Hello all! We leave for Ireland on Friday, and I can't wait! Though we are trying to keep our trip flexible and open (especially to suggestions from the locals), I thought I'd post to see if there are any "must see" places based on our itinerary. Here goes!

Day 1: arrive Shannon airport, drive to Killarney (staying the night there).
We plan to nap and then visit Killarney National Park. That night is a Van Morrison concert, the reason for our stay there.

Day 2: Easter Sunday church service, then on to Dingle. Explore Dingle town.

Day 3: Dingle Peninsula drive (staying in Dingle town that night)

Day 4: Kenmare. Plan to explore the Beara Peninsula

Day 5: Kinsale. Will probably arrive late afternoon and just enjoy the town

Day 6: Drive to Dublin. On the way, stop at Waterford factory and possibly Blarney castle?

Days 7 & 8: Dublin. Will visit Guiness Factory, Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol prison, Christchurch. Also would like to do a pub crawl (or two!) and may check out the Becket play festival.

Day 9: plane home (early morning, no sightseeing that day!)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions! I know we're skipping the Ring of Kerry this time, but it just seemed a bit too massive for this trip.

Tarheels:
You are going to have a wonderful time! I just have a bit of jealousy...LOL Can't wait to hear about the concert and your trip report. Remember to slow down and enjoy. Travel safely.
Don

Have a wonderful time, Tarheels -- it will be hard not to! Remember to stop and talk to the locals-- that's where some of my best memories of Ireland come from. We expect a good trip report, so take notes!

The drive from Kinsale to Dublin will be long enough. Skip either the Crystal factory or Blarney (I would skip both). You will love the Ring of Beara and the drive from Killarney to Kenmare through the Mts. is great. The N-71 through Bantry can be a bit tricky so pay attention and I think the best Pub in Kinsale is the Spaniard. The walking tour in Kinsale is great but you will not have time. Have fun

Have a great trip, Tarheels. I like Johnnod's idea.

Thanks so much for the suggestions, Johnod! If we find ourselves with time, I'll definitely look into the Kinsale walking tour. It sounds great!

Tarheels, just wanted to wish you a great trip! We'll have to compare notes when we get back as I seem to remember we are staying at alot of the same places. We leave on the 23rd for England where we spend one week and then on to Ireland and I can hardly wait either. I hope you enjoy seeing Van! Safe travels.

We're back, and had an absolutely wonderful time. Full trip report to come, hopefully soon...

And Johnod, we did end up making time for the Kinsale walking tour, and it was a highlight! Thanks so much for the tip.