I'm rearranging our 12 day 11 night itinerary and would appreciate any suggestions. We are arriving in Shannon June 2. The first 2 nights are booked in Doolin. I thought we would be able to stay in Doolin and tour Connemara region, but have since been advised it would be too far for day trips. We'd like to visit Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara area. Any recommendations for days 3 & 4? Clifden or Spiddal? We have reservations in Dingle days 5-8. Thanks in advance!

We stayed in Clifden last year and loved it. Very good base for Kylemore Abbey. We drove up to Kenmore one day, and to Cong and back on another. I would also highly recommend Buttermilk Lodge B&B. It was my wife's favorite of our entire trip

Oughterard.

Clifden would be better. Spiddal is not far from Galway city and quite small. Clifden is a lovely village and you get a feel for the area here as well as driveable to many sights.

Oughterard.

I would have to vote for Clifden, as all of Connemara is at your doorstep. The Quay is a lovely B&B in Clifden. Clifden has grown to become a fantastic place to stop for more than just a few hours. It has some excellent restaurants and pubs. I spent a half day just perusing the antique & book shops. You should be able to find some great Trad music quite easily. I had a wonderful night at E. J. Kings.

Oughterard does have its points, as well. The Yew Tree is a must if you stay there.It is the most delightful bakery,though it is so much more that Bakery hardly describes it sufficiently. Perhaps Padraig or Lucie might have a favorite place to lodge that they could suggest?

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine
Cowboy Craic