favorites between these Irish towns/cities

Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula was our favorite town/spot in Ireland when we visited in May 2011. We did not
visit Shannon. We enjoyed a fun night of trad in Kenmare.

Thank Carol! Yes, Dingle looks to be a priority.

Loved Dingle; it would be my #1 priority. Lots of people (RS included) think Killarney is too touristy but we didn't really notice that...but we did stay about 3 miles south rather than directly in town. Killarney is your best bet for doing the ROK, Muckross HOuse and Gardens, Torc Waterfall, Gap of Dunloe etc.

Regarding Galway vs. Shannon; be aware that Shannon is not really a city...more like an industrial area with an airport. So definitely Galway, as far as that comparison goes.

We would never hesitate to recommend Dingle. I really enjoyed Galway during their summer arts festival, if that's an option.

Kenmare and Killarney are very close to each other, I've been to both. My favorite was Kenmare because of it's beautiful small town look and it's amazing award winning restaurants. While Killarney is very touristy and over rated.
Dingle isn't even on the same page as Kenmare and Killarney, cause it's so amazing and so much better. It's a must stop.

Shannon isn't really a city, it's really just the airport.
I think your thinking of Limerick.
Limerick is more a city then Galway. Limerick is/was the City of Culture in Ireland for this year (2014). It has many things to do there and is very safe. A few things I loved to do there were; the Milk Market (Saturday and Sunday), King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. John's Church and the Hunt Mesume. Oh plus Adare is a short drive away. Galway is more a big college town, but with ferries out to the Aran Islands.
I hope that helps.

Thanks so much. Yes, very helpful.

Of the three, Dingle without question.

I hated Killarney. Traffic, and very touristy. I loved Dingle and will go again on my nest trip to Ireland. The town is great and the loop around Slea Head is a more relaxed less crowded alternative to the chaotic Ring of Kerry. I didn't stay in Kenmare, but looks like an enjoyable small town.

There isn't much to Shannon, I'd go with Galway, and if you are driving, head there via the Burren, it's worth the detour.

Another vote for Dingle. On the second question, Galway.

We must be the odd ducks here because my husband and I stayed in both Kenmare and Dingle this spring and we preferred Kenmare. We weren't very big fans of Dingle, but we did absolutely love driving around the peninsula. Although unplanned, we ended up staying one night in Killarney because our B&B in Kenmare turned out to be a bust and we couldn't take more than two nights there. The one in Killarney was called Friar's Glen and it was our favorite lodging of our entire trip. It was absolutely lovely!! I can't recommend it enough. Couldn't tell you about the nightlife in Killarney as that night was a tired one that we spent at the B&B. And no complaints there because we had a bottle of wine and enjoyed the picturesque view of the "mountains" of the national park. In Killarney, we loved the Muckross House tour, walking to the Torc waterfall from Muckross, and touring Ross Castle in Killarney. There is so much in Ireland! You will love it and have a great time.

We just came back from Ireland last week and included Dingle as one of our stops. I would highly recommend staying there! Great seafood, pubs and tons of live music! Also an easy base to Ring of Kerry and Slea Head. Killarney is so touristy that it has outlet shopping! That being said, we took a day trip to Killarney from Dingle to hike in the National Park and see Muckross Abbey which was fun.

I would also recommend Galway over Shannon. It's a fun college town with great pubs, restaurants and shopping. Also a great base for the Aran Islands.
Have fun!
Sarah