Ruth's home is a nice 10 minute walk to the city center, along a very well developed walking/biking trail. It is also a much shorter walk to the shops, pubs and stores along the quay. Whatever you do, don't miss Westport House if you want to see real, lived-in Irish history.
Ruth is a delightful host, interesting, informative, passionate about the history and politics of Ireland, recent and past. I very much enjoyed my stay, and will again.