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Clifden, Doolin, and Dingle Honeymoon

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Clifden, Doolin, and Dingle Honeymoon

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Old Jan 19th, 2005 | 08:03 AM
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Clifden, Doolin, and Dingle Honeymoon

My fiance and I are going to Ireland in June for our honeymoon, and we've decided to stay 3 nights in Clifden at Joyce's Waterloo Guesthouse, 2 nights in Doolin at Seaview House, 3 nights in Dingle at Greenmount House, and 1 night at the Dromoland Castle (outrageously expensive, but, hey, it's our honeymoon!). We are flying in and out of Shannon.
We already plan on seeing the Aran Islands, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry. We just want to take it easy and take in the scenery.
We want to enjoy as much of Ireland as we can. What would you say are the other must see sights around these places? We don't mind a bit of a drive.
Thanks for helping us out!
jennylyn is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2005 | 10:14 AM
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The Aran Islands, the Burren and the Cliff of Moher are not day trips from Clifden. They'd be things to do from Doolin. However, around Clifden I can recommend Kylemore Abbey, about 20 minutes away. I'd also recommend a drive up the Renvyle peninsula (which is in the same direction on the N59 and could do at the same time). I thought the scenery and vistas on that drive were wonderful. The road to the peninsula is directly across Connemara National Park in Letterfrack, so you could take that in too. For another day out of Clifden in the other direction, a trip to Roundstone is very interesting. The terrain is so bleak yet beautiful, and Roundstone is a neat little town. On the way back you could drive into Ballynahinch Castle and check out the grounds. Also while in Clifden don't forget to do the Sky Road drive. Anyone will give you directions how to find it. I love Clifden and it's surrounding areas!
Holldoll is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2005 | 10:38 AM
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Oooh, sounds like fun - we did something very similar in September (including last night @ Dromoland) and I have a longish trip report somewhere if you click on my name. Your plan sounds good, but one thing I would definitely recommend is trying to see some native sports - hurling or gaelic football clubs are in every main town/college. For schedules, see "fixtures" at www.gaa.ie. Very cool Irish experience!
For Dromoland, take your time wandering the grounds and make reservations in advance for the Earl of Thormond restaurant, but if it's too pricey the Country Club does a nice job. Don't miss having a drink at their bar, just remember that your husband will need a jacket between 7 and 10 PM. Surf these boards for lots of good advice, see as much trad as you can, pub crawl to your hearts content, drive carefully, and take lots of pix! Have fun.
AHaugeto is offline  
Old Jan 19th, 2005 | 01:41 PM
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From Clifden, we saw Kylemore Abbey and then drove on through the Doo Lough valley. It is beautiful and very different from the Ireland you will see in Dingle.

From Dingle, I recommend using Rick Steve's Dingle Penninsula tour. (don't buy the book just for that- e-mail me and I will scan it to you.) We loved it and even renewed our wedding vows at Kilmakadear. On that circular drive, we also fell in love with Coumenoole Beach. We also liked Inch Beach which is more on way to Killarney.

edhodge is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2005 | 04:03 PM
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My husband and I flew into Shannon and drove to Ballynahinch Castle, 15 minutes outside of Clifden. It would have taken about 3 hours, had we not stopped 2 dozen times to take pictures. Take the coastal routewhen you hit Galway-it's very scenic. After 3 nights there, we headed to Dingle, stopping at Ailwee Caves and Cliffs of Moher on our way. It made for a long but adventurous day. We stayed at Greenmount-take the Pass (mentioned in the Fodors guidebook)to get there. Greenmount is absolutely a gorgeous, clean place-we had the room on the site with a skylight above the couch and we left the patio door open for the sea breezes. A beautiful view, but with a short downhill walk to the city. There's a grocer in town, and we bought crackers and cheese and stored in the mini fridge. Bathroom a bit cramped but still nice. We went on the Cork and Dublin after, but I can still remember the warm breezes in Dingle! Definately stop at Killarney Nat'l Park on your way around the Ring. There's a waterfall hike off the side of the road that's nice, and the views are spectacular. Stop at one of the outposts in the area and pick up sheepskin rugs-they were the best prices I saw while there.
shelly27 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2005 | 10:33 PM
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The Lakes of Killarney are a must. A jaunty ride (horse and cart) is a lovely, relaxing way to soak in the scenery. We stayed at Seaview House and loved it, especially being within walking distance to those great pubs! What fun! Best wishes for a wonderful honeymoon.
toni is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2005 | 12:19 PM
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Near Ennis is a small town, Quin. Visit Quin Abbey, which may not be haunted, but the feeling you get while there is certainly eerie. There is a small pub there (can't remember the name) where one of the town's folk recited an old Irish love poem/story when he found out we were celebrating our 30th anniversary. If you're not in love when you get to Ireland, you will be before you leave. You might also consider staying a night at Ballynahinch Castle. An amazing place - and wonderful food!
Irene1949 is offline  
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