Northern Ireland trip

[AnotherMarshmallow]

I'm in England and have always wanted to go to NI for a long weekend to do Causeway Coastal Route. I'm not keen on going abroad at the moment, but staying in the UK (albeit with a flight) is a bit more appealing.

Any Mumsnetters in NI - are things largely open?

Yes they are. I'm not long back. Restaurants are busy - best to book. Some seem to be more covid aware than others. Beaches are nothing like the scenes in Bournemouth but go early to get parked. People spread out enough to feel safe. Plenty social distancing at the touristy bits. Dunluce Castle and Causeway Centre open but check websites as think you need to pre- book.

Hi @AnotherMarshmallow I live in NI!

Yes, things are pretty much open here. Cafes, restaurants pubs/bars etc are all open, I believe that theatres and cinemas are also open too plus much more.

Giants causeway seems pretty good, I’ve never actually been before! There’s also the mourne mountains / Tollymore Forestpark in Newcastle for a good day out and picnic etc etc.

I’d list all our scenic places but I’d be here all day. Try looking some up on Google.

IMO, NI is a lovely place, although I’m probably biased!

Also, we’ve had no death rates here for over 2 weeks and our Covid 19 cases are very low too so hopefully you’ll feel safe here. Let me know if you find somewhere!

Thank you so much for replying

Sounds promising and really good to hear that things are open...the only thing which puts me off is the flight!

@AnotherMarshmallow

Thank you so much for replying

Sounds promising and really good to hear that things are open...the only thing which puts me off is the flight!

You could try getting the ferry over? There’s one from Stranraer (I think) to Belfast or you could do Holyhead to Dublin and then drive up the motorway to NI.

Obviously you’d be travelling a lot longer but you’d get pretty good sea views!

We have family there so have travelled there already and we are due to go again. We didn't fly, we drove and got the ferry from Liverpool, even though it was a day crossing we booked a cabin so we could distance if necessary. By the time we looked and flights and hire car for 4 of us it was about the same cost. Lots of beautiful countryside to explore and National trust gardens etc.

Just avoid Belfast City Centre- I was in town today and it was SO QUIET. Very very depressing and grey. Completely lacking the normal friendly buzz that’s normally about the place.

@TerribleCustomerCervix

Just avoid Belfast City Centre- I was in town today and it was SO QUIET. Very very depressing and grey. Completely lacking the normal friendly buzz that’s normally about the place.

I haven’t been in Belfast in AGES - must admit it would be v weird to see it so quiet!

Bars where I am aren’t open? Well not unless you get food? Think they are due open 10th August?

Beauty spots etc all seem to be open plenty of beaches we just don’t have the weather. Where abouts would you plan on basing yourself ? Could take in Donegal too depending on where you base yourself

“Could take in Donegal too depending on where you base yourself”

Don’t go to Donegal or anywhere else in the Republic unless you are able to restrict movements/quarantine for 14 days on arrival from England. You will also be required to fill out a passenger locator form if you arrive in an airport or port in the Republic.

@Inituntiltheend

Bars where I am aren’t open? Well not unless you get food? Think they are due open 10th August?

Beauty spots etc all seem to be open plenty of beaches we just don’t have the weather. Where abouts would you plan on basing yourself ? Could take in Donegal too depending on where you base yourself

Bars in NI are permitted to open if they sell food.

You can only drink alcohol inside if you purchase food, you cannot purchase alcohol alone until the 10 August I believe.

But you can purchase alcohol alone if you consume it outdoors in the beer garden

I live in NI in a town along the Causeway Coastal Route (hopefully not outing myself!).

This past week places have reopened, playparks too.

A lot of tourist places want booking completed online a day in advance, so they can control numbers.

@Inniu

“Could take in Donegal too depending on where you base yourself”

Don’t go to Donegal or anywhere else in the Republic unless you are able to restrict movements/quarantine for 14 days on arrival from England. You will also be required to fill out a passenger locator form if you arrive in an airport or port in the Republic.

Sorry I didn’t realise this had came into play,I knew that there was discussions about it apologises

We had the most lovely time there with the kids a couple of years ago OP! Enjoy!

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!