bb3520

On a goodly drive fronm Donegal to Ballynahinch (near Clifden) [about 4 hours], I will pass opportunities for a) Doo Lough Pass, b) Aasleagh Falls, c) Kylemore Abbey, d) Connemara National Park, e) Sky Road out from Clifden, and f) the Ballynaboy-to-Toombeola road below Clifden.
I would love to do all six but doubt time will allow it. Which of these are "must-sees" and which should be foregone if time runs short?

Holldoll

Your 4 hour drive will turn into a lot longer one by going from Westport towards Louisburgh and taking the Doo Lough Pass route, but very very well worth it. So get a good, early start and do that. By doing so, you will pass Ashleagh Falls just outside of Leenane. If it's not too late you will then go right past the park, if you feel like stopping, and on to Kylemore Abbey (the Abbey doesn't take much time--just to take a look). I would then go on to Ballynahinch and settle in. If you still feel like being in a car (which I doubt), head to Clifden and the Sky Road (the other road I'm not familiar with). But another thought would be to go to Clifden and the Sky Road the following morning. Others may find it odd, but of your list, I wouldn't miss Doo Lough Pass. Be sure to read it's history before you go. Have a wonderful time--that's whole area is my very favorite.

Holldoll

p.s. I should have asked--where in Donegal are you starting from? We did Clifden to Killybegs in a day. Much farther would have been too much, with stops and going via Doo Lough.

hopingtotravel

A note on Kylemore Abbey. It is a beautiful photo op from the outside. There is also a little tourist shop there with socks, etc, like we found nowhere else.

However, don't pay the $8 or whatever to tour the inside. You get to see about 2 rooms. Not worth it.

I've heard the gardens behind the abbey are nice. We didn't see them.

When you are in Donegal do you plan to go out to the Slieve League Cliffs? They are stunning.

We spent a small fortune in Magees!

bb3520

Many thanks for the suggestions. We are staying in Donegal Town (not that far from Killybegs) -- so Doo Lough may be do-able.

Also, the day before our journey south, we are planning to go up to Horn Head (we enjoy a bit of birding during our travels). I am wondering if we can go out to Slieve League in the morning, then up via Ardara and Dunglow, to Horn Head, and back to Donegal Town via Letterkenny -- all in a day.

I'm looking forward to Magees, but I'm leaving Ireland on RyanAir with a 33 lb checked bag limit -- hopefully they ship!