Clare advice

Bunny Watson · Member

Clare advice

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Now you know why some of us go back multiple times! biggrin biggrin

Two nights will give you a nice taste of West Clare. Extending your time would allow you to REALLY see much of what is on offer, but only you can say if the cost / your interests make it worth your while.

I will say that if I already had 2-3 days scheduled for West Clare and 'Found' an extra two nights, I would probable spend them in EAST Clare -- specifically, in Mountshannon! aww aww

For the two nights you DO have, Tony will be your best source for location advice, but I would lean toward either Ennis or Ballyvaughn. Ennis is a big town, with an active night life, but size-wise, it's larger than Dingle, but smaller than Killarney as memory serves.

stewh · Guru

I like Bob's idea of East Clare and would add Killaloe as a good spot - one of my favorites. It is surprising that Ennis is not more touristy than it is given the location so near to Shannon. It is a real town, bustling and lively with plenty of resources and within easy striking distance of the Burren.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Since your goal is the Burren I suggest Ballyvaughan or Doolin as they are actually in the Burren. If you will go farther afield (like down to Loop Head) or other areas in Clare Ennis might work better. I do like the Lough Derg area but it seems that the Burren is the goal, which is west Clare. Perhaps save East Clare for another trip?

markan · Senior Member

Since the Burren is the priority then IMO Ballyvaughn is the best choice out of the ones you mentioned. Ennis would be the best choice for me if I were looking for a central base for all of Clare.

Bunny Watson · Member

How long does it take to get from Dingle to Ballyvaughn at a leisurely pace? Is it too ambitious for one day?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

According to https://www.theaa.ie/routes/#/r/ the QUICKEST route is over to Limerick, through the tunnel and up to Ennis, before heading inland through the Burren, to Ballyvaughan. They say 225 Kilometers (about 140 Miles) and 3 hours and 15 minutes. The Tunnel Toll is about 1 Euro 90.

Alternately, you could head to Tralee, then North to the Ferry at Tarbert, through Listowel. Once ashore at Kilimer, it routes you away from the coast, to Ennis. Although SHORTER -- AA says 186 Km (116 miles), they say that route takes 4 hours. Info and fees for Ferry: http://www.shannonferries.com/c/buy-tickets-online/6

It's more likely that unless you catch the Ferry departure PERFECTLY, that the Ferry Route will take you 4.5 - 5 hours of travel time -- Exclusive of stops. Taking the Tunnel Route should you about 4 - 4 1/2 hours.

LOTS of 'distractions' along the way, though -- IF you want! biggrin biggrin biggrin

Green Dragon · Guru

I have stayed in both Ballyvaughan and in Ennis. Ennis is a city, and therefore has the advantages and disadvantages thereof. Crowds, but lots more going on. Difficulty parking downtown, but lots of shopping, pubs, etc.

Ballyvaughan (I stayed at the Oceanville B&B right next door to Monk's Pub, and it was fantastic!) is a tiny village, with several pubs, a small grocery store, and lots of elbow room. I prefer Ballyvaughn, personally, but all I need is a pub within staggering distance of my B&B and a place to sightsee during the day.

I've driven from Ballyvaughan to Dingle in a day, but it was a long day. Definitely go through the tunnel or take the ferry.

So much to see in the Burren... but some less-visited gems I liked was the town of Fanore (good music!), Corcomroe Abbey, Ailwee Caves (nice farmer's store nearby!), Burren Perfumery, Parknabinnia Wedge tomb.

Bunny Watson · Member

Thank you. Ballyvaughn sounds like the place, but not sure about the drive.

Bunny Watson · Member

How long is the wait for the ferry in the summer, generally? We've crossed it, but in October, when fewer runs and fewer people (only 2 other cars).

Michele Erdvig · Host

Here is the ferry timetable: http://www.shannonferries.com/page/ferry-timetable/24 It has gotten pricey but currently they are giving a 10% discount for booking online.

Michele Erdvig · Host

You could break up the drive with sightseeing on the way. That way the drive won't seem so long if broken into chunks.