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corianderstem


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Connemara Loop question
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Hello!  I'm planning my first overseas trip.  Well, over-planning it, probably.  I've been planning on this for about a year now!  It's finally coming up - I'm planning on going to Ireland for the last 2 weeks of September.

I'm reasonably satisfied with my itinerary.  I've gotten feedback that confirms that I'm not trying to cram too much in, and that it's not too much driving. 

While I'm in Galway, I want to drive the Connemara Loop.  I was originally thinking I would need to do it in two days so as not to rush and to be able to get out and poke around at the various sites/places along the way. 

However, I really would prefer to do it in one day to avoid splitting up my nights in Galway.  Is it feasible to drive the Connemara Loop in one day?  It seems like it when I look at maps, but I know driving takes much, much longer than my American brain is used to when looking at a map.

If I do it in two days, I figure I'd spend the night in Westport, but at least for this trip, Westport isn't really on my list of places I really want to go.  It would only be so I could split up the Loop drive.   Logistically, I'd much prefer to have Galway be my base and hotel/B&B stay for all the nights I'm in that area (right after that, I'll drive to Dingle for a few nights and then fly out of Shannon).

What say all of you fine folks here? Thanks!



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corianderstem


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Doing some more reading, it seems like I've misjudged where Westport is in relation to the "loop," and that a full day for driving around the area should suffice, as the loop is whatever route I choose.

Am I interpreting that correctly?

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tony2phones


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It would depend what you call the Connemara loop but the standard drives would not include Westport.  Personally I would drop a night from Dingle and use it for the Connamara and Westport. You could also perhaps include an overnight in Clifden with Arts week running the 15th-25th. If you decide against the extra time on the Connamara then the day saved from Dingle could be used for the Burren and west Clare coast rather than just rushing through.

http://www.galway.net/galwayguide/visit/connemara/drives/#figureeight

http://www.clifdenartsweek.ie/



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corianderstem


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Right now my plan for Dingle is to allow most of a day to drive from Galway to Dingle (with a jaunt through the Burren, if there's time on the way). So that's the first night in Dingle.

First full day in Dingle I would drive around the peninsula, and Slea Head and see all the lovely sights. Second night in Dingle.

The third day I had reserved to explore the town itself, and take walks or whatever.

I think what's making me put in a second full day in Dingle is the assumption that it will take me most of the day to drive from Galway to Dingle, especially if I take a detour through the Burren.

Of course, if I do take out Westport and do the Loop in one day, then I have an extra day and can maybe spare an entire day for a trip to the Burren and the Cliffs.

Oof, too many decisions ......

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corianderstem


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Forgot to add, thank you for the links! The first one looks to be a great resource. :)

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Michele Erdvig


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corianderstem,

Welcome to my forum. Yes, you can do Connemara in one day as a day trip from Galway. I've often done just that myself. You should get an early start (out the door by 9 am). It will be a full day but you can do it.

Michele

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corianderstem


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Awesome, thanks for the confirmation. Now I have a whole extra day to play with in the itinerary. I may venture up to Westport anyway, or at least drive more around the region.

Back to the drawing board ....

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