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I’m considering spending next summer in Ireland. I was in the Dublin airport for a layover, but even during those few hours, and flying overhead, I felt really drawn to the country, and would like to return. Also, my great-grandmother was from Galway and since I didn’t get to know her very well before she passed, I feel like this is a way to do so.

I will travel throughout the country, of course, but I’m really not sure where I’d like for my “home base.” I’m looking for a beautiful old place really steeped in traditional Irish culture, preferably with pretty countryside nearby. I don’t want to be bored in a teeny village, mind you, but I just mean that a trendy, "modern" city with lots of nightlife or whatever isn't important to me.

Would Galway fit my interests? I’m open to other options.

galway would be perfect!!
its big and small enough to fit all your requirements. The landscape both north and south of the city - not to mention the aran islands out to sea are is astoundingly beautiful. Its also a good base to explore neighbouring areas such as clare and mayo etc. Its also just a short 3 hour trip on the train (bus with no traffic is just a little longer) from the capital.

I have only been to Cork and Kinsale (and Limerick sort of).

I can say that Cork is ok, not fantastic.

Kinsale is pretty nice, but small. The area around Kinsale on the coast is better.

I understand Galway is a great place and Waterford too.

Galway city is definitely a great place to have your HQ. I lived there for 3years and I can't say a bad thing about it.

Galway is nicely situated between a lot of the great Irish landscape of the West (Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren). It's also a super cute town with a nice personality a never-ending night life (except Tuesday nights are pretty dead) and tons of pubs.... there are so many different kinds pubs here it's mind boggling! On the flip-side, it's a big enough town (70,000) to have urban sprawl, so it takes a bit of effort to get out into the stereotypical rural landscape. It's still super close, but if you are desiring to look out of your window and see rolling green hills and sheep, Galway City wouldn't be your best bet.


Westport, in Co. Mayo is also a really cute town (about 1/10 the size of Galway). They've worked pretty hard to preserve it's "Irish-ness." It's completely surrounded by the rolling hills & sheep scenery, on a really pretty Bay, and next to a Croaugh Patrick, an impressive little mountain. It has a nice shopping centre, and some pubs. I think it's worth at least a day trip!

Unfortunately, I'm only really familiar with the West (and even then, there's still SO MUCH to see).

Good luck planning your trip!

I`m from Cork, it`s ok, but I wouldn`t want to spend a summer there! I agree with every thing Phil said, Galway would be perfect for you.
Make sure you head out to a few of the Irish speaking places and learn a bit of the lingo!

I doubt you need another opinion since they have all been very complimentary of Galway, but here's mine: It's perfect! Decent-sized with a small-town feel, it's amazing.

Begging your pardon, but are you all nuts? I am IN Galway and it has changed considerably in the last few years. It is dirty, crowded and flooded with immigrants seeking work. It even has a strip club downtown! Sad to say, it is not the quaint town it used to be. BUT, it is a good base for getting to other areas. Connemara is beautiful, and you can take a CityLink bus to Clifden from Galway (not sure of the price) and see a lot of beautiful scenery. Clifden has two very decent hostels and several good pubs, but you wouldn't want to stay there all summer.

Why have one home base anyway? You'll just spend a lot of time going over the same ground. It's better to move in a circular fashion and just call wherever you sleep your home base for the night.

Good luck.

Marcie
http://lonelyplanet.mytripjournal.com/westcoastireland07

I would encourage you to have your "home base" be in the western part of Ireland. One of my favorite places is Dingle (An Daingean) which offers immediate access to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. Also, you are within striking distance of the resort town of Killarney (which might be another good choice for you as home base - particularly if you want a more active night life) and Killarney National Park.

Why not stay in Derry City? One of the oldest and most historical places in Ireland and borders the beautiful Donegal.