Hi - My young adult daughter and I are arriving at Shannon Airport during the first week of August. We are staying 8 nights in Ireland and flying out of Dublin. We have a rental car booked (automatic) and plan to turn it in upon arrival to Dublin. I will be doing most of the driving and am starting to be a bit nervous despite my earlier bravado. I drive all the time here (in NYC suburbs), and grew up learning to drive in Manhattan, but have never driven on the other side of the road.
Thinking about some last minute changes to our itinerary - hoping for some feedback:
Currently we are booked 2 nights in Ennis, 2 nights in Killarney (have a private driver booked for Dingle Peninsula day and skipping ROK), 2 nights in Kilkenny, 2 nights in Dublin (turning in car on arrival to Dublin).
NOW thinking - 2 nights in Ennis, 3 nights in Killarney, (SKIP Kilkenny) 3 nights in Dublin. Thinking of perhaps turning in car in Killarney, and hiring a private driver to get us to Dublin, stopping off on the way to see Rock of Cashel/ Blarney or ?other point of interest. Kind of having 2nd thoughts about the 4 hour+ drive to Dublin, and just wanting to relax a bit more. (Want the car at the beginning so we have the flexibility to pick best day for Cliffs of Moher, etc). thinking we might prefer this 2nd itinerary since Killarney area seems like so much to do.....but either way, should we just drive on to Dublin ourselves? Would it be better to spend 3 nights in Killarney and 3 in Dublin? (REALLY don't want to do just 1 night somewhere - hate the idea of running from place to place more than we already are, and want to get a feel for where we stay).
TIA for any help - much appreciated!

We were in Ireland 2 weeks ago and went to Bunratty Castle & Folk Village and absolutely loved it. Its between Ennis & Limerick. Check it out.