Dugi-otok, Janisj , Marcross –
Ok reserved car with tour company just to be sure, but they only offer it at Shannon airport. (this is my back up plan).

So is there a location I can look to reserve that is closer to our departure hotel – Dromoland castle (last night of tour)?
I would really like to pick up car close to hotel and get on the road.

So from your answers.This is good?

Check out of Dromoland in AM hopefully – pick up car (if Shannon – guessing 11 am getting car)

Day 1- Get to Dingle 1 pm – lunch and dolphin tour and walk around town (anything interesting to see there? Is Aquarium worth it or not really if you’ve seen the bigger ones)?

Day 2 – if nothing else to see in Dingel – drive towards Galway in Am – I hear it will take 4 hours? Anything interesting to see on the way? Check in – walk around, dinner. Would LOVE to see a River dance Show somewhere – a really good one somewhere on this trip. This would be a good night.

Day 3 – Aran islands – any one island better than another ? will the tours sell out? Should I book now? I think there are 2 options, coach tour or walking. I obviously can’t walk the whole island.

Day 4 – Galway – day trip out (suggested areas)

Day 5 – Head to Shannon either afternoon – so we are in Galway in Am or head to Shannon in Am so we can stop by somewhere on the way – if anything interesting.

Dingle 1 night – Galway 3 nights – Shannon last night – is this good?

Thanks soooo much for all your help. Your invaluable advice is making me get closer to the finish line with this.

Try these guys for car rental for cost comparison. There can be hidden charges. You can reach them by phone. Or call Hertz direct.

https://www.connsirelandcarrental.com/home

Day 1. The TI in Dingle is open Mon-Sat 9:00-13:00 and 13:30-17:00. They can inform you on any Folk Music concerts and other happenings.
You might want to purchase a Bodhran (drum) for your son somewhere during the trip.
I have not been to the aquarium (Oceanworld).I mentioned the Dingle Peninsula Loop drive in post#10.

Day 2. In route to Galway i would drive though the Burren. You will think you are on the moon. Stop at the famous Poulnabrone Dolman.
https://www.burrengeopark.ie/discover-and-experience/geosites-discovery-points/poulnabrone/
There is also the Burren Birds of Prey Centre

Day 3.Inishmore of the Aran islands http://www.aranislandferries.com/times_mor.php

1. Things to see between Shannon Airport / Limerick and Dingle:

Flying Boat Museum in Foynes: https://www.flyingboatmuseum.com/
Adare, cute village on N21 close to Limerick, nothing massive to visit, just a walk around the village, very touristy but still..
I assume there is more but I'm little weak on what's to see further down the road(s) towards Dingle.

2. Day 5 - if you don't want to drive around with all your luggage in the trunk, you could go to Shannon first to drop off bags at your hotel.
I assume you have rooms at the airport hotel which is directly on the airport's premises?
Very close to SNN airport to spend the rest of day 5
Ennis, cute town. Not touristy. Quin abbey (in the nearby village of Quin) is also worth a visit.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/
Craggaunowen – the Living Past Experience, https://www.craggaunowen.ie/?_ga=2.9...805.1564209546

Trad on the prom in Salthill, check for tickets quickly though.

Dugi_otok --- Thank you again sooo much. Any advice you and fellow fodors ' are giving I'm writing and printing.

Dugi_otok, Cowboy, Macross-- Thank you sooo much for your invaluable advice.

It turns out I could NOT get any info re post tour itinerary prices from CEI tours, bc the travel agent booked the tour for us. I found it myself. It took 4 days for her to get back in touch with me to change/ fix my itinerary the way we wanted. (she and CEI had picked an itinerary for us).
Finally, we are doing Dingle 1 night, Gallway 3 nights and last night in Shannon (and no they did not book the airport hotel).
Thank you for telling us the route to take --- we would get lost or take the wrong way... lol

So for tour company told the travel agent, in order to get the special package of maps, things to see on the way and driving information/ booklets they have.
They want to charge $1000 for 1 night at Shannon hotel x 2 rooms and about $600 for VW Jetta automatic car. I think i can get it much lower but I'm not sure if what they give us is worth a lot or what it is exactly as I can't talk to them directly anymore.
The website you sent me was lower, but they say they have all these specialty insurance policies and massive coverage.

On the website i have the option to rent an Audi, Nissan Q (intermediate SUV), or the Jetti. We are 3 people but 3 pieces of luggage and 2 carry ons. also my knee is hurt and needs to be able to be elevated, so a roomier car. Which one do you suggest for driving the route we have to? I was thinking the SUV bc we'd be higher for the sights but the rep thought the Audi would be better. However, it says in the fine print your car model is not guaranteed..

--
Lastly - I really need help with what to pack - we live in a cold climate so I have super winter clots or summer clothes. We will be in London 4 days prior so i needed summer clothes, but IDK what type of cloths, shoes to pack for Ireland tour. We are so last min, hard to get all info from them, especially now that they are not talking to me only travel agent.

Please let me know thanks soooooo much.

Park Inn by Raddison Shannon Airport is about $100 per room per night if they have a vacancy. Buy Rick Steves Ireland Book at Shannon Airport.
Cars are rented by class not make. They will offer you an automatic in the class you ordered. Intermediate SUV etc.

[b=left] Read 5. and 6.on the following link. [/b]

https://shershegoes.com/renting-a-car-in-ireland/

Layered clothes. Walking shoes. Some light rain gear-quick drying. Sweater. Ask your tour guide when they will stop at a woolen mill. Probably at Blarney Mills. Buy a suitable sweater if you need one.

https://www.dromoland.ie/ Dress code?