Arriving in Shannon

How early are you getting in? Have you been to Ireland before? Are you renting a car? You'll get a lot of different answers based on your response to those questions. I'll assume (1) approx. 8 AM; (2) no; and (3) yes. Given that, I'd suggest not overdoing it - because you're going to be jet-lagged - and stay in or around Doolin. You'll be able to take in Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, some great traditional Irish music in Doolin, some of the Burren, etc. From there, with a good night's sleep, you can head north to Galway and beyond.

Using Roy's assumptions, there are many great destinations within an hour or two of Shannon, Doolin among them. Lehinch along the coast is a nice spot, or just a bit south of that, Spanish Point. Closer to Shannon, Ennis is a nice town. Driving from Shannon to Galway is certainly doable on your arrival date, but you'd miss so much interesting stuff along the way that I wouldn't suggest it. The drive along the coast, up to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and The Burren is quite nice.

Enjoy!

Our first night was spent in Liscannor, about five minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. We spent our first afternoon exploring Bunratty Castle, then headed for Liscannor. We had dinner in Doolin. The following day we saw the Cliffs and the Burren before heading on to our next destination.

We'll be doing much the same thing right after Labor Day. Our plan is to base in Galway for the first three days. We're taking the coach from Shannon to Galway and spending the first day in town. For the second day, we're taking the coach/ferry to Innishmore. On the the third day, we pick up the rental car and visit the Cliffs of Mohr. After that, We're heading north to our next base at Letterkenney in Donegal.

Ennis is a good choice. It's both a destination in itself and a jumping-off point for day-trips.

Ok. Here comes my raves for Ennis, County Clare (easy access from Shannon Airport)Medieval Towne Center, Art Galleries,Shops, Dining and Great Accomadations. I thought I would drive to Galway my first day in IRE but decided to stay and explore Ennis. I would recommend B&Bs But Ennis also has lovely hotels if you would prefer. All in Steve's book. I really enjoyed my stay at The Grey Gables B&B. The owner is great and very helpful. The accomadations are wonderful and food is very good. It is also close to towne centre and has good off street parking. Easy access back onto the "dual carriageway" or divided highway as we say here in the States.

On a recent trip to Ireland, (Aug5-21 2009) we arrived Shannon at 9:30 AM. It was a breeze compared to Dublin! We were on the road by 11:00 AM. Stopped in Ennis for coffee about noon, then stopped at Coole Park, and Kilamacduagh Abbey about 90 minutes each. We arrived in Galway for our first night about 5:30 PM. It seemed to be a fairly easy drive despite jet lag, which was made worse by a 6:30 AM flight from Portland Oregon and a 7 hour layover at JFK! You can't go wrong with either Ennis or Galway. This was our 2nd time in Ireland driving on the left, and if this is your first time, you might opt for Ennis, due to the traffic in Galway. If you want some ideas for B&B's, let me know...Dan

We stayed at the Bunratty Manor Hotel, which is about a ten minuet walk to the castle and Durty Nelly's. However, I must say the beds were pretty stiff, but this seemed to be the case at most places. We took the train from Dublin, so from the train station to the hotel was about 20 euro. You'll want to sleep when you get in because the time difference really messes up your ability to enjoy the first day or two. The castle is a bit touristy but fun and Durty Nelly's has great food.

I'd be thinking along the lines of Nancy's suggestion.

Trying to get to galway the first day is possible but you will miss alot along the way. ie. Cliffs of Moher. Maybe take a drive through the burren, kilrush, kilkee, then up to Lehinch and Ennistimon. Maybe stay in Lisconnor or Doolin that night and hit for the cliffs of Moher early the next morning. After that head on to Galway

Here's an idea: SPEND THE FIRST NIGHT ON AN ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF IRELAND; and for not too much more.

Last summer my girlfriend and I arrived in shannon airport in the morning. we drove up to the cliffs of moher where we walked around for an hour or so before continuing on up to galway where we stopped to grab some breakfast and tea at a little cafe off the square. then we continued off to rossaveal where the ferry takes you over to inishmore. on this island, most of the people who live there speak gaelic; cars can only get on and off the island about twice a week - along with the mail. you can stay at a B&B or a hostel: i'd recommend the Kilmurvey House which is located near the main attraction of the island: an old fort which was built and used over 2000 years ago.

this is my suggestion, we did all of this in about 38 hours before moving on to other wonders of ireland. feel free to message me with any questions.