Where to stay in Ireland?

[TheFnozwhowasmirage]

We are off to Ireland in July for 10 days,flying into Knock. We have no itinerary as such,but want to spend some time in Clare as my family came from there and the DDS are big Father Ted fans,so have earmarked the parochial house and the Burren. We don't know whether to start in Clare and work our way southwards,or drive south and work our way back? We still haven't sorted out accommodation either,if anyone has any recommendations? I'm not fussy and we don't want luxury but definitely no camping or caravans.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd be very grateful.Thank you.

How lovely you will have a great time.
Westport is a lovely base, and there is loads of accommodation. Fantastic beaches and activities for kids, surfing ,horse riding
Nice places to eat.
I have a house there so if you want any information feel free to ask.

Hi there,

Although you have ten days there is so much to see and do in Mayo galway and Clare That going further might be a bit of a waste of your precious time - in that Mayo to Kerry takes about 5 hrs with NO MOTORWAYS

Mayo - Westport , the wild Atlantic way ,AChill Island are musts .
Westport house has a mini adventure place for kids its €€ but my 5 yr old had the best time ever!! Go early to get the value out of a day it

The wild Atlantic way -ye can hire bikes some electric and cycle along some fabulous scenery and rugged coast
Westport is very busy and very foodies with lovely restaurants and loads of activities in the area
Delphi adventure centre -depending on what age your kids are
Westport would be pricey to stay in ss it is so chocca in July
AChill is becoming a mini Westport -not as busy so would be cheaper to stay in - keem bay there is straight out of the Mediterranean ( on a sunny day !!)

From Westport on to AChill and then newport, louisburgh then through Connemara to clifden -( you are in county galway now )
To be honest newport and louisburgh are lovely and would be lovely to stay in -on the way to clifden kylemore abbey is stunning and is a must.

Galway City is small - very arty and cool. It is expensive to stay in so will be in July as its so packed with tourists
I think you should check out deal Rush.ie- group on.ie and living social for deals. Often if Galway hotels are on these sites they are in towns just outside the city - tho most might have pools etc to keep ye occupied. I keep an eye out for us and often they will have holiday cottages at good deals.
Make sure and try to bargain as some hotels in small towns have struggled in the recession and may be willing to do deals etc for family groups or throw in dinner or summat
Clare - Doolin, Lahinch,Spanish point, bun ratty castle and the burden are great -cliffs of moher highest in ireland € you have to pay to go in so dunno if it's worth it !!
Have a great time

Hotels in Ireland are very good value compared to the UK, look out for family deals in Connemara , Westport would be a great base. Driving takes much longer from A to B that you would imagine.