Heading to Ireland in 12 days with my family including two young boys.

Here's a breakdown of the trip so far and I'd like help filling in the blanks.

Arrive Dublin-rent car-drive to Galway stay for the night and take a boat tour in the morning. Drive to Fanore. Stops in BallyVaughan and Rock of Cashel. (Anywhere else?)

We have three nights in FANORE. From there we will make daytrips to the Barren, the Cliffs, Aran islands, and the Birds of Prey.

Drive to KENMARE where we stay for three nights. This is where I'm looking for the most help. Stops on the way?

I was thinking Shannon, Limerick and Bunratty castle. Am I missing anything?

We have three nights in KENMARE. Looking to spend time at Killarney National Park and maybe drive back to Dingle if we're up for it.

FINALLY, we have a full unplanned day to get from KENMARE to DUBLIN with the final night in Dublin.

Any suggestions on that route? That's mainly County Cork. And there will definitely be a stop at the Blarney castle.

Thank you for reading and helping!

dashing out so only one quick comment: >>Arrive Dublin-rent car-drive to Galway <<

Bad idea -- sorry . . . a 3 hour drive after an overnight flight.

Where are you flying from in the states? If east coast not so bad.Rock of Cashel might be better on the day back to Dublin, try rome2rio for times and roads. Tullamore is an interesting place to stop and tour the dew, Clonmcnoise is a great stop also, Moate has P Eagan's pub and some good lunch stops.

@janisj

Thanks. We got this. Just looking for places to stop on the way.

I agree with Macross, Rock of Cashel is no where near Fanore, but it is en route from Kenmare to Dublin. That's when I would do it. Time permitting, you can stop in Kilkenny where there are lots of points of interest. That's easily a LONG full day.

Thank you Paul! I didn't have my itinerary in front of me so maybe that's where I originally planned Cashel? I'll be sure to put it in the most convenient spot. Kilkenny! I've heard some great things!

Dublin Airport to Galway is 2 1/2 hours motorway all the way drive. You could get the Bus direct from Dublin Airport west to Galway which could work. Rent from Budget in Galway City or the driver can head to SNN airport to collect a car on an early bus then drive back to Galway Or you could get the bus to Fannore with the drivier staying on to Ennis changing bus for SNN and driving back.

You could change Galway night 1 for somewhere in the Midlands Birr/Athlone/Tullamore are all options. Which "boat trip" are you talking about?

Cashel fits a long drive from Kenmare to Blarney to Cahir/Cashel and Dublin.