First time to Ireland. Our route takes us from Dublin-Kilkenny-Dingle-Galway-Dublin. We have 4 days after leaving Dingle. Thought we'd stay in Galway but thinking about 2 nights before or after Galway. Any ideas? We plan to use bus and rail so will not have access to a car.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
How about Lahinch or Doolin? Lahinch is a cute little coastal town with a world famous golf course. Doolin is considered the center for traditional Irish music. From Doolin, particularly, you could visit the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
I'm a big fan of Doolin. Lahinch was a bit strange to me, like a cross between Ireland and touristy Florida beach towns -- pubs right next to surf shops. Doolin is a great base for going to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, too.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
Two wonderfully scenic destinations near Galway are Connemara and the ferry over to the Aran Islands. We always rent a car, so I don't know how you do these by public transport, but there are probably tours available from Galway. You might also consider visiting Kenmare or Kilarney and doing the Gap of Dunloe jogging car--boat loop tour; however, that really fits in better between Kilkenny and Dingle. The medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle is lots of fun although we usually hate any kind of organized tourist activity.
Posted by
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
504 posts
The ferry services to the Arran Islands offer coaches that will pick you up in Galway and take you to the boat.
Posted by
OP
Newberg, Oregon
6 posts
From what I've read on line, it sounds like it is fairly easy to visit the Aran Islands from Galway as, say from Doolin.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
From Galway (the port is Roseveal I think), the ferry takes you to the biggest island which has Dun Aengus Hill Fort and the Seven Churches. From Doolin the ferry takes you to one of the two smaller islands and the trip is longer and rougher. For a first visit, most tourists would probably prefer the Galway option to the Doolin option.