mike7

I am trying to plan my drive to Galway after 3 nights in Dingle. The plan was to take the Kilrush Ferry, go out to Loop Head and then on to the Burren. Is it possible to cover these two areas in one day? Obviously we would have to limit the amount of time we linger in each spot. We are planning on leaving Dingle early and would like to get to Galway with enough time to change and walk around a little before dark. Any suggestions? The reason we chose Loop Head after reading the forums was to avoid the tourist trap at the Cliffs of Moher. However, would it be a better idea for the sake of time to go there? Thank you for your help.

Tony2phones

You are not going to get off Dingle from the town and up to Galway in less than 4 hours just driving going by Carrigaholt and Loop head, much as I prefer Loop Head area you are best advised to head over by the tunnel rather than the ferry and call at Moher on the way up from Lahinch to Galway on the coast. Drop into Doolin and take the coast road round Blackhead to Ballyvaughan. Maybe call into Kinvara and Dunguaire castle before getting back onto the N18 into Galway.
Before Dark?? when are you planning?

mike7

Thanks for the reply. We will be in Ireland from June 7-17(less than 2 weeks away!). Another option for seeing the Burren may be to do it the following day on our way to Shannon Airport This would allow us to eat Dinner in Ennis before arriving at our hotel. We have a very early morning flight and will be staying at the Shannon airport after our night in Galway.

Tony2phones

Not sure why you are going up to Galway just to spend one night? and turn round to come back possibly better to use Ennis or Ennistymon/Lahinch as a base see South West Clare before and North West Clare between that night and the Shannon night.

Rastaguytoday

t2p - took your advice and booked a hotel in Ennis. Thanks for your help.

Tony2phones

Which hotel, when Rasta, might have to come down and raid ur trash can.

mike7

GF really wants to spend time in Galway. Thought about taking a night away from Dingle which would leave us with 3 nights Dublin, 2 nights Kenmare, 2 nights Dingle, 2 nights Galway and the last night near the hotel. The appeal of the third night in Dingle is to give us a day to relax, maybe horseback riding or another activity other than driving.

Livinright

Hi Mike,

How about working your way up through the Burran, staying in Ballyvaughn for the night. You could then head through Galway spending as much time there as you please that day? It would make your day along the coast more leisurely and give you the day in Galway on your way to Shannon. If you are so inclined, there are boat tours of the cliffs at noon and 4pm. They only take an hour and might be a nice break from the car if your timing is right.

Tony2phones

To be honest and get in trouble for the truth, Dingle is a very small peninsula and with limited time only needs 2 nights, If you take the peninsular tour from Dingle Town it takes 4 hours, 2 if you only do Slea Head. On those grounds then a night on the West Clare coast between Lahinch and Ballyvaughan then a night in Galway would make more sense.

Rastaguytoday

t2p - I'll be staying at the Temple Gate Hotel.

I bought their dinner and breakfast package.

I can drink beer anywhere.

Tony2phones

Try Brogans just round the corner and (none beer) pop into the Clare museum just across the passage from TG small but interesting.