Self catering base suggestions

tripper · Member

Self catering base suggestions

Michele Erdvig · Host

tripper,

Your need to show your husband the Cliffs of Moher yet not have a long drive would indicate that you are more interested in staying in the west of Ireland as opposed to the east. Is that correct? I think you will have to better define what you want to see and do before choosing a place to self-cater. However, July is high season and you will want to choose a place soon. You can to to my "Links" page and under Accommodations I have links to self-catering. The coasts of Clare, Galway & Kerry would seem to fit the bill. But that covers a lot of territory so start looking now to see what is available.

Michele

Andi · Senior Member

I can't really suggest for you without more information, but I know that I've always thought it would be nice to stay in or near Cong. Cong is very quiet and small, but it has some beautiful nature walks and even fishing along the river. It's within fairly easy reach of Galway and Westport. The backroads around the area are beautiful and not heavily trafficked. It seems to me you could get to know some people in the town, and have a great relaxing time there.

tripper · Member

I will check out Cong, I know we've been through that area. I don't really have a detailed list of what we want to see and do. Thats part of why we like Ireland. I just don't want to stay in a busy town or too far from pubs, eating ect. Last trip we stayed in Ballyconneely, in County Galway near Clifden. It was very nice but the 8 mile ride into Clifden took a good 30 minutes or more & was quite harrowing. It got to be a pain to grab something from the store knowing that ride was ahead of you everytime. (we rented a holiday home). I'm thinking of Co. Kerry but for no particular reason. We have spent most of our time in Co Clare area so would rather base in another county for a change. If you have anymore recommendations while i search I would appreciate it.

Michele Erdvig · Host

tripper,

If you are being drawn toward Kerry I can think of no better place to stay than the small charming town of Kenmare. There is self-catering available very near town. There are plenty of good restaurants and pubs. It is well-situated for day trips around the southwest.

Michele

xaimimgr · Veteran Member

I'm so glad I found this site again. I too am planning a trip and would like to find a self catering place. Just wasn't sure where I wanted to be. I have been to Ireland once before, but will be traveling with someone who has been all over Europe, but not to Ireland. My problem is that I would like to just stay in one place and take day trips, but think it would be unfair to her??????

The suggestion of Kenmare looks good to me. About how far is it from Shannon. Thinking maybe a week there and then a couple nites in Ennis before flight out. Does this sound logical??

Am also interested in the countryside more than big cities.

Thanks for any input

mcval · Veteran Member

I prefer self-catering over B&B's. I think it's so we don't have to uproot the family every couple days to move on. If you pick a central spot, you can do a ton of stuff every day, yet get back "home" to relax.

The only problem I have with self catering is you don't sample the local food as much. On our next trip, we'll definitely do research into where to eat and what to order. Those battered frozen beef patties just don't do it for me!

tripper · Member

How crowded will Kenmare be in July?

Michele Erdvig · Host

xaimimgr,

Welcome to the forum! Kenmare is well placed for seeing the southwest. Killarney is also but it is a larger town and can be crowded in season. Kenmare is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from Shannon, depending on the route you take. It sounds like you have a good plan.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

tripper,

Any place in the southwest can be crowded in July. If you want to get away from the crowds you need to go places that most tourists don't go. You could try Co. Donegal, Mayo, Sligo or the midlands. Northern Ireland would also be a good choice.

Michele