I am a watercolor artist planning a trip to Ireland in May and want to paint while I am there. I am looking for advice on the most scenic and colorful towns to make sure I visit while I'm there. I am planning on renting a car and will probably be spending 3-4 weeks. Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated!
Avoca (in the Wicklow Mountains) is a charming little town with Ireland's oldest woollen mill. Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, the Rock of Cashel, Connemara area are all scenic, too. You really can't pick a bad spot.
Agree, dingle, drive over connor pass and at top I seem to remember you can park and beautiful view. Also loved doolin, enjoy,
With that much time, consider going to Northern Ireland too. The Antrim coast is incredibly scenic. The north coast of County Donegal is also very beautiful, and the village of Dunfanaghy. Consider Westport in County Mayo as well. Ireland will keep you busy.
Carlingford, Dingle, Adare, Kinsale, Clifden, Newport, Dalkey, Cushedall, Kenmare. Glendalough, Rathdrum, Dundram in NI. Drive the Sally Gap to Glendalough from Dublin and from Glendalough to Arklow on the coast. Stop along the way.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!!! I'll have to start planning my route. People on this site give such great advice. I got a lot of help that way when I was going to France too.
My husband and I just did a two week, TAUCK tour of Ireland, last June. It was BEYOND fantastic. Ireland is soo-oo-oo gorgeous, no matter where you are. There are so many flowers and varous shades of green. Even the sheep are fantastic. We preferred the southern part of Ireland. We weren't that impressed with Dublin or northern Ireland - Belfast. It is kind of depressing in Belfast.
Atlantic Drive on Achill Island. Spectacular. WOW!!!!!!!
I'm not sure what you are interested in? Quaint buildings, lots of small towns will have something that catches your eye. For scenery, there's a place called "Lady's view" between Kilarney and the Ring of Kerry. It has a small parking lot that overlooks two of the three lakes in Kilarney National Park. The waterfront in Galway would be another good choice.
If I were a painter I'd head for the Dingle peninsula - we spent 3 weeks there last April and it is spectacular scenery! Cliffs, crashing waves, green fields, the Blasket islands shimmering on the horizon. Eingle town itself is very colorful, has fishing boats, and much to paint there. Have fun! J Blake