My son & I have rooms at Mal Dua as it is non-smoking. A friend needs a place and she would like to be in town. Has anyone stayed at Alcock&Brown or Foyles? She can't afford the higher priced Abbeyglen. She is a smoker.

We stayed at the Alcock & Brown during a November trip. It was OK and we had no complaints, but felt a lot like a Best Western in the US. I think it would be just fine if your friend doesn't mind 'generic'. Foyles looked more charming from the outside, but they were closed when we were there...so I haven't seen anything inside the door.

Many thanks,Mary. I'll give both places a call. Any other info on Clifden would be very helpful. I've traveled about Ireland for 5 trips and have been saving Connemara. We will use Clifden as our base. Do you think 3 weeks is too long?

If you've been saving Connemara, I think you're in for a treat. Three weeks just in Clifden would be too long for me, but if you use it as a base from which to travel I think it will be great. I know I could keep myself busy for three weeks exploring Connemara and Mayo.
Off the Square restaurant in Clifden was great.

Again thanks,Mary. I do plan to use Clifden just as a base. Every day we'll be out somewhere. This is my sons !st. trip to Ireland & I thought he'd be happier near a cyber cafe.I'm not letting him drag his lap-top around. Anything else you could think of, please let me know. We're leaving Oct.1. Thanks, Joan

There is lots to do as day trips from Clifden. Kylemore abbey, Galway City. Roundstone, Cong and Ashford Castle etc. You will have a wonderful time. Try to have dinner at the Rock Glen, its a little outside town toward Ballyconneely, fabulous place. Enjoy your trip Mary

I love the drive from Clifden to Leenane along Killary Harbor. Also, there's spectacular scenery, and some sad history, in the Doo Lough Valley between Leenane and Louisburgh.

MaryZ & Marymac, thank you. Another queston for you. Does my son need to bring slacks & sport coat or can he get by in the evenings with nice jeans & turtle neck? Thanks, Joan

I would think he could get away with khakis and a collared shirt. If you go to a really nice restaurant that will be fine, jeans may not be great in some places. But outside of high end restaurants he should be fine.

marymac, I'll take your advise! Easy to throw in a pair of slacks & collared shirt. Many thanks, Joan

I think you'll find Ireland to be very casual. Jeans and turtleneck should be just fine unless you're staying in castles. Since you'll be based in Clifden and seeing the more rural parts of the country, 'dress up' clothes really aren't necessary.