My wife and I are planning 10 days (or so) in Ireland in Sept., 2003. Flying into Shannon, we plan to pick a base location (cottage/guesthouse) from which to day-trip by car. This will be our 1st trip to Ireland and we would like to concentrate on the West and South regions. <BR>Any suggestions/recommendations for this type of trip will be greatly appreciated. We love to drive and sightsee along the way and don't mind long daytrips. Scenery, meeting local people and architecture are important. Touristy/Gifty amenities are not.

Also, we'd like to hear from anyone who has stayed in the area mentioned...where... were your accommodations nice, etc.

Just returned home from a driving trip through SW Ireland. Places to stay: Shelburne Lodge in Kenmare(064 41013)4 stars! Also,The Grove House in Schull(028 28067) 3 stars. Great accomadations and breakfasts, very friendly hosts. Don't miss Mizen Head and Slea Head and 2 beautiful drives were Healy Pass and Conor Pass(Dingle).

You could check out http://www.irishvacationrental.com or http://www.harveysdock.com for self catering you could use as a base

Weve been so many times and September is the best as far as im concerned. The weather is good...the tourists are fewer. Cottage staying is great fun and i really suggest the west..perhaps between Shannon and Galway..you can hardly go wrong.....its all great