My husband and I are planning to base ourselves at a B&B in Galway for 2 nights before heading back to Dublin. We'd like to take the day in between to do the Connemara & County Mayo Loop drive using our rental car as recommended by Rick Steves. We'd like to hit highlights such as visiting Cong Abbey, Ashford Castle, Westport, and Kylemore Abbey. Anyone else attempted this? Can it realistically be done in one day? We'd love any suggestions or tips that might help us along the way.
Posted by
NM, USA
911 posts
We did a bus tour of Ireland last summer so no experience of driving our own vehicle but some of the general area and we did have a half day at Kylemore Abbey. One day to do all that seems very ambitious. While the physical distances aren't far it's all narrow country roads. Doesn't leave much time to actually see the sights. I'd research what to see and do at each stop then focus on which sounds most interesting. Kylemore is definitely worry a visit especially if the weather is nice. Extensive gardens, a lovely little chapel and excellent caterer for lunch. I heard good things of Ashford castle but mostly from people who stayed there.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
We did something akin to that loop last year, spending a night in Westport to fit in a morning at Ashford Castle's "Hawk Walk". We even took some deliberate detours between Kylemore and Westport to better experience the country roads. If your chosen route takes you through Clifden between Kylemore and Galway, you should make good time on that stretch of N59. Depending on how long you spend at your destinations, it appears "doable". Forum experts on the subject will hopefully provide better focused comments.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7891 posts
This past fall, we were based in Clifden for several nights, and did most of Rick's Loop Drive over portins of these several days. We didn't leave our B&B at the crack of dawn each day, and were out most of each day, so we weren;t jusy going out for a 2-hour drive. Don't underestimate how slow roads and traffic can be, and it can be more challenging if it's rainy. The roads are twisty, and if you get a slow truck (or another tourist in a rental car) in front of you, passing zones aren;t necessarily frequent. It can take some time to get from Point A to Point B, and then you'll probably want to spend some time once you arrive at Point B.
The Hawk Walk is highly recommended - opt for the extended version, and you'll also get some time with Ollie, their Eagle Owl!