DH and I are going to Ireland for 1st time in May.Will arrive Shannon May 15th and depart Shannon May 27th.As of now, I am thinking --Doolin for 1st night.We will have a long trip with a layover for 3 hrs. in Atlanta, so just want to take it easy the first day.
16th & 17th - Galway - will take day trip to Aaren Islands.
18, 19 & 20th - Clifden - to explore Connemara
21 & 22 --- Dingle
23,24,25 -- Farm House B&B outside Killareny
26 -- Bunnratty
Will this plan cover enough, but at the same time not be too rushed? There were several more places that I wanted to see, but decided to leave out. We want to take the time to enjoy the places that we do visit.
Also, how difficult is the driving in Galway? In Scotland, we loved the single track and back roads that we would wander down, but had no fun at all dealing with the round-abouts with increased traffic in Inverness. I read on one post that the Jury's Inn Hotel was easy to get to. Comments on this. please. I am booking at B&B's everywhere else.
One more question (for now). Is Clifden the best place to base out of for Connemara, or would another small village be better?
Thanks in advance for all of your help.
Theresa

Actually, I quite like your itinerary and your pacing. Be prepared for a bit of a haul between Clifden and Dingle. Long days at this time of year though, so manageable with a leg stretch along the way (Adare?)

Be sure to choose a route to or from Doolin that will allow you to see both the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The cliffs are very close and you'll probably see at least a little of the Burren heading for Galway, regardless.

On the question of Connemara bases, I prefer Clifden. Others prefer the Roundstone area. Clifden is bigger (but not huge) and offers more B&Bs, restaurants and such. It's also closer to the 12 Pins, which I favored over the coast. I felt that inland Connemara was less like other places we've seen. In particular, I'd recommend a drive through the Lough Inagh valley in central Connemara for a real feel of the bogs and the Pins.

You will though be dealing with some roundabouts, pretty much throughout Ireland.

Ennis' Spring 'Trad' Music and Dance Festival begins around 25 May and ends on the 31st. You might consider a day less in Killarney to allow you time to take in some of Ennis' musical events.

Yes! Dingle is a 'hike' from Clifden. You'll probably be coming back up the N21 (Tralee-Limerick) so consider the Killimer-Tarbert ferry for the trip south. You can stretch your legs on the ferry.

Clifton.
Your comments have given me cause to pause (and ask more questions).
Just how long, in hours and stopping along the way, is the drive from Clifden to Dingle. I was stopping in Galway mainly to take the ferry to the Aaran Islands. Can this be done from somewhere else? Also, maybe it would be best to go from Doolin to Clifden and then back to Galway. That would cut off a few miles of the drive to Dingle. Since we live so close to a beach on the Gulf Coast, I want to concentrate more on the mountains, valleys, lakes and rolling hills.
Maybe we could drop a day from Galway and add a day at end of trip to stop in Ennis.
Does anyone have suggestions for a place to spend the night there.?
Thanks,
Theresa

You could catch the ferry to the Arans from Clare. Another option would be to re-route your trip, by going to Galway first, (it's only about an hour and a half) then Clifton, and THEN go to Doolin. The trip to Dingle from there would be much more manageable, especially if you take the ferry across the Shannon.
Access to the Jury's in Galway isn't too bad. Galway really is a pretty small city, and the parking Garage next door (and physically connected to the hotel) makes it quite convenient. Travel to the Connemeara from the hotel isn't too bad, either.
Wife and I love the location and have stayed there twice. Ask for a room facing south and west as the views of the river, the bay and the Wolfe Tone Bridge are pretty impressive. The Spanish Arch is across the street and Quay Street (and the rest of the Old Quarter) begins right in front of the hotel.
You mention a Farmhouse B&B outside of Killarney-- would that be Carriglea House? If so, we stayed upstairs in the Carriage house in a two room suite for 35 Euro per person, sharing this past June and loved it!
While in Killarney, DO consider driving down to, or up from Kenmare (if you are doing the Ring). The views from that drive are well worth it.

Theresa:

You are opposite of me. I live at the base of the Rockies and love to stay near the coast.

You have gotten some great advice here. Yes the drive to Dingle will be lengthy but if you will have some pretty long days to deal with it. As suggested, you can cath the Cliffs of Moher and then head south and catch the ferry at Killimer. You might not get to see everything you want in between, but you can play that by ear.

There are three "jumping off" points for the Aran Islands. Doolin, Galway (the furthest) and Roassaveel. You might consider Rossaveel (west of Galway on the coast) as you can fly from there and the flight is only about 10 minutes. It cost about 11 euro more than the trip from Doolin. From Galway, the boat trip is about 1.5 hours each way and if you are considering a day trip, that's a long time on a boat and not a lot of time on the island.

If you stay on the Dingle Peninsula, consider a stay at The Shores. I've stayed at over 50 B&Bs and this still ranks as my favorite ... easily. They are on the north coast of the peninsula, very quiet, extremely comfortable and Annette is a great host. True, it is a bit of a drive into Dingle, but it is over one of the most scenic roads in Ireland (and a bit scary) and the comfort and serenity are well worth the distance.

Bill

I'm glad some of the regular Ireland posters came along, as I think much of their advice. Particularly, the ferry crossing rather than skirting Limerick seems wise.

On those driving distances (or others) a good place to look is at the www.viamichelin.com site. Don't go by the time estimates though. Rather, divide the mileage by 35mph for a more realistic expectation. The idea to put Clifden before Galway is not bad at all really.

I haven't been to the Arans, so I defer to other there. Bill knows a lot more about that than I do. But you might find the site for the airline that goes out the islands useful and I did have that bookmarked. www.aerarann.com

ps, we laked Mal Dua house in Clifden. We had a large room facing to the rear for a view of the hills and great breakfasts. It is on the road a little ways from the town center, towards the south though, so not a quick pop out to the shops, but not terribly far. But if you're still looking, it's a nice B&B sort of place to add to your list. www.maldua.com

Have fun!

Thanks so much for all of the advise. I have now decided (guess who plans our trips), to drive on to Galway City the first day. Will stay there for 2 nights and then go on to the Connemara area for the next 3 nights. That way I can book a place somewhere south of Galway for one night on the way to Dingle.
Itallian Chauffer, does the farmhouse B&B that you stayed in near Killarney have a website?
The one that I have looked at is Valleyview Farm. The fact that they have jaunting carts caught my interest.
I haven't booked yet. Now that I have my route down(almost),I can start booking specific nights.
My other new question is whether to spend the 3 nights in the Connemara region in Clifden or Westport. Any thoughts on this.
Bill, how wonderful it must be to live close to the mountains. We were in the Canadian Rockies this past year and I felt as if I could touch God. One year, I just have to go see the Alps.
Thanks so much everyone for your help. The trip is beginning to come together.
Theresa

Actually, I just noticed Aer Arann has a separate website for their island flights (same company though):

http://www.aerarannislands.ie/

Carriglea doe not have a web site (as of last June, anyway). Their business card lists an e-mail address of [email protected] but I am uncertain if that is still valid. They are located 2 KM south of Killarney Town Center, directly across the N71 Kenmare Road from the Lower Lake and only a few hundred yards north of the entrance to Muckross House. Half way between Carriglea and Town Center is the entrance to Ross Castle. The Beazley family will arrainge tours from the house. Those jaunting carts are pervasive fixtures throughout Killarney. There is a stand in Town Center (like a taxi rank) and they are also 'stationed' at Ross Castle and Kate Kearney's Cottage / Gap of Dunloe. I did not visit Muckross House, so I can't say for sure if they are also there.

I see that you are a "nester" (spending multiple nights in the same place). My own preference, on shorter trips is to minimize backtracking and always moving forward. I would spend the first night or two in Galway, visit the Arans after that, and either spend the night there, or move on to Clifton. Next, I would drive past Kylemore Abbey to Lenane and then turn off on the R335 to Delphi and Louisburgh, past Doo Lough (keeping an eye out for the marker designating the Irish "Trail of Tears&quot. The scenery here is incredible! End the day in Westport (after an evening at Matt Malloy's)or Castlebar. Alternately, if small towns are your preference, you could stay in Partry or even Ballinrobe or Cong, if you're feeling 'driven'.

Since you are traveling in May, finding lodging should not be a big problem. You might want to drop into the nearest Tourist Office and have them book your lodging (the fee is minimal -- a Euro or two for each booking) rather than pre-booking every single night. That will give you the flexibility to change your plans 'on the fly' and increase your flexibility.
Some of our best moments in Ireland have come about when we were lost, or just wandering about without any set destination or timetable controlling us. I realize, however, that not everyone can travel that loosely, but DO avoid the temptation to over-plan.

Hi Theresa:

It is a great place to live. I have to be careful not to take it for granted.

We will be on the Arans the night of May 14th. I will be with a small crowd of people and we will spend the night. The crowds are there in the day (though fewer during the week) and it's nice after the day trippers have gone. If you can spend a night there, it's not a bad idea.

Since you are planning three days in Killarney, try to fit in the Gap of Dunloe tour. There are companies that book everything but the jaunting car ride. What it includes is a ride to Kate Kearney's Cottage, then you figgure out how to get over the Gap (you can walk, ride a bike or hire a jaunting car) and then there is a bost waiting for you to take you through the lakes back to Ross Casttle where a bus will take you to your car. You should wear water proof rain gear which would include rain pants. I have the packable kind from Columbia and they work fine. It's a great all day adventure, putting you back in Killarney between 4-5 in the afternoon.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Here is a link to my journal where I discuss the trip:
http://www.geocities.com/obeirne_ireland_2003_2/sneem2

Have fun!

Bill

Wojazz3,
We will be spending the night at Man of Aran Cottage on the 15th of May. Where are you staying?

We will probably just miss you.
Robbyn

Bill, regarding rain pants, I'm thinking of getting some for our trip in June, but the ones I've seen don't look as if they would fit over long pants. Does that mean you have to wear them all day or do you wear shorts underneath?

Sorry if this is a silly question but I can see how rain paints might be useful but am not sure that I would want to wear them all day.

Robbyn:

We'll be at An Cruchan on the 14th. You'll probably be getting off the boat that we will be getting on!

Bucky: I have packable pants by Columbia and they fit right over my regular clothes. They are relatively easy to pull on and off in a hurry. Hope this helps.

Bill

We had to purchase rain pants last September in Killarney. (Quills had a great choice of rain pants.) They rolled up to be very small and fit easily in our suitcase. I would take them next time with my "mac in a sac".