We are going to Galway & connamera in the spring. Can anyone recomend B&B's or hotels <BR>that are clean, friendly & mid-range prices. <BR>We also would like to know about the Aran isle trips, best way to get there,etc,& was it worth it? <BR> thanks for your help, Brian

Brian, <BR>Clifden is one of the best towns in Connemara and I would highly recommend the Quay House there. We stayed there in Sept and loved it. More upscale then some B and Bs but too small to really be a hotel---about 15 rooms I think. Our room was called a studio and was huge and overlooked the bay. We paid 45 punts per person. <BR> <BR>When we were in Ireland about ten years ago we went to the Aran Islands by boat from Galway. I forget the details of the trip but it was easy to put together. I would definitley consider it worth it. If you go you have to either rent a bike or take a cart trip to really see the island. Have a wonderful tiem.

Brian, <BR> <BR>Here's what my own research has turned up regarding the Aran Islands. <BR> <BR>There seem to be two ways of getting there from Galway. Island Ferries has a daily service from Rossaveal, but requires a bus connection from Galway. O'Brien shipping has a service direct from Galway, but only operates three days/week in the off season. O'Brien also leaves from Doolin. I don't have the website addresses with me at work, but you should be able to find them by searching. <BR> <BR>Dave

Brian, <BR> <BR>I agree w/Maggie re: Clifden. We were in Ireland 8/98 and just 'passed through' but wished we had spent more time there. <BR>Re: Galway b&b...can highly recommend Killeen House. Price in '98 was $110[US]/per couple incl. breakfast. A 5 minute drive from Galway center. <BR>

A mile or two north of Galway, on the coast road is the Southern Hills Guesthouse. Brand new and the rooms are spotless. There are two room on the top (3rd floor) that open up to balconies that look out towards the Arans. I'd reccomend it. They have a website too.

Brian, definitely take a trip to the Aran Islands if you get a chance. Stay for a day or two (or longer), you get a better feel for the island and its history (and great pubs). The Irish Tourist Board website (www.ireland.travel.ie) has info on getting to the islands--there are ferries from several places, or you can fly (20 minute trip). There are many B&Bs on the island, check the website, or do a search on the web. I highly recommend Tim Robinson's 'Oileain Arann', a guidebook and map of the island--lots of interesting stories and sites. The island is definitely worth a visit--I'm staying there for a week this spring, and can hardly wait!