In April we arrive at Shannon on a Wednesday morning and have 3 nights in B&Bs before arriving Dingle on Saturday. I had thought we'd drive to Spiddal for the first night, then Clifden, and back to Kilrush overnight before taking the ferry and on to Dingle. My husband thinks Spiddal is too far for the first night when we're tired and our 1st day in the rental car, & we'd have to negotiate Galway - we're 69 years old (but spry!) Is there a nice village or rural B&B south of Galway someone could recommend? Are our distances too far - don't want to be in the car all the time. Thanks for suggestions. Julia
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
I can't address the B&B question, but the drive is only a couple of hours and there's no negotiating Galway - - it's all freeway and the bypass gets you to the west of the city before you get on pretty good two-lane roads (not the hedge-rowed narrow jobs you read about). You're at about an hour and a half up to Clifden and three back down to Kilrush. I think the ferry (I've not ridden it) would only save you a half hour and that's only if you could drive straight onto it and it magically poofed you across the creek.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
I can't help with distance, but a freeway-like driving experience should be less stressful for you beginning your driving on the 'wrong side.' I have taken the ferry. It saves you miles, but it does take time to wait for the ferry and then cross.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
As Ed says, you don't go through Galway, you go around. I think it's an OK distance for the first day, though I hope you plan to stop off at the Cliffs of Moher on the way.
Posted by
Dublin, Ireland
105 posts
No problem getting to Spiddal & Clifden as planned, excellent road from Shannon to Galway City, no need to stop south of Galway heading up there. Can I suggest an alternative route for you though on your way from Clifden to the ferry. South of Galway take the N67, heading through Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, the Burren, watch for the signs for Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher and visit both, continue on down through Lahinch (great spot for a bit of surfing, and as you say you are spry), and down to Spanish Point, you are visiting God's own country travelling this route. I would suggest overnighting in the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point as opposed to going on to Kilrush, the Armada is a beautiful hotel perched right on top of the Atlantic Ocean, cheap, and you are almost guaranteed a wedding there as well for a bit of craic. The Armada Hotel is about 1 hour (a bit less but give yourself that time) from the ferry. Should be no problem getting on the ferry, the local milk collection lorry is probably going to be one of your few fellow ferry travellers. Ferry takes 20 minutes and runs on the hour, every hour, from Killimor on the Clare side to Tarbert on the Kerry side, costs €18 but well worth it. And most importantly of course, enjoy your stay with us!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I know exactly the route John is talking about, and I agree, it is beautiful. I have stayed both in Liscannor and in Lahinch (especially love Lahinch!). It's a nice route. You will see a wide variety of Irish topography in a single day going that way.
Posted by
OP
Jericho, Vermont, USA
143 posts
I'm so appreciative of all your responses. They're very helpful! I'll probably come up with even more questions before April. Thanks! Julia