My husband and I are taking a last minute trip to Ireland next week. We have been many times before, so this trip is more about finding smaller villages anywhere in the west that we can relax and enjoy views, walks and pubs. Our plan is to pick up the car in Cork and drop off in Galway or Sligo but are open to all and any suggestions. Any great B and B you can recommend? Extra points if its a 30 minute or less walk to a decent pub. Many thanks!
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
509 posts
Check out lovely, seaside Roundstone in the southwestern corner of Connemara; Clifden (plenty of pubs, the Sky Road, etc.) just north of Roundstone; Doolin in Co. Clare with its three pubs and plenty of B&Bs; or the Aran Islands (ferries from Rossaveel and Doolin). All are quite small and walkable.
Further afield, the village of Glencolumbkille (Biddy's Pub is still closed, however) in far southwestern Co. Donegal has spectacular ocean views from its sourrounding cliffs. The two B&Bs in which we've stayed have closed.
As for B&Bs:
The Roundstone House Hotel (private dining room separate from the bar) in the village: http://www.roundstonehousehotel.com/
The Blue Quay Rooms in Clifden: https://www.bluequayrooms.com/
The Fisherman's Rest in Doolin right behind Gus O'Connor's Pub (it's "gone" FB!): https://www.facebook.com/thefishermansrestdoolin/
Posted by
OP
Colorado, USA
28 posts
Thank you! Checking out all your lovely recommendations now.
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
509 posts
If you're interested in traditional music, in addition to taking is sessions in the pubs at night, a visit to Malachy Kearns's bodhran shop and store in Roundstone (https://bodhran.com) would be a treat. I spent half an hour chatting with him and taking photos on last summer's trip.
In addition to the ferry options noted above, there is also service to the Aran Islands directly from the dock in Galway.