I can only comment on the first bits since I didn't go to Cork+. There are some locals that are sure to chime in to help.

We enjoyed our time in Dingle (2 nights) but would not have wanted to stay 4. I don't think it makes for a very good base as it is a bit remote, but that's me. We stayed in Killarney for 3 nights and then Dingle for 2 (and Galway for 3).

Good luck. Photos below

http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/ireland.html

We were in Ireland September before last and did most of the stuff that you have mentioned here. When you are in Dublin check out the trip to Newgrange. It may not be something you are interested in but the structure is older than the pyramids. There are little shuttles there but I think you need to make a reservation.

We also stayed in Doolin and did a day trip to Dingle and you can actually stay in Cashel. We stayed at a wonderful B&B. I think it was the No.1 for B&B's on trip advisor.

We enjoyed Glendalough too south of Dublin.

I'd recommend Baccaro's to eat in Dublin.

Ireland and its people are wonderful. Have a great trip.

Thanks for the suggestions. Would it be better to base in Killarney and do day trip(s) to Dingle? I left out Slea Head, and that is definitely a priority.

Killarney is the best base for mid/north Kerry unfortunately Dingle is just not a touring base. Possibly have one night in Dingle on the way to Killarney.

I would keep the car and return it to Dublin Airport. That way you could call at Cahir and Cashel on the way back to Dublin.

I'm absolutely keeping the car until I get to Dublin.

sorry miss read

I would not want to do Dingle from Killarney either. We were fine splitting that part into 2 stays. I take it you are trying to have a single base for that part to keep from changing all the time. I would do 1-2 in Dingle and 2-3 in Killarney.

You can do Gallarus Oratory as part of the Slea Head drive (towards the back half if you go clockwise if I recall).

We opted for the shorter Slea Head rather than the RoK but it doesn't have to be either/or.

We also chose the slightly out of the way Loop Head over the Cliffs of Moher based on some recommendations here (though it did make for a long car day -- Dingle to Galway via Loop Head and some Burren stops). You could do some Burren stops on your Cliffs day as well.

I would not waste day #2 on the Cliffs, go see them the first day and then head south on day 2.

I would agree not to spend any more than 2 nights in Dingle.

Take the extra nights and add them to Kenmare or Killarney. Either will make a better base. (We like to visit Killarney but prefer to stay in Kenmare.). Lots to see in this area. Not a huge fan of ROK. Visit the Beara and/or Sheepshead Peninsulas

Cork is worth 2 nights. Keep in mind that you will probably arrive late in the afternoon so won't have too much time to spend there. (We like the coastal route from Kerry.) Kinsale is a nice seaside area and worth a couple of hours.

Thanks for all the tips--keep them coming. Allisonm, the only reason I saved the Cliffs until the next day is that our overnight flight will be arriving in the morning of Day 1. We aren't always able to sleep on the plane, and from past experience I was afraid to plan much of anything important on that day in case we were a bit jetlagged. We might be able to do them on Day 2, though, and then head south rather than staying another night in Ennis. I'm pretty ambivalent about the ROK. I'm sure I can find something else to replace that.

Ennis is a great base for the whole of county Clare and there is a whole lot more than just the Cliffs of Moher, there is the whole of the Burren, perhaps an Innis Orr Clifs of Moher combi cruise (best way to see the cliffs these days) Dolmen, Ring Forts castles and monasteries.

Then over here in the East, Lough Derg, Killaloe/Ballina and the Slieve Aughty. South Clare from Bunratty across to Loop Head a non tourist cliffs an lighthouse.

Dolphin watching from Carrigaholt, Hawk walks at the Aillwee caves,

No forget it all there is in Clare are the Cliffs of Moher so a waste of a day!!

Thank you, Tony2phones! Good to know. Back to my original plan.

http://www.visitennis.ie/

Try a pub meal in Brogans and maybe music later on, Poets Corner in the Old Ground is 2nd choice good food decent prices.

Ennis. We stay at the Grey Gables just a couple of minutes walk into the centre. http://bed-n-breakfast-ireland.com/?rnd=1667505666032682470 The Hotels in town are The Old Ground and Temple Gate 9great offers at the moment), both are very good, http://www.flynnhotels.com/Old_Ground_Hotel_Ennis http://www.templegatehotel.com/

I too would change the 4 nights in Dingle to a max of 2 nights. Also, your itinerary has Bunratty Castle from Dingle. Big backtrack as it is right near Shannon airport. Possibly explore Bunratty and the folk park after leaving Ennis en route to Dingle or the 2nd night in Ennis attend the medevial feast in the castle (touristy but fun). In Dingle, there are a number of B&Bs right on Main St and everything is within walking distance. Try out the pub An Droicead Beag (The Small Bridge)right next to...the small bridge on Main St. In Ennis, I agree with the other posters who recommended the Old Ground,lovely hotel.

Thanks, bill151. I did realize my mistake after I had posted my itinerary. I misread my guidebook as to the location of Bunratty. I have changed it to stop there on the way to Ennis from Shannon. Does that make sense? I do like your idea of the medieval feast, though. Sounds like fun. In revising my itinerary, I have actually cut Dingle to one night. I will post a revised one shortly to get opinions.

Tony, please consider me chastised. If the OP was only going to visit the cliffs, then I felt there were better ways to spend the day.

Actually, I like Clare a lot. Loop Head is one of our favorite places, and we thought the Killaloe area was gorgeous. Not to mention the Burren and coast.

Bunratty Castle is in the Folk Park, so if you drive by on your way to Ennis from the airport, you will only see the exterior. The park will not be open yet. The Folk Park itself is an interesting afternoon. We have never been to the feast but we met some people at our B&B in Bunratty last month who really enjoyed it.

Alison you would not be surprised at how many visitors rush between the two magnetic tourist poles of Doolin and Dingle. Most with only the COM and the silly idea of going to Innis Mor from Doolin on the agenda.

Bobby if you do fancy a medieval banquet then change your first night to Kinvara and have the 5,30 banquet at Dunguaire Castle, same as the show at Bunratty but less tour coach crowd. Kinvara (Co.Galway) is a lot less touristy than its Clare cousins of Ballyvaughan and Doolin You could then take the day steady dropping down to Ennis seeing a few sights on the way.

Oooh, yes, do catch the banquet at Dunguaire Castle. Now it isn't exactly the same show as Bunratty but focuses on local lore and personalities (Lady Gregory for example). Not as shoulder-to-shoulder crowded as Bunratty, either.

Sorry, was going to recommend the b& we stayed in Kinvara but it doesn't seem to exist any longer. Bummer. I'm sure there are several very nice ones available, though.

OK. Based on your recommendations and allowing for still some possible confusion on my part, see how this revised itinerary looks:

Day 1--Arrive Shannon, rent car. Drive to Kinvara, approximately 40 minutes away. Spend the night in Kinvara. Have the medieval feast at Dunguaire Castle (Reservations needed.)

Day 2--Drive to Cliffs of Moher, about 35 minutes from Ennis. Allow 2-3 hours. Innis Orr Clifs of Moher combi cruise (best way to see the cliffs.) Maybe drive up to Galway, about 45 miles. Return to Kinvara for the night.
Other possible attractions: Dolmen, Ring Forts castles and monasteries.

Day 3--Drive to Dingle, about 75 miles, for one night,stopping to see Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on the way. Going through Conor Pass optional (scary, narrow cliff road with great scenery.) Check into hotel in Dingle.
Attractions: Gallarus Oratory, Fungi the dolphin, Slea Head Drive (priority), cafes, pubs, and craft shops. (Gallarus Oratory can be done as part of the Slea Head Drive.)

Day 4-5--Killarney (2 nights)
Attractions: Killarney National Park and drive the Ring of Kerry (maybe.) Muckross Abbey

Day 6-7--Drive to Cork, Check into hotel. (2 nights)
Attractions: Kinsale, Blarney Castle

Day 8-10--Drive to Dublin (about 3 hours), see Rock of Cashel on the way. Return car to Dublin airport and use public transportation. Check into hotel. (3 nights)
Attractions: Day trip to monastery at Glendalough, probably HOHO tour, trip to Newgrange, (may need to make shuttle reservations in advance.)

Your itinerary sounds great! I'll be going next July for my first trip, and I may be using your itinerary. We'll have 14 days total, including our first flight day and coming home. I will be traveling with my 12 year old son, and another mom with her 11 and 13 year old daughters.
Can they also attend the medieval banquets? If we're on a budget, will B&Bs be the way to go? Thanks so much for sharing your ideas! I had no idea about this blog, but will be visiting it often for upcoming months!! So excited!!

Thats a nice plan, a bit unususal considering most people try to take in too much and end up driving for hours and arriving when its dark! Just to say you might enjoy skipping the ring of kerry as dingle is more beautifull. Take the extra time to travel to Cork via Bantry. Stay in the Eccles hotel in Glengariff, visit garnish island & enjoy the beautiful coast road not travelled by many tour buses cause its off the beaten track.