My husband and I are planning our first trip to Ireland the end of April/early May. 7-9 days. Fly into Dublin out of Sahnnon? Other way around? We would like to do some nature hiking, along with walking in cities or other not to be missed spots. We'll probably rent a car, but don't want to spend most of our time driving. Any suggestions in putting together a great itinerary? Budget less of a concern - we like to stay in nice places (especially after hiking), maybe a castle? A cool hotel or b&b? Great restaurants.....

Thanks

i'm so surprised no one has responsed...so here I go! Ok...

The west coast is the best place! If you want to see Dublin, fly in there and out of Shannon --- you can take the train to the west coast and get a car there....driving in ireland is awful (or so i think..lol) i'd use the train and get outta dodge before trying to drive there!

You could get a car in dublin - go south and around to cork - killarney - the park there is awesome -- rock of cashel is cool - so much to do -lots of hiking opportunitites! you'll love ireland!

You may want to consider a wonderful walking tour with The Wayfarers. Luxury accommodation like Gregans Castle in Galway Bay is one on their list. No transport worries and delicious food is top priority.
I have not done the walks in Ireland ( was in Ireland for 2 weeks in May 2009) but have done their Loire Valley walk and was blown away by the great organisation and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

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Hi. Please do not miss Glendalough. It's a perfect chance to walk. there are several well marked colour coded trails ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours. It's about an hours drive from Dublin but the scenery along the way is beautiful and you could call into powerscourt on your way---easily done as a day trip.
Also consider travelling to Galway--approx 2.5 hour drive now from Dublin as new motorway has opened. From there you could take a break from driving and get the ferry to the Aran islands, hire bicycles or walk--stunning scenery!

I drove last summer renting a car out of Dublin airport. It was way easier then I thought and I was quite anxious as I hear so many horror stories about driving there. Do opt of a smaller car as it will be much easier to drive the very narrow roads. It is the only time I wish I had opted for the economy car because of the size. I would bring or rent a GPS and get an ordinance map when you get there. I would pick the Dingle Peninsula over the Ring of Kerry; less tourists and Dingle is a sweet town. If you stay in Killarney the Loch Lein house is out of town a bit with big beautiful rooms on lovely grounds. With a car you'll easy acess to great hiking and walks. There are others but those two stand out. Enjoy!

Thanks for the replies. Definitely some good ideas.

arriving dublin and leaving shannon is in my opinion the way to do it since that is what i always do - you said budget is less of a concern then spend your last night at dromoland castle ((near shannon airport) be warned it is not cheap - it is our one splurge in ireland - we always stay there and have dinner there the night before we leave - my wife insists what can i say also if you arrive in dublin and going to spend a day or so there do not rent a car until to are ready to leave dublin