We are taking the self drive/B&B CIE trip in March, our first trip to Ireland. We opted to have CIE reserve our first night for us (they chose the Mary Tobin Guesthouse, and I'm not sure where it is, since we haven't gotten our package yet). But I'm starting to wonder if we should just pick up the rental car and hit the road since we will be arriving at the Shannon airport in the morning, instead of having to stay in the area. Does anyone have any recommendations?

We are also going in late march. We are spending the first night in Galway and then going to Clifton. Then we are heading back to Bunratty and going towards Killarney. Since we fly out of Dublin and into Shannon this works good for us.

It all depends on what kind of traveler you are. Some people are completely wiped out after a transatlantic flight and just want to rest and not drive very far. Others, however, prefer to hit the road and don't have a problem driving a hard four hours first thing off the plane.<BR><BR>Personally, I would opt for something in the middle. Find somewhere you can drive to about an hour or two from the airport. Take it easy on the road, stopping often, and stretch the trip to a time where you can check into a B&amp;B at your destination.

Judy,<BR><BR>What's your itinerary like? If you are headed toward Doolin and the Cliffs, you can make it in a couple of hours.<BR><BR>I know my flight got into shannon in the early morning (6-7 AM). You probably won't be able to check into a place until about 1-2 PM.<BR><BR>We headed to Doolin, got there, had lunch and a couple of pints, checked in, took a 2 hour snooze &amp; shower, and had a great evening. (Dinner at the Lazy Lobster was great).

JudyB,<BR><BR>Given this is your first trip to Ireland, I'd suggest you limit yourself to a rather easy and short drive from Shannon to your first accommodation.<BR><BR>Clifden House (part of the highly regarded Hidden Ireland group of accommodations) is located in Corofin, County Clare, about an hour's drive from Shannon. Clifden is a lovely house, situated in a quiet section of Clare. <BR><BR>Make a point of staying two nights at Clifden. It's a great base for exploring the Burren and north and west Clare. Consider having dinner at Clifden (a real treat!), or drive to nearby Ballyvaughn, where you can enjoy a fine meal at Monk's Pub. (a great place for lunch, too) Alternatively, I liked the idea of having dinner at Doolin's Lazy Lobster, a consistently fine eatery.<BR><BR>Best of luck.

Judy<BR>We rented a car and took off for Doolin right away. We were so very glad we did. Nothing to hang around Shannon for! The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin and beautiful scenery were just 2 hrs away!! You can catch a nap and be fresh to go to a pub in the evening.

JudyB, I looked up your B&amp;B in the Town and country book. It is called &quot;Shannonside&quot; and is run by Mary Tobin, located in Shannon. I suggest asking about it on other forums such as irelandyes.com or irelandexpert.com. They may have an opinion or their regular visitors might have stayed there.

Thank you all for the great advice. We're traveling fools so I think we'll cancel the first night reservation and hit the road!!!!

Dont miss Ennis...one of the loveliest towns in the West. I highly reccomend Kilmoon House on Kildysart Road..weve become great friends with them. Bridgid will let you check in early if you are tired and tell her Marilynn sent you. Lots to see in Ennis then head to Doolin and the Cliffs then north.....enjoy my favorite place in the world