edhodge

Our 35th wedding anniversary is this year. We spent our 25th and 26th in Ireland and even though we have traveled to other places since, there is something about Ireland that draws us back, that pulls at our hearts. Maybe it is because I am partly Irish (my maiden name was Powers, my daddy's name is Mayo). Maybe it is because of the incredible coastline, fabulous trad music, friendly people, great food... I could go on and on. However, we are doing a last minute (for us) trip. We have been to the Connemara (DH loved it), down to Kenmare and the Beara and Mizen Pennisulas. This time, we want to go north to Donegal. Yet! Yet we still feel the need to return to Dingle. So this is our tentative plan. Suggestions for B&Bs, places of interest that you love, etc. would be appreciated.

August 30th fly out
August 31st arrive Shannon, stay overnight in Doolin. Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are a must. Also a stop at Monks for seafood chowder.
September 1st- drive to Clifden for one night (this is where the plan could probably use a tweak).
September 2nd- drive to Westport, stay 2 nights
September 4th, drive to Donegal Town or Ardara (which would be a better launching pad for Slieve League, Glenveagh National Park and Castle, sandy beaches, hill walks?)
stay for 3 nights
September 7th, drive to Dingle *yeah, long long day in the car* 2 nights in Dingle
September 9th, drive to Bunratty
September 10th, fly home

Just for a little more information, we will both be 54. He loves to walk. I love to run (so any suggestions for a few miles of running would be appreciated). We do enjoy a few beers in the pubs in the evenings so B&Bs within walking distance of town are best. Beaches are tops on our list. We like the ruins, the gardens and castles and being outdoors regardless of the weather (and I have "drowned rat" photos from Mizen Head to prove it. LOL!). Also a mix of pub grub and fancier meals are definitely our style. Thanks, in advance, for all your guidance!

Diane

edhodge

Actually, Tony2phones, that is exactly why I posted! That type of advice is what I needed to hear. Thank you. Any suggestions for B&Bs in that area?

Tony2phones

I had asked to have my answer removed as it's a bit harsh but Rroskeel House in Keel on Achill nice but possibly too west
http://www.roskeelhouse.com/ if you like Gardens then BleanaskillLodge is small and quaint just under Achill Sound http://www.achill-island-bed-and-breakfast.com/ Achill is landbridged but counts as Irelands largest island has 5 Blue flag rated beaches, the Highest Sea Cliffs and a thriving Gaeltacht school. Personally Achill is one reason why Dingle is just so so and over hyped.
The north Mayo coast has of course got the Ciede fields but other unknown or unpublicised spots like Downpatrick Head, Benwee Head and Belderg

You could take the inland route up from Shannon staying over here by Lough Derg your first night Maybe Roscommon night two before Donegal then just take the coast back down towards Shannon.

Apologies again for being a bit harsh before and congrats on your Anniversary.

edhodge

No offense taken and no need to apologize. This is extremely helpful to me. If you had my days and our interests, are there other lesser known (or as you put it unknown or unpublicised) spots that we might enjoy from Ardara/Donegal Town or Clifden?

Tony2phones

A map I did last year for a couple staying at Ashford (not a recommendation) covers some spots of the Connemara and south of Westport http://goo.gl/maps/AFGrl This is something i started but never finished earlier last year covering the N59 between Galway and Leenane http://ireland.activeboard.com/t5005...-galway-route/
There is also a good site for off piste spots http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/

If you are planning on Clifden we use Dun Ri just off the edge of town http://www.dunri.ie/
The lads at Clare promotions have a newish you tube for East Clare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxFxT6-hds

allisonm

We did a similar trip last year. We started with 2 nights in Galway. The first day we stayed local and the next day drove out to Clifden along the coast. Up to Westport for 2 nights, drove out to Achill for the first time, loved it. Then 3 nights in Ardara as our base for the north. Our longest drive was from Ardara back to Bunratty.

We don't mind doing some driving, but going all the way to Dingle would not be something we would do

Happy anniversary!

TPAYT

I'll comment on Westport as it was one of our favorite towns.

You said you enjoy a few beers so positively don't miss Matt Molloys. It's right on the main street and remains one of our best memories. Great Guiness and different styles of music in several rooms.

Mango's and Torrino's both were terriffic for dinner.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...d.html#REVIEWS

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...n_Ireland.html

Nephin Drive---in the hills around Westport. A bit hard to find, ask at your B&B. It was quiet & beautiful, stopped the car for sheep in the road, some hills are filled with huge rocks that make you wonder how they ever cleared the land for planting.

Westport House---really outstanding visit. The Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley was suposedly one of MDH's relatives.
Interesting bit of info---In Grace's time you could divorce your husband (which she did) on your wedding anniversary(any of them) simply by saying, "I dismiss you." Do you think that worked in reverse?

On to Dingle.
The Dingle Peninsula was the real highlight of our 1st trip. Absolutely fantastic scenery and not quite as crowded as the ROK. We stayed at www.greenmounthouse.com in Dingle and can highly recommend it.
Up to the Conner Pass and over to Brandon Point was another spectacular drive.
The only restaurant I would recomment in Dingle is "Out of the Blue." The best seafood we had in Ireland.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...nty_Kerry.html

The other places we ate in Dingle were all just average.

Just a few suggestions from someone who loved Ireland and will return.

edhodge

So, you've convinced us to stay North. We are even considering a self catering in Ardara.. Is it central enough to day trips? Even if we just spend a couple of days with a picnic on a beach, we would be happy. Suggestions? Other locations that we should consider?

Tony2phones

Ardara is fine to just relax. This place might be a compromise http://www.donegalthatchbedandbreakfast.com/