Drop Dublin! either that or drop Killarney.

Seriously this is a lot for 6 nights. Where are you staying night 1? The Cliffs, Burren ,and Bunratty are all in County Clare. as are a lot of other places.

Driving to Dublin from Galway via Clonmacnoise is possible but having a car in Dublin is not wise.

If I were to Suggest the places on an Itinerary I would have Day 1 Clare. fine.

Then down to Killarney. Return the car to Shannon and get the Bus to Limerick and train to Dublin.

Train back to Galway then late bus to Shannon and stay at the Park Inn at the airport.

Sorry possibly not clear, I would use the car in Killarney for touring round before returning it.

Just cuts Kilkenny but saves the hassle of a car in Dublin and a couple of days car hire.

With an itinerary like this, I don't think you'll get much of a chance to get out and walk. We wanted to do a lot of walking on our 8-day trip to Ireland last May, so we restricted our itinerary pretty much to County Clare and County Kerry. It worked out great for us. We spent half of that time just around Killarney NP and around the Ring of Kerry. While you can "do" the Ring in a day, that doesn't give you much time to get out and walk or explore some of the scenic areas you will find. So, unless Dublin is a "must" for you, I'd consider dropping it from your itinerary to spend more time in the West.

Also, there are a lot of small towns with good accommodations within easy driving distance of Shannon Airport. You might want to choose a more scenic area for your last night in Ireland rather than Limerick.

IMO, I'd stay strictly on the west coast for 6 nights. Dublin is just too far and too much time in the car seeing the motorway.

For Killarney, I'd stay in Kenmare--we liked it much better. Also, The Dingle Peninsula is absolutely fantastic. I wouldn't miss it. For us, it was far better than the ROK.

We liked the surrounging area of Kilkenny, but the town was nothing great, and you don't have the time to see much of that area.

We saw the west coast in 10 days and loved it so we returned to Ireland in 8 months time to kind of do the middle and mid-south landing in Dublin. For us, nothing compared to the Slea Head drive on the Dingle Peninsula. There are so many beautiful sights on the west coast from Shannon to Dingle you won't want to leave.

Good luck!

I agree with the others. We had six nights in 2007 and spent them all in Killarney (I'd also stay in Kenmare), Dingle and Ennis (near Shannon). With what we wanted to see, adding Dublin or anywhere else would have been way too much, and we didn't even drive the Ring of Kerry - we hiked the Gap of Dunloe instead.

One thing to take into consideration is that your first day, flying (I assume) overnight from Boston, you'll be pretty jet lagged and have gotten little sleep. I wouldn't count on being ready to drive in another country, on the other side of the road, in a right-drive car, right off your flight. Driving in Ireland isn't bad at all, but you want some time to get your bearings. Whatever you do on your first day, make sure to take plenty of stops if you're driving so that both of you stay alert.

In case it's helpful, here's a link to my trip report. We went in June 2007 (scroll down - we went to England first!).

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/trip-report-jm-in-the-uk-and-ireland-plus-philly.cfm

I'm by no means a regular poster, but I have to weigh in on this. Driving in Ireland is extremely taxing --especially once you're off the main highways. Reading your plans, I think you should seriously amend your itinerary to concentrate in one part of the country as TPAYT suggested above. I stayed in Skibereen a couple years back (County Cork) and did day trips to Kerry, Kinsale, etc. Expect travel times to be at least twice what you'd expect them to be. And then expect them to be a bit harrowing (narrow roads; slow traffic). You'll have a great trip if you reduce your scope.

Thank you so much for your responses!

The problem is that this is a package deal. I guess I did not make that clear in my original post. The deal was sent to us on Travelzoo and is from Aerlingus Vacations. We couldn't pass up the price and timing and we both have wanted to see Ireland.

So I guess it will be a fast look at Ireland but would still like to have the feel of it not flying by if that is possible.

The already made hotel reservations Co Clare for 1 night, Dublin 2nights, Killarney 2 nights, Limmerick 1 night.

This also means that we have a car with us at all times. Is there a place to park it out of Dublin for the 2 nights we are there?

I like all your thoughts on Dingle. It is important to know what people actually prefer and not just what I read in guidebooks.

Are you locked into your hotels? Did you buy hotel vouchers? We personally prefer bed and breakfasts. I agree on skipping Dublin.

If you need some city, you could head up to Galway through Clare. Go through Lahinch and Ballyvaughn. Get out and walk in the small towns, have a cup of tea in a random hotel. Spend the afternoon walking around Galway.

Day 2, take a drive through Connemara. Stay Galway.

Day 3, drive to Killarney via Tarbert Ferry and base in Kerry for 3 nights. (We also love Kenmare.)

Days 4 and 5 stay Kerry.

Day 6 Back to Clare near the airport. Spend the afternoon in Bunratty, since that is on your list.

Oops, I was typing while you posted!

I love plans put together by travel agents who think they know about Ireland!

OK all is not lost. Which Hotel have they booked for you in Clare? No point putting lots of miles in after a Red eye. Plus the Clare location will determine if you should go north or south of Lough Derg on the way over to Dublin.

It is possible that the hotel in Dublin has a car park or is close to a rail link. (I use station car parks)

2 nights Killarney is fine, gives you chance to see a reasonable amount of the area.

Last night Limerick? Is this the usual Adare Manor deal or City Centre and what time do you have to be at Shannon for your return flight?

You can see Dingle on the way from Killarney to Limerick. I am not a big fan. Yes it is nice enough but for me it punches way above its weight as the Pretty Picture Tourist Magnet made famous by Rick Steves (who is not well regarded in Ireland) and a lonely Dolphin.

Thank you Tony2phones for assuring me all is not lost on this vacation! Our reservation in Co Clare is made for Clare Inn Golf & Leisure Hotel. I think it is near Newmarket on Fergus.

Our last night is in Limerick at the Absolute Hotel & Spa where it mentions it is in Medieval Quarter. Our flight leaves the next day at 12:40pm so I would assume being at the airport around 9:40am.

Is it really true that I should double my driving times that Google Maps is giving me because of the slow roads? I'm really battling with needing to stay in our already booked hotel rooms so traveling quite a bit but also wanting a laid back real Ireland experience and not just driving through the country.

It's St Pats and the Final day of the 6Nations Rugby. The BBC have the highlights of the Australian GP running along side the Wales v France match which is the title decider. at 5 we take on the English over there.

I will be back in 6 hours to offer more guidance on your itinerary ;-}

Google times assume driving at the permitted speed limit (even I don't always manage that) without slowing or stopping for towns or junctions. 10 or 15% extra on most routes will be fine.

Day 1 I will assume an early landing. The Clare Inn is indeed off the 1st exit of the M18 north 10 minutes from Shannon and It might be worth contacting them to see if you can drop your Baggage and perhaps get some Breakfast.

with the location it might be better to head to Dublin under Lough Derg so some of the Burren and perhaps the Cliffs can be done on this first day?

An alternative might be to Head up the main road to Galway for lunch and back down the coast past the cliffs for the evening.

There are a couple of pubs in NoF just down the road if you want to have a drink with the locals but after a long flight it may be an early night.

Bunratty Castle is also handy if you fancy the folk park, medieval banquet or both. You could also save this for the last evening.

Day 2. A couple of options, Down to Limerick and the M7 straight to Dublin. Or a more scenic route, Cross country and over the Shannon at Killaloe/Ballina past Nenagh and up to Birr before Clonmacnoise and join the M6 at Moate to Dublin. This would be 4 hours plus stops,

Day 3. Dublin Hop on off bus tour Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse and other sights possible evening at the Brazen Head or in Temple Bar (if not weekend)

Day 4. Target Killarney. You can if you wish go via Kilkenny and or Cashel and Cahir (both on the more direct M8 route) for the Inland route. Or via Waterford and the south coastal road. Either way you would be on the road about 5 or 6 hours. so with stops a very full day.

Awesome Awesome! This Fodor community is a lifesaver! I'll have to map all this out and get back with probably more questions!

Thanks!

A note to Tony2phones - You say Rick Steves is not well regarded in Ireland. Should I take what he says in his guide book as a a lot less than accurate, or is there some other issue?
JohnOB

An unfortunate trait of Mr Steves is that places He likes are the best places on the planet, places he doesn't are to be avoided like the plague. Combine this with a few illegal bits of advice like turning in the mirrors and fitting Learner plates to rental cars and simple inaccuracies of detail pail into insignificance.

For more views good and not so good have a look through
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/SearchForums?scope=2&ff=88&geo=186591&q=Rick+Steves&sub-search.x=10&sub-search.y=7&returnTo=__2F__

Day 5. You will have chance to do the ring of Kerry or Mucross, Torc Waterfall or possibly get off track slightly and do the Skellig drive on the north of the peninsula. Take 5 minutes for St Mary's church whilst in Town. The Danny Mann bar in the Eviston will have typical Oirish pub songs and tourists clapping away. I tend to aim for O'Connors or Tattler Jack's.

Day 6. you will have time to head round to Dingle and drive the Slea Head back to the town. Then over Connor Pass and to Tralee. I would go via Listowel which is in my list of best Heritage towns although the guide books will tell you to visit Adare. night in Limerick.

Day 7. Return the car and be at Airport security by 10.00 should be fine.

Any fine details just ask. and remember the above are suggestions. It's not my trip it's yours.

I think Rick Steves writes in a very easy, accessible style that gives readers an easy to digest, initial orientation to a new country.

As with any guidebook, I definitely wouldn't recommend relying on him (or anyone else) as the sole source of information. Being on the Fodor's forums is a good sign you aren't doing that, though.

I always use a Rick Steves book, along with several others, when planning to visit a new country for the first time. He can be overly persuasive about certain things, but a second guidebook with contrary information is a great way to temper that.

Thank you Haven17. I agree with you about Guidebooks, you really can't just depend on one. That is why I like to get people's opinion on here so you get a more rounded prospective.

Tony2phones, you replied saying "might be better to head to Dublin under Lough Derg." Is that best and scenic way to Dublin? I only saw that road for a little bit on a map.

Thanks!

I'll jump in on the Rick Steves 'problem'. He can be decent to terrific for other parts of Europe . . . But for Ireland his books/advice are pretty bad (and for the UK he is downright bonkers/flipping mad). So for anyone relying on RS guidebooks for Ireland -- I'd toss it and get a different/better one.

Glad you came back..my brain drains sometimes and I have been away 10 days as well.

1st double check the Clare Inn Bookings and backup plans with your travel agent because the Hotel has been put up for sale the end of last month.

http://www.clare.fm/news/fears-clare-inn-staff-sale-sign-goes

The suggested options for day 2 takes you under Lough Derg rather than going up the M18 onto the M6 and across.

HI Tony2phones,

Please advice (at your convenience )
The best 4/5 star hotels in Ireland, traveling south from Dublin (14 day stay), of course related to the sites.

Thanks so much!

Bobdog....You might be better served starting a new thread for your question I t might get lost piggy backing on here.

More information would be needed for locations.if you have a rough itinerary. If you are looking to find an itinerary then the more information the better equipped people will be to help. Must see places, Interests and Dates are key areas.

There are lots of excellent contributors on this and other forums, Trip Advisor and Ireland Yes. I might not be the best to ask about 5 star since I have been paying my own way since the expenses on contracts were withdrawn.

Ok!!! Here it goes! I finally wrestled my husband down to come up with a rough itinerary of what we will be doing in Ireland. I appreciate all the comments that you can give and any side points that we should know about! All your suggestions so far have helped us come up with what follows...

Touch down at 6 am on Sunday May 13th. We are thinking of heading straight to Galway for the morning and lunch at McDonaghs. In the afternoon heading to Cliffs of Moher then in the evening to our hotel in Newmarket on Fergus.

Day 2 - Exploring Bunratty castle and the area and heading to Dublin. We would like a scenic way of getting there. Any suggestions?

Day 3 - Dublin - visting O'Donoghue's and the Brazen Head pubs.

Day 4 - Leaving Dublin and heading to Killkenny for lunch then drive to Killarney. Drive Gap of Dunloe. We have this route planned because we think it could be scenic. Do you agree?

Day 5 - Ring of Kerry

Day 6 - Ring of Dingle and Connor Pass

Day 7 - Heading Back to US.

So I guess we are looking for thoughts and highlights we shouldn't miss along the way. And also Scenic routes from Newmarket on Fergus to Dublin. And from Dublin to our hotel in Killarey.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Thanks I will start a new thread!

Busker Brownes is great crack on Sunday Lunch if you don't mind Jazz and Blues. http://www.galwaycitypubguide.com/all-pubs/busker-brownes.html

From the answer above....Or a more scenic route, Cross country and over the Shannon at Killaloe/Ballina past Nenagh and up to Birr before Clonmacnoise and join the M6 at Moate to Dublin. This would be 4 hours plus stops,

An alternative would be to go across to Cahir and Cashel onto the M8 for Dublin. This would be a possible route better saved for the way back to Killarney.

I am assuming a late evening drive for the Gap of Dunloe after the Jaunty carts have packed up. either that or a very early morning before they start.

The best parts of the ring of Kerry are found getting off the main road and hopefully you will have a good fine,clear day.

Try and get some quality time in..Your Accommodation is all booked so no need to be rushing for too early a check in.

Busker Brownes will be a definite! Thanks!

Driving suggestions are great. I'll let my husband map it all out and choose.

Great suggestion about the Gap of Dunloe. For some reason, I missed the fact that you can't drive it during the day. I just saw now that some have walked it or done the Jaunty carts. I guess we will either walk it or then drive it late in the day. This is why Fodors is great!