Trip help

KellyFerg · Newbie

Trip help

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Welcome to Michele's Forum! biggrin biggrin

I am glad to see that you aren't trying to add the South into the plan too, as many first-timers do. You've got the basis of a good plan for two weeks and heading straight to Galway after arrival is a wise move. You can get an Express bus from the airport, or take the train from city center.

While there is plenty to see and do between the two cities, the driving route is not particularly scenic, nor would you likely feel 'up' to making many "detours' on arrival day. It would also shave 1 or 2 days off the car hire costs. Since the Cliffs and Connemara are opposite directions, you might want a third night in Galway, as well, unless you are planning a night in Clifden, Westport or Castlebar, at the end of your 'Connemara' day.

A LOT depends on your traveling 'Style' -- Are the four of you Laid-back, late risers -- or -- Up-Early, Constantly on the Go . . . ?

You don't mention interests for places / sites between your four cities. Were it me, I would add a night or two in Mayo or Sligo and two for South and West Donegal -- Sliahb League, Glencolumkille, Ardara and Glenveagh National Park, but you interests (and time constraints) might not move you in those directions. confuse confuse

What DOES appeal -- to YOU ?

tony2phones · Guru

This is a 10 day Road trip which I planned what seems a long time ago, and I haven't altered it much. https://goo.gl/xrDQtD

Starts with Belfast having rented a car on arrival at Dublin Airport. It's a straight forward drive straight up mainly motorway. Going the other way, perhaps a first night in Kilkenny.

I haven't been talking to you via Facebook? I am doing an all Ireland plan for someone with your same dates.

KellyFerg · Newbie

Thanks to you both! Haha, I am on facebook, but I'm not the one you're helping with trip! I think our style is between "on the go" & "laid back." No problem getting up early to seize the day, but always time to stop at local pub to relax :) So, I like an itenary, but like to be flexable with it also.

Would it be worth it, in your opinion, to add a night in Westport after Galway? My original plan was to stay in Wesport instead of Galway. But....with wanting to see the Cliffs ....and 'Galway Girl' is my favorite song Plus it looks like such a such a beautitul little town, I changed my plan . At the end of our Connemara day, would you suggest a Wesport night or on to Donegal? Or, is that to far?

I think the biggest obstacle with this trip is trying to figure out exactly what you mentioned, places to see and stay between the cities. Plus, I don't know what driving times are like. We definitely would like to take the scenic coastal routes when we can so I would assume that adds additional time.

Thanks!!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Michele's rule of thumb for estimating driving times -- determine the distance (in miles) and divide by 35 and that gives a rough time. If this is your first time in Ireland and/or you are traveling the smaller, 'R' and 'L' 'back roads' (like many, along the coast), I usually suggest dividing by 30.

Yes, the motorways (like the M1) and some of the 'N' roads can yield 50-70 MPH averages, but even then, there are lots of exceptions.

Try using http://www.theaa.ie/routes/ by entering you tentative plan.

Example: Galway to Galway, VIA the Cliffs of Moher will display results of :

Time: 3 hr 3 min
Distance: 151.97 Km

Fuel Cost: 22.62

View Distance in Miles

NOTE: Time is based on an average, experienced Irish driver, following the speed limits -- NOT on a visitor, ogling the landscape! biggrin

Distances are displayed in Kilometers, by default. 'Clicking' that 'Show Distances in Miles' link will give you US - recognizable distance of 94.45 Miles. You will also note that the default is for the SAME route in each direction. You can change that up by adding additional 'VIA's. Any changes will default back to Kilometers, though. Also be aware that the route will follow the order of the VIAs that you enter, rather than the most efficient.

Google Maps also allows route planning and has the slight advantage that you can 'Click and Drop' to add in a detour or road routing choice.

I would say a drive from Galway, straight to Donegal is 'do-able', but would either be a long day or a direct trip with MANY missed opportunities. hmm

Connemara is an area you can drive through in an hour or two -- or spend DAYS exploring. Again, so much depends on what your interests, wishes and inclination dictate. biggrin

To give you ideas, see Tony's: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t50055177/n59-galway-route/ On the map https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?msa=0&mid=1PzDDrrtHmP1sLhTs1AbrbcXjRx0 you can 'Click' on the little Icons and see the types of sites available.

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 18th of May 2016 09:59:12 AM

tony2phones · Guru

Clifden Arts week could fit your dates in September and is a great event attracting a lot of folk without the town being too busy (unless it clashes with the Connemara Golf open) www.clifdenartsweek.ie/

markan · Senior Member

"Would it be worth it, in your opinion, to add a night in Westport after Galway? My original plan was to stay in Wesport instead of Galway. But....with wanting to see the Cliffs ....and 'Galway Girl' is my favorite song Plus it looks like such a such a beautitul little town, I changed my plan . At the end of our Connemara day, would you suggest a Wesport night or on to Donegal? Or, is that to far? "

I'm a fan of Westport so I'm biased (will be there for three days next week actually). But I do think after a day of touring around Connemara, which no doubt you will want to take your time and savor, that you're better off staying in Westport than trying to press on all the way to Donegal. You won't regret stopping of in Westport for a night I can assure you.

KellyFerg · Newbie

Oh, we always have a sense of humor, don't travel without it :) and expect the unexpected!

Thanks for the Wesport advise Markan! I thought that may be a stretch.

So what are your thoughts on not having set reservations for accommodations before leaving the States? I'm apprehensive in case we decide to stay longer or leave earlier in one place. I was planning to make them for our last 2 nights in Dublin as well as Galway. Any suggestions for a nice city center hotel in Dublin? Not a budget hotel, more of the average/above average variety.

So happy to have found this website and all the valuable input from users!

Thank you all!!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

"Winging It" that time of year shouldn't be a problem. I do it often -- even during 'High' season.

BUT -- There are a few caveats . . . aww aww

While you should always fine A place, it may not always be THE place. The location or condition may be less than optimum because the place you want is booked up. It can also be stressful and time-consuming to track down a place -- more so, the longer you wait. In the Republic, any open Tourist Office can book you a place for a small fee (1 or 2 Euro). B&B owners 'Network' -- officially and un-officially and your current host can often refer you to a place at your next destination -- sometimes even making the reservation for you.

When I'm 'on the move', I generally know where (and approximately when) I expect to end up and I usually maintain a 'Short-List' of contact info of preferred places that I can call to make a reservation for. I usually do that about 1 or 2 PM for that night's lodging.

In Dublin, there are lots of good choices. Check Michele's Lodging page.