GreenDragon

I can't really add a lot more to this - but if you look at my trip reports, you'll see lots of spots to see on the way. Antrim is gorgeous. I'd readily trade nights in Galway or Kinsale for more nights along the Antrim coast. I stayed at Cushendall, and it was perfect. Donegal and Clare are some of my other happy places. Dingle - a day or two is plenty, in my opinion. Gorgeous, certainly, but 3 days is pushing it. Loved Kenmare - exploring the Ring of Beara is fantastic.

GreenDragon

Clare - I loved Ballyvaughan, but Ennis is a big enough city that you can find trad music, plenty of food options, and a good central base for other Clare sites.

susan001

GreenDragon: Thanks so much for your suggestions. So now I'm considering Ballyvaughan. Where did you stay there? I've read a lot of commentary online. Many agree that the best route to Inishmore is to take the shuttle from Galway and then ferry from Rossaveal. That's the main reason for the Galway stop. I could still allocate 3 nights to Antrim by taking away the stop south of Belfast, but then I'll have a long driving day... while attempting a long stop at Newgrange before arriving in Dublin to return the car. I'll consider what you say. You didn't care for Kinsale?

My accommodations are fully booked now. I could do some minor tweaking here and there (and have). As stated, considering dropping a night in Dingle and adding it to Clare. If I drop a night in Kinsale, I'd also have to move my Kenmare reservation back a night, and add a night earlier to Dingle. A bit of a hassle.

Tony2phones

Apart from the last Dingle night it's fine as is.

As to Clare then Ennis is an option, Lahinch, or consider Kinvara which is just over the Galway border. Might have something on, apart from the regular locals music.

susan001

GreenDragon: I just read the first part of you 2013 trip and viewed photos: Fabulous adventure. Great time of year to get that hauntingly beautiful imagery of the ancient structures. I'm considering adding Tallymote Forest to my driving itinerary though it's a bit out of the way. I will go back and read more of what you say about other areas, including Connemara and Westport.

Tony: Thanks again for all recommendations. About your Yeats comment in Gort... just read a couple nights ago in a literary connections book I have about that place: Coole's, where he was inspired to write that poem. But couldn't find Gort on my map. What is it close to? And driving distance from Ballynahinch?

susan001

GreenDragon: Just looked a more of your photos. Fabulous. I'm wondering which of the peninsulas you might recommend in northern Donegal, if I have time only for one.

Tony2phones

Points of interest around Gort.

http://www.coolepark.ie/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tony2p...7626575103290/ The Montana Cyprus tree avenue is no longer there, cut down for public safety.

http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/will...yeats-retreat/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tony2p...7629330398445/

Map for this shows Ballyvaughan and Gort
http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/kilm...bey-co-galway/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tony2p...7629330559905/

GreenDragon

Ballyvaughan - I stayed right on the water, at the Oceanville B&B. Literally right next door to Monk's Pub, which was quite convenient

Kinsale is lovely - Kenmare I liked better!

You can get to Inis Mor from Doolin. It's a longer trip, and more subject to weather, but if the only reason for Galway is the trip, I think it would be a better bet.

If you only have time for one peninsula in Donegal, I'd definitely recommend Inishowen. So much beauty!

susan001

I can't thank you enough Tony2 and GreenDragon! I'm going to get the map out now and start plan B. I may drop a night in Kinsale and add to Kenmare. Yes, GD, I've considered the ferry to Inishmore from Doolin, but it's a 90 minute trip one way by ferry. Still, I'm not one for crowds and from the beginning, wanted to sip Galway. Much to consider.

Thanks, again.

susan001

I meant "skip" Galway. I've already booked my ferry passage (from Galway) and Trad On The Prom, but it wouldn't be a huge loss if I decide to derail from the Galway plan.

susan001

GreenDragon: Just read more of your trip report (the Donegal portion --wonderfully written) - I must stop at that tavern in Gweedore; Clannad is one of my all time favorite groups. Maybe a lunch stop on my way to Glenveaugh National Park.

Tony2phones

If you want to miss Galway and be closer to Rossaveal you might want to consider Spiddal (http://www.thatchcottage.com/ ?) Not sure whats going on with An Cruiscin Lan Hotel in the centre of town? If you miss Trad on the Prom have a night in Tigh Hughes accross the road from An Cruiscin Lan could be good.

susan001

Thanks so much, Tony! This thatched cottage looks delightful! Will spend time considering options. I may spend a night in Ballyvaughan, just to give me time to explore the Burren a bit.

GreenDragon

The Burren is delightful - I am always entranced by it. If you like caves, check out Ailwee Caves. 40,000 year old bear bones inside

susan001

Thanks, GD! Still trying to decide what to do about Galway. Is it a circus? I may be able to tolerate it since I'm only there two nights... and one full day would be spent in the Aran Islands, and one night at the Trad show. I'm a little concerned about driving into the center of town where my hotel is (on Eyre Square). But I drove through the center of Sheffield, Dorchester, and York on my last trip. I'm sure I would manage. I've taken a close look at Spiddal, which Tony2phones suggested for convenient Inishmore connection, should I decide to skip Galway.

Tony2phones

You don't want to be on Eyre Square if your aim is a night out in Salthill. either stay in Salthill or Spiddal is on the right side of the city. You can get an overnight and the show package at the Galway Bay Hotel which has a range of good rooms or even suites.

Driving in/around Galway is a bit like Sheffield, only worse! I don't mind but Christina won't drive there. It's not just the Driving though, parking in the city is a nightmare. Galway City council are useless when it comes to roads and parking

Ozarksbill

Mentioned by Tony2phones are sights in Gort. For us a visit to the Wm. Butler Yeats odd looking tower retreat was of special interest as we studied this dramatist and his relationship with Lady Gregory who made this Gort place available near her lovely Coole Park. They were in an intellectual group who founded The Abbey Theatre in Dublin and promoted Irish drama. But don't bother going if you aren't into this.

susan001

Okay, Tony. You've talked me out of central Galway! I thought a hotel in the center of town would be convenient for the shuttle bus to the ferries (which I did pay for). So now I have to decide on staying at Galway Bay Hotel (and take a taxi to the shuttle), or stay in Spiddal and drive to Salthill for the show, and spend a night. Either now sounds better than attempting that traffic. My hotel came with parking, and I can cancel the booking.

Ozarksbill: I studied Yeats in a college course I took -- History and Literature of Ireland. The details are quite fuzzy, but I thought his woman was Maud Gonne. If I have time, I'll get out there, but there is much to see in the region. Thanks for the feedback!

Tony2phones

fairly sure the Inis Mor shuttles pick up near the Galway bay in Salthil? might be worth checking before you cancel

susan001

Tony -- Thank you. All options are on the table. I just went into Google maps and looked at the streets around Park House Hotel, where I'm currently booked. It doesn't look that bad. I even found the parking entry on a side street. I wrote to Galway Bay Hotel asking about logistics -- shuttle to Ferry dock. Waiting to hear back. The way I see it now, it may make more sense to keep the central hotel and take a taxi out to see the show (worth it not to give up my parking spot and deal with traffic).