Two towns suggested to us are Mountshannon in Clare or Ballyvaughan in Clare near The Burren. Any suggestions? What about suggestestions for b&b's or inns in/ near these towns?

In Ballyvaughan two good places to stay are Drumcreehy House & Rusheen Lodge. Who did the suggesting and what are you looking for?

We leave in 1 week. We're looking for a nice village w/ good hiking, biking, possibly sailing activities and good music listening venues. It will be our first stop after arrival at Shannon airport. We would head up north to Galway city(which is apparently booked due to the Oyster Festival)and Connemara after either Ballyvaughan or Mountshannon. Doolin seems very touristy so we thought Ballyvaughan and its proximity to the Burren walks might be nice. Mountshannon just sounds like a really ncie village in the guide books I've read - and Lough Derg looks beautiful in photos. Looks like there might be some small sailing possibilities on Lough Derg as well. We won't have time to do both and fit in time in Connemara so I thought I'd ask around.....

Are you only spending one night in either Ballyvaughan or Mountshannon? If so, I would suggest Ballyvaughan since it is heading you in the right direction for Galway & Connemara. As for music, it mostly happens on weekends at this time of year. Whether you find it in either place just depends. You will probably not find your entire "wish list" in either place. Instead spread the "wish list" out over your whole trip to Ireland.

Mollyk: I look into staying in Mountshannon once. I liked the village and there was a small hotel right in the midst of main street. I'm looking at my Ireland of The Welcomes for it and don't see it. I did stay down the lake for three days in Killaloe at Watermans Lodge. Very comfortable. I liked Killaloe, right on the lake, not too far from Shannon, and there are a three hotels. I remember MaryZ likes to stay in Killaloe. I agree with Irisheyes about Ballyvaughan. She always knows of good places to stay. You could get some sailing in Killaloe and Mountshannon. I don't know if this helped or confused you more. I like both places. I love anyplace in Ireland. Have a great trip. Joan