2 weeks in south west/west/north west Ireland

toby2111

Looking at planning summer holidays with the missus,don't think we can afford 2 weeks in the sun so was thinking of touring south west,west and north west of our own fair isle.Basically start in Kenmare and finish in Sligo.So looking for ideas from boardsies,cheap b&b's will do fine with the odd decent hotel.
Kenmare and surrounding areas-5 nights(prob rent a house/apt here)
Dingle and surrounding area-2 nights
Co.Clare- 2 nights(spending 3 nights in Clare at Easter,hence only 2 days)
Co.Galway-2 nights
Mayo/Sligo-3 nights
I know this is a very vague itinerary so I'm open to what would be the best spots to visit/stay in.Just throwing it out there for recommendations.....

livinsane

If the weather is good, it would be a shame not to include some of West Cork. Places like Schull and Glandore are beautiful and only an hour from Kenmare.

You could take the mountain route to Kerry from West Cork.

Kenmare is considered a good spot for nightlife at the weekends. When in Kerry I would suggest visiting Inch beach for a walk. When you are going from Kenmare to Dingle, you can go via Molls Gap and Killarney. Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney are nice.

If you're going to stay in Kenmare area for 5 days, you may as well drive the whole Ring of Kerry and see as many touristy things as possible. I love Kerry.

I don't know much about Clare but I stayed in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon last year and I loved it. So grand and old fashioned in an incredible setting. You are very close to Lahinch which is very popular for surfing.

Galway city is a must and nearby Salthill for walk on the promenade and a go off the slot machines. Ive stayed in Jurys in Galway city both times. I stayed in a house in Kinvara in Galway county years ago but I was 15 at the time and just disgruntled to be away from friends but my mother remembers it very fondly so Im sure I'd love it now.

Don't have much advice on Mayo or Sligo. Check out discoverireland.ie


Some of the best holidays Ive had have been in Ireland. Enjoy!

toby2111

Thanks livinsane-Toured west Cork last Easter,lovely spot alright.
I'll prob do Ring of Kerry 1 day,Beara Peninsula another,explore Killarney another day and 2 other days for relaxing,exploring etc.
Then skip through Clare possibly for 1 night(going there at Easter) into Galway.Maybe visit Aran Islands for a day,go via Clifden to Westport.Explore around there for day or two,up to Enniscrone,over to Strandhill and into Sligo-that'll take another few days.
As you said if weather is anyway good it could be a great holiday!

Daisy M

Check out goIreland for good deals on hotels. I find we always get good enough hotel deals where we really end up spending loads of cash is on meals and days out. We have 3 children and probably need twice as much spending money in Ireland as we do when away. I suppose the good weather abroad means having to spend less on entertainment.

clintondaly

Definitely the Beara peninsula-Allihies is quaint and wonderful,there is a lovely old coppermine overlooking the village,beach nearby,the Cable car to Dursey Island is a little drive away,then up over Molls Gap(no comments) to Killarney.

Go Ireland does seem to be the best place for hotel deals

http://www.bearatourism.com/

http://www.bearatourism.com/

niamhocxox

Just a tip on the Aran Islands, I would recommend Inis Oirr (the smallest one) because it is the least commercialised island of the 3.

You can explore the entire island in a day by simply walking in the middle of the road, a car rarely passes! its a beautiful island and well worth a visit!

saabsaab

Second Inis Oirr, really great to visit. ferry from Doolin pier. Nice to pop into Ennistymon, Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan too. All interesting to visit.

eieiooo

Donegal for its rugged beauty....slieve league stunning, glen veigh national park..outstanding

ShaneMc2012

Kilkee in West Clare is a lovely place to visit, especially in holiday season as it has a great atmosphere when its not too busy, the great walks around the cliff are an added bonus aswell