Alternatives to Kinsale

Diceicle

Hello all,

Myself and my OH were thinking of taking a trip to Kinsale in June. Accommodation seems either booked-out, over-budget or something you wouldn't want to stay in.
I'm hoping you boardsies can guide me to a few suitable alternative locations to spend a couple of night in Ireland.
Would like somewhere quaint with a decent selection of bars and restaurants.
Currently considering the likes of Kenmare, Portmagee etc.
Checked a couple of the surfer-related towns but couldn't really tell if they'd fit the bill.
Thanks for your time.

Spanish Eyes

Roughly where are you situated, and how far do you want to travel?

Shawn Michaels

Kenmare is a lovely spot...I'd recommend it

hytrogen

We did Killarney last June b'holiday weekend, grand stretch, great driving country too for the Jag, just go the same direction the buses do around the ring & stop at the chocolate factory in Skellig!
And most importantly the brewery tour is an absolute must
Oh and make sure you've a good CD collection, not too much on the wireless down there..

The Sidewards Man

Shawn Michaels wrote: »

Kenmare is a lovely spot...I'd recommend it

Nothing to do down there, gave years going there on breaks and sorry I didn't explore more places.

Diceicle

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Roughly where are you situated, and how far do you want to travel?

Thanks for the reply. I'm Dublin based distance isn't that much of a factor (though we'll be staying in Ireland).

VincePP

Sneem would be an option - close to Kenmare, but also "quaint" and fab pubs in the place.

byhookorbycrook

Kinsale is far too touristy for me, I loathe it, even though I am originally from Cork. Clonakilty is good craic and has plenty to do.I love Dingle as well.

The Sidewards Man

VincePP wrote: »

Sneem would be an option - close to Kenmare, but also "quaint" and fab pubs in the place.

Ah hear, Sneem is a dive pass through it to get to the beach in carolls cove since Kenmare has none and its full of hippies and dole loungers.

VincePP

The Sidewards Man wrote: »

Ah hear, Sneem is a dive pass through it to get to the beach in carolls cove since Kenmare has none and its full of hippies and dole loungers.

Its not that bad, but agree Carrolls Cove is good, however june weather is hit and miss.

Waterville is another option

solerina

Dunmore East, lovely spot and not too far from Dublin.

Balmed Out

Clonakilty, Westport, Killarney, Dingle, Dungarvan all nice.

SkySter

Schull or Baltimore also worth a mention. Cape Clear and Sherkin Islands are nice places to visit from there.

ProudDUB

I'd vote for Kenmare. Perfectly situated to explore the Ring of Kerry, as well as the much underestimated Beara Peninsula. It has a lot of good pubs and restaurants too, so the nightlife is good. There is a few decent shops too. There are also a good mix of five star hotels if you want to spoil yourself, to fairly ordinary cheapish ones. I've had some amazing meals in Kenmare. Portmagee is beautiful, but it's a good bit smaller than Kenmare and it's more isolated. You'd have less options in the atin' and drinkin' departments, but it is a great jumping off point to explore the Skelligs Ring, as well as Valencia Island.

Living Off The Splash

Westport is a nice town to visit. You could also pick somewhere in Co. Clare and drive/walk the Burren.