Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Ireland trip report

My wife and I are just back from a 10 day trip to southwest and western Ireland. We saw a variety of weather: rain, heavy rain, torrential rain, sideways rain, hail, snow on the mountains, and gale force winds. One radio station said it was the worst May weather on record. More than once we heard weather reports calling for "sunshine today with heavy downpours"!!?? Temperatures were much colder than normal, with one day not getting out of the 40s(f). Luckily, we came prepared, and had a simply wonderful trip despite the weather.
We flew into Shannon, stayed 3 nights in Kenmare, 2 nights in Dingle, 1 night in Doolin and 3 nights in Clifden.
Bed and Breakfasts: The first thing I want to say is we canceled a stop at Innisfree B&B in Bunratty at the end of the trip. They were nice enough to notify me today that they filled the vacancy (I gave 48 hours notice) and thus there would be no penalty charge for me. I thought this was very classy of them, since they easily could have taken advantage of me.
We stayed at
The Lodge Kenmare. Very nice. A great way to start our trip.
Emlagh Lodge Dingle. Super, and what views.
Seaview House Doolin. Lovely, the hostess
was very helpful.
Buttermilk Lodge Clifden. My wife's
personel favorite.
We were very pleased with all of these b&bs, they were all exceptionally clean, and had delicious breakfasts.
The absolute highlight of our trip was a boat trip to the Skelligs, with a hike to the top, and a slow passby of little Skellig. We left Port Mcgee in foul weather and heavy seas. Miraculously, the weather broke just when our boat arrived at the skelligs. Thank goodness for Dramamine. Anyway, spectacular scenery, dizzing heights, seals, and most importantly PUFFIINS. Little Skellig was covered white with birds, manly gulls.
Other highlights of our trip were Mitzen Head Lighthouse (the cliffs there reminded me of some of the mountains in Zion Ntl Park). The Cliffs of Mohr and the cliffs south of Killkee at Loop Head Lighthouse were awesome. We did a boat crusie under the cliffs of Mohr, but actually felt the views were more enjoyable from the top. Puffins were visible here with binoculars. Loved the town of Dingle and its musicians, Connors pass, and the town of Clifden. Drove to Westport which was a wonderful town.
We did many scenic drives racking up over 2000 kms. in our little Toyota Varus.
Biggest surprises of the trip: The little village of Cong was truly fun, and a beautiful drive out there. Likewise the drives from Clifden to Westport was lovely. We were always amazed at the gorgeous, unspoiled wide open spaces we found everwhere we went. Ireland seems like a much larger country than it's actual size would indicate.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who helped with our itinary. We can't wait to go back.