We are flying into Shannon, out of Dublin. One night prebooked at the Limerick Marriot, last two at the Shelbourne in Dublin. Need suggestions for the in between route. North? South? We do want to see the cliffs. Have looked into a few companies providing rental car/bed and breakfast vouchers. It does seem the car prices are higher than the US (we drive automatic) but could use any tips those that have been to Ireland before can offer. Basically we'll have 8 days since we hope to ditch the car once we arrive in Dublin and use public transportation.

BASIC info: WHEN are you going? Weather is a huge factor when considering routes, time lines ,etc... so please elaborate. I much rather know that before going on at length on suggestions.

As far as car rental, an automatic in Europe is an expensive proposition; in Ireland is outrageous. We did rented automatic and had to pay pretty penny (a medical condition made it unavoidable for us). My only advice so far is to stay away from AUTO EUROPE in Ireland. They have numerous complaints filed against them in the Better Business Bureau for Bait & Switch practices (a voucher that could easily present a more realistic quote is not used; instead the renter is given those add-ons at the counter). I have been traveling to Europe for 20 years and have rented from Auto Europe for the last 15; NEVER AGAIN. Nowhere near the same great company they were. Their counter was not even staffed at the Shannon Airport customer service. Horrendous outfit.

Stay away from B&B vouchers. Not every B&B accepts them (It takes to long for them to recover the price from the company that issues them.) You may come to a town which has only one or two places which accept vouchers, yet there are any number of excellent B&Bs in town. Thus if the voucher B&Bs are full, you will be forced to find another town or throw away the vouchers.

Give us some ideas of what you like to do/see and we can be more helpful with suggestions.

Stay away from B&B vouchers. Not every B&B accepts them (It takes too long for them to recover the price from the company that issues them.) You may come to a town which has only one or two places which accept vouchers, yet there are any number of excellent B&Bs in town. Thus if the voucher B&Bs are full, you will be forced to find another town or throw away the vouchers.

Give us some ideas of what you like to do/see and we can be more helpful with suggestions.

I agree with the previous posters in that it would be helpful to know your travel dates and I agree that vouchers are not a good idea.
I would not spend my first night in Limerick. If you want to visit the Cliffs you would be better off staying your first night in Ennis, a nice town with good pubs and places to eat. From Ennis it is a nice drive to Ballyvaughn then south along the coast to Doolin and the nearby cliffs. This will also take you through the Burren. Next go south to Dingle via the Tarbert Ferry. Two nights in Dingle and then south again through Killarney and the National Park to Kenmare. From Kenmare you can do the Ring of Kerry or the Ring of Beara wich in my opinion is just as lovely and very less crowded. From Kenmare you can head south again through the the Mts. to Kinsale. From Kinsale you can head north towards Dulbin with stops overnight in Cashel and Kilkenny. If you still have an extra night spend it in in the Wicklow mountains.
Car rental in Ireland is always a challenge and much discussed. This year I got a decent price from Hertz by linking off the Aer Lingus web site (I'm not flying AL). Under $200.00 for eight days for a standard shift subcompact with CDL. Prices keep going up because of the lousy exchange rate. I have also had positive results with Dan Dooley. If you want to go north I leave it for somone else. Have fun

thanks for the replies! We are going in mid August. Unfortunately neither myself or husband drive a standard so we will need an automatic. I found a less $$ rate on Hertz (maybe $400-500) for this time period) linked with Marriott but I will try the Air Lingus route and keep searching. A small car is just fine. The voucher tips are great-I appreciate that knowledge!

We want to see the cliffs/ring of Kerry and are still researching. I have read the Waterford factory is mainly a tourist attraction?
Also, I do not wish to spend many hours int eh car every day if possible. We'd like to enjoy the scenery, experience the country. Prefer to stay in b&b but do not mind a night or 2 in a decent hostel. The first night in Limerick is booked at a Marriott and the last 2 at the Marriott in Dublin-we juts need the in between.

Thanks for your assistance!