Best towns to stay in!!

Having been guilty of this on our first trip to Ireland, I am curious as to how long your trip is because you do not want to be constantly on the move and packing / repacking. In several instances you mention, you might want to pick a central location and sightsee via car. Example: Doolin, Connemara. We loved Kenmare - highly recommended as a base for the ROK. Would also recommend Trim as a convenient base north of Dublin and well located for Newgrange and a return flight from Dublin.

We leave on the 24th of APR and return on the 8th of May. My plaan was at least 2 nights per location, except maybe doolin, but all this is only planning, and can be changed. Is two nights enough in each locale? Thanks,
Jeff

You have a good list. Doolin is small, charming, centrally located for the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren, and offers
music in the evenings.

I agree with the other response. Stay in Trim (just a quick drive to the airport - 35 minutes top). There are some nice B&B's and a few restaurants. I stay at the Highfield House, it's an easy walk into town. I always travel counter-clockwise in Ireland, so Trim is my first stop. I like having a quick drive to my first location, plus they have a grocery store to pick up snack food, water, fruit for the start of your trip. Kinsale is a great location also. There are several B&B's and many right in town. I stay at the Old Presbytery since they offer off street parking and the location is great (easy walking distance to shopping and restaurants). You will have to drive out to Charles Fort but it is worth the short drive. Kenmare is wonderful and is so much better to stay at than Killarney (way too busy). I stay at Abbey Court B&B. The owners are great and the rooms are comfortable. It is a bit of a walk to downtown (I think their website states it's an easy walk... it's not really - it does take time and I have been there in June and July (beginning and end of the month) and it was always raining. I typically drive downtown to make it easier. Downtown also has a stone circle that is advertised on arrow signs. Follow the signs and when you think you are lost... you find the place.

You want to stay in Dingle and Doolin. They have pubs with music at night - best to walk to those places. I have never found a place in Dingle I just love to stay at. Dingle is a place you want to have a couple of days to do things. There is a great TI downtown that offers a lot of information about the area. I have never stayed more than one night in Doolin. I typically never stay in the Connemara area - I like staying in Cong at Ashford Castle - they usually have a special 3 nights for 2 - I stay there and travel to Galway, Westport and Connemara areas. Just as an FYI - you didn't mention it but if you are planning to visit a lot of historical sites in the OPW Heritage - purchase a Heritage card. It's €21.00 per adult but it's well worth it if you are planning a lot of stops. Go to their site and view the places it covers (lists the price of general admission too) Just Google "Heritage Ireland" and click on Heritage Card. Enjoy your trip!

Clifden is a good base for touring Connemara. We stayed at the Quay House and liked it very much (2007). The owners were really friendly, and the location was down the hill from the main part of town, right on the water very quiet. In Dingle, we have stayed at the Greenmont House twice (20041 & 2007), one of our favorite B&Bs ever. It's up the hill from the main part of town and has great views. It's not a budget choice, but is an excellent value.

Jeff, Your trip sounds great! Last summer I stayed at the Cloisters B & B in Kinsale. I can't say enough great things about the ladies who run this B & B. They were so welcoming and friendly. They gave great sight seeing and restaurant suggestions. They have a handy parking lot, and I was able to walk everywhere. While in Kinsale, I would recommend the walking tour suggested by Rick in his guide book. It was terrific! Also, I stayed in Kinsale for 3 nights and could have stayed more. I also stayed in Dingle. I stayed at the Hideout Hostel. Along with typical dorm rooms, they have private rooms. They also had a great staff who was very willing to help with lots of suggestions. Their location was very convenient, and again, I walked everywhere. I took a driving tour of the Dingle Peninsula. It was fantastic - another Rick Steves suggestion.