aliprowl

I have succeeded in partially planning a dead-of-winter trip to Ireland, but would love some input! My boyfriend and I are spending 3 nights in Dublin (Dec. 28-31st) at the Merrion. Then we are driving to Ballyfin for two nights including NY Eve. Very excited about pubs in Dublin and have high expectations for Ballyfin. This is where it kind of falls apart. We have use of a friend's house in Leitrim, so will drive there and spend five nights in that area, using the house as a base. But we want to see the Cliffs of Moher, which appear to be an almost three hour drive away, so I think we should spend the night near the Cliffs and I can't seem to find anyplace to stay that looks appealing. And what else should we see in that area? It seems like it will be an awfully long day to do a road trip from Leitrim. If anyone has suggestions for Leitrim and that area, we would greatly appreciate them- and any ideas for Cliffs of Moher area, please suggest! Many thanks. (We like pubs, history, fireplaces, whiskey, walking even in bad weather, castles, etc.)

mjdh1957

Driving from Leitrim to the Cliffs of Moher in January is something I wouldn't recommend. They are only sea cliffs (do you not have sea cliffs in your own country?), and the weather means that even in summer they can be disappointing. In January, I wouldn't even attempt it. You might drive all the way there and find the fog is down the whole day. And it gets dark early.

There's plenty to do in and around Leitrim. You can start by looking at the local tourist office website https://leitrimtourism.com/

aliprowl

Thank you. The pictures I've seen of the Cliffs are gorgeous, but your point about darkness and fog are well taken!

mjdh1957

The best views of the cliffs are from the sea and it can be very rough at any time of year, but especially in winter. Yes, they are impressive cliffs but they aren't even the highest in Ireland and are a bit of a tourist trap...

If you're wanting seacoast, then county Sligo is closer and the north Mayo coast is also impressive so if you have a clear day you might consider Mullaghmore in Sligo or Downpatrick Head in Mayo instead. Much shorter drive from Leitrim.

janisj

Ditto 100% -- Mullaghmore is only 45 miles from Leitrim. Wait until the day -- IF the weather is at all decent -- you can bee there in about 1.25 hours. And if the weather is vile you can stay suggled in b y the fire

aliprowl

Thank you - I knew about Sligo but not about Mullaghmore! Many thanks. We are counting on many fires and many pubs. I am actually excited about going in winter.

aliprowl

Perfect, thank you!