Hi all,

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Ireland this April/May for two weeks.  The first half we're doing an escorted tour that will his Dublin, Cashel, Blarney/Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty Castle. 

The second half of the trip is where we need some help.  We'd like to rent a house, not a B&B or apartment, in either County Clare or Galway (but leaning towards Clare), and found a beautiful place online in Fanore, County Clare.  The house is beautiful, the right size for us, and withing walking distance of Fanore.  But today I read in our 2004 version of the Lonely Plant that Fanore is a one-pub town.  We want a house that's a little bit away from it all, but within walking distance to a village with a least a few of restaurants/pubs/shops.

So my questions are these (and I reserve the right to ask more!):

1.  Does any one have any updated information on Fanore?  Has it expanded since '04 or is it truly that small?
2.  If it is that small, we'd like some recommendations for towns to focus our search on.  Ennistymon looks like a possibility.  As does Doolin, though is it really touristy?

Thanks for any/all input!

PS  Right now, week two is pretty open itinerary-wise -  we want to take a day for the Aran Islands, and probably a day for the Burren, and then explore the remaining days.  We'd also welcome any input for must-sees in the area.