We're trying to "gain" an extra day somewhere in order to spend a night on Inishmore.

Originally we'd thought Belfast to Derry, overnight, Sligo overnight and Clifden two nights (thanks, Twiggers!), but we're trying to get to Aran for a night after Clifden, so we're trying to consolidate somewhere.

We're going North mainly to see the Antrim Coast, perhaps do a flying visit to Giant's Causeway, more because it's a shame to drive right by it (it seems to be a bit of a disappointment to some folks), and pop into Bushmills for a few souvenirs.

So can we get maybe to Donegal for the night after leaving Belfast, and then right on to Clifden. I know that will mean a long drive to Clifden. We may have to forego Sligo Abbey and Carrowmore in order to get to Clifden, and that's ok.

I have a feeling we'll be Abbey'd, ruin'd and church'd out by the end of two weeks, so giving up Sligo (unless it's an absolute must see) Abbey is fine.

Any idea of driving times per day if we do this - Belfast - Donegal - Clifden?

Could we get further than Donegal? Don't really want to stop much later than 6:00.

Thanks.

Driving times are a full day each and what you put into each day is entirely up to you. If I were to cut anything out it might be Donegal. and maybe have that night in Sligo area.

I think the problem with some people is their highly perceived expectations are not met by many places. Some people rush things without having time to get pleasure, because they just have to be somewhere else in the next 5 minutes. I have recently read reports written that have lots of reference to conversation with fellow countrymen and little reference to conversation with the locals, half the pleasure of many peoples holidays comes from local interaction. Rushing from one place to the next without taking time to enjoy things will compound the lack of vision and drain the energy from your soul.

I can't remember you full itinerary and the brain is not functioning up to its normal 70% at the moment, run your itinerary by me again and I will have a closer look if you like.

Do not base the perception of how your holiday will be by the writings of others.

Thanks so much Tony. I completely understand what you are saying.

I'll post an itinerary this weekend and look forward to your comments.

Cheers.

Donegal to Clifden will be quite a haul. We did Sligo to Clifden via the coastal route and were tired and arrived late into Clifden. I believe there is a quicker N route that would get you direct.....but you'll miss the beautiful scenery of the R roads.

We packed a LOT into our trip, but there were only a small handful of times that I felt too rushed.

I'm still boggled by how people can spend an hour in an abbey or cemetery, but that is just me. By the end of your trip they will all start looking the same

We had great times chatting with locals at stores, B&B host(ess), etc. However, given that you are a "tourist" you are likely to run into other "tourists" who are at these touristy sights.

I don't know where the locals were....they certainly weren't sitting next to us at the restaurants (we talked to everyone around us) or the bars. It was all tourists!

We did stop the car many times on little roads and talked to the old men/women walking down the road though....that was fun.

Agree with Tony2phones, that holidays are also about enjoyment and relaxing. If you are going to the North why not stay just a day more and skip something of your itinerary in the South. Derry/Londonderry is an interesting City and you should take a guided walk on the City walls.

The Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal are as spectacular as The Cliffs of Moher and Glensveagh National Park is a must see if you are in Donegal. Donegal Town is a charming little stop on the way down to Sligo and has a lovely Castle.

If you take the N59 from Sligo through Mayo and Connemara you will enjoy the stunning views, nice towns and lots of sheep The route is about a 5 hours drive but with stops it will take a long day to arrive in Galway. Maybe a night in Westport. This is a lovely cosy town with great pubs and restaurants. If you stay in Westport don't forget to visit Westport House. From Westport instead of following the N59 to Clifden you can take a detour via the R335 to Louisburgh and Visit the Folk and Famine Museum and pass a Volcanic lake down to Delphi where you you can join the N59. From there it is not far to Kylemore Abbey and Clifden.

I am always one to push it...
We went from Donegal to Derry-did scheduled tour of walls, on to Dunluce Castle, to Giant's Causeway, then detour to middle of nowhere to pick p custom ade bodhran, and back to Donegal....had lots of time at each place.
The next day we went from Donegal to Knock-toured, to Cliff's of Mohr to doolin.

Go for it!