Cable,

It is so glad to hear that you are hiring a driver & van. It will allow all of you to have a wonderful, memorable trip, as most drivers are witty and knowledgeable. The driver, in Ireland especially, rarely gets to see much more of Ireland than the road in front of them and the obstacles (rock walls, large tour buses, sheep, cattle, roundabouts, etc). With a hired driver, you should have an easy drive to Tralee on your first, heading south, or Galway, heading North.

If there were a personal reason for traveling to Clifden (ie, ancestral home), then I would suggest concentrating on that specific region. However, if you are only going for a week and have your heart set on Killarney, then head South to Killarney and enjoy yourselves there.

You are certainly not the first, nor will you be the last, to catch "Irish Fever". The symptoms are overplanning, underestimating and overpacking. The only treatment is to visit Ireland over and over again, until the symptoms dissipate. LOL Michele Erdvig of Irelandyes.com always advises her forum posters to take the total miles and divide by 35 this will tell you a more accurate driving time.

If you all can agree on Connemara over Killarney, there is a lot to be seen and to do in that region alone to satisfy everyone. From Galway to Clifden, you have a national park, ruins, Kylemore Abbey, Coastal scenery, picturesque towns and so much more. I would choose Connemara over Killarney any day of the week but that is me. I like the wilds of the Connemara.

Enjoy your adventure, create many memories and remember to slow down & relax. You can certainly see all of Ireland in ten days but what of it will you remember?

Slan Agus Beannacht,

Bit Devine
www.cowboycraic.com