Would like advice on flying to Shannon and driving the western coast to County Mayo. Highlights,lowlights and any other advice on where to go and stay. Thanks

The shannoin area is lovely. You can stop in Ennis Co. Clare for 1 night and head over top Galway. GAlway city is lovely for a night but I would not stay longer. Head to the countryside in north Co. Galway on the way to Mayo. I was in Clifton a few weeks ago (I live in ireland)and this is my favourite spot. There is the station house hotel in the village and several B&B's. If you want to spend a little more Stay in the Abbey Glen castle hotel. The owner and his son run the place so well. At first I thought it was a bit shabby when I saw the bar but the staff are fantastic, the food was wonderful (some packages they do includes dinner and I would reccommend it). Each evening on the weekends there is a drinks receprion and they tell you about the area, hostory and culture of Clifton and there is an impromptu sing song and piano music each evening. I am told that some famous irish muisicians stop here for a session when they are in the area. They also liase with a group that do Aran Island tours. You can fdo this on your own and fly over for the day from a small local airport. From here you can easily make your way to westport in Mayo. It's a lovely town and there is a lot to see in the area. Croagh Patrick is a small "mountain" that many people climb for fun or a pilgrimage. There is a church at the top but you need to have a good level of fitness to make the top as it gets steep and rocky walking. I am told to brink your own water and cokes as someone brings a donkey loaded with them to the top each day and sells them for twice the price (great businessman!) Enjoy, its a wonderful part of Ireland that Irish people actually take their holiday.

Galway is my favorite city in Ireland - it's a must! I agree with Clifton, it's a great town - if you're looking for a fun adventure you can take the ferry to Inishbofin and hang out with the local wild donkeys... if memory serves the ferry leaves from Cleggan. Anywhere on the west coast you'll have a great time, if you stick to the small towns you'll get the best flavor of Ireland

Have heard wonderful things about Abbey Glen (is it not Clifden ?).

Yes the Abbey Glen Castle Hotelis in clifton overlooking the sea. The dining room has beautiful views and the food was great. I have never been made to feel so welcome by a hotel staff before. They are very friendly and always ahave good suggestions for travellers. Look at it this way in Ireland and any other country, if the people from the country holiday in a specific area then it has to be good!

It is spelled: C-L-I-F-D-E-N!!!!! Clifden. Clifden. Clifden. Clifden. Get it right people.

To the Mail above: Relax I am typing fast and not too concerned about my spelling. Give some advice or log off You are not adding anything of value for Dan to use. (Sorry Dan!)

Well I can say with the utmost authority that Western Ireland lies on the Western side of the island, and after leaving that area going East you will cross the center of Ireland and then end up in Eastern Ireland. Ah, but no matter where you are, the Guinness flows freely and the music greets your ears. Have fun

topping

Try and head to Westport,a lovely little compact town with numerous pubs and quality shops.Excellent hotels to stay in(Knockranny,Hotel Westport,Castlecourt etc).If you hire a car there are some beautiful drives in the area(we have driven for hours out of season and hardly seen a soul).The Connemara hills are not far away and you could call in at Cong(Quiet Man town)and Leenane(where the Field was set

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