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Connemara Region 2 nights

Towards the end of our 15 night trip we will be leaving Doolin early AM and the next two nights are booked at http://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/ in the heart of the Connemara region. We will be travel weary by then, so I thought we would be in need of some pampering. Is it realistic to leave Doolin after breakfast and visit Galway, Cong, and Westport and arrive at Ballynihinch by 3-4 pm? If we can cover the above in 1 travel day, the next day we may be able to devote the whole day to visiting the Aran Islands. (which I originally thought wasn't going to be possible)

Alternatively, we could visit Galway en route to Shannon area on departure day. Or should we visit Bunratty? Is it feasible to do both in one day? We would like to drop off car at Shannon airport about 5pm and our last night is at the Radisson Park in at airport.

Posted by
317 posts

Greetings from Ireland.
I would leave Galway for the day you are going to the airport. I may get killed by my Galway friends for saying this but unless you are staying overnight to experience the wonderful nightlife then you can easily see the main sights in Galway in 2-4 hours. Same for Westport unless you plan to climb Croagh Patrick, which is you are travel weary you wont be.
Bunratty is worth seeing, a bit touristy but a very historic fortress. It also has two of the biggest Irish Wolfhounds in ireland (I have the biggest one!)
The Aran Islands are excellent, Cong also, and you will love Ballynahinch Castle
le meas/with respect
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle and Derry

Posted by
154 posts

Thank you Stephen...

I am an over planner for sure, but I think we will leave our last 2-3 days as "play by ear" time and just see what happens with the weather and driving times. At least we have several options that I'll call plan A, B and C. I also want to be able to enjoy the grounds of Ballynihinch.