We are planning a trip and have a two-night gap between Killarney and Kilkenny.
Options are:
Cork (we've never been, seems interesting)
Kinsale (we know it well, love it, but we've been there)
Ardmore (Cliff House hotel may be too pricey)
Bantry or Glengarriff (kind of the wrong direction and not great if the weather is bad)
Waterford (don't know much about it)
We like to stay 2 nights in one place, would be interested in your opinions!
We've only visited Ardmore as a day trip from Youghal but thought it was terrific. The Cliff Walk wraps around the coastline and provides spectacular views on a sunny day. There's a round tower to explore, the ruins of St Declan's Well, and the ruins of an old martello tower from the Napoleonic era as well.
It's really a cute little place but I wouldn't spend $500 per night at the Cliff House. Look for local B & B's for more reasonable, and more atmospheric, accommodation.
It would also be central for side trips over to Youghal or up to Waterford. That whole area is quite pretty, with lots of little places to explore by car. Be aware though that you'll be on some of the very narrow "L" roads - the ones that neck down to a single lane in places - so be prepared for that if you stray much off the beaten path
