Tourists in town...

Bernie56

Hi, some french friends of mine (70 years but very young at heart and like a drink and a dance and/or music) are coming to town early next week.  First time in Ireland.  They are driving out into Connemara one day.
I wondered if people could tell me what they think is the best couple of things to suggest day and evening for them to get a really good feel for the place.
They arrive late Monday night and then stay in town on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.  I know there is a great trad session in The Western but it is Thursday evening.  Where is best for trad music on Tuesday or Wednesday?
And where will they get a good pint in a good bar?  Tigh Choili comes to mind for sure but I'd be interested in other suggestions.
They adore seafood as it is part of life where we are from here in the south of France  - where should they get the best oysters or other seafood?
Thanks!

ArtyC

If driving out to Connemara I'd recommend o Grady's on the pier in barna for seafood , lovely food and beautiful setting ! For music, there's Darcy's bar, Coilis and Taaffees with live trad music in town

How far/what part of Connemara are they going to?

O'Gradys, 100%, can't go wrong, honestly superb

Bernie56

Apologies that I posted this three times. Glitches on the site and it won't let me delete the older two replicas.

I'll find out, they are renting a car so probably a fair way. My mother is back past Spiddal before Rossaveal but I suspect they may want to see Clifden .

[Deleted User] wrote: »

How far/what part of Connemara are they going to?

O'Gradys, 100%, can't go wrong, honestly superb

wolfgang

Monroes have set dancing in the main bar on Tuesday nights. It's great craic for tourists - they can get up and have a go if they're up for it.

Ficheall

Surely if they're going that far anyway, they should go to the aran islands..

Nettle Soup

Get them to jump off the top of the Blackrock diving board.
Ensure there is a high tide.

topcat77

My partner is French and when we have visitors we'd always go out to Diamond Hill, Letterfrack.

http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/diamond-hill-loop-walk/62332

Then grab some seafood in clifden.

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g211883-d1422316-Reviews-Mitchell_s_Restaurant-Clifden_County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

or the mussels in the misunderstood heron.

https://www.facebook.com/MisunderstoodHeron/

Drive through the Maam valley or Inagh Valley for the best views.


Finish the night in O'Connor, Salthill

http://www.oconnorsbar.com/

inisboffin

Ficheall wrote: »

Surely if they're going that far anyway, they should go to the aran islands..

The Aran Islands is a great spot if you want to wander or cycle, but the weather takes a toll. If they are renting a car then it doesn't make as much financial sense to ditch it. Value wise it's better to either stay over or day trip on a day you get glorious weather, and explore the whole place.
Also (bar some exceptions of course) there is better choice of quality seafood on the mainland, as you have more options.

Depending on the route O'Dowds Seafood bar in Rounstone is quality too. Great suggestions above re Maam Valley etc. I'd second Diamond Hill and Letterfrack. Nice chowder in a pub in (or near Leenane) sorry can't remember exactly.

+1 for Set Dancing too.

GalwayGrrrrrl

https://tht.ie/2702/mise-eire-i-am-ireland

http://www.tradontheprom.com/

Mise Eire and Trad on the Prom shows are both still running.

For seafood in Galway, Hooked on Henry street gets good reports from my friends. I'm a big fan of Ogradys in Barna too.