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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Quote: Originally posted by George-Mildred on 08/1/2025
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!
Welcome! June is a good month, generally better weather but less crowded. That said, I always book sites in advance here, sites can be crowded but especially so at the weekend, even CLs / CSs.
If you want any tips on places or sites then just ask - do you have an idea of where you're going to yet ?
One thing to know - Carnfunnock is a popular site near the Larne ferry but this year it is out of action for a major refurb.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 01/2/2025
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.
The Causeway visitors centre costs, as does the car park. However the Causeway itself is free, you can walk from Bushmills (I've done this, it's a beautiful walk) and there is a tourist train that runs alongside the walk. You can also take a bus from Bushmills, some of which stop at Ballyness site. The Causeway is then free to walk along, avoiding the visitors centre.
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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.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
I crossed that bridge once, that was a long time ago too. OH is from Donegal, we have been going to NI and ROI since 1991. One time I forgot my raincoat, unusually for Ireland, we had 3 weeks of great weather. That was the time we went round the Ring of Kerry.
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.
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 02/2/2025
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.
Same for me the other direction, a ferry from here to Scotland is around 60% of the cost of the ferry from Rosslare to Cherbourg or Roscoff despite being just 10% of the journey time. It wasn't always that expensive though.
Quote: Originally posted by George-Mildred on 02/2/2025
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.
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is still there and well worth the visit. They close it when wind speed is high, so if it's open it's perfectly safe
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Touring Northern Ireland this summer
via mobile 08/1/2025 at 5:40pm
