Best place to retire in Ireland?

Any advice?

Go spend a few weeks, or however long you can, to give it a 'test drive'

There are specific forums for expats and retirees, and the issues for them are quite different from those that affect tourists (most posters here) or even those living in Ireland who were born and raised there (some posters here). I'd check on those, in addition to any advice you may get here.

I can think of many places in Ireland where it would be nice to live. Galway, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Ennis, Kenmare. It depends upon what you want. I suggest doing an extended trip and visiting several places. Weather is best in the southeast.

InternationalLiving.com is very helpful.

Congrats on being able to see the finish line ahead! I think that it is important to discover if the life you picture yourself having in Ireland is close to the reality of living there. I would encourage you to make this sort of move in phases.
1. Phase 1: Explore the Country and see if there are any areas that have a strong appeal to you over the others. Posting your question here shows that your are already thinking about researching more.
2. Phase 2: Start spending extended periods of time in the target area chosen whenever possible. Visit at different times of the year and rent an apartment or house to have a more "typical" feel for what living there would be like.
3. Phase 3: Live there for a year in a rental. See if this is truly what you want.
4. Phase 4: If this is still a good plan for you, look to make more permanent arrangements.

You certainly have an advantage with your Irish citizenship. Good luck to you in your research.

Carol gives some really good advice.

I always toss around (to my spouse) that we should move to Ireland, but when we consider the day-to-day life there, I am not so sure it really is for us. But, it is fun to say every time I see bizarre things out of DC (often).

But, go and get a feel for it.

We hired a driver when we visited Ireland several years ago, and we had a chance to ask some questions over several days. Also, Google regularly for a while and read local papers on-line.

As my husband reminds me, while it looks peaceful (and a bit of an escape), everywhere has its issues.

Do the extended visit, then maybe rent a place for the WINTER, and then share (please) what you decide. Our friend (the driver) escapes to Florida each winter......for sunshine.

Oh and consider dual taxation (US and Ireland) and medical insurance, too....and the impact on your estate, if you have heirs. Talk with a really good CPA who has experience with dual citizenship. Giving up one's US citizenship (to avoid dual taxation) should be thought thru carefully (and with excellent legal advice) before doing so.

For me it would be west (Sligo, Donegal, etc.). It's the least populated and probably the cheapest as well as most "authentic" area to live.