During the course of an 8 day trip, which is pretty well planned, we will need to get from Adare to Galway. Is there anything worth seeing in that stretch (even if we need to go off course a little) or would it just be best to jump on a highway and get to Galway quickly?
Thanks for any suggestions.

bribby:

Look at map, read a guide book...there's Ennis, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, the fascinating Burren-scape...(going straight on to G-way ye'd be missin' it all!)

stu t.

Thoor Ballylee and Coole Park.

Dear Tower

We will be doing the coast area (The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, etc.) on the way back down to Shannon airport so I was more interested on the roads that were more direct to Galway.

Dear Jaja,

Thanks for your suggestions!

Dear Bribby:


Great....I didn't know that...so getting to Galway fast is a snap...just head for Limerick on the N-21 which flows into the N-20...about 10 miles into Limerick, where you should hit a by-pass road that connects you to the N-18.

Follow all signs to Shannon and Ennis...about 25 miles...at Ennis keep on the N-18 toward Galway..about 40 miles.

Suggestion: just before you get to Galway, you'll pass through Kilcolgan (at the junction of the N-18 and N-67)...watch for the famous Moran's Oyster House...great place for a most tasty lunch (especially if you like fried oysters....mmmmm.)

<b>Places of interest</b>
(mild and otherwise)...after leaving Limerick , just before the Shannon Airport cut-off, you'll see Bunratty Castle Folk Park...perhaps a bit hokey, but fun, nevertheless.

We found that the Royal Tara Porecelain Factory in the Mervue section of Galway was well worth a tour through...fascinating
production...closed on weekends.

A few miles past the Shannon airport cutoff, the lovely Dromoland Castle (hotel) is just off to the right after you pass Newmarket...walk the beautiful grounds,drop in and have a look...very nice treelined road leads to the hotel.

Enjoy Ireland....that's what it's there for!!

stu T.

Coming from Limerick on N18, you can also veer off a few kms to the east to visit (for free) the remains of Quin Friary.
http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/view/334534/
(Not my pics, by the way)

Few more kms to the East you'll find &quot;Craggaunowen - the Living Past Experience&quot;, a pre-historic open air museum.
http://www.clare.ie/members/listing.php?id=10

Ennis should remain on the short list for interesting stopovers on your way to Galway - even though N18 by-passes the town now.

Tower and Cowboy 1968

Thank you both for your directions and suggestions. They were the type of sights I had hoped would be along the way to break up the longish drive. Thanks again.

Bribby

Even BEFOR you get to Limmerick :

http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/LoughGur/

Also has links to other Shannon/Clare attractions.

Bob