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
Florida
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
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 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
OP
Wonewoc, WI
47 posts
Thank you for the information!
Posted by
OP
Wonewoc, WI
47 posts
Thank you, Paul. It is kind of you to post this reminder to tourists!