Ireland-3 Weeks, 3 Bases
 

We're a family of 5 heading to Ireland in the summer (next). We love to travel and explore with our teens who are great travelers. We'd like 3 homebases in Ireland for a week at a time with day trips from there. We're not afraid to drive 4-5 hours to change locations. We'll go in and out of Shannon and thought of heading to Killarney for a week to start. Trying to decide how far North to go for the next base, and where we should settle in for the next 2 weeks (2 more places). We'll spend the last night back near Shannon and fly out in the morning. What are the best ideas from those who know the land well? Thank you!

I could tell you where I would enjoy going, but your tastes might be quite unlike mine. Please give us an idea of the sort of things you hope to experience.

Sounds like you want to go North after Killarney? If so - some suggestions for bases might be - Clifden or Westport as one base. Next base depends how far north you want to go? Another option on Killarney - if you would like a smaller, less touristy town,- check out Kenmare - its a lovely town, well served with facilities and it would give you access to Killarney, Ring of Kerry and also south to Beara Peninsula which I consider a very special and less travelled area.
For your overnight before flying out - Bunratty is a good place. Very close to airport, a small village dominated by famous Bunratty Castle. Some good accommodation around there. I stayed at this one a few years ago and it was excellent. http://www.bunrattycourtyard.com You could also check out option of Bunratty Banquet at the castle for your last night. I am Irish and always thought the idea of a medieval banquet in Bunratty Castle was a bit twee and touristy. However, my mind was pleasantly changed a few years ago when I went along to one, and since then I have recommended it to others. http://www.shannonheritage.com/EveningEntertainments/ You might have to book in advance.

Excellent advice, thank you! I had considered Clifden as a second base. Then wasn't sure if it would be more interesting to stay in that region or further south, or head to Donegal or Sligo. Any thoughts are appreciated in that regard. It will be a full week in 3 places, so we're willing to move a little in-between. We did that in Iceland a couple years ago and had a fabulous time. Certainly want access to fun towns, interesting sites where we can all learn something, and get out and enjoy nature. Sounds like Ireland is made for that!

I should mention we're completely open to staying in the southern half of Ireland as well. For example, is Waterford worth basing in, or another area there that would allow interesting day trips without going into Dublin? We hope this is one of several trips to Ireland in the future, but probably the only one with our kids. Thanks again for the info!