This will be my first trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland. I'll be flying into Dublin, and traveling to visit a friend in Derry. I'm a photographer, and enjoy small towns/villages and countryside. I'd appreciate suggestions on traveling by bus/train between these two destinations, preferably avoiding cities. Things to see, places to stay, etc. Thanks very much.
jake in texas
The quick way by train: Get the Enterprise train to Belfast and change trains to get to Derry/Londonderry. Public transport in Northern Ireland isn't good and you might find it frustrating if you don't hire a car. There are lots of small villages which would be photogenic but you might find yourself stranded in them! If you're looking for routes and timetables, www.translink.co.uk covers all public transport in Northern Ireland. If you're looking for scenery then you would be looking at the north coast, the Giant's Causeway, the Glens of Antrim and the Mountains of Mourne but you might find it difficult to get around without a car.
The last part of the train journey recommended in 1 is good: the ride between Coleraine and Derry. However, the scenery between Belfast and Coleraine is nothing special. If you have lots of time you could take a bus that goes through the Glens of Antrim between Belfast and Coleraine: it runs once or twice a day.
Direct bus from Dublin airport to Derry! You do not need to go into Dublin - just walk through mutistorey car park to bus stops and you will find the Derry bus ( www.translink.co.uk and search Dublin airport-Derry or www.buseireann.ie ) - cheap and efficient. Also, hourly service from Dublin airport to Belfast. For information the Belfast to Derry train line is under repair and there is a bus substitution all summer from Ballymena to Coleraine which is a bit of a hassle with luggage and it is sloer than Maiden City Flyer bus from Belfast Europa Bus Depot to Derry. For all Northern Ireland travel, check out www.translink.co.uk and use journey planner. Come and visit us in the beautiful Glens of Antrim!