Itinerary Question
 

Hello,
We're spending 8 nights in Ireland in October - can't wait. What we're looking for is a relaxing trip with not too much scheduling. This is my rough draft itinerary:
2 nights Dublin
2 nights Wicklow (Hunters Hotel)
2 nights Galway or Connemara
Drive through Cliffs of Moher
2 nights Limerick area to fly out of Shannon (maybe Glin Castle?)

What are your thoughts? Do I have good variety? Thanks for any advice you can give!!!

Add a quick look at the Burren, near the Cliffs of Moher, and it looks perfect to me. When i stayed at a B&B by the cliffs most locals were still speaking Gaelic as their casual tongue and peat smoke was curling up from chimneys - the real Ireland of old.

Your destination of Glin Castle for your last night in Ireland is not good. The drive from Glin to the airport may look very short, but getting through Limerick, in the morning, can be VERY slow. In October, you should have no difficulty getting a nice room closer to the airport, for that last night.

I loved Hunter's hotel. It's old and creaky but so welcoming and comfortable. The gardens are lovely and the dining is very good. Also, instead of Glin Castle which I understand is very nice, look up Gregan's Castle(more a manor house) right in the middle of The Burren. It has lovely views and I understand is very comfortable. They are located near Ballyvaughan. If I manage a 9th trip, I plan to stay there. Also near Lahinch The Moy House looks lovely. Both of these properties are an hour drive from Shannon. I'd give myself a little more time. They are in The Blue Book and Karen Brown. You'll have a wonderful trip. Joan

Looks good!

While you are in Wicklow, don't miss Glendalough Abbey. It's one of the more serene spots in the world, IMHO, and a beautiful place.

Ditto on adding the Burren and/or the Aran Islands to your visit around Limerick/Galway. I'd recommend Ennis or Bunratty the last night before you fly -- both are within 10-15 minutes of the airport. Bunratty has a castle banquet and a folk park, as well as Cragganowen, which is an ancient folk park.