Ireland virgins need your expertise for a SW Coast base
 

We are considering a short trip in early December to get a taste of Ireland. This is a new destination for us. I am thinking about a couple of days in Dublin then getting a car and heading for the SW coast for a few days. My thought is to find a base in a convenient place to go and explore. Where would you recommend? I know this is always the big question but, how long should we plan to get an overview? Thanks.

In December you have reduced daylight hours, and a moderately high possibility of cloud and rain, with reduced visibility for scenic touring. So you run the risk of some disappointment.

In addition, many of the tourist base towns are almost in hibernation, so you might not get much buzz.

How about a different strategy? Stay in or close to Dublin; watch the weather forecasts: do indoor stuff in Dublin if it rains; do scenic tourism on day-trips out of Dublin when weather allows.

Why the South West Coast?

In December I suggest a 2 base approach Dublin on the east coast and Galway on the west coast.

Thank you for your thoughts. Maybe we will change the time of year.

I am curious why you recommend Galway Tony 2. Just looking at a map it seems like a good many of the attractions are South of there.

Galway gives access to The Connemara, The Aran Isles, The Burren and Cliffs "Geo Park" and has all year round tour bus's to take you to these places.

Killarney is another good option which has tour bus's all year for the Ring of Kerry and its sights and long season trips to Dingle peninsula.

Cork is Ireland's 2nd largest city so if all you want is concrete and tarmac then Dublin and Cork would be ideal.

Of course I'm no Rick Steves guide so wouldn't be foolish enough to send you to Dingel in December.

Tony is right, in Dec you are going to have less than eight hours sunlight. If you are going in the spring than I would say stay away from bigger cities and wander around the Mizen and Beara with great views and nice walks. There are lovely islands (Clear and Sherkin) off the south coast and Dingle is not so bad. But with the short days and iffy weather then Killarney is not a bad choice. When the sun goes down at about 4:00 p.m. you will at least have some night life.