West coast (Kinsale-Galway)

Dear people,

I have the following roadtrip in mind:

day 1: Cork (exploring city)
day 2: Cork (daytrip to Cobh)
day 3: Galway (long drive, so maybe a short stop in Adare/Limerick)
day 4: Galway (exploring city)
day 5: Galway (daytrip to Connemara - Clifden/Kylemore Abbey)
day 6: Doolin (Burren drive/Cliffs of Moher)
day 7 - day 10/11 Kerry to meet up with friends

- I was thinking of driving from Cork to Tipperary (Rock of Cashel) before heading to Galway, but that might just be too much drive, right?
- anyone suggestions/good experiences with B&B's in those areas? Simpel and clean is fine.
- would you reckon Connemara is good addition to the roadtrip? If so, what's the best route to drive?
- any suggestions for a route through The Burren (when I'm heading from Galway to Doolin)?
- any other suggestions, beside the information above that you all gave me :)

Thank you all once again! I appreciate any help :)

Hi Padraigh,

Cork to Tipperary is an hour and about 20 minutes to drive, and then a little over 3 hours to Galway. If you go the direct route, you'd be driving for 2 hours and a bit. So it does extend your driving time, but it's a lovely area to drive through and you will have plenty of time in Galway still. In this case I would say it's definitely worth it adding it to your itinerary as a stop along the way! And the Rock of Cashel is simply a wonderful place to visit. :)

A great way to find accommodation in an area you're visiting is by using the map view in the accommodation search engine. I've preselected Cashel and B&B for you so you can have a look where they are. It's also very useful if you're still looking for places to stay in the other areas you're visiting.

Adding Connemara is a lovely idea, it's a wonderful area to visit and Kylemore Abbey is quite impressive!

With these your itinerary is quite full already, with a lovely variety of places and routes. On your way to Doolin you have a lot of time to look around, so I would certainly advise a stop at the Burren Centre and one or more stops along the way to walk around and take in the area.

Warm regards,
Cornelia

Dear Cornelia,

Thank you very much to take the time to react on my message, very helpful information.
I don't think I will spend the night in Tipperary, but perhaps I will make a stop there and take my time before heading to Galway. Just have a relaxing time and enjoy the beauty of the Rock of Cashel and it's area.

Good to know you support me in visiting Connemara, never been in that area, so really looking forward to it.
Thanks again for your help! :)

Kind regards
Padraigh

Hi Padraigh,

How are you?

Just wanted to check on how the planning was going. Have settled on the date yet?
As you know, we have many people here ready to help if you need it! 😊

Hi Elodie,

Thanks for your interest!
I've sorted it all out, well at least most of it. Tickets, car-rent and B&B's have been booked.
It will be from early september.

Day 1: Cork (city center)
Day 2: Cork (Cobh & Kinsale)
Day 3: To Galway via Adare/Limerick
Day 4: Galway (city center)
Day 5: Connemarra
Day 6: To Doolin (Burren + Cliffs of Moher)
Day 7: To Tralee via Ferry
Day 8+9: Meet up with (Irish) frieds
Day 10+11+12 Killarney

I was wondering if someone could advise me on the best driving route in Connemarra. It will be just a day-trip from and to Galway.
Thanks again for all the help, really looking forward to it.

Welcome back, Padraigh! 

It is great that you've got everything sorted out, and it certainly looks like a wonderful trip! It's so exciting that it is coming up so soon as well. :)

When it comes to exploring Connemara, there are many different routes to explore. Are you looking to just drive through the area, or would you like to stop and go for hikes along the way?

I personally love the Connemara Loop because it is the most scenic route through this part of the island, and you get to see everything from bogs, lakes, glens and of course the famous Connemara ponies. 

If you have the time, you could even make a stop at Connemara National Park. 

Hi Melin,

Thanks for the information about Connemara! :D
I'm not intend to go for hikes, just drive through the area indeed and make a short stop at some of the beautiful places, like the Kylemore Abbey and perhaps The National Park as well.

The Connemara Loop looks a great route, do you reckon that driving the Loop and visit Kylemore Abbey + National Park can be done in one day?

:)

Hi Padraigh, 

Kylemore Abbey and the National Park could be done in one day but it would be rushed. You could easily spend the best part of a day in either location.
If you are going to squeeze both into day 5 I would recommend starting at the Abbey as there is a lot more there that is time-sensitive. The National Park is open 24/7 so while the visitors' center has closing times, you can still explore until your heart's content.

Hope this helps,
Gordee

Hi Gordee,

Your information does definitely help, it makes planning a lot easier.
As I prefer not to rush too much, I think I will skip the National Park and like you said, first go the Abbey anyway.
From there on I will see how much time there is left for other sightseeings.

Cheers!
Padraigh

Hello again, Padraigh! 

Taking your time to explore the Abbey, and from there on explore the rest is a great idea! Keep us posted on your plans and adventures, and please don't hesitate to reach out here if you have any questions. :)