I am trying to decide which town to stay in with access to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. I've heard great things about Doolin in regards to the music, but also heard it is sometimes overwhlemed with tourists. Are any other towns like Lisdoonvarna as nice to stay in?

Rocky View Farmhouse, Ballyshannon.
http://www.rockyviewfarmhouse.com/

My mistake. Rocky View Farmhouse is outside of Fanore, in Co. Clare. Rockville House is in Ballyshannon and not useful for this discussion.

sabre


We liked the distinctive Aran View House, slightly out of Doolin on the fringe of the Burren.

http://www.aranview.com/


stu t.

We stayed last fall at Ballinalacken Castle Hotel (not a castle just next to a ruins)

It was outside Doolin, so convenient to Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. It was quiet, nice dining room. Our room had a great view, was a little outdated but not bad.

http://www.ballinalackencastle.com/

We did eat at Roadford House Restaurant in Doolin and I would HIGHLY recommend eating there. The former Chef from Ballinalacken opened it with his wife, and it was delightful. Apparently he is very well known.

http://www.roadfordrestaurant.com/

sabredude28 writes: "I've heard great things about Doolin in regards to the music, but also heard it is sometimes overwhlemed with tourists. Are any other towns like Lisdoonvarna as nice to stay in?"

Much depends on when you plan to be there. Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival is Sep to early Oct. July in the Miltown Malbay area there's a Willie Clancy Memorial Scoile of Music & Dance; and Ennis has its Spring Festival (Fleadh Nua) at the end of May every year.

Consider Lahinch or Ennistymon or even Corofin as close to Doolin & the Burren. Then there's the Falls Hotel, unofficial(?) base for the Matchmaking festival.

Personally, I would stay in Ennis, the largest city in the area. It's around 3/4 hour to Doolin and it's a good base for exploring the area. And I prefer a place large enough do do a walkabout

Kinvara is a lovely village on Galway Bay within close proximity to both the Burren and Galway city. Accommodation options range from B&B's to the full-service Merriman Hotel. You can view a listing here: http://www.kinvara.com/acc.html. I've enjoyed many happy visits to Kinvara and celebrated a recent birthday at the Pier Head Restaurant. Depending on the time of year, you can also spend an evening at Dunguaire Castle for a medieval banquet.

I stayed in Lisdoonvarna one March. I didn't think much of it, altho it was early in the season and many places were closed

Hi we stayed in Doolin at Sea View House. http://www.seaviewhouse.eu
Lovely place really nice rooms.

The owner Darra did say that in July and August it gets busy, but that up to May and after August its a lot more relaxed.

We satyed there two weeks ago and had a very nice time.
We ate in O'Connors Bar and heard some very good traditional music.