Melissa5

california_claire, you will have a wonderful time, I think the whole west coast of Ireland is wild and magical and gorgeous!

You might consider staying in Ballyvaughan, which is a reasonable distance for day-trips to Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren. We stayed at Drumcreehy House in Ballyvaughan...we enjoyed it, but I might try staying within walking distance to Ballyvaugahn next time though (we were a short drive just outside of the town of Ballyvaughan.)

We found that the pubs with the best music in Ireland were always packed, so it's hard to avoid that if you're going in July. But it was a friendly crowd! However in September you may find things a bit slower (except for that match-making festival in Lisdoonvarna!)

We stayed at The Boulevard Guesthouse in Westport too..I see someone else mentioned it. It's right in town, yet it's quiet at night for sleeping as it happens to be on the quiet part of the street. We wandered about Westport and loved the shopping...tried various pubs but our favorite for excellent music was Matt Malloys.

From Westport if you have enough time, Achill Island is beautiful and uncrowded. You can drive there right over the causeway.

We drove through Galway and stopped for a couple hours on our drive between Ballyvaughan and Westport. I didn't care for Galway as it was overcrowded, busting at the seams with traffic jams and parking problems. It was a Saturday in July. I much preferred Westport, Dingle, and the smaller villages as well.

Have fun!

california_claire

Thanks for your feedback, Melissa. I checked up on the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival and discovered that it runs every weekend in Sept! We will be in the Burren region the last weekend of September. For that reason, I think Ballyvaughan might be a better option. Lisdoonvarna is closer to Doolin, and I'm sure the pubs there will be packed on the weekend nights. We were in Doolin in Oct. two years ago and loved it; however with throngs of festive singles descending on the region, it might not be quite as charming! Did you like Ballyvaughan? Are there any B&Bs that you know of that are within walking distance of the town?

tlucey

We stayed at the Delphi Lodge which is about 15 min. from Leanne (Co. Galway) and this without a doubt my second favorite place in Ireland to stay. We immersed ourselves in the lodge and its surroundings. They have a lake which you can get lessons in fly fishing! We dined with Peter the owner and the other house guests every evening...what a treat! The food was amazing and he has an extensive wine list as well.

Westport which is a darling town with
great shopping is about 40 min. away, but if your used to the roads..perhaps just 30 min. You'll find Matt Malloy's pub there and can hear some great traditional music.

We've found that this website has provided some really nice places to stay: www.hidden-ireland.com

Enjoy.

Padhraicin

I stay in Ballyvaughan regularly.
Here are some links to information re ballyvaughan http://www.ballyvaughanireland.com/
http://www.claretourist.com/details/...en_hotel.shtml
The hotels in the village are Hylands and O'Briens Bar. I have stayed in an excellent B & B in the village called Ballyvaughan Lodge - http://www.goireland.com/scripts/low...x/premises.htm
Very good B & B slightly outside village are Rusheen Lodge and Capperbaile.

rosetravels

Hi Claire,
I think your revisions are wise. I prefer Ballyvaughan as it's quieter and has a lovely view towards Galway.

We drove through Oughterard our last trip and it looked delightful. I'm not sure if it's two nights worth of delightful but perhaps Bill can advise.

We loved Westport. Our favorite outing wasn't Achill, although that was nice, it was Clare Island. You take a small ferry there and it's a wonderful walk around the island with stunning views from the lighthouse.

I think the pace of your travels sounds just perfect!

NEDSIRELAND

Saturday night in Ennis: Be sure to visit Cruise's Restaurant & Pub for Trad Irish music. The regular sets start at 10PM but you're likely to find a 'pick up' group playing in the front bar earlier. Weekend nights the music is in the back - get there early to claim a seat.
BTW
Cruise's is on Abbey Street between the Queen's Hotel and the old Friary.

GreenDragon

If you want a laugh, check out the movie "Matchmaker" with Janine Garafalo before you go. It is loosely based on the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, and while it's set in Ireland, it's not in Lisdoonvarna (it's in a seaside town, for one thing)

chatham

I believe Matchmaker was filmed in Roundstone. It was a fun movie.

Stellarossa

Where's PalQ's advice?

mmculp

I agree with all the comments about Oughteraud (we stayed at the very lovely Riverwalk House). Also, I second Budman's suggestion of Loop Head - we found the cliffs on the way to Loop Head amazing - we think they're nicer than Cliffs of Moher, for one reason - they are not as touristy and you can really walk around.

Have fun!

tlow74

We really loved Clifden. Also, somewhere else that you don't have listed, but might enjoy is Clare Island. It's easy to travel there from Westport, and it is a really beautiful place.
Tauri

hannab

Hello calif.claire, I have been reading all the replys you have gotten regarding the west!!I was going to go from Shannon directly to galway, but from reading your replys I have decided to spend our first night in Doolin or Ballyvaughan or lisdoonvarna! does anyone have suggestions on where to stay(ie location preference)?? WE love local B&Bs; anyone have an opinion on Sheedy's Inn in Lisdoonvarna? thanks for your help. hanna

hannab

actually I meant to ask if anyone has stayed at Cullinan's seafood rest. and guesthouse in Doolin?? It looks quaint. thanks, hannab

chatham

I loved Sheedy's Country House Hotel
It is a small hotel with wonderful
food, comfortable and very friendly
hosts.

IrishEyes

Cullinan's in Doolin is very nice and the restaurant is excellent. I have stayed there a couple of times and try to have dinner there whenever I am in the area. I have also heard good things about Sheedy's from many different people.

hannab

Thanks for the suggestions!! I booked a night at Cullinans it looks great!! any recommendations for a place like that in galway city?? hannab

IrishEyes

Marless House in Salthill is very good, although it is a B&B so only serves breakfast. If you want a hotel you can't go wrong with Park House Hotel.

arindasue

CA Claire, if you do decide on a night or two in Dingle, we found the Heaton Guesthouse amazingly comfortable, beautifully furnished, and reasonable.

The included breakfast is truly memorable, as are the friendly hosts.

We were there in March and the town itself was pretty dead. I'm sure it will be better in September.

capegram

We're leaving for Ireland next Sat. for 10 days. I'm wondering if it's reasonable to go from Shannon Airport to Westport for our first night? Then from Westport to Donegal (where we plan to spend 5 days) in one day? Thanks for any advice.

rosetravels

Hi Capegram,
If you're flying from the West Coast you can't go from Shannon to Westport safely that first day. You should plan to stay in County Clare somewhere or near Galway. It really is a ways from Galway to Westport.