrins. If you have spare time the other two are Fermanagh Lakes and The Mournes, good sites there are Rushin House and the C&CC site at Delamont respectively.
Dogs are prevalent everywhere, I can't believe you'll have any difficulty there, though probably best to keep them on leads in public places.
Post last edited on 11/01/2025 17:29:33
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12/1/2025 at 9:20am
Location: Staffordshire
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I have only driven the A2 in a car, so can't confirm how it would be in a motorhome, and some of the towns themselves are quite tight to drive through, but you certainly can't be the first to try it ?
You mention Bushmills, one of the top NI sites (Ballyness) is in the town, if you're thinking of there you would definitely have to book, it is very busy. There is a bus stop in the site itself which route goes to the Causeway (might be called the Causeway Rambler), but best to confirm that with the site as these sort of things can go on / off over different years. There is a nice CS near Omagh called The Meadows, and there is also Glenpark estate site nearby, in either place in June you should be prepared for a few midges - nothing like West Scotland but there can be quite a few some years.
You are hitting 3 of the 5 main tourist areas in NI already - Glens of Antrim, Causeway Coast and The Sperrins. If you have spare time the other two are Fermanagh Lakes and The Mournes, good sites there are Rushin House and the C&CC site at Delamont respectively.
Dogs are prevalent everywhere, I can't believe you'll have any difficulty there, though probably best to keep them on leads in public places.
Post last edited on 11/01/2025 17:29:33
Thanks for this, had a quick look at the site nr Omagh and looks promising for the area, sites seems a bit sporadic away from the 'touristy' area and we don't really do layby's and pub stops. To be honest I think time will fly by just getting to Portstewart at the top. We might end up returning another year to do the southern areas. Booked Bushmills for a couple days already and waiting to hear back from a CL.
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12/1/2025 at 9:24am
Location: Staffordshire
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Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 11/1/2025
Which ferry are you taking / where are you arriving. Our last camping trip over there (Larne to Ballycastle then Sligo & Galway) was with a tent & the sites might not even exist any more. But we went with a Springer puppy & she ensured we met a lot of people, which made the trip memorable. Your dog will probably do the same.
We are doing Cairnryan-Belfast with Stena and booked pet lounge, not leaving her in the van as never been on ferry before. P&O to Larne I think I read they have to stay in vehicle so discounted that. She is a spaniel and friendly with people (dogs not so much as a bit shy) so I'm sure she'll work her magic on everyone she meets - she usually does.
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01/2/2025 at 11:24am
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens
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It's a long time since I've been there and doubtless things have changed, but I recall there was a campsite in Larne, quite close to the ferry terminal. I also recall a site at Carnfunnock, but I see that it is closed this year.
Incidentally, when I was there, nobody ever said 'the A2',it was always the 'coast road' going north and going towards Belfast, it was the 'shore road'.
One place I remember and I believe is still highly recommended, is the Ulster Folk and Transport museum, just south of Belfast.
As for the Giants Causeway, someone once described it as 'worth seeing, but not worth going to see'. I'd agree with that. It used to be free,but it costs a fortune now. Still free for National trust members.
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Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
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02/2/2025 at 9:32am
Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
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Thanks for the info, Arthurdent. Is the Carrick a Reed rope bridge still there? In spite of the large drop, I plucked up courage to cross it - that must have been 40 odd years ago.
However, I have no desire to visit N.Ireland, but I just had a look at the ferry prices and they look pretty steep. Along with that, I live about 6-7 hours drive from Cairnryan, which is much the same as going to Newcastle and the ferry to Europe.
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Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
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02/2/2025 at 11:10am
Location: Staffordshire
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As we are in the Nat. Trust parking should be no problem as they own the carparks for most of the 'touristy' places en route. I have no head for heights but have promised Mr George that I will try and cross the bridge, cannot go that far and not go, but it must be a perfectly still day.
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