Dingle or Connemara?

When we were in Ireland last, we met a couple who was staying at a time share in Oughterard (not Oughterand). Connemara is stunningly beautiful and not nearly as touristy as Dingle. There is a national park there where you might see wild Connemara ponies, and lots and lots (and lots) of sheep. Within a short drive of Oughterard is a silver mine that offers tours, and it's a day trip to Kylemore Abbey and Cong and Clifden, the coast town where my family is from. It's also within striking distance of Galway, the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher. I know others will disagree, but Connemara will get my vote every time.

Julia,

My vote would be for Dingle, as there are also lots of interesting sights to see in that area, and it's a beautiful small town and easily "walkable".

Some places you might like to see in that area are the Blasket Island Interpretive Centre (with perhaps a trip to Great Blasket if you're inclined) and the Gallarus Oratory.

Good luck and happy travels!

I didn't make it to Connemara, but Dingle was my favorite place we went to in Ireland. I was there the last week of April, and though there were some tourists (I was there after all!) it was not overrun with them. The coastline was very nice and there was a lot to do in the area. I wish I had more time there!

Dingle was by far my favorite place in Ireland after spending two months there. That being said, Clifden, in Connemara, was in my top three places and it was a lot more touristy than the connemara region. So if you dislike touristy places, then I would pick the connemara area, but otherwise Dingle Dingle Dingle!

Both locations are beautiful. However, with a 3 week stay you will probably want to do day trips. If so, it would be easier to get to other locations from Connemara, since you aren't way out on a peninsula.

I have 2 private messages which I cannot seem to access. If you sent one, would you please just post it on here? Thanks. Julia

Both are lovely, but Connemara is hands down less touristy than Dingle. Now, I am not putting Dingle down, there is a lot to see and do, and I think would fit nicely with your interests, but it is more touristy than Connemara.

We based ourselves in Clifden and enjoyed the stunning scenery all around. The Connermara National Park is great, with many trails to hike, tons of sheep, and beautiful nature all around. Also, Galway is worth a visit, and it is only about 30 minutes away.

With three weeks, I think that there are many sights in the Connemara area to do day trips to. You could even do a few days in the Aran Islands (try Inishmaan for less toruists). Fly or boat there from Galway, then use a B&B for a night or two. The Cliffs of Moher are about 1.5 hours by car, and the Burren only about an hour or less.

Aughnanure Castle is in Oughterard, and is worthwhile.

PM me for more info about this area, or Ireland in general.

I agree with Cynthia. It would be much easier to make day trips and see more of Ireland from Connemara than being on the peninsula at Dingle. It will take you at least an hour driving time just to get off the peninsula and be on the road to where you want to go. In the same length of time to can find many things to see in and around Connemara. The Dingle area is beautiful and interesting but Dingle Town is loaded with tourists and while areas further out are better, three weeks would be a long time to spend there.

I did not send a PM to you.

If you decide to stay in Oughterard, I cannot recommend Lough Corrib Cruises highly enough as an excellent way to see the lake and scenery and learn the history of the area. Patrick and David Luskin, the brothers who own and operate the cruises, are full of knowledge of the area and love to share it. This was one of the BEST things my parents and I did when we were in Ireland in September. You can find out more about them at www.corribcruises.com.