Connemara - How to from Galway?
Aug 13th, 2004, 07:46 AM
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Connemara - How to from Galway?
We are heading to Ireland soon! We are flying into Dublin, explore the city, spending one night at Handel's Hotel, and then taking the train to Galway. I was thinking of using Galway as a base and taking a a day trip to the Aran Islands. I would love to go to Connemara, but I don't want to have to back track as we are heading south after Galway to ride the coast. Is it a good idea to use Galway as a base and to go to Commemara for the day and then back to Galway? Any advice would be appreciated!!
Aug 13th, 2004, 08:03 AM
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When we visit Connemara we usually stay in Galway, Salthill or Spiddal and make day trips into the area. That way you can go out into the countryside to see stuff but be close enough to the pubs and restaurants at night for some night life, too. You won't do a lot of backtracking because the area is not that big in the first place and loops are easy enough to map out and do.
Hope this helps some.
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
Hope this helps some.
Safe travels,
Wendy
[email protected]
Aug 13th, 2004, 08:10 AM
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That helps a great deal. My question is this...we plan on doing a day trip to Aran Islands (where we will not need a car) Should we get pick up the car to go to Connemara? I think we have to, but I am just checking. Do you have a good B&B suggestion in Galway where we can access both the Aran Islands & Connemara?
Aug 13th, 2004, 08:29 AM
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Galway is an excellent base for almost anything: big enough to have a good choice of restaurants, shops, etc, but small enough to be friendly. There are innumerable B&Bs in Galway, most of which are not listed by the tourist board. If you're arriving there in the daytime, you'll have no problem finding somewhere to stay. If you're arriving in the evening, it would be easier to book ahead.
Aug 13th, 2004, 11:32 AM
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Hi gorilla:
You can get a nice tour of Connemara from Galway. You'll definitely need a car for that. Michele Erdwig (irelandyes.com) reccomends Marless House in Galway. I've never stayed there, but I've never heard someone disappointed in her suggestions. Web page at: http://www.marlesshouse.com/
Let me know how the Handel Hotel is in Dublin. It isn't rated and it seemed inexpensive which had me worried. Was considering it as a posiibility in May. Also wondering about the noise there.
Have fun!
Bill
You can get a nice tour of Connemara from Galway. You'll definitely need a car for that. Michele Erdwig (irelandyes.com) reccomends Marless House in Galway. I've never stayed there, but I've never heard someone disappointed in her suggestions. Web page at: http://www.marlesshouse.com/
Let me know how the Handel Hotel is in Dublin. It isn't rated and it seemed inexpensive which had me worried. Was considering it as a posiibility in May. Also wondering about the noise there.
Have fun!
Bill
Aug 17th, 2004, 12:45 AM
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Handels hotel in Dublin is fine. Its a good location next to Christ Church.
A car is necessary for Connemara. A few places for a visit would be Roundstone and Clifden. There are also lovely drives and views in Leenane. I would stay in Clifton as my base and tour from there.
For the aran isaland Spiddal is ideal to get the ferry to Inish Mor. I usually fly over as its quicker and just a bit more money. I am not a fan of ferrys unless absolutely necessary.
A car is necessary for Connemara. A few places for a visit would be Roundstone and Clifden. There are also lovely drives and views in Leenane. I would stay in Clifton as my base and tour from there.
For the aran isaland Spiddal is ideal to get the ferry to Inish Mor. I usually fly over as its quicker and just a bit more money. I am not a fan of ferrys unless absolutely necessary.
Aug 17th, 2004, 01:55 AM
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AnCheibh GuestHouse (Ross a'Veal) just west of Spiddal is just about 1km from where Aran Islands ferries depart. It's a large 2-story yellow building on your right as you round the curve from Spiddal ro the causeway (heading for Carraroe). As I recall, they have Irish Country & Western music in the pub Thursdays and Traditional Irish music Fridays. So, if you are there either of those nights, expect it to be noisy! The B&B Manager calls herself 'Brid.'
Rather than the train, consider the CityLink (private) bus. It departs Dublin airport hourly for Galway and has several stops in Dublin: 4-hours, 15 Euros. It terminates at the Galway Tourist Office, just 100m from Eyre Square.
Rather than the train, consider the CityLink (private) bus. It departs Dublin airport hourly for Galway and has several stops in Dublin: 4-hours, 15 Euros. It terminates at the Galway Tourist Office, just 100m from Eyre Square.
Aug 20th, 2004, 01:30 PM
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Just got back from Ireland 2 weeks ago. We stayed at Ballynahinch Castle, about 1 hour from Gallway in Connemara. It's not cheap, but it was terrific. The grounds are incredible and the accomodations are first class, all the way. If you can splurge a bit, this is one place you won't forget. Clifden is close and the countryside is beautiful. Best of luck.
