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Salthill/Galway to Ballycastle

I'm looking at the long drive from Salthill or Galway to Ballycastle and thinking it might be too much for 1 day. Please recommend a good place for an overnight somewhere about midway and worthwhile stops along the way. Our trip is being planned for late May/early June.
Thank you!

Posted by
509 posts

We didn't drive that particular route in May 2018, but on several days covered far more than the 140km/90miles (per GoogleMaps/2+ hours) you're considering. Travel time is, indeed, slower in Ireland but this doesn't look daunting if you have all day. That said, a somewhat more westerly route/overnight through Westport/Cong/Ashford Castle might be attractive if not otherwise on your itinerary.)

Posted by
7891 posts

Just before Leenane, take the Killary Harbor/fjord boat tour (book online for a small discount) and have mussels from the bay onboard the boat. The Best!

From there, we drove thru Westport and Newport and onto Achill Island (pronounced awk-ill) for a couple nights in the village of Keel - if you only have one night, it’ll still give you an Irish Island experience without a boat crossing, as there’s a bridge. The island has a deserted village with evocative ruins, and a drive with amazing views.

Just before (west of) Ballycastle the next day, be sure to visit the Ceide Fields, a sight with stone-age farm walls older than the Egyptian Pyramids, a small museum with a film about the site, and a fascinating story. Then a short distance outside Ballycastle is the beautiful sea stack of Dun Briste, a short walk from the car park at Downpatrick Head.

Posted by
47 posts

Thank you, Paul. It is kind of you to post this reminder to tourists!