My family is planning a 9-day trip to Ireland. I would like opinions of what itinerary would you choose with only 9 days. The first is:
1. first day rent a car and drive to Doolin
2. husband to play golf at one of close courses while rest of us tour Aran Islands
3-5 Drive to Dingle-stay 3 days
6. Drive to Ross Castle Explore area and stay overnight at Kenmare
7-8 day head to kinsale exploring coast along the way
9 head northerly toward Cashel and Cahir and west ending up at Bunratty Castle and folk park for the night
next day head to Airport or
or would you suggest we skip Kinsale and go to Kilkenny and stay there for a few nights
or does someone else have any suggestions(maybe skip Kinsale and go around one of the other penninsulas or up to Connemara instead. I guess what i want to know is if it's worth it to go along the Southern coast along Bantry Bay , Skibbereen and onto Kinsale. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts and experiences

We just returned and I posted a trip report about our stop in Kinsale. It was a disappointment, to me, and I wrote that I'd skip it on another trip.

There is major road construction all into and through the town, which makes getting there a nightmare (I still don't know our route). Plus it seemed very "touristy," although I hate that word. There were lots of noisy party animals out late on the street, even though we were above the center of town and on a side street. Lots of HUGE yachts in the harbor and it's obvious that being the "in" place has struck.

There are other pretty little towns along the coast road, which is exactly the route we took. We very much enjoyed Youghal, which is a good-sized town but charming and seemed more welcoming. We also thought Doolin and environs was a lot of fun, but would have stayed out on Innis Oirr if we had to do it again. Tell you husband "Lahinch." It looks like a bear, but what a claim to make to have played it! And we also very much enjoyed our first stop, in Arthurstown, just outside Waterford, near the Hook lighthouse. Pretty place, small fishing village, good lodging, good food/pubs and lots of sightseeing to do. Good travels.

I really enjoyed Charles Fort if you are able to stop for a few hours.

The Old Head of Kinsale was also really lovely - worth the stop.

Agree that the main street was a bit touristy and overcrowded though.