Best Small Towns/Villages In Ireland?

[amber_rouge]

Next October, nearing the end of a 3 month European backpacking trip, my boyfriend I will be in Ireland and I would love to get some recommendations on the best/charming/"authentic" (i.e. not super touristy) towns or villages.
What we'd like: A small B&B to stay at, and a local pub to drink with the locals. Music would be cool
We'll also be going to Galway... Do you have any other general recommendations? Thanks!

Amber & Erick

 

[tumblezweedz]

We stayed at the Corcreggan Mill in Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal a few years back. Not many tourists in August, I can't imagine there'll be many in October! The mill is historic, and there are plenty of beautiful walks, in particular out to the beach, and to some ruins, but it's a bit isolated - don't know how easy it would be to manage without a car.:tumbleweed:

 

[fallback]

Doolin, a small village on an out-road between Lahinch and Galway (very near the cliffs of moher), was one of my favorite places in Ireland. I was there in early November, and literally no one else was in town except for at the one cool pub in town, whose name I cannot remember specifically. I camped out on the rocky beach next to the sea, but there are a few B&Bs in town and a cute hostel (but no one was there when I walked through, so I went to the beach).

Galway isn't far off. An hour's drive, if I remember right. That's right! It was Halloween when I showed up there. The lady gave me a ride from Lindoosvarna to Galyway, and parties were already commencing. It was the best halloween I've ever had. So, if you're there at the end of October, drop by Quay St. in Galyway that night. and bring a costume.