I'm planning a second trip to Ireland in early spring and looking for some suggestions. The last time we flew into Shannon and left from Dublin. We had 7 days and started with the Cliffs of Moher and then worked our way south covering Dingle, Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Penninsula. This was our favorite area, and we feel like we got a good taste of it. The rest of the trip, however, was a blur. We rushed through Kinsale, Waterford, and Carlow to make sure we would get to Dublin, have a day or two and then catch our flight out. Needless to say, we don't want to make the same mistake again. This time we were thinking of covering the Northwest and part of Northern Ireland. Our plan is to fly in and out of Shannon. We'd like to include a trip to the Aran Islands, spend time in the Connemara region, and then head up to Donegal. From there we’d like to make it up to Giant’s Causeway and then back to Shannon. Just looking for some suggestions: Are we being too ambitious for a 7 day trip? Any suggestions of towns in which to base for day trips of the surrounding area? Also, we loved visiting with the locals in the pubs, so any recommendations? <BR><BR>Thanks for the help!!<BR>

My best suggestion is to forget Shannon if at all possible; if you want the north, then come in through the North; there are plenty of good flights into the Belfast airports. From Belfast you can be in the heart of the Gaeltacht in 3 hours. I'd make the Arans your farpoint and then loop back.

Ryn's suggestion of flying into Belfast is a good one if you're planning to stay in the north/northwest. If you didn't want to drive all the way down to Galway to get to the Aran Islands, you could visit Tory or Aranmore Islands instead, both off the Donegal coast.

Nita,<BR><BR>You need to take care not to make a blur of your upcoming trip. If you're really intent on exploring the north of Ireland, you'd be wise to consider taking a flight to Belfast. This is especially true given the relative shortness of your trip. The flight from Shannon, by the way, is quite short.<BR><BR>Once in Belfast, you might consider spending a couple days along the Antrim Coast. The drive is quite remarkable, featuring such highlights as the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Antrim Glens, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Not far from the Giant's Causeway is Bushmills, noteworthy for both the distillery (an enjoyable tour)and The Bushmills Inn. Check out: www.bushmillsinn.com. Considering the amount to see and do on the Antrim Coast, you might consider a stay of three nights.<BR><BR>You're wise to want to explore the Republic's northwest. Counties Donegal and Sligo have much to offer, including more than enough breathtaking scenery to last a few vacations. What follows is an accommodation that would serve as a fine base for exploring south and southwest Donegal:<BR><BR>Ardnamona: To reach this very distinctive B &amp; B, located on the shores of Donegal's Lough Eske, you'll need to make a lengthy drive south along the N15 until you reach the outskirts of Donegal town. It'll be well worth it, however, to stay for a couple nights at Ardnamona. See www.sawdays.co.uk<BR><BR>Rather than making the arduous and - if you take the most direct route - rather dull drive from Donegal to Galway and then on to Shannon, allow me to offer another option. Spend the final days of your trip in nearby County Fermanagh. This is a relatively undiscovered, untouristy, and very attractive part of the island, and I would highly recommend it. There is much to see and do, and it is not without some fine accommodations. From Fermanagh you'd be able to make a relatively easy drive back to Belfast, and then back home.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

hi..I am also planning a trip to NI and Co. Donegal..I have come across many great sites. Do a search in google.ca for Donegal and that should take you to their home page which is filled with lots of great info. please be sure to email me when you get back! I am not going until July so I would love to hear how it went. take care and email me at the above address if you come across any great sites. <BR>Sarah

Nita:<BR><BR>Yes, you are way too ambitious. In 7 days, you should drop the notion of the Aran Islands and the Connemara. Shannon is probably the worst choice to fly into unless you connect to Belfast or Derry (or Londonderry depending on your political/religious affiliation) .<BR><BR>I agree with David's suggestions on the Antrim Coast, though I think the drive up the east Antrim coast is even more spectacular than the more tourist ridden north coast. Also, you have the option of diving into many of the glens as you travel north. Glenarriff outside of Cushendall is beautiful. The Torr Rd, which follows the coast from Cushendun to Ballycastle is gorgeous, but not for the faint of heart. <BR><BR>As far as Donegal is concerned, I could go on and on and 7 days in Donegal alone could be filled fairly easily. The coast of Donegal from Insihowen to Donegal Town is wonderful plus there is Glenveigh National Park in the middle. Tory Island would be a great excursion since you would be missing the Arans. That is a place that is still in the future for me. <BR><BR>In early spring, you shouldn't have much trouble with heavy tourism in the north. The only concern may be the weather. Have fun.<BR><BR>Bill