I've read many itineraries and the Fodor book but there are so many choices that I'll ask for some advice. Traveling in Sept 2010 and have 9 days plus 2 travel days. We'll use Dublin as a base for 3 days (thanks to Hilton points) and use one of those for a day trip (Glendalough/Wicklow) via a tour company. From there spend 2 nights in Kilkenny, one in Kinsale. Cover the southwest on the way to (and here's the question), where to stay in the west as a base for the Cliffs/ Burren etc. before heading back to an overnight in Dublin for flight back. What would be a good 2 night base in the west or southwest? We don't want to change lodging every day. Would also consider going west first by train to Galway if that makes more sense. Would love to do a short tour or two vs. driving. Also will take any input on my initial itinerary.
Thanks in advance.

Galway would be a good base: South (Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & the Burren) or North (Cong, Croagh Patrick & Westport) or even West into Connemara.

I prefer Ennis (Co. Clare) but that may be because I've been to all those places I mention.

Forgot to mention that we're more interested in B&B accomodations once we leave Dublin so my follow on question is whether Galway is a good spot for that vs. a smaller town? I'm now thinking maybe we'll take the train back to Dublin from Galway unless anyone tells me it's unreliable.

If you decide to stay in Ennis, as suggested, you really need to stay at Parkside Inn. We stayed there this past September and really loved it. It is a 200 year old home that is now a B&B. The host is great and very helpful, the rooms spacious, the breakfast wonderful, and the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis has the BEST Irish beef hamberger you will ever taste. Have a great trip, I am envious.

floridamom -- what was the cost on that b&b???

in Ennis we stayed at bunratty castle (not really a castle) but it had a folk park and shopping area right next to it - very lovely and a short stop to shannon airport if you can get your return flight out of shannon and not dublin --

DDCTraveler - Galway is a good base for the West and North West, but not really for the SouthWest- roads out of Galway to Limerick/Kerry/Cork/Clare are not motorway, and the trains don't go along the west coast. I've not stayed in Ennis but this site might be useful: http://www.visitennis.ie

September is a great time in Dublin, there are a few arts festivals on- depending on when you're going so you might want to check out http://www.fringefest.com a bit closer to travel time. There's also a newly launched dublin bikes scheme which is a wonderful and inexpensive way to see the city http://www.dublinbikes.ie

Have a great time!