Hi, I'd love some help for some ideas of how to plan my trip to Ireland mid-June. We are visiting relatives in London, and plan on spending one week in Ireland. We're from the states and love Irish music and culture. We can fly into Dublin, or Shannon. We don't need to visit Dublin, but it seems as if it is a must according to all my friends. We don't want to do strictly touristy stuff. We'd like to see great scenery, hear great music and talk to great people to learn about the culture. Of course, we'd like to see a castle! We don't feel the need to hit every tourist spot and obviously with one week we can't. We're scared to drive, but are planning on renting a car. We're two Kindergarten teachers in our late 50's...suggestions for what to do and great places to stay in those areas would be much appreciated!

How about the name of a great B&B near the Ring of Kerry?

Here's the website and TA reviews on Shelburne Lodge in Kenmare.
http://www.shelburnelodge.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...nty_Kerry.html

For us Kenmare was a much better choice than crowded, traffic loaded Killarney. The town has great shops & restaurants that you can walk to from Shelburne Lodge. You are also close to ROK, Muckross House, and other sites. On 2 trips to Ireland, this was our favorite B&B. The hospitality was very welcoming and the food was absolutely fantastic.

With just 1 week, I'd fly into Shannon and tour on the West Coast for spectacular scenery. If you've been in London another big city might not be the thing to do.

Thank you TPAYT...sounds like great advice! Did you go to the ARAN Islands? How is Galway is that an exciting city? We're looking for lots of music!

Is there an area that is a good home base on the West Coast to see the sights or is it best to travel along up the coast and stay in different towns?

This is from the recent Budget Travel Magazine.

http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/...actions,12827/

YMMV

Thank you...do you think Dublin is a must? I know that's a crazy question, but it seems like Dublin will lead us to be overwhelmed with touristy things.

From London you can fly into any Irish Airport. If you want the west coast you can fly into Ireland West, Knock and back to London (assuming) from Cork (vice versa) that gives Sligo to Cork which is more than enough for a Week. No you do not need to see Dublin, Doolin, Dingle, Kinsale or any other tourist spot unless you really want to?

Thank you Tony2phones! So, if we wanted to start out at Achill Island, and end up at the Ring of Kerry, then fly back to London from there, which airports would you advise flying in and out of? We would rent a car at our starting airport and return it at the southern airport. Driving south on the West Coast, where would be some good places to stay a couple of nights and be able to take day trips from? We have 8 nights total and we're meeting friends for the Ring of Kerry the 5th night and then spending three nights in that area. Does that make sense in terms of time and covering a nice slice of the west coast? You sound very knowledgeable Tony...what are your favorite spots along that route? We love great Irish music and small, not super crowded towns. Thanks so much!!!

As said Knock (Ireland West) is handy for Achill and North Mayo, from There down to Clifden then Galway. split the drive from Galway to Killarney with a night in Ennis or Adare then drive round Dingle perhaps on the way to Killarney as a base for Invaragh. Cork would make a good return airport.

Personally I prefer the Connemara and Achill but also like Beara which would be my choice for the south west corner.

For Westport down to Galway have a look at http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu Clifden would be a good base for that section.

Thank you so, so much!!

Of our 5 days on the west coast, we will be doing 3 in Doolin and 2 in Clifden. This was decided after much research and discussion with friends who have traveled to Ireland. We live in Northern California near the coast and felt counties Clare and Connemara had much to offer historically and nature wise after a few days in Dublin. YouTube has a good RS video that shows what you would see if you took one of his tours all around including Northern Ireland; looking at the scenery convinced us we wanted to see the area from the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Galway and up to Wesport on our first trip to Ireland. We're scared to drive too!

There is NO such thing as GOOD and St Richard of Steves EVER when it comes to Ireland.. The man is widely regarded in less than favourable terms when it comes to the Irish viewpoint.

Good to know about RS Tony2phones. I mostly have been reading posts on this site. Gailscout, I think if we just take the driving slowly and focus - to the left, to the left, we'll be okay! Just make sure you get an automatic or we'll be really confused. Hoping the traffic is not too bad...we have no idea what to expect. I'm just praying we can get from the airport to our lodging the first night. Finding the places is a whole nother thing. I wonder if the cars come with GPS. Anyone have good luck with one rental place over another?