Just along the 'main' N17/N4 route, stops at Knock and Sligo ought to go a long way toward filling the day.  A brief stop into Drumcliff -- the ruined Round Tower, High Crosses, Yeat's Grave and a café with some of Ireland's BEST desserts -- is WELL worth 30 - 60 minutes, as well.

There's days worth of sites within and surrounding Sligo town, but if you are only passing through, I would park at the Glasshouse hotel  http://www.theglasshouse.ie/directions-to-the-glasshouse.html    and do a bit of walk-about and maybe grab a late lunch at one of the spots along the river.

Fabulous recommendations.   I will do a bit of research and let you know what I decide.  Tony, how much of a detour would the museum be?  Sound interesting.  Budorran is a stone's throw from my family's house.  But I am NOT going to surf!    I will gladly watch, though!  More questions on the way. 

 

You guys are the best.

 

Marie

Yes.  We will take the train from Dublin to Galway, where we pick up the cars and head to Donegal.  I figured we should see some sites on the way up.  :)

Well, I am not sure of the distances. Here is what we are doing.  Train from Dublin to Galway...pick up 2 cars and drive to Donegal.  If we take an early train, is it unreasonable to consider a quick stop at Knock Shrine,  a late lunch in Sligo and another stop at Creevykeel?  My family lives very close to Rossnowlagh beach, so we can go there once settled in Creevy.  The National Museum of Country Life sounds intriguing, too.  Maybe we should consider spending a night somewhere prior to arrival in Donegal.  Thoughts?  Also, once there, I thought about Slieve League as a day trip.  Would you recommend it?  And do you know of any good places for music in Donegal town?  

See, I TOLD you I would have a lot more questions.  

I fail to see the point in going into Dublin for a train if heading to Galway straight from Dublin Airport. There are 3 express bus options running 24/7 and jjKavanagh could be an option if you wanted to to go DUB or Dublin city to SNN airport and collect your cars from Shannon giving more options than Galway.

There are options between Galway and Donegal that could serve for overnight stays. I like Ballina if you aim for Knock then Thurlough. Sligo is a direct route option if you used somewhere by Galway as a base. Kinvara is nice between the Cliffs and Galway.

Thanks for letting us know you will be driving straight through from Galway to Donegal. I don't think I would stray too far off the main road since it will probably be afternoon when you start the drive.

I will recommend Yeats Tavern aka Davis Restaurant in Drumcliff for a lunch stop. Excellent food and right on the main road just north of Sligo. Easy stops will be Knock, Drumcliff and Creevykeel since they are on your route and won't require detours. I would skip the Museum of Country Life as it will take too long and requires a detour.