Still planning my Ireland itinerary...We'll be there for 8 nights in May. Killarney has been suggested for several nights as a good base for day trips. However, reading (and Rick Steves) suggests it's pretty commercial and lacking in atmosphere. I'm thinking of: 1 night Shannon/Bunratty (we fly in there); 2 nights Kinsale; 1 night Kenmare; 3 nights Dingle; 1 night Doolin. Would appreciate any input on this! Thanks!

Rick is entitled to his opinion just like everyone else. I would not take it as gospel though. Nothing wrong with Killarney in my opinion although Kenmare is a favorite. Where you stay depends on what you want to do in the area.

Like everyone else on this forum you have a short time. You are short-changing Kenmare/Killarney in favor of Kinsale. I would drop Kinsale. Two nights might be enough in Dingle, again depending on what you want to do there.

I don't agree about Kinsale; it is a good place to overnight, and offers great dining possibilities.

I might do 2 Kinsale, 2 Kenmare, 2 Dingle, but a lot depends on what Natalie wants to do with the days.

How about 1 night Kinsale, 2 nights Kenmare, 2 nights Dingle & 1 night Doolin? Sounds like Killarney area is a good jumping off point for a lot of different sights.

Natalie, you seem to have lost some nights!

Oh no! We don't have enough time as it is! You can probably tell that one of my problems is that I don't yet know how we want to spend our time. Interested in small towns, coastline, Irish music/pub time, ancient ruins. First night in Bunratty as we fly into Shannon, then 1 night Kinsale, 2 nights Kenmare, 3 nights Dingle, 1 night Doolin.

I like Kinsale well enough but don't adore it. I would never go there on a Fri/Sat/Sun. Only mid-week for me when I can avoid the gridlock and crowds.