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Best places to stop between Galway to Dingle

Hi, my husband and I are planning our first trip in late September into October for two weeks. We’re staying three nights in Galway, then will make our way to Dingle for a couple more nights, but since it’s a fairly long drive (I guess six or more hours depending on how much stopping you do), we’d like to find a good midpoint for a night. Thanks for your suggestions in advance!

Posted by
17 posts

My wife and I will be in Ireland around the same time as you. Our tentative plan is to fly into Cork from Scotland, and then drive to Killarney for a couple of days. I want to enjoy the Ring of Kerry without the worry of driving, so I booked a day tour with Rabbie's. Rabbie's also offers a day tour of the Dingle Peninsula departing from Killarney. We're also looking for ideas, so I hope some are posted here.

Posted by
267 posts

Stops along the way depends which way you plan to go along the coast or the fastest M18

Along the coast there are several nice towns to stay for the night one of them Kilkee
Which is almost half the way between Galway and Dingle
See the Kilkee Cliffs and go as far as Loop Head Lighthouse

Enjoy the day driving along the coast from Galway to Kilkee and stay a night or two
Go from Kilkee to Killimer Ferry toTarbert/ Kerry and on to Dingle the other day

Posted by
2651 posts

The drive takes you through the Burren which is one of teh more dramatic parts of ireland. It's Limestone scenerey is completely different to anywhare else. From Galway, at Kilcolgan pick up the N67 which takes you round the coast past Dunguaire Castle (Ireland's answer to Eilean Donan in Scotland?) The website says the castle is temporarily closed so this may just be a photo stop.
Then head to the ruined Corcomroe Abbey. This is a delightful spot and you may well have it to yourselves. At Ballyvaughan, Take the R477 which takes you round the coast to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. Continue round the coast to Liscannor (R478) and Ennistymon (stop and explore the town and find the waterfalls. find the Falls. Do a scenic detour from here along R481 to Kilfennora with its ruined cathedral and high crosses then R476 to Corrofin and then back to possibly Ennistymon for an overnight stop.

Next morning head along th N67 down the coast to Kilkee and think about doing a trip to and from Loop Headon the R487. Then head to Kilrush and Kilimer to catch the ferry across to Tarbert. Carry along round the coast R551to Ballybunnioin, , Ballyheige to Tralee (worth a stop) before heading to Dingle.