I'm going to Ireland first week in March--two nights in Clifden (Abbeyglen Castle--any comments?) leaving there on Tuesday, need to get to Dublin by Friday noon--so in 3 days want to travel from Connemara through Donegal and Northern Ireland as my route to Dublin. Any suggestions as to what to see and where to stay? I have no ideas about Donegal and want to do that coastal route from Portrush to Larne in Co. Antrim. I'd love suggestions as to neat towns, places to go, places to stay, and length of these drives. Maps don't always tell the story. I've done the southern route, so am anxious to go north. Any suggestions or ideas will be very much appreciated!

Personally I would skip the Portrush area and stay two nights in Donegal.
There is so much to see in the area driving through would only makes you dissappointed. Ardara,Donegal Town, Ballyshannon(Rockville House is a great place to stay here) make nice places to use as a base. I would do myself a favor and stay a couple nights and do day trips from there. Make sure and take a day to drive out to Malin Beg and Slieve League area it is amazing and our fav. spot in Ireland. (so far)
We drove stopped at Glenveagh National Park the same day and took some back roads to get there and we were so glad we did!
The Anterim Coast is great but to see both Donegal and Anterim is impossible in that short amount of time.

Hi--I spent two weeks in Northern Ireland and Co. Donegal this past July. I really enjoyed the Northern route --however, was not too crazy about Portrush. I hiked and hitched alond the north and spread it out over a few days. But I imagine that it would take a few hours to drive from Portrush area along the scenic route to Larne. There is a fun town called Ballycastle that is very nice--if you go to the Central Pub tell Micheal Sarah from Canada says hello--he will be there I am sure! : ) The route along the coast from Ballycastle to Larne is stunning but I found that all along the Coast it was that way.
I really enjoyed the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal. I stayed in the town of Moville and ventured up to Malin Head--the most northernly point of Ireland. There is a ferry that goes from the North over to the Inishowen Peninsula. I really enjoyed my time there. sorry this posting is all over the place--I am writing it while watching my students. please email me if you would like some more info and I promise to make more sense when I reply! : )
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I really enjoyed Donegal, too. If you like museums that don't feel like museums , visit the Derek Hill House. He was the portrait painter of choice by many famous people, and his home is preserved exactly the way he left it. Great works displayed with amatuer works, nothing is off-limits , lots of personality to it. It was on the way back from Glenveagh. Hill was a friend of the owner.(McIhenney ?)

Donegal and NOrthern Ireland are both so beautiful. Yes it is possible to do this in three days, but I think if you choose to do this, you probably won't have time for museums and such. Concentrate on enjoying the natual beauty on this trip. Glenveaugh Park and also Derek HIll HOuse are beautiful, but I think they will take up too much of your time.
From Connemara, I'd head up past Westport and Castlebar and through Sligo to DOnegal for your first night.
There are some nice B&B's out at Killybegs. DO go out to see Slieve League. Huge cliffs and amazing to see. The next day, because of time limitations, you may be best to cut across to Letterkenny. The other coastal areas of Donegal are beautiful, especially HOrn Head and Inishowen, but save it for the next trip.
Maybe stay in Derry and visit the city.
The next day, head to Portrush and head around the Antrim Coast. Be sure to stop at Giant's Causesay. Dunluce Castle is also worth a stop .
Whew.... you are running out of time. Stay in Belfast. ..
Zip down to Dublin the next morning.
HOpe it works out for you.
Good luck.

The Glenariff Forest Park and it's Waterfall Walk is magical. We stayed at the Meadows B&B in Cushendall and took a taxi to the Forest Park. This coast is amazing. Donegal is well known, kind of like the Highlands of Scotland. Take the road less travelled! Have a grand time
Danna+

Holldoll,

Given your rather limited timeframe, I'd suggest that you travel the wonderful and underrated Antrim coast on another trip. Should you attempt it, you'll arrive in Dublin exhausted from driving.

As a more relaxing, yet scenery-filled alternative, consider exploring the Republic's wild, relatively underexplored west and northwest, namely County Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal, before heading east to Dublin.

Unfortunately, much of this region's best accommodations don't open until early April. Still, do make an effort to explore the villages and byways of this part of the Republic. Achill Island, for example, can be magical on a sunny day. Westport, also in Mayo, is a lively, colorful town. Heading into Sligo, the city has much to offer, particularly if you're a fan of W.B. Yeats. However, even if you're not, the Sligo region features many pre-historic sites. A good travel guide, such as Fodor's or The Rough Guide, will provide you with ample background. Finally, County Donegal is a wild, windswept place, offering much in the way of sightseeing. Do note, however, that these regions, compared with points south, have fewer accommodations and places to dine, especially during low season.

Best of luck.

Thanks for all the input. I truly appreciate it. I think I'll concentrate on Donegal's coastal areas and if time permits try to get to Antrim. I'm afraid in the far north it may be difficult to find accommodations. I checked out the ViaMichelin website (how great that is!) and it does look doable--even Antrim. But I'd rather have fun and take my time--good excuse to return! Again, thanks all!!