So I am traveling to Ireland solo for a little over a week. I'm spending my first and last night in Dublin, and then two nights before my last night in Galway. I was thinking of spending another 2 nights in Connemara and another 2 on the Aran Islands (or 1 in Doolin and 1 on the Aran Islands)
I am hoping to stay in Letterfrack near the national park entrance. The hostel's website makes it seem like having a car will not be a problem, but I have heard otherwise on these forums. I am mostly interested in hiking in the park, renting a bike and biking around the area, hearing Irish music, and chilling at the beach. I'll be there near the end of a month long Europe trip, so I probably wont have a ton of energy. I really wanted to do Dingle, but that seems even worse than Connemara without a car, so I think I'll just have to come back another time.
So, in your opinion, is it possible to do Connemara without a car? And would you suggest one night or two nights? And would you stay in Letterfrack or Clifden?
Also, for you travelling ladies who travel alone. Would you feel safe hiking on your own in that area?
Here is my potential Itinerary (sans car)
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin at 5 pm and stay in Dublin
Day 2: Bus/train to Doolin, sleep in Doolin
Day 3: Aran Islands/Cliff of Moher tour and ferry ride, sleep in Doolin
Day 4: Bus to Connemara, sleep in Letterfrack or Clifden
Day 5: Hike in Connemara national park, Sleep in Letterfrack/Clifden
Day 6: Bus to Galway, and explore the city, sleep in Galway
Day 7: Burren tour (or Aran Islands or Cliffs of Moher. Whichever one I don't get to while in Doolin), sleep in Galway
Day 8: Bus/train from Galway to Dublin, sleep in Dublin
Day 9: Depart Dublin at 11 am