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March: 7 days hiking lush landscapes and traditional music

Posted by on

Hello!

I will be in Ireland for 7 full days. I arrive on March 11 and leave March 19th (yes! I'll be there for St Pattie's day!).
I've been to Dublin and Galway already.
This trip my focus is on lush and dramatic hikes and scenery and traditional Irish music.
I was thinking of splitting time between the Dingle peninsula and Westford/Connemara.
Are these locations good for these interests or would an alternate location (perhaps closer to one of these be better?) Is there a lot of life music in March at these 2 places? Is it possible to do hikes this time of year (I don't mind the rain). Are shops and pubs/ restaurants open this time of year?
Are either of these places good for St Patrick's day or is there a better town/city close by that would be better (again, mostly interested in music and dance).
What about the quickest route between Dingle and Westford?

So appreciative for any help!!
Courtney

Posted by
7891 posts

My trips to Ireland haven’t been in March, so I can’t offer firsthand advice about the month, although we stayed in Clifden in September 2019, and it was a good hiking/music base.

To get between Dingle and Westport (or wherever), are you going to be driving? Bus?

Posted by
183 posts

When we were in Ireland last summer, we were told that Dingle has the longest season in the area and that things start going as early as February. Dingle has a ton of traditional music venues.
Don't know about other areas but thought I'd share that!

Posted by
2235 posts

Base yourself around Doolin (supposed to be good for the music scene). There is a lot of good walking in the burren area. Being on limestone, it will be dry underfoot and won't be as muddy as elsewhere in Ireland. As well as the Burren Way, there are some ideas for walking here. and also here.

if you do decide to walk the Gap of Dunloe. plan to do it later in the day when the jaunting cars have gone.

Posted by
2976 posts

We had good luck with Alltrails during our own hiking trips in Ireland. You have to establish an account with them (free) but it's worth it for the reviews - which for us were always quite helpful in sorting out the degree of difficulty, type of terrain, views, etc.
Suggest a good pair of waterproof boots - it'll be boggy in places once you get much off the beaten path ... especially in March.

Posted by
11 posts

We are going in March for the first time after many summer trips, and I have similar questions! My research suggests that Kilkenny has a nice St. Patrick's celebration, so I think we will visit there at the end of the trip before we fly out of Dublin.

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