We spent 2 weeks in the south and west mostly in County Kerry in October last year...rented a car in Dublin and just headed out. We found the B&B's, particularly those in farm houses, were the best bets for using as bases to explore the countryside. Pubs were the best places for eating as we found that a lot of places have formal dining while the pub areas have the same food without the tablecloth or the price.

Have a good trip
Rob