Ulrich
Well it just depends what you like. Me I like cities and coast, so in the first week
I’d spend some time in Belfast, it’s a very friendly place to visit! They still have walls and ‘history’ is very much alive, and Taxi drivers will take you on tours. I would visit the Botanical gardens and Ulster Museum. Or for those who know why, Cyprus Avenue is as atmospheric as you would hope. Finally a pub tour starting at Kelly’s Cellar (not just because my Grandfather used to own it) and finish at
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crown-bar/As this is Ireland and your destination is West, you should start by driving in a North Easterly direction and spend a day following the Coast road. Detour inland to visit the waterfall in the Glens, cross the rope bridge at
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede/ , ee Dunluce Castle and perhaps an hour at the Bushmills Distillery. Portrush is a good base for the evening.
Next day take the ferry in to Eire and visit Greencastle and Moville – life just got slower. Spend a day or two meandering around the lovely countryside, perhaps stay at Glenties, but in September you will have the luxury of calling B&B’s ahead once you’ve decided how far you want to travel that night. Buy a disposable bar b que and you won’t have any trouble finding a beach that is yours for the day.
Head to Sligo, which is worth a visit and brush up Yates on the way.
Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.
An ancestor was rector there
Long years ago, a church stands near,
By the road an ancient cross.
No marble, no conventional phrase;
On limestone quarried near the spot
By his command these words are cut:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death.
Horseman, pass by!
Happy to help more. My itinerary skips, The Mountains of Mourne, The Ulster Folk Museum, Stroke City and the Fermanagh Lakes. It just depends on what you like.
In the south you might head for Kinsale for sailing and food, or inland for ancient burial sites, the Curragh for horse racing or even a trip down the shannon. Enjoy.