The 2 days in Clifden will be our first 2 in Ireland.

We’ll be flying from the East Coast, arrive in Shannon early in the morning, drive slowly to Clifden and probably crash right away (OK, we’ll probably have a pint before that). The 2 days in Clifden will follow – 2 full days and extra nights.

I know we can spend a week there and still not see everything, so what to do in the 2 days? We want to drive Clifden – Letterfrack – Rivley Point – Kylemore Abbey (visit the grounds) – Leenane – Oughterard - Maam Cross – Clifden; this will be a full day, right?

We also want to drive the Sky Road, and then either a cruise on the Killary Fjord or a drive to Roundstone. What would you do? What else is a must-see or must-do in Connemara?

Don't forget a couple of hours in Connemara National Park. Very beautiful scenery and some nice walks along the trails (if that's your sort of thing).

xyz99,

The road that runs in front of Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel is some of the best scenery I've seen. The address of the hotel is Recess. I don't have a map now. The hotel is the only building on this road. You are between two mountain ranges and it'll be you and sheep.

Have a great trip, Joan

The drive from Lenane to Louisburg, via Delphi, through the Doo Lough Valley. Stop at the Famine Walk Memorial and contemplate the juxtposition of so much sorrow amidst so much beauty.

Bob

Jefe,
The National Park sounds great – we’ll try to find a couple hours for it…will be nice change from driving.

Chatham,
Recess is on the route we are thinking of driving, so most likely we’ll enjoy the scenery there.

Italian_Chauffer
I read a lot lately about that drive, everybody raves about it – but do we have time for it? Should we save it for a next trip? It’s only about 20 miles on the map (so about 40 round trip) – considering the 35 mph rule, and the stopping time, this will require about 3 hrs, right?

Should we maybe cut the end of the other loop Maum – Oughterard – Maam Cross and drive to Louisburg instead? This might be a good idea, considering that we’ll do the Maam Cross – Oughterard portion when we leave Connemara. What do you think?

I do think the road through Doo Lough is worth it--a highlight of our trip. You could take the main road back and save lots of time. Also, please drive up the Renvyle Peninsula--the road to it is almost (not quite) directly across the road from the entrance to Connemara Nat'l Park. When going towards Leenane it will be to your left. It's a beautiful little drive with a castle ruin along it.

clifden is a great place for sessions--local music. one of our most memorable nights from our last trip was in a bar listening to music and getting to know the locals. make sure you leave some time for just relaxing.