CNugent

I am struggling to figure out which island we should go to while in Galway (2 nights) and Roundstone (2 nights) but only have one day to explore an island. Which one would be ideal? My husband and I are with his parents who are in their 70s. So a lot of hiking is not what we are going for. More leisurely but peaceful and beautiful views. Also we love ourselves a pub We also are renting a car so not wanting to do a tour.

Is Achill too far for a days trip? The abandoned village looks neat. Any help is appreciated!...

Itallian_Chauffer

Achill is a bit of a stretch from Galway or Roundstone, but it COULD be done in a Long day (summer months).
Haven't been to Inisbofin so I can't advise on it. It's a small island, mostly given over to hiking, but I'm told there IS a taxi service that can be hired to tour you around.
Inis Mor is an easy day trip from Galway -- either by plane or ferry. The only 'rough spot' for the parents might be the access walk up to Dun Aengus.
For me, the determining factors would be the time of year and the weather on the day.

Bette

My grandfather was born on Inishbofin so I much prefer Inishbofin. That being said, we usually spend our time walking / hiking which would not be the best plan with your parents. I also love Achill Island and was just there again a few weeks ago. I do think it is too far from your bases of Galway City and Roundstone. We usually visit Achill when we are based in Westport, Mayo. Given your travel group and your bases I would do Inis Mor.

CNugent

Thank you both very much!
We have decided to go with Inis Mor.

Tony2phones

One of the abandoned Famine villages of Connemara near Leenane is detailed in https://goo.gl/LdHGPE Many homesteads were destroyed by absentee landlords leaving the evicted tenants to survive in stick and mud shelters which no longer exist.

This might make interesting reading http://clifdenheritage.org/a-picture...-in-connemara/

you might also find some points of interest in this map https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Pz...x0&usp=sharing and the included link.

Between Roundstone and the N59 runs the Old Bog Road (immortalised in song) http://www.connemara.net/roundstone-...bog-road-tour/ & http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/...-29889182.html

Sorry I missed this first time round.

CNugent

Tony2phones, thank you so much! The abandoned famine villages look interesting to see. Your advice has really helped me plan, not just with this advice, but other treads I have read.

Tony2phones

Never answered the Island question.. If you can get RTE on http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/ they are running a feature on some islands this week
https://www.facebook.com/RTEOne/vide...5686586171844/

Achill is too far really
Inishnee is over the bridge from Roundstone http://www.connemara.net/inishnee/ Omey Island off the Aughrus http://www.aughruspeninsula.com/omey-island.php saddly Pascal Wheelan the last resident of Omey passed away yesterday and the island is the newest on an increasing uninhabited list.

Macross

You will like Inis Mor. Teach Nan Phaidi is a great cafe before you visit Dun Aengus.