We are considering taking the bus from Shannon to Killarney-
Killarney to Kinsale
Killarney to Dingle
Dingle back to the North
We would take guided tours in each area
husband is not crazy about driving, wants to relax, any comments or experience?

If you don't want to drive, the bus tours should be nice. You are certainly hitting some nice areas of Ireland.

The only downside to the bus tour is having to be put on a schedule.

Go for it -- it'll be fun either way.

thanks for your reply, I should have said public bus for travel to each area, and then local bus tour, any info on public bus?

Most buses in the Irish Republic are run by Bus Eireann (www.buseireann.ie). Services are not frequent and are best combined with trains (www.irishrail.ie). Shannon airport is served by buses - Limerick is the nearest city. Dingle is reached by bus from Tralee. Kinsale is served by buses from Cork. Tralee-Killarney-Cork and Limerick-Cork can by done by bus or train. I've used trains and buses in Ireland and it's a good way to meet local people and adjust to the pace of life. Some routes have just two or three buses a day but you can have a leisurely pint of Guinness while you're waiting.

Newfy, I have used the buses on three occasions. The good news is that they are fairly reliable, clean and inexpensive. The not so good news is that they never go from point a to point b without hitting most towns in between. I am a little negative on them from my last trip, but they are an okay means of transportation if you are not in a hurry. You can go to buseirrean.com to check schedules between your destinations and times. From Shannon, you would go to Limerick then onto Killarney. There are buses every 30mins from the airport and it is a short trip. Killarney to Kinsale may be a bit trickery but would probably go through Cork. Killarney to Dingle shouldn't be bad at all and you would probably be better off with a private van/bus. You mention the North. Where specifically north are you going. Anywho, take time to plan and enjoy yourselves. Keenan

SOrry, by North, I meant back up tp Shannon airport area, still on the fence about where to stay night before departure, looking for good irish sessions.

I have read some favorable comments on Ennis and their good music scene. You may want to check this town out as it is very close to the airport with regular bus service. I spent an afternoon there one time and enjoyed the downtown area while I was waiting on a bus Doolin. Otherwise, Limerick is a town I have enjoyed with a wonderful museum called The Hunt. It has one of the most extensive collection of celtic artifacts, outside of Dublin. Good luck and drink a pint for me. KJS

Keenan,
How was the bus travel in Ireland?

I used both the public busses and trains in Ireland and found both to be a good way to travel. Met some very interesting locals on the trains. I also took tours when arriving in the various towns and thought it was a good way to go. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

I lived in Ireland for a short time as a student and found the public transportation to be pretty good. I took the train from Galways and it was fine. and took a bus from Dublin to Belfast and again from Dublin to Cork and had not problems on any of these trips. I believe you will have no problems except having your trip governed by public transportion. Driving in Ireland is not as daunting as it may seem. But public transportation is fine as well.

In 2001, I traveled using Bus Eireann from Dublin to Killarney to Galway to Bunratty; took day bus tours out of the cities during our stays (Glendalough, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher/the Burren).

In May this year, I visited Kilkenny, Cashel, Dublin, Galway, and Ennis. Took the train from Dublin to Kilkenny - great! It required 3 buses to get from Kilkenny to Cashel -- it is not far, but took over 3 hours ... that's the downside. Bus from Cashel to Dublin was fine. Opted for bus from Dublin to Galway because of rail construction project. Went from Galway to Ennis by bus, and decided on a cab to Shannon. There are buses, but the timing was off.
Took day tours to Newgrange (Dublin) and Connemara (Galway). I would say Ennis is a great place for music.

Next trip I will be brave and rent a car so I can visit more out-of-the-way places, but public transport has worked well for me. I think day tours can be relaxing and informative. It feels less restrictive than doing the whole trip as part of a tour group.