Plan je een motortrip naar Ierland? Bekijk onze 8 tips
Traveling Through Ireland: Tips and Experiences
Journey Overview
- The travelers embarked on a trip to Ireland in 2024, sharing eight tips for their journey.
- They took a night ferry from Hoek van Holland to Harwich, then drove through England to Holyhead for the morning ferry to Dublin.
Exploring Dublin
- Upon arriving near Dublin, they camped and used public transport to explore the city, enjoying local pubs and live music.
- Their travels included a two-day drive towards Berra, where they experienced the scenic Ring of Kerry.
Scenic Routes and Hidden Gems
- They visited beautiful villages along the way and reached the westernmost point at Derry Island, which is inaccessible by car or motorcycle.
- On their return route via the northern peninsula, they deviated from main roads to explore narrow paths marked on maps.
Discovering Dingle
- After exploring the southern peninsula around Kenmare River, they headed to Dingle, known for its colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere with shops and restaurants.
- They camped at a hostel with shared kitchen facilities near a church called The Mindful Garden.
Cliffs of Moher Experience
- The travelers visited the Cliffs of Moher but faced strong winds that bent their tent poles during their stay at a nearby campsite.
- Despite challenging weather conditions throughout their journey, they found shelter in an inviting cabin called Burn Barn located in Burren National Park.
Unique Geological Features
- The Burren region features unique limestone formations shaped over millions of years; further information was promised in video links.
Continuing Northward
- After spending time at Burn Barn by the fireplace enjoying simple meals, they continued towards Killarney amidst changing weather patterns.
Riding Through Killarney National Park
- Killarney's stunning landscapes were highlighted as ideal for both main roads and narrow routes; rain gear was recommended due to unpredictable weather.
Camping Challenges
- Upon reaching Westport, they encountered fully booked campsites with high prices leading them to find alternative accommodations on a farm nearby.
Coastal Views
- In Portnaran, despite windy conditions again affecting their camping experience, they enjoyed breathtaking views of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Final Recommendations
- Their final tips included riding through spectacular areas north of Portnaran like Derryveagh Mountains—an absolute must-see for motorcyclists.
Entering Northern Ireland: A New Adventure
Crossing into Northern Ireland
- As they entered Northern Ireland without border checks while leaving the EU zone behind, it marked an emotional milestone for one traveler who reached 100k km on his motorcycle.
Notable Attractions
- They recommended visiting Giant's Causeway—a remarkable natural phenomenon featuring uniquely shaped rock formations that attract many tourists.
Unexpected Stops
- Instead of staying in Belfast as planned due to full campsites there, they discovered Kilkeel—a charming town south of Belfast worth visiting.
Exploring Strangford Lough and Belfast
Recommendations for Dining and Activities
- The speaker recommends visiting Duffer in Army, a restaurant with a pub area that features live music regularly.
- They mention enjoying good weather during their visit, which allowed them to explore the scenic routes around Strangford Lough, particularly towards Downpatrick.
Camping Experience
- The excursion provided an opportunity to reserve a campsite at Balmavon Dun Donald, which is quiet and requires prior booking due to its gated access.
- After a short walk from the campsite, visitors can reach a bus stop that connects them to the city center of Belfast.
Highlights of Belfast
- Belfast is highly recommended as a beautiful city filled with charming streets, restaurants, and notable sites such as churches and the Titanic Quarter.
- The Peace Wall is mentioned as an important historical site that symbolizes the division between Protestant and Catholic communities in Belfast.
Historical Context
- The speaker reflects on the rich history of conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland, noting that while current visits may feel safe, this history remains significant.