I'm planning a trip to Ireland, and want to find a nice, small town on the west coast. Any suggestions?

Question

I'm not too interested in seeing the big cities. I'd just like to take a week or so and spend it in a small, friendly city somewhere on the west coast. I'd like to stay at a reasonably priced bed and breakfast, preferrably somewhere that I can walk where ever I need to go ... I get lost driving around my own city, attempting to find my way in another country would be a disaster ...

I don't need somewhere seeped in history or full of tourist activities. Just somewhere I can go relax, listen to some music, and enjoy a quiet week or so.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Dingle in County Kerry. I went there . You can go on the beautiful Sleah Head Drive and it is very scenic and relaxing.

Answer 2

I'd vote for Dingle.  It's my favorite spot in Ireland.  You say you're not interested, but it is full of history & the scenery is spectacular.  Here's a link

http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/

Answer 3

Doolin is a great little town, but maybe too small for a whole week.  I would suggest going to two or three towns instead.

Answer 4

go to galway. it's one of the larger cities in ireland, but that does  not mean that it is a booming metropolis by american or other countries' standards. plus, its city center is very concentrated, so it is easy to navigate and feel at home very quickly.

the other plus about galway, as someone else pointed out, is that you should not spend all of your time in one city, especially in the west of ireland where there is so much to see-different landscapes, historical and cultural areas, etc. galway is within extremely reasonable distance of many attractions. check it out!

dingle and kinvara are good day trips for small towns!

Answer 5

If you havent been to ireland before i would suggest not staying in one place. It is far too beautiful not to see it all. And as far as driving its a piece of cake as long as you stay away from Dublin, thyre crazy!!! But there are so many signs to the towns you cant get lost. A few of my favorites were Kilarney, Blarney, Cork. But you will have a great time anywhere.

Have a great trip!!!

Answer 6

Don't stay in one place is my suggestion.

Get into Galway and then drive down the coast to Doolin (co. clare), Kinvara, Dingle, Killarney and Cahirciveen (all co. kerry).

If your above 25 then renting a car is relatively cheap especially if your not on your own.

Answer 7

i live near the west coast and my three suggestions would be:

1.Galway city is a fairly large town (approx 100,000 inhabitants) but still has a small town charm.

2.Westport; a charming small town (8,000 inhabitants) in County Mayo.  It is close to the amazing Achill Island.  

3.Clifden; Look up picturesque in the dictionary and you will see a photo of this little town (2,000 inhabitants) here is a photo http://www.kennys.ie/MapsPrints/SeanTomk...  located about 1 hour west of galway city in the middle of connemara district, its close to some of Ireland best scenery and history monuments