If we loved Connemara where else in Ireland would we like?

[susannahmoodie]

Just got back from an amazing holiday in Galway near the Connemara national park. Already thinking about returning but would love to stop somewhere else too. We have done NI including Belfast and the Antrim coast a lot but just discovering Ireland.

The things we loved about Connemara were walks, wildlife, seafood, beaches and boat trips, shops and galleries in Clifden, amazing scenery.

Where else should we try? Looking for holiday cottage for a week. We have 2 ds who beset year will be 7 and 4.

Mayo. Particularly Westport, mulranny and achill island. Cylcle on the greenest, climb Croagh Patrick. Great pubs and restaurants. The beaches in achill are spectacular if you are lucky enough to get some good weather.

West Cork

*cycle on the greenway
Bloody phone

Ennis. Dingle. Kilkenny in land

Kerry, especially the Ring of Kerry and West Cork are both beautiful and a bit wild.

I live in West Cork so naturally I'm saying it's the no eat place in Ireland. I'll caveat that will saying that I'm not from here. It's absolutely stunning. This part of the Wild Atlantic Way is so really wild. I regularly see whales and Dolphins in the sea off the cost. There are stunning beaches and gorgeous little towns. Clonakilty is close by and we love going there.

County Clare. Base yourself in Ennis. Bunratty Castle, Durty Nellies, The Burren, day trip to Dingle, Ailwee caves, Cliffs of Moher. Lahinch beach. Tramore. Loads to do within driving distance.

The Dingle Peninsula. Donegal or Mayo are also an option. But I love Dingle. Food is fab. Great beaches and scenery. Loads of little shops and Galleries, an aquarium. And of course Fungi the dolphin.
We went a few years ago when our kids were 6,4&2 and they still rave about it.
Trident have a selection of holiday homes in the area at different price points.
I'm Irish BTW if that makes any difference.

No eat? Nicest is obviously what I meant.

Mayo. Mulranny is a beautiful spot and you can visit so many places from it. Such as Achil island and Westport

County Wexford is also nice.

We've done Donegal. Kids loved the beaches. We were lucky to be close to a brilliant one and had good weather. Loads to do and great walks and scenery.

For next year, you could come at the time of the Rose of Tralee (Kerry) or the matchmaking festival of Lisdoonvarna. Loads going on at those times.

Here's a song about lisdoonvarna

Kenmare. Favourite place on earth

West Cork and Kerry. Beautiful scenery, lovely towns, great restaurants, beaches etc.

"Mayo. Particularly Westport, mulranny and Achill island"

Yes to this ^^

Donegal, it's so different to the rest of the country, definitely not to be missed.

Goodness, so many suggestions, thank you all. Not sure how I will ever narrow it down!

Westport for me too. Gorgeous little town with so many lovely pubs and restaurants, charming. There is Westport House within walking distance, great spot. Walk out the road to Cronin's Shebeen pub. Sit outside, the views are amazing.

Climb a bit of Croagh Patrick. Tough climb, but the pub at the bottom in Murrisk when you get back will restore everything.

Then cycle the Greenway out to Achill. OMG you will just love the scenery there. It is absolutely stunning. So wild and picturesque.

Also for Dingle.

Kerry

Sligo and Donegal. Simply stunning.

Found this one near Lisdoonvarna

www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/County-Clare-Lisdoonvarna/Farmhouse-925545.html#duration=7&start=2018-08-04&calendar=2018-08&changeover=6

Susannah - sorry to hijack but could you share any more tips on your Connemara trip? We had a week in West Cork at Easter (which I'd also recommend) and wondering whether we might manage seeing another bit of Ireland next year.

Where exactly were you based? Any tips for walking with kids in the national park? Any particularly good beaches?

Thank you!