14 day September itinerary review and suggestions, please? Self drive and bus tour combo 3 couples.

irisheileen · Member

RE: 14 day September itinerary review and suggestions, please? Self drive and bus tour combo 3 couples.

tony2phones · Guru

The Heritage centre / Dan O'Hara's Farmhouse probably allow a little over an Hour if the weather is right, (remembering this is a mainly outside attraction as are many in the area)

Thinking about it DO'H's wouldn't work with the Bog Rd and Roundstone loop as the bog Rd runs parallel and south of the N59. http://goo.gl/maps/XCFzH so it would be a choice of taking the bog Rd and either right turn down to Roundstone and back up past The Smokehouse and Dogs bay or left turn, possibly call into Ballynahinch for lunch and back past Do'H's to Clifden.

Heading back to Ennis from Clifden I might be tempted to take the old road from Leenann down the valley to Cong and from there onto the main route from Headford. http://goo.gl/maps/09iKx

Briefne · Member

Just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, have you considered an overnight stay on Inis Oirr?
We stayed at the South Aran B&B, once the day trippers have left, the island takes on a very special atmosphere.

There are 3 pubs as I remember, with music in them all, and you can easily walk, or take a pony and cart around the island, in half a day.

Another shout for O'Connors in Doolin, had a very enjoyable night there prior to visting the island

As suggested, using the Doolough pass between Clifden > Leenane > Louisburgh and Westport is highly recommended

-- Edited by Briefne on Monday 3rd of February 2014 11:12:01 AM

irisheileen · Member

Tony you said-
Heading back to Ennis from Clifden I might be tempted to take the old road from Leenann down the valley to Cong and from there onto the main route from Headford. goo.gl/maps/09iKx

Is this because it is a particularly scenic passage that would make it worth the time to go out of our way to Cong instead of the N59? Thanks.

Briene- I had considered the overnight stay, but staying put in one B&B for 2 nights overruled that option. Plus, I are really excited to stay at the Sea View B&B in Doolin. It has a beautiful deck that overlooks the Atlantic! We can just imagine ourselves relaxing on it!!
We do plan on checking out OConnors and the Doolough Pass. hanks.

Pic · Veteran Member

I agree with Bob about the drive on R335. We took that drive a few years ago while traveling from Clifden to Westport at the suggestion of our B&B host in Westport. If I remember correctly it added about an hour to our trip - but it was a spectacular hour. The scenery was breathtaking and we practivally had the road to ourselves - except for a few friendly sheep. I would definitely suggest you take this drive if you can

tony2phones · Guru

The R336 takes you through the heart of mid south Connemara along the valley and between the loughs takes little more overall time than the N59 route and is a far quieter road.

Geno · Guru

We have made that route as our plan the last two times we have been to Westport. It is a peaceful, scenic, and stunning way to go through that part of County Mayo.

Geno

-- Edited by Geno on Monday 3rd of February 2014 03:11:01 PM