Book accommodations ahead or on the spot?

We're planning our trip to Ireland/Northern Ireland for May 2023. We're planning about fourteen days in both countries and have so far only booked a hotel near Dublin, where we will be arriving via Aer Lingus. After Dublin, we'll drive up the coast to Belfast and have booked accommodations in Belfast. 
My question is...for the rest of the trip, we're planning on going through Derry and then down on the Westcoast/side. Is it recommendable to book specific accommodations ahead, depending on our plans for sights and activities, or should we book more spontaneously on the spot depending on where our trip takes us?
We do have a rental car, so we are flexible. 
Thanks for any feedback! 

Hi Daniela, 

Thanks for reaching out. 

As a general rule, It is usually recommended that travelers book the first and last night of their trip in advance, this takes the stress out of your first and last day, whilst giving you the freedom and flexibility to be spontaneous in between. Alternatively, you could look into refundable/cancellation booking for insurance, if you want to have the option to fall back on. 

What are your plans for the West-Coast, after Derry? 

Cathaoir 

Hi Daniela

I would always recommend pre-booking your accommodation. B&B accommodation is the ideal choice for exploring the island of Ireland as homes are located close to nearby attractions and amenities. 

B&B hosts will know everything about the surrounding area and can recommend what must-see hidden gems you should add to your itinerary.

Booking your accommodation online with B&B Ireland couldn’t be easier. You receive instant email confirmation of your booking, and you can create login details which will allow you to easily add and amend bookings. 

B&B Locator Map - This is a great tool when planning a trip as it allows you to pinpoint which homes match what you are looking for. It helps you find the perfect B&B based on your desired location and activities. Click on the link below to view:

B&B Ireland's Locator Map

Have a great trip!
Kind regards
Claire

Thank you for the replies!
Our plans are not concrete yet for the West Coast,as we are still trying to figure out what we would like to see and do. But generally, we are planning to drive along and stop in some of the towns along the way and make the roundtrip back to Dublin, where we are departing again. 

Hi Daniela, 

From Derry, you could travel to Malin Head which is the most northernly part of Ireland and gives you great access to the Inishowen Peninsula. It is also the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, so logistically it is a great basis for venturing down the west coast. There are also some trip ideas available to help you with inspiration. 

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions and I would be glad to help! 

Cathaoir 

Thank you, Cathaoir, I will definitely check out your suggestions. I appreciate it.

Hi Daniela,

It's great to hear you are coming to Ireland for a two week holiday, you will have so much to experience when here! 

You mentioned that you would be travelling from Belfast to Derry.  May I suggest you travel the Causeway Coastal Route between the two cities.  It is a beautiful, scenic drive that takes in many attractions such as the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Rathlin Island and Dunluce Castle.  There are also quite a few Game of Thrones film locations along the way.

You have asked about booking accommodation for your trip.  If you wished to spend a night in the Causeway Coast and Glens area during the month of May, it might be a good idea to book accommodation in advance as it can be a very popular month for visitors.  To find out more about the region, please take a look at our web site: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com  

I hope you have a memorable two weeks!
Anne