West of Ireland - 2.5 days - what is the absolute best to see
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Apr 11, 2012 11:57 AM Last Post By: stiofan75
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West of Ireland - 2.5 days - what is the absolute best to see
Hi all,I'm stopping in London on a trip back from Croatia and am thinking of popping over to Ireland for 2.5 days in mid June before heading home. I intend on another trip to Ireland in the future so don't need to "see it all" but I want to relax and soak it in for a few days before heading home. What would you suggest? I can fly into Shannon and head somewhere from there - was thinking Cliffs of Moher but what city is best? I'll be on my own and bussing wherever I go.
Any favourite cities or towns I absolutely must see?
thx.
2
With so little time I would recommend a couple of days in Galway and from there doing a couple of day coach tours taking in a selection of things like Connemarra, the Burren, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher. Public transport is possible but would be challenging.Fly to Shannon (although you can check if they have re-opened Galway airport). Ryanair is likely to be your best option but do check Aer Lingus and others just to see since prices can often be similar or less to Ryanair and keep in mind the luggage charges.
4
There is so much to see from Cork to Donegal! All the places mentioned by previous posters are great. But I agree with Mark. Galway / The Burren / Connemara / Aran Islands will give you a great mix of city, coast, wilderness, colourful villages, culture etc. May not fit them all in though!Fáilte!
5
With Mark on basing yourself in Galway. Lovely walking city and easy to get to other places from there.With only 2.5 days and a plan to return, I'd suggest a day tour of Connemara and a day out to the Aran Islands (which is do-able without an organized tour). It's completely my personal preference that I think Connemara is a better day tour option than the Cliffs/Burren. Ultimately, it's up to you.
(I love Donegal and definitely encourage you to include it when you come back, but with such a short visit and dependent on public transport you'd be wasting precious time getting there on this trip.)
6
I'm with #6 re: Cliffs of Moher. They're nice but it is a big commitment for one site/sight when the Aran Islands is a much broader experience.7
Just to add to the confusion! Boats leave Doolin for Inisoirr (smallest island) :http://www.inisoirr-island.com/gettinghere.html
So you could go to see the cliffs and take in one of the islands too! The Atlantic coast drive from Ballyvaughan to Doolin is stunning! Doolin itself is a picturesque village as are Ballyvaughan and Kinvara. Connemara V Burren or both?
It's win win win!!!
8
The only city in the west of Ireland is galway. If you want to relax, just walk around the city and soak up the atmosphere.Theres always a lot going on, so check on www.failteireland.ie for updates on festivals and things like that.
You can get guided tours of the city which are fun, but dress for the Galway weather! (nearly always windy, so if it rains don't even think about the umbrella) :D
