Hello! We are taking a 9-day trip to Ireland in July that ends with us driving from Galway to Ennis the day before our flight home out of Shannon. I'm hoping I can get some suggestions of things to see or do between Galway and Ennis. For reference, we are spending a few nights in Dingle and then driving up to Galway; we will be stopping at the Cliffs of Moher and up the coast on our way north. So really, I'm looking for things that might be of interest between Galway and Ennis along that stretch of the M18 between the two places. This is our second visit to the area, but our first time driving. We previously did a tourist coach that went from Limerick to Bunratty, the Cliffs, Doolin, the Burren, and up to Galway. So if there are other interesting things more inland so to speak, your suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2840 posts
Don't know how far afield you're willing to go, but about an hour east of Galway is the Monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise which is worth a visit if you haven't already been there. It's situated on the River Shannon and it doesn't take too much imagination to envision what it must have been like for the locals back in the 11th century when Viking ships were sighted coming up the river.
If you've not already driven the pretty coastal drive south of Lahinch (the N 67) to Kilkee and Kilrush that would be a pleasant excursion on a sunny day, too. Beautiful seascapes all along the way and there's a nice cliff walk at Kilkee that's a great place to stretch your legs, have a picnic lunch, and generally enjoy the picturesque little village. Kilrush is a cute little place as well.
Depending upon your particular interests, a more in depth exploration of the Burren might be in order too. Could stop by the National Park Visitor Center and pick up a map of some very nice hiking paths if you're into that sort of thing.
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
511 posts
Venture a little further afield and take in the best trad in Ireland at any of the three pubs in Doolin. The music generally kicks off around 9-9:30 pm. Better still, get there early for some pub grub. You can also take the ferry from Doolin to either of the three Aran Islands and do a little daytime exploring before heading back for the trad.