Hi there! I am traveling a bit around and do not want to be in the car too much. BUT I only have two nights to spare in this leg of the trip and would prefer both in Galway. Is it too much to drive from Dingle to Cliffs of Moher for an hour or so and then direct on to Galway? As I have it now, I have a room near the cliffs just one night at the cliffs of mother hotel and then on to galway the next day for just one night. Is it worth staying by the cliffs to break up the drive and is it a nice spot to spend the evening?
Posted by
1172 posts
We did the drive from Dingle to Galway with stops at the Cliffs and also at Bunratty Castle. It was a long day but very doable. If you are only stopping at the Cliffs, I would say that you would be fine to get to Galway that day
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
It's 3-4 hours without any stops. If it's me, I'm making it a long day-leave Dingle early in hopes of arriving well before the tour buses, which if I recall correctly start arriving 10 am or so (??) perhaps someone can add to this.
Posted by
Northfield
24 posts
We went from Dingle to the cliffs via a ferry. That worked well. We stayed in Doolin just north of the cliffs, at the end of Galway Bay. It's doable.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
It's about 2 hours from Dingle to the Tarbert Ferry terminal. Allow about 30 minutes for the crossing of the Shannon over to the Killimer side, and then another hour and a half from there to Doolin. It would be a long driving day but not an unpleasant one if you take the scenic route from Killimer up the coast via the N67, with maybe a stop to enjoy the very pretty cliff walk at Kilkee.
Doolin is a popular overnight stop for many here on the forum. The village features some terrific little pubs with trad music sessions, and if you time it right you might also enjoy an evening/sunset boat trip along the base of the cliffs - many here rave about that experience and in fact prefer it to battling the crowds at the top near the visitor center.
Posted by
Florida
509 posts
Good info, as usual, from Robert. We used the Tarbert Ferry as well (May 2018), but didn't get on the first one available due to the number of vehicles in front of us in line. (We didn't purchase ticket in advance.) So, we waited an hour before boarding for the 30 minute trip.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
This has all been such great info! I booked a room in Doolin right in town at Fiddle&Bow B and B, and will do the Talbert Ferry across. Probably Jan 3 will not need a ferry reservation? We can head to Galway next morning and make stop at the Burren? Thanks everyone!!