Westport or Ballina in Co. Mayo?
Apr 12th, 2015, 03:02 PM
#1
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Westport or Ballina in Co. Mayo?
Which would be more fun to stay in? My husband and I like to hear music, go to a pub and tend to stay away from the touristy things to do. We are ending in Sligo for a night, then on to Dublin by train. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Apr 12th, 2015, 03:33 PM
#2
Westport---Matt Molloy's is the place for great music. More trendy in the back room and Trad music in the middle room. We loved it. Westport was one of our favorite stops in Ireland.
Just one traveler's opinion.
Just one traveler's opinion.
Apr 13th, 2015, 03:16 AM
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We really liked Westport; I've never been to Ballina, so can't compare. We weren't specifically looking for music, but there were lots of places advertising it. The restaurant at our hotel had music very night.
Apr 13th, 2015, 06:40 AM
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As always, one piece of the puzle might not get the answers. Westport is the general choice and there are many music options other than Matt Malloys, unless you like to be sardines in a tourist sandwich.
You are aiming for Sligo but where are you coming from?
You are aiming for Sligo but where are you coming from?
Apr 17th, 2015, 07:15 AM
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Our trip starts in Kinvarra from a long flight (from Austin, Texas) into Shannon, then day/night in Galway, 1 night in Inishmore, then on to Westport or Ballina. From there, we will drive up to Donegal to sightsee and then stay the night in Sligo to turn in our rental car and catch train to Dublin the next day.
Thank you everyone for your responses. It has been helpful!
Joan
Thank you everyone for your responses. It has been helpful!
Joan
Apr 17th, 2015, 08:07 AM
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From Galway on the N59 http://goo.gl/Ek8bpw gets you to Leenane another couple of miles round to Kylemore Abbey. From Leenan to Westport head up the Doolough valley http://www.thinplace.net/2012/10/mee...connemara.html and come in via Louisburgh between Crough Patrick and Clew Bay. see also http://goo.gl/UL09QA
Apr 21st, 2015, 04:54 PM
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We agree with Tony2phones' suggestion above. Kylemore Abbey is well worth a visit. Depending on your interests, Achill Island, which is readily accessible from Westport, is a beautiful day trip. You'll be back in Westport to enjoy the music for the evening.
FWIW, when we were staying in the area of Kylemore Abbey, we had intended to drive to Donegal, wanting to enjoy the beautiful coast. We had only two days before we had to head back to the Shannon Airport area. The host at our hotel in Connemara suggested that we use our time in Westport to explore Achill Island, which, he suggested, was equally gorgeous. We followed his lead, and were happy that we did. Achill Island is outstanding!
Enjoy the Emerald Isle!
FWIW, when we were staying in the area of Kylemore Abbey, we had intended to drive to Donegal, wanting to enjoy the beautiful coast. We had only two days before we had to head back to the Shannon Airport area. The host at our hotel in Connemara suggested that we use our time in Westport to explore Achill Island, which, he suggested, was equally gorgeous. We followed his lead, and were happy that we did. Achill Island is outstanding!
Enjoy the Emerald Isle!
Apr 21st, 2015, 05:30 PM
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can't ask for a hotel with more ambience and character than The Olde Railway Hotel alongside the canal. We discovered it on a recent trip and I would recommend it to anyone. Ask for the William Makepeace Thckeray suite (we got it at no extra charge).
