Northern Ireland July 12 Weekend | Ireland - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:19:04 +0000

We are planning a short road trip to Northern Ireland as part of our vacation. We plan on leaving from Dublin the afternoon of July 12 and returning to Dublin the evening of July 15th (three nights in Northern Ireland). We were going to drive the "Causeway Coastal Route" between Belfast and Portrush, and I have a few questions: Does anyone have any suggestions regarding places to stay along this route, and which direction is best to travel? Should the July 12th holiday events influence when we stay in Belfast (the evening of the 12 vs the evening of the 14)? Will most parades/crowds/traffic actually happen on Saturday, July 12, or on the day the holiday is observed this year (Monday the 14th)? And finally, should we expect a lot of road and business closures over the long weekend due to the holiday?

Thanks so much in advance!
Erin :)

ONLINE

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 05:35:19 +0000

"Will most parades/crowds/traffic actually happen on Saturday, July 12"

You left out riots, bomb scares, roadblocks....

I'd really suggest that if you must be there on the 12th, you get settled in the day before. And especially don't plan on driving in that day in a car with Republic of Ireland plates.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:45:44 +0000

Yes, many businesses will be closed. Most eople want to avoid the inconvenience of some who parade, cause trouble etc. Events will happen on 12th July (as it's a Saturday), normal bank holiday closures happen on the bank holiday, Monday 14th July this year.

The summer I spent in Belfsat, I had to go to Wales for an interview over 1th July period, and my colleagues (from both communities) told me most of them were making alternative arrangements to avoid parades. When I returned, I noticed several burned out cars, piles of burned furniture etc. Where these occured on roads, repairs were needed to surfaces or undeground cables eg approaching traffic lights.

There will be road closures & diversions(I was advised about how to drive to Belfast International Airport) before and during parades, and probably some road repairs after.

Such a shame for a wonderful part of these islands at all other times.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 10:11:46 +0000

+July 12th holiday events+ Bwahahahaha. Oh sorry. As you were.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 14:50:51 +0000

I really wouldn't be going anywhere near Belfast or any large Northern towns around the 12th July unless you're looking forward to rioting, bomb threats, road closures, police on the streets, burning cars and general mayhem.

Youtube might give you a good idea of the delights that lie in store...

As another poster says, definitely make sure you're not driving a southern reg car

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:21:08 +0000

Def avoid Belfast on the 12th.

The Causeway Coastal route is stunning. Stop at Glengarrif for hiking and Carrick-A-Rede for the rope bridge. Base yourself at the Giant's Causeway. If you're into walking, get a bus to the rope bridge and walk to the Giant's Causeway (16km). Visit Dunluce Castle by car or walk.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:29:08 +0000

Stay at the Causeway Hotel or Finn McCool's Hostel right at the Giant's Causeway. The Giant's Causeway is free but you pay for parking (€8.50). There's a pub with great food as well. Visit the Dark Hedges (I absolutely loved these) near Armoy. Visit Fair head for hiking and views and Murlough Bay. Drive back to Dublin via Ballymena (just to go a different route). Check out Northern Ireland's tourism website for film locations on the Causeway coast (stunning locations even if you're not into the tv series).

I really wouldn't recommend staying in Belfast.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

Pro tip