I imagine this will be the first of many posts within the next week or so....My sister, two daughters (ages 9 and 7) and I will be heading to Ireland in a few weeks (August 19-29) for a family wedding in Athlone. After spending a few days in that part of Ireland, we will be heading over to Ballybunion to visit family in Listowel and do some sightseeing on the West coast. We expect the drive between the two rental homes to be about 2 - 3 hours and would love to stop once or twice to see an unexpected sight and stretch our legs a bit -- any recommendations? I've been scouring tour books and websites, but nothing seems to be catching my eye. TIA.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1189 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
Outside Athlone...Well if you haven't visited Clonmacnoise south of Athlone on the Shannon River, I would. It is the site of a very large and important monastery (where civilization was saved, say some). Then Birr has a historic telescope. But then I would cut west to Ennis, turning at Nenagh. It has an excellent medieval high street (main street). A great many small shops. that puts you on the wrong side of the Shannon estuary. No problem there is a ferry from Kilrush to hmmm...I remember, the other side.
I have been to Limerick a half dozen times. And I am sure it is only me, and that Irish/American author of Angela's Ashes who find it grey, dull, and wet. I would skip it. Tralle has always been a milk truck intersection. Once again it is probably just me. Seems there is a wind mill, but beyond that it was trucks hauling milk. Might as well have stayed in Wisconsin.
Driving the quickest way will be more than 3 hours. Through the Ennis way will be all day. Some times you have to bite the bullet and just drive so you can slow down so later you can connect with Ireland.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The ferry is Killimer to Tarbert. Or Tarbert to Killimer, depending on your direction.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
wayner - thanks for your advice. I do like the sound of Ennis and have been seeing it on a few other posts / in guidebooks, but I'm not sure I want to bother with a ferry when we could drive straight through. You might be right - getting to Ballybunion, exploring the town and getting settled at the second house might be the best plan.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The point about the ferry is that it saves your having to drive around and through Limerick. It's a 20 min crossing instead of an hour's drive.
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Nancy - thank you for the clarification. Depending on the weather of our travel day this might be a viable option especially if we want to make an Ennis stop. Thanks again!