starting in dublin for 2 nights. after that drivinf to donegal area. What should we not miss in Dublin if we're staying only 2 nights? <BR>stop somewhere halfway btwn Dublin and Donegal? How long of a drive is it? <BR>Can you recommend an area/accomodation for us in Donegal? We are interested mostly in hiking and the scenery. <BR>From there we will head down the west coast. We'd like to spend 2 nights in Connemara. We're thinking Clifden. Would like to stay at The Quay House. What do you think? How far is that from Donegal? A good one day Drive? <BR>Again looking for scenery, pubs, good eats. <BR>From there we want to spend some time in Galway and hit the pubs and shop- what besides wool and crystal is Ireland known for(shopping -wise)? Any accomodations you can recommend within the city center?Is Galway a good point to start at for the Burren ? <BR>Next we're going to do some driving on the Dingle Peninsula. How far of a drive is it from Galway? Should we spend a night somewhwere in between? Where in/nea Dingle should we stay? Looking for mostly B&Bs in smaller villages. <BR>Next Killarney area? Where would you recommend close to the scenic parts of Killarney? <BR> <BR>Is the Ring of Kerry overcrowded and overrated like w e have heard? <BR> <BR>Finally we are going to spend the last night near Shannon airport. Is adare fairly close? <BR>Is it a nice village?

We were in Ireland last summer. Dublin is nice. Christ Church Cathederal, Guinness Hop Shop, Grafton St., Trinity College, Fitzsimon's Pub or any pub in Temple bar area. Clifden is a good size town, we only stopped for lunch on our way to Kylemore Abbey. Galway was terrific. Many shops and the Quays Pub and McSwiggans are a must. We stayed out of town in Salthill. Hopped on a bus to get into town. From Galway to the Burren is about 20km. If you are then driving to Dingle you must stop at the Cliffs of Moher which is about 45 km. from Burren. We used the ferry at Killimer to Tarbet for our trip to Dingle. From the Cliffs it is about 45km to Killimer. From Tarbert to Dingle is 50km. Dingle is beautiful. We stayed in Dingle town at the Duinin House and were very happy with the house. A lovely view from the glass-enclosed lounge down to Dingle Bay. Ann and Pat Neligan were charming. The breakfasts were great. Slea head drive is spectacular. The Dingle Pub is picture perfect on the out-side and fun. From Dingle to Killarney is about 90km. We stayed at the Applecroft House and I didn't want to leave the wonderful attention we were given. Kathy Brosnan was a great hostess. The ring of Kerry was pleasant. We left our b&b early and beat the crowds. We had a good meal at the Flesk in Killarney. Danny Mann's had good music. A heads up...the pubs are very smokey(bring your Fabreeze to spray your clothes), the music starts late, allow about 5 min. per km when judging time for travel, see a few things and savor those. Rushing in Ireland is not possible...you want to stop and soak in the scenery at every turn.

Clifden is beautiful, definitely worth a stay over, especially when touring Connemara. Take the Sky Drive for sure. Never been to Quay House. In Galway (Salthill) we stayed at the Marless House. Let's just say that when we got back to Los Angeles, we adopted a kitty and named it Marless after that B&B - we loved it that much! Besides, wool and crystal, Connemara itself is also known for its marble, really beautiful. You can also get some fine linens in Ireland. My favorite purchase was a chunky wool cardigan, I have it on right now as a matter of fact. You don't have to stop and stay somewhere in between Galway and Dingle (you can save time by taking the car ferry across and bypassing Limerick). I would second the vote for seeing the Cliffs of Moher - wow! The Burren is great too. Dingle Peninsula itself was one of the real treats. The drive around the peninsula is amazing, so many ruins and such gorgeous country, but we got lost really good, of course, getting lost is half the fun - you can always find your way with the help of the friendly people and a good sense of humor, along with patience! We stayed at a small Farmhouse in Dingle, but I would not recommend it (damp and old worn furniture, but great folks). Good tip about Fabreeze - if you don't like the smell of smoke on your clothes, and I mean the smoke saturates your clothes. Personally, I would forget the Ring of Kerry, it is packed with tour buses galore, opt for the dreamy Beara Peninsula drive instead, it is heaven on earth to be sure! We stayed at a cute B&B in Killarney, but I just can't recall the name right now. I'll come back tomorrow and post the name. It was charming and comfy, plus great food and hostess. However, just about any of the B&B's along Golf Drive are really nice, so you can look through the Ireland tourism B&B book and see what you think. Adare is convenient to the airport, but we did not stay there, so have no tips on B&Bs. You will be so glad you went. <BR>(P.S., don't know if you can squeeze it in, but the Rock of Cashel was by far my favorite site in Ireland...)

thank you both so much for your ideas!

look up www.joyces-waterloo.com for clifden.perfect

Dublin to Donegal is about 250 miles <BR> <BR>Donegal to Galway city is about 160 miles <BR> <BR>Galway City to Clifden is 50 miles <BR> <BR>Galway to Dingle is about 100 miles <BR> <BR>Dingle to Killarney is about 40 miles <BR> <BR>Please allow for 10% either way on these estimations. <BR>

Don, <BR> <BR>I would suggest that you stop either in the Newgrange area enroute to Donegal and see the anicent passage grave, or in Sligo and visit some of the beaches eg Mullaghmore. A personal preference in Sligo for a place to stay is Temple House (www.templehouse.com or .ie - if that doesn't work try www.hideen-ireland.com) <BR>The drive from Dublin to Donegal is long either way you choose to go ie only staying within the Republic or crossing the border into Northern Ireland. <BR> <BR>Re hiking etc you will be restricted to footpaths and recognised walkways as the farmers etc are taking no risks with people spreading foot and mouth into the countryside. <BR>When coming from Donegal to Connemara please do remember that distances are deceptive on maps and that you should allow twice the amount of time to travel half the distance that you would normally do at home - unless of course you want to spend all your time in the car and end up feeling totally wrecked. <BR> <BR>Enroute from Galway to Dingle do stop off and see the Cliffs and Doolin - re a place to stay near Shannon on the last night try Adare or Bunratty - visit the Castle and the Folk Park. <BR> <BR>Anything else ? Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Cathy <BR> <BR>PS Have you checked out www.ireland.travel.ie for the list of the top ten attractions in each region - it is the toutist board site,.

This is very helpful. <BR>