thanks again for all the advice on my first pass at an intinerary for my trip in march '09! based on all the feedback, i'm reversing my trip (was doing dingle, kenmare, doolin) and now thinking i will do connemara area (2 nights), dingle (3 nights), kenmare (2 nights) instead. i will also be adding 1 night at end of trip in bunratty near airport per your advice, michele!
wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice on staying in oughterard as a base for exploring connemara. found a cute b&b (www.railwaylodge.net) there and looking on the map it seems as if it might be in a good spot to spend the first 2 nights of the trip and explore connemara, then head down to the burren and cliffs of moher on our drive from there to dingle for "part 2" of the trip.
thought of also using clifden as a base... so pros/cons of clifden vs. oughterard would be much appreciated.
Zooey, The areas you are going to is where we like to visit each time we can make it to Ireland! We like the town of Clifden very much, so like to make it a "base" to work from. The Buttermilk Inn is very nice and Off The Square Cafe is a nice to eat -- if it is time to eat or take a break-- when in the general area. The little town has lots to see and do, plus you are able to make it to Westport, Kylemoor Abbey, Roundstone, Salt Hill and other interesting areas in the Connemara Region. We stayed a week in Dingle - had terrible weather the whole time, but it didn't stop us fron touring the whole peninsula and taking pictures and exploring the little villages in and around the peninsula. We liked Kenmare a lot because the town is fun to walk around and see the shops, along with other sites in the general area. We liked to eat at the Prego restaurant because it is nice and cozy, nice pastries with your meals, and wonderful coffee!! Enjoy your time when you go. You won't want to come home....youngka
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Living in Oregon, like to travel, love going to Europe, Alaska and maybe one day China.
Oughterard is a cute little village. I have inspected Railway Lodge and it is lovely. If you stay there you will have to tell us about it. I think it would make a fine base for Connemara.
Clifden is good too. It is a larger size town that Oughterard. You really can't go wrong with either one.
Michele, thanks for the site. Very interesting, looks like another place to try rather than staying at the same places. But the ones we have chosen are so nice.
Roy, and I bet you thoroughly enjoyed your stay, did you have a chance to get to the shop where the drums are made, and the cute small ceramic/pottery shop across the street?Youngka
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Living in Oregon, like to travel, love going to Europe, Alaska and maybe one day China.
That is always the dliemma. Stay at the tried and true B&Bs or branch out and try new places. There are so many great places and wonderful hosts all over Ireland. It is good to see old friends but to make new ones along the way too.