Tips for Galway, Clare, Kerry late March 26. Attractions and lively pubs with music

I'm having a bit of trouble working out which attractions might be open then in the off season - such as ancient monuments, visitor centres for knowing how people used to live on the islands like Inis Mor, Castles, museums or points of interest etc. The walks and beaches obviously won't be a problem. I'm also trying to work out which days we should try to stay in each town to maximise our chances of a bit lively night life in the pubs after exploring. For example - do you know if the pubs in Lahinch have live music out of season, or o Connors in Doolin? Towns like Clifden and Roundstone would hopefully be safe in terms of this? I'm not drinking at the moment so can drive anywhere but it would be nice to know if it's best to visit towns like Lahinch in the day time or if there still might be the chance to hear musicians at night!
Thank you

Hi Geraldine,

So exciting that your trip to Ireland is coming up!

March is 'shoulder season', as we call it, meaning it's not high season yet but also not low season like in February, when a lot of attractions will be closed.

O'Connors in Doolin take a break in December and January, meaning the nightly music sessions have already started up again when you will be there. One night in Doolin will probably be enough to have a lovely meal and enjoy a trad session in O'Connors and explore the Cliffs of Moher, of course!

In March, the ferry to Inis Mór from Doolin has reopened, so you can take a day trip and return to Doolin to spend an extra night there, or perhaps choose to spend the night on Inis Mór. Dún Aonghasa is an ancient stone fort on the island.

Clifden is a bigger town, where you will be able to enjoy live music in Lowry's or Griffin's bar. It's also a great spot to explore Connemara from, so I definitely think you would want to spend more than one night there. Kylemore Abbey is also open again in March, which I think you'll definitely enjoy given your interest in history! 

Of course, you will be guaranteed live music and a lively evening out in Galway. You might also enjoy Galway City Museum.

Lastly, you mentioned Kerry in your title, so if you are going to Kerry, I would definitely recommend visiting Dingle, a small town with lots of lively music in the pubs, even in March.

There's also the Blasket Island Visitor Centre with lots of information on how the Island-people used to live there before sadly getting evacuated to the mainland. The visitor centre will be open in March. You can also take a boat tour to the Blasket Islands, and there are lots of other interesting historical sites on the peninsula.

Hope that helps!

Le meas,
Alinde