We're going to be landing at Shannon Airport one (we hope) fine day this September, to start our trip around the northern half of Ireland. I'm thinking in terms of Galway as a base for the first three days. But, looking at the map, the Arran Islands (one of our planned day trips) are a lot closer to Shannon than they are to Galway. Is there another good place to settle in nearby? We'll be landing at 7 in the morning, and we will probably want to spend the day in fairly stress-free walking around while we get used to the time change. So it would be nice if there are some interesting things to look at locally.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
You probably will want to visit the largest of the Aran Islands, since that is the one with Dun Aengus, the huge hill fort on the edge of a cliff. To reach that island, you take the ferry which leaves from the port (Roseveal?) in County Galway, If you go from County Clare, the ferry goes to the smaller island. From previous postings, I believe that ferry is sometimes cancelled because of rough seas. So, your idea of Galway as a base is a good one.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Rossaveal is the more reliable departure point for the Aran Islands. But it would take you several hours to get from Shannon to Rossaveal, plus the time on the ferry crossing. Doolin also has ferries that go to the Islands, but I have seen them cancel crossings even in sunny weather due to choppy seas.
Galway is about an hour from Shannon Airport. Galway is relatively compact and easy to walk around. Certainly has enough sights to keep you occupied as you settle in and get used to being in a different time zone.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
20 posts
Although the flight to Ireland is relatively short, compared to other places, the time change and lack of sleep really has an impact, so we make a point of not driving far after we arrive. When we land at Shannon, we book ahead to stay in Lisdoonvarna or thereabouts. It's about a 30-45 minute drive and is a great location for music, and actually a great base for the West. Galway and Spiddal (a village up the coast from the city) are great places to stay, and definitely the place to take a boat to the Aran Islands, but it's a bit of a drive, considering the lack of sleep, the time change, and the alertness needed to adjust to driving on the left. If you can take the time, I would really recommend staying in Lisdoonvarna, Lahinch or some village close by for that first night, then resume your explorations to the north. Enjoy and good luck.
Teddi