1st time - need 3 overnight areas to daytrip from - pregnant
 

We're going to Ireland (southern) for 9 days the first of August. Other than staying in Dublin the first night and with friends in Tralee the end of the trip, hubby and I are looking for ideal locations for doing day trip sightseeing from. I'm pregnant and will mostly drive and do some walking. Thinking of overnighting in Kilkenney and Kinsale (2-3 nights each). Any better suggestions for towns? We'd love to stay in more local places (not hotels) suggestions welcome!!!

Kinsale is just lovely and relaxing. We went for a weekend here after I returned form a long business trip. The food is fantastic and there are some nice towns and beaches to drive to from here. You could day trip to Cork city as well.

Kilkenny is also another lovely town but after 2 days you have seen it all here and I would maike it less.

Enjoy

Add Kenmare to the list of "K" towns that are nice to spend multiple nights. Excellent restaurants with lots of beautiful scenery in close proximity. Kilkenny and Kinsale are beautiful too. All are likely to be pretty crowded in May. Kilkenny seems to be a pretty big hot with the stag and hen party regulars. Saturday night is pretty wild. I also noticed that in Kelkenny, a lot of pubs didn't serve meals on Sunday evening.

Bill

You're bringing back memories! We spent two weeks in Ireland in May 1998, and my son was born in August. We also stayed in Kenmare and thought it was lovely (and convenient for exploring). We liked Dingle too, but if you have friends in Tralee you will probably see that area when you are with them. Have a wonderful trip and post a report when you get back!

I've not been to Kinsale, so I'll vote for Kilkenny. I just stayed there at a fabulous B&B, The Alcantra. Great hostess, good breakfast (with homemade jams!) and close to the city (about 4 blocks). Day trips down to Kells Priory and Jerpoint Abbey are easy. One day for that and another exploring the city are fine. Heading out, visit the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle/Swiss Cottage when heading southwest.