We are headed over to Ireland after a week in England and had ideas about touring the southwest area. The forecast is for lots of rain and we are weary of driving so much. We booked a few nights in Galway thinking it's driving distance to the Cliffs of Moher and there are other things to do locally.
Anyone have ideas for places within an hour or two from there to stay for a couple of nights?... we've decided against going to Dingle as it's a full day round trip driving. Thanks for your help. Cheers.
Posted by
3123 posts
If you're tired of driving, a few nights in Galway sounds like a wise choice. Galway itself gets high marks from many visitors, and it's a big enough city that there's plenty to do. After Galway, would you consider Westport? It's smaller but was rated the best town to live in in Ireland. Or, if you want to be more in the countryside, choose a hotel out on the Connemara peninsula?
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
Going to Galway is a great idea, it was my favourite place, and there's lots of guided day trips you can do from there if you are tired of driving. The Cliffs of Moher/Burren, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, or a day out to Inishmore can all be done from Galway. Also, if you want to hear some good music look up the Crane Pub. From Galway, if you don't want to drive, it's easy to get to Kilkenny by train or maybe spend a night or two on Inishmore?
Posted by
41 posts
I don't know your age or physical condition, but my husband and I returned yesterday from 2 weeks in Ireland and our highlights were taking the ferry to Aran Islands- Ishamoor and renting mountain bikes to tour the island along with a Few nights stay in Dingle to Kayak out the bay to some cliffs and caves--I would have passed on many things to not miss these 2 experiences and we are in our mid 60's. Enjoy your trip, there will be rain but it wasn't heavy nor did it last all day (have your rain jacket handy at all times!) or affect our ability to see what we had planned!
Patti
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
All good advice so far. Would only add that the drive around Connemara, per Anita, really is terrific. If the weather cooperates the Sky Road just west of Clifden is worth a detour, and there are some very nice walks at the National Park if you want to stretch your legs in the middle of some gorgeous scenery. The monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise is about an hour east of Galway is also worth your time, depending upon your interests of course.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for all the replies. This is a first for us using this forum and I'm pleased at the participation. We ended up staying in Galway extra days. We had a fantastic Airbnb in the Salthill section of town and did day trips, most of which were ideas suggested. Highlights were driving to the Cliffs, seeing the Burren and a day trip to Inishmore. Off to Dublin, a few days there and back home. Cheers!