Is it never ending?!

And which is more common in Co. Clare? I intend to go there soon (before 2009), and I would rather say it the way they do there.

Also, are there any towns or vilages there that the majority are very good in Irish, and could hold a long conversation that you know of?

I have bad news for you Jesse a chara. There is not a Gaeltacht (area that is designated as Irish speaking) in county Clare. You still might find some people who speak it there of course, but you won't, as far as I know, find any concentration of Irish speakers in any village or town. Ta bron orm a chara (I'm sorry friend).

So, the most common in Co. Clare would be "how are you?" ;-)

Jessy,

The Irish people for decades have been studying Irish while they've attended grammar schools. Although some will point out that not all Irish are fluent in the Irish language, I have found that many are, including Irish people that I meet here in the states. I think it's a lot like any subject. For example, here in the States, some folks really like literature and can discuss Shakespeare or Yeats all day long. Others might remember hearing the name Shakespeare in class, but would rather talk about who won the ball game last night.

So, when you're in County Clare I think an appropriate way of saying "how are you" would be "Conas atá tú?" since (I think) its what is taught in schools. Also, County Clare is close, or part of, the Munster dialect region, where "Conas atá tú" applies.

My last (literally) experience in speaking Irish in Ireland was before boarding the plane at Shannon for the States. I made the mistake of not realizing the clocks where being set back an hour, it being the time of year, I wound up at the airport very, very early. So, being the first one to check in, the airport inspector and I got into a discussion about my trip and how I just finishing studying up at Oideas Gael. That's all it took - the rest of our conversation, including the inspection of my luggage, etc was conducted in Irish. It was great! I also think that many Irish really get a kick out of Americans learning Irish. My niece has just finished studying at Maynooth and found the same positive attitudes about the Irish language from the Irish people. Of course there are exceptions, which I'm sure you'll read about here on this forum, but don't let that discourage you from speaking "as Gaeilge." (in Irish).

Please wait for others' inputs to correct or confirm what I've written.

It can go both ways. I've heard of people either thinking its neat that you've learned and speaking with you and people who snub and refuse, even if they know it.

Beir bua agus beannacht

a Mhac Léinn na Gaeilge, a chara
scéal maith sin, ach, i would disagree on county clare. it depends greatly on which part of the county. mar shampla, an tuaisceart, (an tIarthuaisceart go háirithe)
you'd hear 'cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?' and 'tho there mightn't be official Gaeltachtaí in clare you'd be sure to find pockets that would provide opportunity to converse as gaeilge, as a result of islanders in for a day or relocated to the mainland, esp. along the nw coast of clare, doolin area being the hotspot.
slán

A Dhéiridh,

Go raibh maith agat as an ceartúchán.