We still need to plan a final night after our tour around Ireland and will be staying in Cahersiveen before heading back to Greystones (Wicklow County). We hope to spend one final night somewhere between Cahersiveen and Greystones, but we are uncertain where. Some people think Killarney, others Kinsale or Cork City , but we have also considered Lismore or Youghal. Lismore sounds nice because it is more midlands and most of our Ireland itinerary will be coastal. Is there another town in that area you would recommend instead? We also have 4 adults and two - 17 year old girls, so we must consider that. Also, is it possible to drive from Cahersiveen back to Greystones with just one night stay in between or should we plan 2?
The most direct route takes you through Limerick, and also runs through Moneygall, where Obama recently visited. You can also go via Cork and up. Even the Cork route only takes 6 hours or less, so you could do it in one day if you wanted to. But one night is all you need to plan for. I would probably choose the route via Cork because you could visit Blarney Castle, Cahir, or even the Rock of Cashel.
Your favorite town in this area? Any suugestions as to B&B's/hotels?
If you choose the Cork Route I highly recommend a stay in Kinsale. We just returned from a trip and we stayed at San Antonio B&B in Kinsale for 2 nights. Jimmie is great as are his breakfasts (try the porridge with Baileys). San Antonio is very centrally located--an easy walk to shopping, pubs and restaurants. The music in the pubs was great---ask Jimmie for recommendations. Incidentally, San Antonio doesn't sound Irish---but it was the name of a ship. Have fun!!
We stayed at a great B&B in Blarney, not far from the castle, called The White House. The breakfast was wonderful and the host gave us detailed directions on how to avoid the traffic in Cork while passing around the city.
You might want to consider Birr. We plan to stay there when we travel from Kenmare back to Dublin next spring. Birr Castle is supposed to have outstanding gardens and the town is near Clonmacanoise, a significant monastic site.
Thanks all of you for your advice! I will go home tonight and spend some time researching your various suggestions! They all sound great! I will let you know what we decide!