West Coast of Ireland

[Venisonpie]

Looking for recommendations for 4 days walking/exploring the West Coast of Ireland in May. We'll fly into Shannon and don't want a huge drive from there, somewhere with a decent local hostelry and cottage to rent. Any suggestions welcome.

[Bezerk]

Depends what you class a long drive from Shannon Airport. Arguably the best of the West is either 2 hours North or South of Shannon.

However, Clare has a lot going for it and if you are only going for a few days, stay near Ennis for pubs and restaurants and use the car to drive to the Burren and round the coast.

I'd personally avoid Cliffs of Moher but if you've never been maybe worth a look.

Try to book a guided walking tour of the Burren.

[Venisonpie]

Bezerk said:

Depends what you class a long drive from Shannon Airport. Arguably the best of the West is either 2 hours North or South of Shannon.

However, Clare has a lot going for it and if you are only going for a few days, stay near Ennis for pubs and restaurants and use the car to drive to the Burren and round the coast.

I'd personally avoid Cliffs of Moher but if you've never been maybe worth a look.

Try to book a guided walking tour of the Burren.

Thanks for that, 2hrs from Shannon would be fine. If we can rent or stay somewhere that facilitates some hiking whilst a bit of evening entertainment that would be perfect. Will look into the tour of the Burren.

[hellorent]

Around Westport, Achill Island is nice.

[epom]

Connemara is approx 1.5 hours from there. Go there. Take a trip to the Aran Islands, you’ll also see the Cliffs of Moher from there.
Beautiful part of the country, old school Ireland.

[Venisonpie]

hellorent said:

Around Westport, Achill Island is nice.

Perhaps a bit far from Shannon but looks good.

[Venisonpie]

epom said:

Connemara is approx 1.5 hours from there. Go there. Take a trip to the Aran Islands, you ll also see the Cliffs of Moher from there.
Beautiful part of the country, old school Ireland.

Sounds good, would Galway make a decent base?

I've also started looking at Dingle based on some walking holiday suggestions but I'm fumbling about in the dark as have no idea about this part of the world.

[Gladers01]

Venisonpie said:

Sounds good, would Galway make a decent base?

I've also started looking at Dingle based on some walking holiday suggestions but I'm fumbling about in the dark as have no idea about this part of the world.

We took the car and ferry to Rosslare and used Killarney as a base to see the Dingle & Kerry and from there up to Westport.
Scenery is spectacular and the people friendly although the weather can be changeable but well worth a visit.

[Mortarboard]

Also in Clare.

M.

[epom]

Venisonpie said:

epom said:

Connemara is approx 1.5 hours from there. Go there. Take a trip to the Aran Islands, you ll also see the Cliffs of Moher from there.
Beautiful part of the country, old school Ireland.

Sounds good, would Galway make a decent base?

I've also started looking at Dingle based on some walking holiday suggestions but I'm fumbling about in the dark as have no idea about this part of the world.

It sure would. Dingle is also fab. It’s decent distance between both though. Lovely part of the Country.
Check out Wild Atlantic Way for things to do over that side.