Where to stop between Connemara and Dingle?
 

Only 12 days left before our trip to Ireland. I know it is a long ride from Connemara to Dingle. Do you have any recommendations on what town we should stop in for an overnight? This will be the fourth night of our 14 day trip, 1st night Galway, 2nd Arans, 3rd Connemara, by now I know we will be looking to stay somewhere for a few days. The places we want to see are Dingle, ROK, Gap of Dunloe, possibly Rock of Cashel and Cobh. We are hoping to stay a few nights in one area and do day trips, then move on to another area and do day trips from there. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Jan

Have you thought about Doolin?
We really liked this town. You could see the Burren along the way to Doolin from Connemara, When you leave Doolin you could then take the ferry down to Dingle.

Robbyn

Cliffs of Mohair

should have said Cliffs of Mohair and the Burren nearby, but may be too near Connemara.

Loop Head. Never heard of it have you? Few people have and it is in few guidebooks. After the circus-like atmosphere of the Cliffs of Moher continue down the coast of Clare till the road ends at Loop Head. It is serene and beautiful with a lighthouse, cliffs, sea arches & sea stacks. Best of all hardly any people. After that continue on to either Kilkee or Kilrush for an overnight stay. The next morning take the ferry across the Shannon and on to Dingle.

I second Doolin. Or if you're looking for some change in your life, nearby Lisdoonvarna is famous for its matchmaking festivals.

The Cliffs of Mohair are too furry for me. I prefer less, not moher fur. Seriously though, to enjoy the cliffs, you may want to wait until much later in the day after the buses have gone. We got there at about 6 and it was nice (free too!)

I agree with Irish Eyes about the trip down to Loop Head, but don't tell anybody.
Bill

Bill,

I caught the "Mohair" thing too but decided to ignore it. I'm glad I did. LOL. Your comments are priceless! =D> I will try not to mention Loop Head too much. People seem to ignore the advice anyway and go for the usual rather than the unusual.

You might find it somewhat crowded in July because Willie Clancy's Irish step dancing classes & competitions will be happening; but Spanish Point comes to mind. I think the Armada Hotel there is the center of attraction, but I have stayed at Fitzgerald's B&B in Miltown Malbay (about 2km up the coast). Find it on some Irish storefront Postcards (Curtin's Fine Meats), but the Butcher shop is long gone.

Of course you would stop for lunch at Gus O'Connor's in Doolin and visit the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher & Lahinch along the way. It's about 5-miles past Lahinch.

Dingle is the best. Make sure to spend plenty of time there. Fabulous. If open stay at the Red Door B&B. They also have a great restaurant in town. do the Slea Head loop, which goes from Dingle Town to the very end of the penisula (the most western in all of Europe). You'll meet people who speak Irish, visit the Blasket Island's Heritage Center... amazing history. Just get there and spend time there.

Not sure how far out of your way, but Kinsale, south of Cork is lovely!

Enoy