I am thinking about spending 4-5 days for Memorial Day weekend traveling around Ireland. However, in speaking with several people who have been there, I have heard some very mixed reviews about driving around the countryside. Some seem to love it, and others I know have strongly disliked their vacations there. I have been to Dublin before and know that city fairly well. I have also traveled around Northern Ireland a bit, and liked it a lot more than I expected to. On the other hand, I have heard that Ireland can be a rather bleak and rocky countryside unless you know exactly where the beautiful areas are, and finding spur-of-the-moment sound quality accomodations in the countryside can be difficult. Please let me know your thoughts and experiences.

We found driving around there less pleasant than in England due to bad signposting and poor roads, however, we still enjoyed ourselves and managed to keep on schedule. Be prepared for huge pot holes when driving off the highways.

The Irish countryside is lovely--if the sun is out. Otherwise, it can be as bleak and rocky as you heard. Regardless of the weather, the people are real friendly and, of course, speak English.
The roads aren't up to European standards, but with a good map you should have no trouble getting around. There are many excellent B&B's everywhere, as of two years ago cost about $25.00 for an en-suite room with color-cable tv. Most Yanks seem to prefer American-style hotels which is probably why you got such a bad report. The Dingle Peninsula in the south is nice, better than the Ring of Kerry which is loaded with tour busses. Good Luck.

I spent 2 weeks there last May. I didn't bother with a car; took the train and a bus or two. Of course some people feel the need to have a car. A very nice family in Galway invited me to take a day trip with them up to Clifden. That was a spectacular ride; I thoughoughly enjoyed the rocky scenery as well as the green. I took a bus tour around the Ring of Kerry and was really glad to not be driving there (narrow roads and big tour busses). Have a great trip.

Its worth the trip. Some destinations where you
should not have a problem finding a good hotel or
B&B :
Kinsale is a pretty little seaport town on the coast of Cork, Kenmare is located in Kerry and has several nice restaurants & places to stay. Believe
it or not, you'll find palm trees there as a result of the Gulf stream.
Galway is a must, plenty to see & do, its a great
small city. If you have time take a trip out to the Aran Isles, fascinating land that time forgot.
All the best.