will be touring via guided tour in late October with other family and friends. My partner and I will arrive a few days early and will arrive about 6a I'm thinking about driving to Enhis to get the local flavor or should we stay closer to Shannon For two nights. Any recommendatione on whether Ennis is a good decision. The other towns on this forum (banquet) sound fun too If so what hotel or b&b we could walk to enjoy local chRacter. What to do on second day? then After two nights we will drive to Ashford castle for two nights. Any suggestions of what not to miss on way to Ashford Castle and then again on way to Galway where we meet our tour group? Excited for our first trip to Ireland
Ennis would make an excellent stop. It's a vibrant, working town with plenty to see and do, after only a minimal drive from the airport.
The Old Ground Hotel or Temple Gate Hotel are highly rated and very central. Grey Gables B&B also get high marks. Lots of shops, a nice little museum and Monastic Ruins are all within walking distance and the Music and Pub Culture have a number of outstanding options.
On Day 2, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John's Castle, Lough Gur, Adare, Quinn Abbey, Cliffs of Moher ... the list goes on and on --
Great suggestions and info. One more related to car rental. Will pick up car at Shannon airport on arrival. Then four days later it looks like return needs to be at shannon airport as I couldn't find an Avis rental location in Galway. Is this my only option and if so. How long and approximate cost of cab/ taxi to Galway or are there other options from shannon to Galway. Thanks for your help.
The direct drive from Shannon to Galway takes about 1.5 - 2 hours depending on traffic and time of day. There are a few Car Hire companies that have offices in Galway and Shannon (Enterprise, Budget, Hertz and Dooley offers a 'Meet and Greet') -- but a one-way rental MAY involve a Drop-Off fee.
A 1+ hour taxi ride would be in the 75-100 Euro range -- so a rather pricey option.
Welcome to the forum. Two days in Ennis would be ideal. On the second you could easily see parts of Clare such as the Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Center, Poulnabrone Dolmen, etc. A favorite of mine is Loop Head.