Hi Karen, what a fantastic trip you've got planned! I agree with your decision to revise your itinerary to include a night in Doolin. It's the perfect base for visiting the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands. It's a small coastal village just 15 minutes drive from the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. It's also the shortest crossing to the Aran Islands from the mainland - 15 minutes to get to the small island of Inis Oírr and 35 minutes to get to the big island, Inis Mór. For a really unique travel experience, why not consider night 2 on the island (instead of spending 3 nights in Galway, spend 1 in Doolin, 1 on Aran Islands and then head to Galway). On the return ferry from the Aran Islands to Doolin, you can view the Cliffs of Moher from the sea (if you've booked a combo tour islands + cliffs). Other things to do in and around Doolin: Doolin Cave (largest stalactite in Europe), Doolin Music House (live music in a musician's house), Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations, Burren Perfumery, Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey. There are also lots of excellent places to eat - Homestead Cottage, Fiddle + Bow, Ivy Cottage, Hotel Doolin, Gus O'Connors....Have a great trip.

I did a similar route and the best advice I got was don’t try to rush Ireland the magic is in the small towns, coastal drives, and random stops you didn’t plan.

A rough flow that worked beautifully for us:

Dublin (2 days) to settle in, walkable sights, pubs, and history.
Then head west to Galway (2 days) as a base for Cliffs of Moher and a drive through The Burren.
From there, go south to Killarney (2 days) for the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula (honestly, Dingle is quieter and stunning).
Work your way up the coast toward Northern Ireland with an overnight near Donegal if you can wild, less touristy, and gorgeous.
Finish in Northern Ireland with Belfast (1–2 days) and a full day for the Causeway Coastal Route (Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce Castle).

A few things I wish I knew earlier:

• Distances look short on the map but drives take longer because you’ll keep stopping for views.
• Stay in small towns, not just cities the evenings there are the real Ireland.
• Leave room for spontaneity. Some of our favourite moments were unplanned café stops and coastal viewpoints.

You really can’t go wrong it’s one of those places where the journey is as good as the destination.

Thank you to Carolbuckley and tonywalton. We are staying in a mix of cities and small towns. We plan on seeing both the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. And we have 3 nights in Derry, one night at the Giant's Causeway, and 3 nights in Belfast. And I agree that unplanned random stops and sights are often time the most magical. This trip is 23 nights, so I hope it won't be too rushed.

Totally second the Pax House in Dingle. The view, food and service is first class, for a very good price! John is wonderful! My favorite place to stay anywhere in Ireland!

When you are in Dingle, visit the Dingle Distillery. It is well done and their whiskey is wonderful.

BruceLewis, yes, we have reservations at the Pax House in Dingle. John has been so helpful. He has sent several detailed emails, including a list of restaurant recommendations. We are really looking forward to staying here. Thanks for the tip about the Dingle Distillery.