Thanks for the responses everyone!! I am getting SO much information and really appreciate it!

What if we stayed closer to the airport on the last night, say, in Shannon? That way we could just roll out of bed and be at the airport. Maybe turn the car in early? Any suggestions?

Jayneann, My last trip we turned the car in a day early and got a cab to Carrygerry House, about a ten minute drive. It's in the country surrounded by green hills and live-stock. Run by a young family, he is a very good chef and Mrs. Ennis goes out of her way to make sure you are comfortable. They arranged a taxi for us the next morning to go to the airport. Also I've stayed in Ennis without a car and Bunratty.

Hi,

You can get some good prices on Ireland flights from Boston...I booked one a couple weeks ago on American for about $500. If you sleep on the flight you should be refreshed enough to drive a couple hours, I find.

Here are a few tips I gave someone else, maybe it will help:

I almost always set-up my own trip using either/all of the three following sites:

http://www.bedandbreakfastireland.net/

www.goireland.com

http://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/


I rent a car from Dooley's, http://www.dan-dooley.ie/ , who seem to have the best prices as they include the insurance in the price where others add it on...so don't be fooled. Trains are a fun way to travel in Ireland too, http://www.interrail-guide.com/time-table-ie.html!

I use Ireland's Auto Association website, http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/ , to get my driving tips and instructions. Make sure to buy a good ordenance map when you arrive and Dooley's usually supplies these with your car-hire.

Insight-Ireland, http://www.dingle-insight.com/ , and Tourism-Ireland, http://www.tourismireland.com/ , will give you tons of info on local attractions throughout Ireland. I do find these sites very helpful!

With a large group think about renting a cottage for the week! The self-catering cottages usually go for a week's rental but I have found it much cheaper than even B&Bs with 2 persons sharing. There are some lovely holiday cottages in Ireland and self-catering/self-driving is really a great way to go. A central base for even long day trips (1-2 hours away) can allow you to pack in more for less!

Hope some of this helps!

Regards,
SM

Chatham: Where did you stay in Ennis and Bunratty? I have heard about Carrygerry House. Looks really nice, although we may want to stay in an area where we can walk to a pub for our last night. Thanks for the info!

IrishHeart: Thanks for all the great websites! Definitely going to check them all out!