After several weeks of researching and reading several forums and websites I think I have my itinerary down. Four of us will be traveling to Ireland for 8 nights – 9 days. Arrive in Dublin morning of Monday Oct 8 and return via Dublin Tuesday Oct 16. Below is my itinerary and I would appreciate your thoughts and recommendations.

Day 1 and 2 Arrive Dublin and tour city, 2 nights at Maldron Hotel, Parnell Sq

Day 3 Pick up car and head to Glendalough, continue to Kilkenny, tour castle and town, stay the night Celtic House

Day 4 Rock of Cashel, Cobh and on to Killarney stay 2 nights at Friars Glen

Day 5 Dingle Pennisula and return to Killarney

Day 6 Cliffs of Moher and The Burren stay in Galway (no lodging yet)

Day 7 Connemare return to Galway

Day 8 Newgrange and return to Dublin

Day 9 Flight home

I wanted to try to get as many 2 night stays as possible. The longest drive I see is on day 4 if we go along the coast from Cobh to Killarney. We do not have lodging in Galway yet, any recommendations in town B&B? I appreciate any and all responses. We have been able to get so much info from these forums and are looking forward to our trip.

You won't have time to see much around Killarney anyway, so I'd just stay in Dingle those two nights. Just getting from Killarney to Dingle took us about two hours one way, so it's quite a long day in the car to do the peninsula from Killarney.

The last few days seem like a lot of driving to me, but I haven't been to Connemara or Newgrange so I'll let others advise on those!

When it comes to Ireland you need to use the estimate 30 Kms/hrs as a conservative, reliable way to ascertain driving times. Considering that you are traveling in October (less sunlight hours), I think you need to go back to the draft board and reconsider the windshield tour you drafted out. also, not sure if you are still on time, but depart from Shannon-- it is at most $50 more but so worth it. A Dublin close loop with an 8 days itinerary is not the best plan.

Viajero2,
Thanks, we are locked into Dublin due to airline restrictions.

Yes, you are covering a lot of territory, but it can be done. At least you are trying to fit in two two-night stays!

We stayed in Petra House in Galway this spring. The location is good for walking into town for dinner or to a pub (or two). Frank is a charmer. Salthill is also a popular place to stay but not always within walking distance of town, although you can take a bus easily.

We like to have a pub lunch in Roundstone when driving through Connemara. Watch The Matchmaker before you go!

Thanks allisonm

We've made some changes. We are going straight to Killarney from Rock of Cashel, eliminating Cobh. Thinking was we can get to Killarney earlier in the day and relax. Staying in Dingle rather than return to Killarney. Again, be able to spend more time relaxing in Dingle rather than driving back to Killarney.
Drive from Dingle to Cliffs of Moher, from AA Ireland and Google maps looks like only little longer drive time from Dingle than from Killarney. Realize long day but we are used to driving long distances(youngest goes to school 12 hours from home). The way I figure even if we had one base we would be out 6-8 hours each day touring the area so using that time each day to get from point A to point B is ok.

Both east and west Ireland? Tight schedule considering driving. OK, good to head straight for Killarney after Dublin (which has plenty to see) via Cashel...Glendalough, Dingle, Moher, Burren, Galway, Newgrange-Knowth all on my list. Do enjoy some Irish pub music!
Bill in Boston

The second version of your itinerary sounds much more doable.
In Killarney do not miss a tour of the National Park with a jaunting car, it's a really peaceful experience. If you like seafood and meat the Flesk Restaurant, right in the centre, is a great place to go. And if you are looking for an Irish night, the Grand pub offers traditional and live music.
Galway is a lovely city and there you will find plenty of B&Bs. Aaron B&B is a good option, comfortable beds and delicious breakfast. Four Season B&B and the Griffin Lodge are nice as well. From there you can easily reach Connemara, the Cliffs and the Burren.
Also, when you head for the Dingle Peninsula, don't forget to stop at Inch Beach, one of the longest in Ireland and if the weather is nice the view is simply amazing. Enjoy!

And Inch Beach I believe is where "Ryan's Daughter" was filmed. At low tide stroll out to the edge of shoreline. Lunch mayb e at Maire de Barra in Dingle. Note small ring fort dating back to 500 B.C. And stone bee hive huts once used by monks.
Bill in Boston

Hello, Dubliner here. Why did you decide on parnell square as your hotel location, it is not an area I would reccomend. If you want to visit glendalough you could do it in one day and still stay in your hotel that night. It is about 60-90 minute drive assuming you dont leave during morning rush hour traffic. Regarding the comment above re 30km per hour guide, I have no idea where that came from as it is way off the mark. Our roads have improved greatly and would at least double that average speed. There are motorways to a lot of major cities now with no stops en route. If you need more local advice feel free to contact me @ [email protected]
If you have not booked the maldron yet, I suggest you check out citywesthotel.com