Hello to all! I have used this board in the past and everyone is sooo helpful! So, I would like your expertise yet again. In our travels throughout Ireland, my friends and I planned to stay in Connemara for one night. It seems as though all the affordable B & B's in Clifden are booked. Does anyone have any other recmdtns as to other cities/villages that are also in a central location for touring Connemara, as is Clifden? Thanks in advance for all your help!!!

Hi Gina,
We spent two nights in Roundstone on our 2002 trip, and it was our favorite of the towns we visited that trip. We stayed at St. Joseph's right in town. It wasn't fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and convenient.

http://www.connemara.net/StJosephs/

oopsy

Seems strange to hear that every thing is booked. A little out of town, and very nice -- www.faulhouse.com

When is your trip?

FWIW, we stopped for lunch in Roundstone when we were in Ireland in late March. Even though much of the town was still closed for the season, it seemed like a very nice place. We thoroughly enjoyed the lunch we had there. The name of the place escapes me at the moment. But if you're interested, click on my name and you'll find it in my trip report.

CAPH52 - I am new to this and I am having a hard time figuring out how to find your trip report on Ireland! Sorry!

We will be in Ireland the last week of July... So, based on your opinions, it seems as though Roundstone would be a good alternative to Clifden, right? It is centrally located for our explorations of the area? And there is a bit of life in the town at night?

The reason that I asked about your time in the Connemara relates to that week. The last Sunday in July is called "Reek Sunday". It is the time for the pilgramage and climbing of Croagh Patrick mountain. It takes place near Westport, but accommodation in the region is hard to find at that time. Depending on the weather, 20,000-50,000 will climb, or be round that area for the celebration. Roads are full during the last of the week, and it is not the best time for tourisim in that area, at that time.

Re CAPH52's comments on dining in Roundstone:
Many folks eat at O'Dowds in Roundstone: http://www.odowdsbar.com/
We had two dinners there and liked it a lot. In terms of night life, there wasn't a lot of music in town (we were there on a Wed and Thurs, I think). However, our two nights at a pub (called the Shamrock, I believe)were our favorite pub nights of both that 2002 trip and the one we took last month. Great evenings chatting with folks from Roundstone late into the night!! Lots of nice walks and hikes in the area as well.

oopsy

That's the place, Oopsy! I knew it was O'something! We had wonderful oysters and great fish chowder.

A wonderful place 0.5 mi outside of Clifden, Joyces Waterloo House.
www.joyces-waterloo.com

Another vote for Roundstone, also have stayed at St. Josephs. Can be a bit noisy on the weekend as there is a Pub right across the street but nice room and nice folks. The have some well marked walking trails and an art festival in July. Have fun

Have you tried Heather Lodge in Clifden? We just returned from a week in Ireland. I was having trouble finding a place in Clifden until I stumbled on Heather Lodge. Jane, the owner, is lovely. Our room was large and clean, good breakfast, too.