hawaiimoon05

I assume Galway has a much smaller feel to it than Dublin? If so, I think that would be fun for us. Otherwise, if it is really just a city and not very distinctly Irish, we would probably enjoy the smaller town feel of Doolin.

If only we had time to do it all!

mexicobeachbum

I've stayed in both. We spent a week in Doolin a year ago last summer. I don't know how much is open in Doolin in February. It really is a little town, with three pubs that all feature excellent trad music and good pub fare. Again, it's hard to know what nights there are things happening there. I would think that, with the short days and cool weather in February, your best bet would be Galway. There's more to do indoors there if the weather's funky. You can take some day trips from there, and there's plenty to see in town.

hawaiimoon05

Thank you very much for your advice!

After much consideration, we decided that the small town feel of Doolin would be more what we would want out of our trip rather than a city. We are from New York and therefore want more of an escape to the country, and given our love for Irish music, we figured we can't go wrong with Doolin, even if it is a bit quieter in Feb.

Our plan is now as follows:

Fly into Shannon - drive to Doolin and spend the night at the Sea View House. Visit the Cliffs, Burren, etc. then drive up to Ashford Castle. Spend the night there, then after enjoying the grounds the next day we're off to Bunratty for our last night before flying out. We'll stay at the Park House there, and are considering the Irish Music Festival at the Castle rather than the medieval banquet. Any thoughts on that, or should we just skip it and enjoy dinner and drinks on our own in town? I'm not sure how much will be going on there in February.

Thanks!

mexicobeachbum

You'll have a good time in Doolin. If you're there on a Wednesday, check and see if the ceili is happening in Kilfenora, about 10 or 12 miles away. It's known as the home of ceili music, and the dancing is not to be missed.

allisonm

My husband & I stayed at Park House on our last trip. It's a beautiful home, and Mairead makes a delicious scone! It's a quick hop to the airport from Bunratty. Sounds like a wonderful trip, wish I was going!

Kathyngs

You won't be sorry about your decision to keep Ashford Castle on the itinerary. My husband and I stayed there for three nights in 1982 and still remember it fondly. If the weather's nice, take a walk into Cong. And see "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara before you go: Most of it was filmed on the castle grounds and in the vicinity.

amer_can

Try Abbeyglen Castle in Clifden..2 years ago we were there for our 50th anniv. and it was what we hoped for and more. The fire has diminished but the embers linger on..Have a snuggly weekend and how I envy you...If you want to go northerly try Ballymascanlon in Dundalk. this is a lovely (Best Western to get you airmiles) Victorian Manor House It is near the Newgrange tombs and an easy drive from Dublin airport. B&Bs are not the cheap digs they once were. There is a new Ramada, reasonable, in Waterford and the SE coast towns are quaint..Dan Dooley was or car rental and they were super..