My sister, cousin, and I are on the Heart of Ireland tour, starting in Ennis. My sister and I did a self-drive tour of the southwest a few years ago, but want learn more about Ireland this time.
We planned to arrive a couple of days early, rent a car, and drive up to Galway. That would have been our base to either tour the Aran Islands, or drive Connemarra. But I just realized that our planned 2-day trip to Galway falls during the weekend of the Oyster Festival. While it might be fun to join the party, we were looking for a quieter start to the trip. And seems to be making B&B's harder to book.
So I'm considering moving a little further northwest of Galway. Would the RS group recommend Clifden, Westport, or another location for us to explore for a day or two before heading back to Ennis? We are looking for a cozy B&B, a good meal, and craic. As for things to do, just the views will be enough. If we could find a guide / historian in one of the towns to arrange for a tour, that would be a bonus!
The highlight of our previous self-drive trip was getting lost on the Irish backroads, and enjoying some areas that weren't in any tour book. And while we are seasoned road warriors on the US interstate system, we'll be driving from the Shannon Airport. I want to be realistic about how far we can travel after the long flight.
Any information on towns, B&Bs, or tours is appreciated!