Planning a visit

The boss says she wants to take the family to Ireland before they are grown and gone.  We are looking for suggestions of places to stay and sights to see.  The boss wants to go to Waterford for obvious reasons and is into historical events, old homes or buildings, and music.  She would also like to visit a whiskey distiller.  The kids are older teenagers who like girls, fishing, boating, skeet / trap shooting, and art.  Me ... I do what the boss says and sneak off to fish or ride dirtbikes every once in a while

We are not looking for a tour but would prefer to strike out on our own via car.  Our focus is most likely the southern end of the island, and we are hoping to visit in June.

Friends have told me that Inns are good places to stay and readily available.  But, who knows.  Ideas?

Quinn