Sheryl - so glad you posted this! I also have the same "requirements" - not big on hopping from one place to the other every day - prefer to just stay in 2 or 3 rural seaside places and soak up the culture. I couldn't figure out how to word it though. I'm so glad people had some good ideas, I've printed them out.

Hey,
Somewhere rural, peaceful and Beautiful? You should try Newcastle, County Down in Northern Ireland. It is right on the sea shore, and it also has the biggest mountains in Northern Ireland that drop right down to the sea. Simply stunning. Also you can walk along the beach for miles out of the town. It has a five star hotel, and some Bed and Breakfasts, and also some apartments to choose from.
This is where i'd recommend! Hope it helps,
David
myeuroguide.blogspot.com
Maybe Rosslare strand in Wexford!!! Right on the beach and depending when you want to go, can be pretty quiet regards tourists....Not far from wexford town either which has a nice feel to it...would tie in nicely too with Dunmore east if you decided on a change of scenery...