Traveling around Ireland this summer, any suggesstions?

Question

Especially around Mayo and the Connemara.

But also any other places you have visited and loved.

We are traveling with a tent on a low budget.

sorry, should have said, we are just going to southern ireland this time

I do already have a fair bit of experience with Ireland. My Dad lives in Co.Cork. So I know the general ways in which the pubs and sessions work, etc. But thanks anyway for those suggestions.
PS a hot whiskey is called a 'hot toddy'.

TONY M - thank you for the enchanting discribtion of the Galway area. Think we will check out the gaeltacht, my Dad lives in the Cork gaeltacht and I love it down there.

Answer 1

Hello Sophie,
I am a Galway man, and I am telling you, that you could easily spent the whole of your trip just traipsing aroung County Galway, of which Connemara is a part, and if you would like to visit a few places there, you couldn't do much worse than staying a while at Letterfrack, and Clifden. at the first port of call Letterfrack, you are not so far from Kylemore Abbey, it's an ex girls school and is now a very large Hotel, it is worth a visit for its history and its construction alone, but there are other attractions there too, in Letterfrack village you can camp or farmhouse and enjoy the ways of life enjoyed there, and it is a great place for exploring the fact that the Atlantic Ocean can stream up a road, and wet your feet, fun in Summer, but very very cold in winter, Don't worry, it doesn't stream too far up the road, and the road from there will lead you to Clifdden, Now this really is a lovely old town, full of shops and bars and music to be sang along to and danced to too if you like, I am not too sure about Camping facilities, but there must be somewhere close to Clifden, for you to set up all your campsite equipment. you can get down and wet on the beaches close to Clifden, and just chill out and forget where you came from, and start to think where you would like to go to next, if you look out across the Ocean, think on this, the next parish across all that water is Boston, U.S.A. or even New York City.
after all this relaxing, why not head back to Galway City itself, and enjoy the action going on there, that's me, sat on a big rock on the edge of Eyre Square, yes, that's me, the little old guy with the old bronze hat on me old bronzed head, I have reserved a seat right there next to me on the rock, come and chat awhile, have your photo taken, with me I don't mind all the flashes, I have seen most of the flash-cameras in my time sitting here. Tell me, whatever your heart wants me to listen to, and if you listen to me right back at you I will tell you why I am there, if you can't hear me, read the plaque, and learn about my little black Donkey, that travelled all over this locality, with me, while I was telling children stories, just to entertain and educate them. There are trains and buses to all parts of Ireland if you feel you have to leave, at sometime during your holiday, but you will come back to us, won't you? I will miss you until you return, have a very happy holiday and enjoy all my County and its people have to offer, and I bid you a very great welcome, or even Caed Mile Failte' which is gaelic for a 'hundred thousand welcomes' Oh and before I go, there is a wonderful Irish speaking area along the Galway Bay coast as well as in Connemara, but don't worry, most of the people there are very learned, and speak English too. Good Luck now, and enjoy yourself.. 'bye,.....Tony M

Answer 2

We just spent Dec Jan and Feb in Connemara.

We stayed in Carna (on the coast), Leenane (on the side of Killary Harbour) and Recess (in the Inagh Valley).

All gorgeous!

But if you go anywhere go to Killary Harbour - it is (according to the BBC) one of the 50 places to see before you die.

Also one side is Galway and the other is Mayo so it's a great spot for touring both, and there's loads of walking etc round there (the Connemara Way and one of the other major walking routes both pass through there).

It's just gorgeous, and Leenane is where they filmed the film 'The Field', so there's lots of stills in the local pub there, as well as a wee shop where you can get necessities (we got our major shop from Clifden which was about a 40 min drive away).

But make sure you visit Derryclare in the Inagh Valley as the scenery is also astounding. We climbed Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park, which just on the outskirts of Letterfrack - you might find that a useful place to camp, being near Kylemore Abbey and having facilities too.

Answer 3

Just south of Galway is a lovely village called Kinvara. We follow the music and it was great there. Clifden is a good place to visit and Spiddal is interesting as it is irish speaking(even the road signs are in Irish with no translation!)

Answer 4

Galway city is a great place for nights out. Small enough to walk around and always has a good buzz. Clifden, Westport and Ballyconneely are all worth a visit.

Answer 5

Try a Hot Whisky, most pubs serve them.
That involves visiting a pub and that is about the best thing in Ireland. They have a totally different character. Enjoy!

Answer 6

Achill Island is a beautiful place .

Answer 7

should be fun and you'll save a fortune on accomodation and see all the beautiful scenery

Answer 8

SWEET! Drink Beer.

Answer 9

Yeah if you're driving don't forget to take your car