Places to visit between Galway and Kinsale

Near Mallow you could turn off to the town of Liscarroll to visit the donkey sanctuary. It's one of my favorite places. The beautiful rolling hills of the pastures overlook a 12th century ruined castle, too. Once you turn off the main road it does feel like you are headed out to the middle of nowhere, but the sanctuary is well-signed. It's also free of charge to visit, and the donkeys do like the attention. You'll see plenty of ruined abbeys, but there is only one donkey sanctuary in Ireland! You can get more information at www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie.

Hi,
I haven't looked at the specific roads you are traveling. Goganbeara monastary is quite nice. Ennis is a lovely market town with a winding main street that can not be widened. Shannon is the airport, really no town. Limerick is grey, dull. Cork is big. Kinsale has become touristified. But has a really nice set of castles near by. The saying, "By Hook or by Crook" comes from the region, and how it would be invaded. Gort has the best renaissance building in Ireland. That is not saying much but it is surrounded by Holsteins and their pasture land. A lovely place to hunt dragons as a five-year-old there told me. Sounds like a one day drive. Takes time, but Dingle Peninsula is very nice, crowded by bikes and cars. And Beara Peninsula is undiscovered and really lovely. Kerry Peninsula is between then and set up for tour buses. wayne iNWI

Thanks for the helpful options. I think the donkey refuge may work as we love animals, if not this time, next. I have noted the towns you mentioned and we may be able to work in one or two along the way. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.
Barbara