You can call at the Rock of Cashel on the way from or back to Dublin.

The Cliffs are 1 1/2 hours north from Limerick so an easy trip up. Take the M/N18 up to Galway and drive the coast road back down. That takes care of your mid day for Limerick. Guessing the Clare Inn is your accommodation which is 1/2 hour north of Limerick on the N18 anyway. Bunratty castle is on the doorstep.

If the weather is right you could drive round the Dingle peninsular on the way to Killarney.

You must see the Cliffs of Moher -- spectacular! To be honest, the Rock of Cashel was just another castle -- nice to visit but I wouldn't go out of my way. When we went in October 2011, Cashel was being renovated and most of it was off limits. Be aware that some of the touristy things to do are not always available off season. We were told that some of the restaurants in Dingle shut down from Nov to March as most of the fishermen won't go out in the bad weather.

Thanks for the replies!!

First question, if we decide to have lunch in Galway, any good restaurant recs for travelers on a budget? Preferably pub food or any place with good, fresh seafood.

Bean11- we'll be there in early Oct, so I'm hoping we'll still catch the end of tourist season. Any other must sees or places to avoid from your trip? Trust fellow travelers over guidebooks any day.

Tony2phones, when you say to do Dingle on the way to Killarney, do you mean instead of driving straight from Limerick to Killarney, to bypass Killarney and do the Dingle Penn. before heading to our hotel in Killarney?

Given the short amount of time in that area, I think we'll only have time for one, possibly two big excursions, so I'm trying to pick between Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, and Killarney National Park. I LOVE mountains, ocean, and beautiful views of nature. If you had to pick two, which should I go for? Thanks!!!

Definitely go to McDonoughs In Galway for the Fish and Chips and Oysters. They have take away or sit down. I love the take away casual area. The location is right at the end of the Spanish arch area.

Also, do not miss the Cliffs of Moher while you are there...it is a MUST !! have a great time.

I would definitely choose Dingle from those list, though Gap of Dunloe and Killarney National Park are gorgeous seconds. Dingle beats it, IMHO.

Cliffs are definitely breathtaking. Easy drive from Limerick. Bunratty not only has a castle, but a folk park and lovely gardens. There are two banquets at night, a bit touristy but fun - Ceilidh in the Corn Barn and the 'high end' banquet in the castle. Bunratty could be the other half of the day you started at the Cliffs.

I love the Rock of Cashel, and easy to visit to or from Dublin. Check out Hore Abbey nearby, as well. I also enjoyed Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage on the way.

Busker Brownes does excellent pub grub and is the place we take our visitors when calling in Galway.

In October the Cliffs might be a no go? The Clare coast takes the Atlantic first hand and no point being there in the howling wind, pouring rain or sea mist/low cloud.

Bunratty is the only place Shannon Heritage keep open from the End of September and whilst I would not say the Banquets are a must nor the Castle the best example, The folk park is well worth the visit.

Assuming The Clare Inn as your accommodation then the South of Lough Derg, Killaloe/Ballina is within reach, you could even come in this way from Dublin taking the Birdhill exit off the M7 and cutting cross country.

Dingle is not on my personal essential list but has become the holy grail to many visitors. Driving over the Connor Pass into Dingle town, round the Slea Head drive and to Killarney (The Fairview?) will take the full day. Remember though that Slea Head as the Cliffs is weather dependant. That said if the weather is fair it would be good use of the day between Limerick and Killarney. The mid day could then be used for The Gap, Muckross and national park. O'Connors ot Tattler Jacks would be my recommended bars in Killarney although Tour bus Trad will be available in the Danny Mann Bar of the Eviston Hotel.

If you decide against Dingle then Adare is the chocolate box village (more UK Cotswold than Ireland)Aunty Lenas a good spot for pub lunch. Taking the Coastal rout Foynes Flying Boat Museum (Birthplace of Irish Coffee)might be worth a call and Listowel is high on my list of Ireland's best Heritage Towns.

Swiss Cottage, Cahir Castle and The rock of Cashel are options for the return to Dublin but this again will/could make for a full day.

A wonderful day trip from Limerick would be The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren or a visit to Galway City. You can also make a day visit from Limerick to Caher Castle and The Rock of Cashel. Limerick City itself has next to what you already mentioned, a lovely Anglican Cathedral, The Hunt Museum and a small modern art gallery.

When staying in Killarney take the ring of Kerry it is lovely and you will enjoy a day well spend. Bantry Bay is another alternative to Dingle. There is Bantry House and near Glengariff you can visit Garinish Islands you can take a small ferry leaving from the harbour to the Island.

Since you love Mountains, Ocean and beautiful views make sure the Ring of Kerry, The Cliffs of Moher and The Burren are on your itinerary.

Have a lovely stay in Ireland!

While staying in Killarney, we took a Jaunty Car out to Muckross House. It was alot of fun and kind of romantic. The driver we had that day, Mike (I think the horse was Silver) told us that most of the drivers don't work much after October because there isn't much business for them. He was a 3rd generation driver. Prices seem to be negotiable when they don't have much business so be sure to barter. He agreed to wait for us while we toured Muckross. Again, negotiate. An enjoyable upscale dining experience in Killarney was Bricin's. We tried Boxty (potato pancake stuffed with whatever you choose). Very tasty.