Ireland towns suitable for week long stays

You might want to take a look at Westport. It's a good little town with all modern services, but still very Irish, and quaint. It's near Croagh Patrick. Other things can be a bit of a drive... but take a look. :)

The Horan's Brookside Cottage is a great place to stay 4br, 2 full baths, and a peat stove! :) We rented the house for around $500 a week. Cheers.

We just rented a cottage in Doolin for a week this summer. We chose Doolin since it was close to so many sights -- Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Aran Islands. We stayed in Doolin Holiday Homes, new 3br/3ba cottages that rented for 400 euro/week in the summer.

The thing I loved about spending a week somewhere was the flexibility to change our sightseeing plans if the weather wasn't good. We wanted to see the cliffs right away, but the first 2 days were really foggy. Since we were able to wait, we got to go to the cliffs on a gorgeous clear day.

I vote for Galway and Killarney. Both are convenient to public transportation, and within daytrip distance from many great places. I liked the Aran island I visited from Galway; from Killarney you can visit the Dingle Peninsula, Cork, and the Ring of Kerry.

Last year we rented cottages in Kinsale and Ventry (near Dingle town) for a week each. We found plenty to do, but be sure to have indoor events planned for as the weather, while questionable at any time in Ireland, will be cooler and wetter in October. You may also find some of the seasonal plaeces/activities are not open or available.

We rented a cottage in Dingle for a week in June. We were close enough to town so we could walk to and from the pubs and music at night. We had no problem keeping busy with day trips and hiking in this area. Have fun.

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the Westport idea, though so far haven't found accommodations to my liking (but I'm not done looking). Will check out Horan's Brookside cottages. Also am looking into Achill Island - found a great looking place to stay there.

Am considering Dingle/Ventry area as well, so might do a week on Achill and then a week in or near Dingle, though the drive from Achill to Dingle is a bit long. So might look for somewhere in-between, and will check out the Doolin Holiday Homes.

Thanks again. If there are any other ideas out there, please post away!

Another idea is Kenmare, which would give you easy access to the Ring of Kerry, Beara Peninsula and Killarney National Park.

I haven't been too Doolin, but I think the location is ideal.

Carroll, Kenmare certainly is a good location for seeing all of those places. We "did" the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula 2 years ago, but not the Beara Peninsula (which I want to see).

Cynthia, believe me I'm well aware of the driving times in Ireland. I typically tell people to double their estimate and add 10%. Then add in time for stops to appreciate the scenery, eat, etc.

We've settled on two places. A week in Mountshannon on Lough Derg and a week on Achill Island in Co. Mayo. Thanks to all for your help and suggestions.

Achill was beautiful, Mike. Kinda far as far as a base goes, but don't think you'd be disappointed. It's gorgeous. (If a bit cold and windy).