Hello, we are looking forward to driving from Shannon to Galway to the Connemara early May. We want to drive along the coast as much as possible and then make a loop back down to Galway and then possible Doolin and back to the airport. How do we know how long it takes to get from town to town? How much countryside can we see in six days? and where are good places to stop for the night and eat? Is Doolin worth a stop? What are the other towns along this route we should see?<BR><BR>It's really hard to tell where to make reservations with this kind of vacation. We do not want to stay at one B&amp;B every night but we want to make sure we have some place to stay.<BR>We would also like to hear live traditional music.<BR><BR>Thank you<BR>Julie

JulieHHH: I've toured this area a few times and it seems you've already given your travel plans great thought! <BR>Re: travel times, use the ratio of one kilometer = 1 minute. Then,allow time for your stops along the way. If you tour Ireland from 9:00 - 5:00, let's say, I would estimate that you'd travel about 200 kilometers (120 miles) and that would allow you for numerous half-hour to one-hour stops (at Cliffs of Mohrer,Burren locations, Clifden, Oughterard, etc.). So, in six days,your plans are realistic in seeing Cty Clare and Galway. Near Shannon, do consider seeing Ennistymon, Knappoguye Castle, Quin Friary. In Connemara, bike riding out of Clifden or horseback riding out of Cleggan is recommended. Lastly, don't forget a boat trip to Aran Islands. Lastly, while travelling in May,you should have no trouble finding a B&amp;B to your liking in the town you end-up-in. Thus, unless you definitely see yourself staying in a location for a day or two, I would suggest not making reservations in advance. It will be too restrictive.

Thank you, should we explore Galway or not? If so should we stay the night?<BR><BR>

Lahinch is nice - convenient to the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin. O'Connor's in Doolin is a must for lunch! There's a place called The Falls Hotel that's the center of the Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna late September to early October. And while you're there, visit John Daly's (old guy with a long flowing beard) Matchmaker's Pub in Ennistymon. <BR><BR>Saturday afternoon in Galway you can listen to as much 'Trad' Irish music as you can stand. Try An Caeli &amp; Taaffes pubs (within 50m of each other in the Pedestrian 'Mall'). <BR><BR>If you stay in Galway, stay in Salthill out past Claddagh. <BR><BR>Plan to stay your last night in Ennis! I like the Temple Gate Hotel - it's in the center. I get 'warmed up' at the 'Preacher's Pub' in the Hotel and walk down Abbey Street to Cruise's Pub around 9:30 PM - they have 'Trad' Irish music every night - best on Friday &amp; Saturday. I will be doing exactly that on May 27th.<BR>BTW<BR>Ennis is just a 30-min drive from Shannon airport. <BR>http://groups.msn.com/gate5 click on 'Photo Album.'

Julie, I will recommend two accommodations that my wife and I loved very much. The Currarevagh B&amp;B in Oughtarard and the Dolphin Beach House on Sky Rd. near Clifdon. Both of these places are romantic and on water. If I had to do over, I would have booked us for two nights in each but would lean toward the Dolphin as it is on the coast. Since it is your first time, Galway would be a nice experience giving you a lively time and it is quite the attractive downtown. It is a youngish town so be prepared for youthful indiscretions. You have received some good advice. You will have plenty of time to see these two areas but don't try and do too much. Doolin is definitely a must. Distances won't be too bad for these areas as you could reach the airport from Doolin, if you chose to do so. Ennis does sound nice and I may stay there in Sept. Good Luck and buy a guidebook

Re:Galway, I enjoyed my &quot;American-hotel&quot; like stay at the Jury's Hotel - a short stumble away from the pubs and shopping! The city of Galway itself is not overly notable - but if you're lookling for a break from the B&amp;Bs and near the pub night life, Jury's is the best bet for a 1-nite stay.

my suggestion in Clare is in Ennis which is a delightful little town...stay at Kilmoon House on Kildysart Road...great people own it. Doolin is a must see for a stop over with the music at OConnors Pub..people come from all over the world to hear the traditional music there. Have fun

Julie,<BR><BR>West Clare is chock-full of quirky, colorful villages worthy of exploration. Many of these villages of situated within or close to the Burren, a rocky and relatively barren place that has a quality that is subtle and can draw you in if you give it time. <BR><BR>Take time to check-out the following towns: <BR>Corofin (features some fascinating ruins and a terrific B &amp; B, Clifden House); <BR>Ballyvaughn (Have dinner at Monk's Pub);<BR>Kilfenora (check out the cathedral's high crosses); <BR>Doolin (The trad. music scene here, I think, is way oversold, but the village has some good rerstaurants and a solid crafts shop).<BR><BR>Then it's on to Galway and points west into Connemara. The possibilities here are many, one of which is staying at one of the Republic's most distinctive B &amp; Bs, Fermoyle Lodge. Talk about an original! (See www.fermoylelodge.com) Memorable food, a warm welcome, and a smashing location in the remote hills of south Connemara. You'll want a minimum of two nights here.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

Then it seems we should start around Doolin and work our way up the coast?<BR><BR>Thank you.

I stayed in RosaVeal (Connemara) last May at a Guesthouse: a sign in front says An Cheibh. It's very convenient to the Aran Island ferries (or to Golf Mara - my reason), inexpensive and comfortable. It also has a sign that says B&amp;B. There's a picture of it in my Photo Album http://groups.msn.com/gate5<BR>The Lady of the House is 'Brid!'

We had lunch at Monk's Pub in Ballyvaughn. Good food &amp; great view.<BR><BR>If you spend the night in Doolin, the Lazy Lobster is a great place to eat dinner, and after dinner, cross the street -- there's a nice pub with live music.<BR><BR>We love Ireland. Enjoy!!!<BR>