Originally Posted by measures

I would suggest heading to Galway on monday night, and save yourselves 1 check-in. That would give you the option of spending a night in Clifden if you want to, but it would also let you do Clifden and other parts of Galway from a single base.
If you decide to stay nearer Shannon on thursday, why not try Bunratty (not necessarily the mideval 'feast') that evening? Its a bit touristy, but there are also nice pubs in the area.