The Long Way RoundNotebook No 58June 2025
Two hours of Atlantic with the Burren on the inside.
Collected by Deborah. Read her editorial perspective
You could take the inland roads from Galway to Doolin, but that misses the entire point of the journey. We always recommend the two-hour Atlantic coast road, a drive where every mile unfurls a fresh horizon. This is a day best spent traveling, not just arriving.
Slea Head
Our preferred route leads through Salthill, hugging Galway Bay, before we suggest a stop for tea in Kinvara. From there, you will gain views of the Burren as you continue towards Ballyvaughan, then through Fanore, until Doolin appears with its promise of session music. We promise a warm welcome awaits you, whatever the season.
The temptation to linger is real, but ensure you complete this drive before twilight. These coastal roads gain a different character after dark.
Continue reading
The Ireland Edit Way
Cut the itinerary in half, then cut it again. The letter we send before every first visit.
Every hotel change costs you half a day. Luxury, in Ireland, is staying put.
Six questions we apply before booking any room in Ireland. The November test, the dinner-twice test, the landscape-over-room test.
To understand Ireland, stop looking at the castles and start looking at the kitchen table.
From the notebook
Collected notes. A few times each season.