I'm planning a 2-3 week drive circling the whole island. To minimize our stays, what are the best cities or towns to look for accomodations? We'd rather stay in one place for 3 or 4 days and do day trips than to be constantly moving. Dublin and Galway are the obvious places we'll be staying. Any others that have the most bang for the buck, so to speak?
I'm not looking for specific places (but I'll be happy to get them), just the names of the towns would be a great help.
Thanks.
Posted by
Chattanooga, TN USA
573 posts
We did a rough circle in 28 days staying in the following towns:
Kilkenny 3 nights
Killorglin 7 nights
Lahinch 3 nights
Clifden 4 nights
Donegal 7 nights
Portrush 3 nights
Dublin 1 night
Posted by
TX, USA
4170 posts
I am doing similar:
1 night Keoltown (just a stop for the night after flying in and picking up my car - no jet lag involved at this point);
3 nights Clifden;
4 nights Ennis (music festival);
3 nights Dingle;
4 nights Cobh;
1 night Kilkenny;
2 nights under consideration, maybe Wicklow; turn in car
3 nights Dublin
This part of the trip is on my own. Should note that I have already spent time in the Burren, Adare, Killarney, and Cork. I will also be in Galway, Cork, Killarney, and back to Dublin after my solo time with a group of friends.
Posted by
SoCal
393 posts
Everyone's going to have their own opinions on this, but our first 12 days in Ireland were in Dublin and then Limerick, and with a car after Dublin it was perfect. The last couple of days were outside Tipperary, which is not something I'd necessarily recommend. Just too remote. Probably would recommend Kinsale instead.
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
511 posts
I'd suggest Doolin with its ferry service to the Aran Islands and three pubs for dinner and trad music at nights. There are plenty of B&Bs from which to choose as well.
Others to consider: lively Westport; Sligo and its river walk; Glencolumbkille in Co. Donegal (though dinner options and accommodations are few) for the wild, pristine beauty of its location and views of the Atlantic from the surrounding hills; lovely seaside Roundstone in Co. Galway.