We are two women in our 60s, very active, well-travelled, who want to see the area north and south of Galway. We're landing in Dublin because my daughter is getting married to an Irish man in county Cavan. This is a pre-wedding side trip.
We booked a train to Galway where we intend to rent a car, although there may be a train directly to Westport (an alternate plan? what do you think?). We don't want to spend the entire trip in the car!
We'd like to walk on beach, and in Connemara park, weather permitting. Everyone recommends Dingle. Does this itinerary make sense?
Initially, we though:
June 8 in Galway
June 9/10 in Connemara (not sure if we should stay in Clifden or Letterfrack or Westport)
June 11 Doolin (I think it would be half a day from Connemara to Doolin? and then the Cliff of Moher in the late afternoon -- alhtough Doolin might be packed, as I see there's a music festival on at that time)
June 12 - 13 drive to Dingle and area
June 14 return the car in Limerick so we won't have to drive back to Galway
Alternately, since we arrive in Galway in the early afternoon on the 8, rent the car and go straight to Connemara. And maybe spend an extra day in Doolin so we can go to the Burren? Or spend the night in Lahinch if Doolin is overrun with folk music crowds.
Any suggestions re: places to stay: Clifden versus Letterfrack, and where to eat. Probably looking for quaint budget or mid-range with the occasional really delicious foodie experience.
Also, do we have time to do the loop up to Westport and eat lunch or dinner at the The Tavern, which sees recommended.
So much to see, and we don't really want to rush it. And then its back to Dublin, maybe catching Blooms day before the wedding in Cavan.