Ireland-Causeway Coast & Wild Atlantic Way

I haven't done this on one trip, but it seems like you could spend 2 nights near Giant's Causeway, 2 nights in Donegal (we had 3 nights -- we could have used one more night, but 3 was fine. Really depends on what you want to do), then 2 nights on Connemara (we stayed in Clifden). You have many options.

Thank you. it sounds like it makes sense to take the extra days and enjoy the ride. Were there any special places you spent the night? we're thinking B&B's but want to splurge for a night or 2 in a castle or manor house. Thank you for any recommendations.

This June, I did the reverse route from Galway to Dublin, and 5 – 7 days would give you lots of options.

My itinerary did not feel rushed and gave me time to explore. Here it is: one night in Westport (after touring Connemara); two nights in Sligo (I’m a big W.B. Yeats fan); one night in Derry; one night in Portrush; 2 nights near Newgrange and Trim (so I could see the Bru na Boinne site and then return my car to the airport early in the morning).

I drove to Newgrange after spending the day touring the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick Rope Bridge. You could easily drive from Dublin to somewhere near the Giant’s Causeway in a day and spend the night in Portrush (or nearby), then tour the Causeway and Rope Bridge the next day.

A day and night in nearby Derry is also worthwhile. The old city walls are fascinating to walk along; the Guildhall and Peace Bridge are very photogenic around dusk (and the Guildhall has a great free museum. The large murals are thought provoking and it is possible to get a guided tour led by someone who knew people who were in the 1970’s demonstrations (I didn’t, but a couple I met highly recommended it).

The Ulster American Folk Park is about an hour from Derry and 2 hours from Sligo. It includes Irish dwellings of people who emigrated to the U.S. (including the Mellon family) and U.S. dwellings of Irish settlers, plus a recreated immigrant ship.

Sligo is worth a visit; the view of Ben Bulben is magnificent. There is an old abbey there, and some nice walks along the river with cafes and restaurants. If you’re not a big Yeats’ fan, one day and night would be enough.

I would have liked to have spent time in Donegal (as Eef has suggested); you could spend several nights there and drive to Sligo for a day trip or 1-2 nights there and 1 in Sligo.

Westport makes a convenient base to tour Connemara and features good traditional Irish music in the pubs at night. The river walk is also pleasant. Or as Eef suggested, Clifden is another option near Galway.

With 5 - 7 days, you can see a good bit of the Northern Coast and take time to enjoy the scenery and other sights. Enjoy your trip.

Ard na Breatha B&B in Donegal was wonderful. Very charming and the (reserve ahead) dinner was great.

I wouldn't really recommend the place where we stayed in Donegal. I picked it for the location -- we went to southern Donegal one day and northern the other day. It was a small hotel. I really enjoyed Donegal. I think it is my favorite part of Ireland.

I don't remember the name of the place in Clifden. It was very nice, and more expensive than our usual spot. It was right on the water with a short walk to all the shops and restaurants.

We also stayed in Trim on the way back at the RS recommended place (again I can't remember the name). I thought Trim was delightful and a short drive to Newgrange on our final day.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience and recommendations. Very much appreciated. We've been away and are now seriously planning our trip for next Spring-hope to be a little off season and miss the summer crowds.