9 Nights in Western Ireland – Itinerary Feedback
We’re planning a 9-night self-drive trip to western Ireland early Sept. to celebrate our 30-year anniversary. We’re flying in and out of Shannon from Texas. We prefer scenery, smaller towns, local pubs/trad music, getting to know the people, and a fairly relaxed pace rather than trying to see everything. We’ll have a rental car for the trip.
Our basic itinerary is:
Day 1 – Shannon → Doolin
Arrive Shannon in the morning and pick up rental car. Depending on energy/jet lag, possibly stop at Dromoland Castle before continuing to Doolin.
Sleep: Doolin Airbnb
Day 2 – Cliffs of Moher/Doolin
Cliffs of Moher in the morning. Doonagore Castle viewpoint, Doolin village (shopping and snack), and otherwise keep the afternoon fairly relaxed.
Sleep: Doolin Airbnb
Day 3 – The Burren
Explore the Burren: Burren Perfumery, Poulnabrone Dolmen and Caherconnell Stone Fort/sheepdog demonstration.
Sleep: Doolin Airbnb
Day 4 – Inis Oírr + Cliffs Cruise
This is our anniversary day (a Monday). Ferry from Doolin to Inis Oírr. Explore the island for several hours (1 hour horse & carriage tour), then take the late-afternoon ferry/cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher back to Doolin.
Sleep: Doolin Airbnb
Day 5 – Doolin → Clifden/Connemara
Drive toward Clifden with a possible stop at Corcomroe Abbey and/or Hazel Mountain Chocolate. Spend the afternoon exploring Clifden.
Sleep: Clifden B&B
Day 6 – Connemara
Kylemore Abbey (only exterior and gardens), then a scenic driving day depending on weather: Sky Road, Roundstone and Dog’s Bay.
Sleep: Clifden B&B
Day 7 – Clifden → Galway
Possible stops at Glengowla Mines and/or Connemara Celtic Crystal before continuing to Galway. Explore Galway in the afternoon/evening and attend a show that night (“Mary’s Hopes and Dreams).
Sleep: Galway Hotel
Day 8 – Galway
Explore Galway/Latin Quarter, shop for matching Claddagh ring, Spanish Arch, and Micil Distillery tour in the late afternoon. Trad music in the evening.
Sleep: Galway Hotel
Day 9 – Galway → Ennis/Shannon area
Drive to Ennis, explore Ennis Friary and possibly visit Quin Friary. Continue to our final hotel convenient to Shannon Airport.
Sleep: Shannon/Ennis area
Day 10 – Fly home from Shannon
There is also a family-history component to the trip. My mother-in-law's family is Irish (O'Brien), so we've included a few stops connected to O'Brien history and heritage. Those are meaningful to us even if they wouldn't necessarily be considered "must-see" tourist stops.
I'd especially appreciate thoughts on:
- Does this feel comfortably paced, or are any days too ambitious?
- For our one full Connemara day, would you prioritize Sky Road/Roundstone/Dog’s Bay, or change that route?
- Are any of the optional stops not worth the time?
- Anything along this route that we're overlooking and should substitute for something above?
We deliberately aren't trying to cover Dublin, Dingle, Killarney, etc. on this trip. We'd rather spend more time in County Clare, Connemara and Galway than rush around the country.
It’s our first time visiting Ireland and hope to visit again because there’s just so much to see. Thanks for any suggestions!
