I'm reposting as I think this topic got sort of lost at the bottom of my previous thread...
We're narrowing down the itinerary for August, thanks to all of you, but find that we need to make some tough choices, and here's one: if you had to choose between 1. a night in Westport and a full day to see the rest of the Connemara region vs. 2. squeezing in driving through Westport and Connemara on the way to Galway from Sligo (all in one day) to make time to stay in Ennis for a night later in the trip (we will have already seen some of County Clare on our first day)...what would you do?
I realize it's unfair to ask people to choose...but that's the choice we have to make. I'm leaning toward slowing down on the Connemara end of things, sleeping in Westport and taking a day to get through the Connemara region. Opinions?
For me , Westport was a mini version of Galway. I was a beautiful small town which had everything for my wife and I. We stayed at the Wyatt, and were able to walk easily to all the wonderful shops, restaurants and of course Matt Molloys pub. I think it was the way the town was set up that appealed most to us. Since our hotel was right on the octogan ( sort of the town square) we were able to take walks around town at enjoy the slowed down pace. My wife really loved the jewelry store The Cat and the Moon. I loved the the pubs, and cyber cafe right next to the Wyatt.Our favorite meal was had at a wonderful restaurant down near the water called The Quay Cottage. The Wyatt also has a great pub called JW's. Had the best chowder and a pint there. Visit Westport, you won't be sorry !
I've not been to Westport, but I spent a couple of days in the Connemara region. It is so breathtaking. I would definitely choose more time to explore Connemara over a day in Ennis. A quick drive through would just not do it justice at all.