We are trying to decide if we should stay 4 nights in Galway and explore the Connemara region from this home base. Or do we stay in Galway 2 nights (one day exploring Inis Mor ) and then drive north to stay 2 nights in clifden or roundstone and see this area with going to the national park one day. If we did this, would you recommend staying in clifden or roundstone? Thanks so much!!!
Clifden is a larger town, with more to do, than Roundstone. I remember Roundstone being very tiny.
If you want to explore Connemara and the national park, and if you don't mind moving around a bit, stay in Clifden. Less driving. If it were me, I'd split my time, 2 nights in Galway and 2 in Clifden.
(We did a nice circular drive one day, beginning and ending in Clifden. We drove south along the coast to Roundstone, and then returned along the "bog road" that cuts across land from Roundstone back to Clifden.)
Enjoy!
We didn't even go to Galway. We stayed in Clifden and explored the Connemara area and loved it.
Agree with Stacy-split your time between the two—one a larger city, the other more small town.
We found Galway quite crowded traffic-wise and difficult to get around in. Took awhile to just get in and out. My bias would be to visit Galway for a day and stay elsewhere to explore Connemara.
I believe we have decided to stay in the clifden arena for many of the reasons you all suggest. We have found however less availability and it to be a bit more expensive than some other locations. Any suggestions for places to stay that are maybe a little more affordable, 1 or 2$ as the key suggests. Thanks