Driving from Cahersiveen to Doolin

I'm curious as to why, with such limited time, you chose Doolin as your overnight rather than the Galway area? It is a longer drive from Doolin to Dublin than it would be from Galway. And driving from Cahersiveen to Galway doesn't take significantly more time than just driving to Doolin. Doolin is a very small town and there isn't much to see or do (the music is good but you can find good music in lots of of other places). Galway itself is an interesting city and there are all sorts of places to explore on the drive there and in the surrounding areas. As an aside, we loved Cahersiveen. There is a lot to see there and, if you have time, a trip to Valentia Island is a bonus!

You bring up a good point! I thought Doolin was closer plus my husband and I have been there and had a great time. But I think you're correct; there'll be more to do in Galway and it will be a shorter drive to Dublin. How long do you think it'll take to get to Galway?

Thanks for your thoughts. You've given me yet another idea for this trip of a lifetime!!

One other question. You mentioned all sorts of places to explore on the drive to Galway and in the surrounding areas. We've never driven that route. Can you please give me some suggestions?

Thanks so much!!

I hesitate to specify drive time since a lot depends on your route and the number of stops you make. The route through Limerick is probably fastest and is the one we most recently used. I think it took about 4 1/2 hours driving time, maybe a bit more. You should arrive in Galway with enough time to explore the city and stroll on the pier at Galway Bay. On an earlier trip to Ireland we did the Tarbert Ferry route though, which was much more scenic (and fun). The I think you can expect that drive to take most of the day, especially if you take a side trip to see the Cliffs of Moher (one of the iconic Irish sites--though we found The Cliffs of Kerry to be equally impressive and easy to access from Cahersiveen). We loved driving through The Burren--a somewhat bleak but beautiful landscape. We didn't stop to explore much but I know that Rick mentions a ring fort, portal tomb and castle ruin in the area. If you had more time I'd recommend a day trip to Inishmore--it's quite easy when you are in Galway--but it appears that you are only staying one night so I'll recommend it for your next trip:-)

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

You're very welcome! September is a lovely time to travel in Ireland--have a wonderful trip!

I can't believe someone said theres not much to do in Doolin!! It's a great small town and I'd stay there over Galway any time!

I think the Cahersiveen to Doolin drive would be lovely. There is SO MUCH TO SEE there will be lots of stops to take photos! Be prepared!

Also one final thing, as I interview tourists for my photo blog the most common comment is how much time they spend in their cars - and that's a bad thing. So less driving is better!

Susan
Waterville

The best traditional music we heard on a 2 week trip was in Doolin at night. The surrounding Burren is wild, magical, and beautiful and there is a lot to see and get lost in. The Cliffs are Moher are close by. We spent a whole day leaving the Ring of Kerry area , leisurely driving to The Cliffs (and didn't feel rushed). Doolin is famous for their music . The people at the hotel helped us choose which pub to go to for the particular night we were there. If you only have 1 night and want trad music, I would choose Doolin over Galway especially if you want "countryside". We blew through Galway to get back to the "countryside" heading to Roundstone and beautiful beaches nearby. We do plan to explore Galway on a future trip but so glad we chose Doolin since we had only one night. We do plan to go back to Doolin even if just for the music. Best I can recall , the music didn't start until 10:00 PM or so but we got to the pub around 7 to eat and rest. Ennistimon (Ennistymon) a little south of Doolin is also known for their trad music.

Thanks for all of the replies. We have decided to stay in Doolin because of the traffic in and around Galway. Our last night will be in Skerries, supposedly 1/2 hour from the Dublin airport. I'll give a follow-up after the trip with, I'm sure, many crazy incidents to report!