Western Ireland advice needed- narrowing down sites

Connemara is beautiful. We stayed at Abbey Glen in Clifton. Burrens was interesting, but I would prioritize Connemara over it. We didn't have time for the Aran islands.

Three days and two nights is not nearly enough time to devote to even a small segment of the Irish West. All those places you mention - and more - are well worth exploring and soaking up. Of them, I'd say a night on one of the Aran Islands, where Irish is the first language, and another in Connemara (Leenane or Clifden), in my view the most beautiful region in the country.

In lieu of one of the islands, I'd go for a night in Doolin, a ferry departure point to the Arans. While there, pop into one or all three of its pubs for a lively trad session, grand beers, pub grub and elbow-rubbing with the friendly locals.

I'd also venture that a full week in the Ring of Kerry is too much. Two or three nights there and a like amount of time on the Dingle Peninsula or the Beara Peninsula would make for a richer experience.

Thanks! I wish we had more time, but we'll just have to plan a return trip. Our week in ROK is not negotiable as we will be at the family homestead for a reunion, but we will be doing lots of day trips, hiking, biking while there. I've decided to definitely go to the Aran Islands, weather permitting. Thanks again.

With all the time in the world, my western Ireland would include Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Clifden, Inishmore (Aran Islands), Galway then probably skip all the way down to Dingle and add Skellig Micheal (and some Ring of Kerry sights). Note I'm skipping the Burren and Cliffs of Moher by choice and visiting Aran Islands from Rossaveel rather than Doolin.

Places to see include: Grianan of Aileach, Beltany Stone Circle, Newmills Corn & Flax Mill, Donegal Castle, Sligo Abbey, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetary, Kylemore Abbey, Cong Abbey, Ashford Castle gardens & hawk walk, Dun Aengus, The Worm Hole (and other ancient sights on Inishmore) plus all the sights around Dingle and Kerry.

With limited time, I'd sort through those and decide which interest you most. There may be other sights, not mentioned here, that appeal to you more. Use viamichelin.com route planner to test segment drive times adding one sight or taking away another.

We’ve had 2 trips to Ireland, and both included a night on Inishmore, with foul weather and canceled ferry trips the next day. On trip 1, we were eventually able to take a later ferry, with an unexpected stop at Inisheer. Trip 2 (last September), we flew to/from the big Aran Island, but our flight was delayed until late, late afternoon, when the storm cleared a bit. Transportation and weather can stall an Aran Islands visit, if there’s not any wiggle room in your schedule.

Skellig Michael was mentioned above. Weather and tides can affect whether the trip will go, but since it involves a day trip with no overnight possible, and if you’re in Ring of Kerry land and have a day available, maybe you can still make a (highly recommended) island visit?

We just did a trip to the west, and you can't begin to cover a 3rd of what you want to see. Mostly because the speed limit is 80kmp and you can't possibly go that fast on these narrow roads, there for when it says 1 hr allow 3. Just allow more time and enjoy.

If you're coming up from Kerry, slide past Galway and head for Clifden on the N59 via Maam Cross; that will show you some of the best Connemara scenery. More available on the drive from Clifton to Westport. A night in Clifden, most of a day and then a night in Westport might be a good approach with your limited time.

Thanks for all the great place suggestions. We have definitely decided to go Inishmore (from the ferry at Rossaveal, so we are hoping the weather cooperates). And as for County Kerry, we have tickets to Skellig Michael (such a competition for those since the Star Wars movie!).