We were able to get a cottage 50 yards from Galway Bay via a friend's Air Force Discount for only $480 for 7 nights. It's located in New Quay, Nr Kinvara, Co. Galway. We wanted a more authentic ireland trip so we're flying into Shannon and staying West to see the Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, etc.

My question is this. We want to spend one night in Dublin to do the Guinness and Jameson tours and do a quick look around. We will have a car rented, but is it more advisable to drive or take the train from Galway to Dublin and back?

Thanks!
Frank

either way is good, it depends on your preference. They've just opened a new motorway from Dublin to Galway so the driving will be straightforward, but it'll probably be more expensive than the bus or train.

I guess the cost wouldn't matter that much because we're going to have 4 people in our car...thanks for the info though. I was worried about navigating dirt roads driving on the opposite side of the road more than anything.

I think it's a five hour drive from Galway?

By the way I'll be in Galway too! The 3rd & 4th!!!!
Can't wait!

from what i hear it's about a 5 hour drive...not sure what the speed limits are, but i'll have to settle down since i'm used to cruising at 85mph in PA.

Hopefully it won't rain THAT much.

where are you flying out of? we're flying out of JFK 6pm on the 26th

Frank,
Even on the main highways, you may not get over 40-50 mph. If you go to AARoadwatch.ie and put in your starting & ending routes, it will give you an loose estimate of the drive times.

We're flying out of Chicago on the 2nd.

Hi all. I doubt it will take a whole 5 hours to get to Galway unless you do a lot of stopping on the way. The new motorway does not go the whole way, it just skips out a few of the smaller towns at the eastern end of the route which used to cause severe traffic. Take note that the new road is tolled, and the cost for a car is €2.50! Pricey but better than crawling along in a line at 30 mph.

thanks for the info. i guess since we already have the car it might be better to just drive. the train is 29 euros each way times 4 people. I guess 2.50 is ok. I pay $10 to cross a bridge into new york city sometimes.