WE are planning our first trip to Ireland and trying to decide where to go/what to see with 7 days. Two options stay in Dublin and no car rental with relying on tour buses. Is it possible to see much this way? Any recommendations of where to stay in Dublin or should we just forget Dublin?
Or fly to Shannon rent a car and drive to Dingle for 2 nocs-Kinsale- Galway.
Would appreciate any suggestions of places to stay and must sees. Thanks

I've never been to Dublin, but I would definitely recommend flying into Shannon and seeing that part of Ireland.

We went to a wedding in Ennis and got to visit Galway, Dingle, Adare, Cork and Kinsale. We saw the Cliffs of Moher, spent a night in Lisdoonvarna during their Matchmaking weekend, had tea and scones at Dromoland Castle, enjoyed a fun evening of dinner and entertainment at Bunratty Castle, and hoisted a pint at Durty Nelly's. All typical tourist fare, but we saw a lot and had a great time.

I live in Dublin but I'd definitely recommend the second option. It's a nice city but nothing special - especially compared with the west of Ireland.

I'd recommend flying into Shannon also. But the answer to your question about doing tour buses from Dublin depends a lot on the time of year. In the summer, you'd have lots of choices. But most of the tours don't run off-season.

Definitely fly into shannon!! Recommend Westport, galway, aran islands, doolin, dingle if you can.... any of those would fit your itinerary and aren't too too spread out.

Ohh just realised you're relying on tour buses...

What about the train? If you can do trains, dublin could be an option.

I think skipping Dublin is a big mistake. It's a charming city with several world class sights - and, after all, Ireland is more than just scenery. There's no reason not to spend 2/3 days in Dublin and then rent a car and head out.

Ireland is not really that big hire a car see Mayo Connemara, Galway, Kerry hope you get good weather !!!!