My wife and I are planning a trip for mid August and will be in Ireland for about 8 days. We plan on driving a loop, in a rental car, around the island. We're starting in Dublin and going around counterclockwise. Just wondering what are some good sites to see between Derry and Dingle, moreso between Derry and the Cliffs of Moher?
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Missoula, Montana
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From Derry head west to enjoy the stark, wild beauty of County Donegal, the least touristed county in Ireland. Mt. Errigal, a 2,400 plus foot-tall conical-shaped peak in the northwest corner (near Gweedore) and visible from miles away, is a spectacular sight. You can also hike up it. From there either drive south along the western edge of the county to the village of Glencolumbkille in the far southwest corner for some great views of the Atlantic or cut through the center of the county to Donegal Town.
In Murrisk, County Mayo you can climb Croagh Patrick and visit the Famine Memorial - complete with "coffin ships" - across the road from it. A little further southeast in County Galway is the village of Leenane, set between three mountain ranges at the tip of Killary Harbor in arguably the most beautiful setting in Ireland. The Blackberry Restaurant there serves superb meals. Resevations recommended.
http://www.blackberryrestaurant.ie/
In County Clare there's Burren National Park, site of the megalithic Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland's oldest portal tomb.
http://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-and-experience/geosites-discovery-points/burren-national-park/
For some grand traditional Irish music, spend a night in Doolin, the "capital" of trad. Its three pubs feature sessions each night during the summer months. And from Doolin, you can catch a ferry to the Aran Islands for a day trip or an overnight.