I will be in Ireland next month, with a few days planned for West Cork and the Beara peninsula. In terms of a town to stay in for two nights, would you recommend Skibbereen, Baltimore, or Kenmare? Or perhaps somewhere else? Thanks!
There is not a lot happening in Baltimore unless you happen to be catching the morning ferry to Cape Clear or Sherkin Island. I did have the best bowl of seafood chowder I have ever had in Ireland at the Algiers Inn in Baltimore, even better than that served at "Out of the Blue" in Dingle. Kenmare would be more convenient for exploring the Beara Peninsula and do not know enough about Skibbereen to offer any advice.
I've only driven through Skibereen, but I've stayed overnight in Kenmare. It's a lovely town. I highly recommend the Watersedge B&B.
Chris, Kenmare or nearby Kilgarvan, definitely! Don't miss the Skibereen Heritage Cente (http://www.skibbheritage.com/index.htm) and the evocative Abbystrowery famine cemetery and memorial (http://www.skibbereen.ie/famine.php), though, if you are interested in that aspect of Irish history. Tara
I stayed at Bantry House. One wing of the house is a B&B. It was amazing. They treated me like royalty.