West Cork stay

Bunny Watson · Member

West Cork stay

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Probably the best mid-point would be in Kerry, rather than West Cork -- in Kenmare. It's a favorite of Michele's and she has lodging recs listed.

Best choices IN West Cork for consistent music offerings would likely be Clonakilty for De Barras ( http://debarra.ie/ ) --- Particularly if John Spillane is in the house! biggrin biggrin

Skibbereen, West Cork Hotel or Paragon; Baltimore at Casey's or Bushes; or Bantry at Ma Murphy's MAY have some music on offer, but it would depend upon your schedule matching up.

You would need to check for websites or contact them to see.

Once you settle on a location, we can offer some lodging options.

tony2phones · Guru

Any of the places on Bob's answer take a look at the Mizen, Sheeps Head and get out to see Beara before you head up to Dingle, The Cork peninsula's get far fewer visitors and are equally as scenic and more rugged than north Kerry. Mixing with the locals more than makes up for the remote possibility you don't find music.

Bunny Watson · Member

Thank you. If meeting locals was a higher priority than trad, which would you choose?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Given Cork and Dingle, I would choose either Baltimore or Kenmare.

Bunny Watson · Member

Well then, Kenmare it is! We were there in 2014 and lived it, but while we spent the evening in town, we spent our day in the area in the Black Valley and Killarney National Park. We didn't even really realize we were on a bay. (Terrible! I know.) Can you direct me to b&bs within walking distance to town?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Kenmare is Michele's favorite Irish town. She lists four rec's: http://www.irelandyes.com/lodgings.html

I normally stay in either the Bantry or Killarney areas, but in 2014, we had a very nice stay at: http://www.kenmarehousebandb.com/ Although not town center, the lighted, paved walkway makes it VERY walk-able!

If you are a bay/water-side fan, my Baltimore recs are on the square, facing the marina . . .

Bunny Watson · Member

Yes, thank you! Kenmare House is where we stayed and I couldn't think of the name. I will write to them and I wrote to Michele's 3 Recs last night.
Slam
Ione

tony2phones · Guru

If you consider Pax house in walking distance of Dingle then I can recommend Tara Farm for Kenmare. but to be closer to town my vote usually goes to Abbeycourt and Sallyport House was recommended to me recently.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Arthur's and Sallyport are two of my favorites. Both walking distance to town.