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Post Info TOPIC: Galway to Donegal


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Galway to Donegal


Hi guys,

 

Ok...let's leave the NO FUN car rental furious.gif topic for now...

What do you recommend for stopping (by car) on the road from Galway to Donegal?  We are 5 adults:  me, my two daughters and their husbands.

GO! biggrin

 

Marie



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Marie


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Just along the 'main' N17/N4 route, stops at Knock and Sligo ought to go a long way toward filling the day.  A brief stop into Drumcliff -- the ruined Round Tower, High Crosses, Yeat's Grave and a café with some of Ireland's BEST desserts -- is WELL worth 30 - 60 minutes, as well.

There's days worth of sites within and surrounding Sligo town, but if you are only passing through, I would park at the Glasshouse hotel  http://www.theglasshouse.ie/directions-to-the-glasshouse.html    and do a bit of walk-about and maybe grab a late lunch at one of the spots along the river.



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Knock shrine, brief stop just for the shrine and grounds after having whipped past the tack and souvenir shacks.

The Museum of Country Life in Turlough, near Castlebar would be a bit of a detour taking you past Foxford Woolen mills and Ballina before Sligo.

Yeats stuff in Sligo as above. Carrowmore megalithic site and Keshcorran caves? Benbulben lots of options.

Then another side trip into the UK for Belleek pottery or stay in Ireland and surf at Bundoran.

Its a fair old drive and not short on options even taking the direct route up the N17

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Fabulous recommendations.   I will do a bit of research and let you know what I decide.  Tony, how much of a detour would the museum be?  Sound interesting.  Budorran is a stone's throw from my family's house.  But I am NOT going to surf!  disbelief  I will gladly watch, though!  More questions on the way. 

 

You guys are the best.

 

Marie



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Marie


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Are you doing the drive in one day?

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Yes.  We will take the train from Dublin to Galway, where we pick up the cars and head to Donegal.  I figured we should see some sites on the way up.  :)



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Marie


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A quick stop would be Creevykeel: http://www.megalithicireland.com/Creevykeel%20home.htm

Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is wonderful and signposted north of Sligo on the main road. However, it will take time to do and I don't know if you want to take the extra drive time.

Belleek Pottery

Rossnowlagh Beach  



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Well, I am not sure of the distances. Here is what we are doing.  Train from Dublin to Galway...pick up 2 cars and drive to Donegal.  If we take an early train, is it unreasonable to consider a quick stop at Knock Shrine,  a late lunch in Sligo and another stop at Creevykeel?  My family lives very close to Rossnowlagh beach, so we can go there once settled in Creevy.  The National Museum of Country Life sounds intriguing, too.  Maybe we should consider spending a night somewhere prior to arrival in Donegal.  Thoughts?  Also, once there, I thought about Slieve League as a day trip.  Would you recommend it?  And do you know of any good places for music in Donegal town?  

See, I TOLD you I would have a lot more questions.  wink



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Marie


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Are you spending time in Dublin prior to the train?

You mention the 'Early' train -- what time does it depart Dublin Heuston and arrive in Galway?  You'll need to allow a bit of time for picking up the cars, etc ...

I would think a fair weather day trip to the Cliffs would be quite enjoyable -- with emphasis on 'fair weather' . . .  biggrin



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Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!



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I fail to see the point in going into Dublin for a train if heading to Galway straight from Dublin Airport. There are 3 express bus options running 24/7 and jjKavanagh could be an option if you wanted to to go DUB or Dublin city to SNN airport and collect your cars from Shannon giving more options than Galway.

There are options between Galway and Donegal that could serve for overnight stays. I like Ballina if you aim for Knock then Thurlough. Sligo is a direct route option if you used somewhere by Galway as a base. Kinvara is nice between the Cliffs and Galway.

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I was not clear in my request....apologies for confusion.

We are flying into Dublin.  Staying 4 days.  Then taking the train to Galway, picking up cars and driving to Donegal.  I have friends in Dubin and family in Donegal.  After 4 days in Donegal, the other 4 adults will fly home from Shannon.  I will remain a few days in Donegal and then return by train to Dublin for a few more days.  I will fly home from Dublin.  This was arranged this way for 2 main reasons:  I do not want to drive in Dublin.  And I want to fly non-stop to DC, so my choices are limited.

The above general itinerary is set.  Now it is time to decide what to see and how much to cover without too much stress.  My daughters and their husbands are not likely to return to Ireland any time soon, what with little ones and all....I want them to see some of Ireland's magic along the way from one place to another.  Hence, the request for ideas for stopping between Galway and Donegal. 

I have already begun looking into some of your suggestions.  Many thanks, Tony and Bob and Michele.  smile As before, I will have many more questions.  I am unsure of some of the distances and so need some guidance if I am trying to fit in too much.  It's my nature to want to do it all, and I know better, having done it once already.  hmm

 

Marie

 



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Marie


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Thanks for letting us know you will be driving straight through from Galway to Donegal. I don't think I would stray too far off the main road since it will probably be afternoon when you start the drive.

I will recommend Yeats Tavern aka Davis Restaurant in Drumcliff for a lunch stop. Excellent food and right on the main road just north of Sligo. Easy stops will be Knock, Drumcliff and Creevykeel since they are on your route and won't require detours. I would skip the Museum of Country Life as it will take too long and requires a detour. 

 

 



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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

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Thanks, Michele.  I will talk to the family and offer these choices and develop the plan.  Now, where would you go with Ballyshannon as home base?  I would like to see Slieve League.  Anyone done the drive?



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Marie


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Slieve League would be an easy day trip. Along the way St. John's Point is picturesque. Other day trips from Ballyshannon:

Belleek Pottery
Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh)
Enniskillen area: Castle Coole, Florence Court, Marble Arch Caves
Sligo area
Donegal


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"Ireland Expert"  Michele Erdvig

Click links for Michele's Book or Custom Ireland Itinerary

Visit Michele's Irish Shop for unique Irish gifts and beautiful photos of Ireland.

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