Most of my trip is planned out (9 days)already but I would like to post it here for any comments I only wish I had found this site earlier.
Day 1 - arrive in Shannon early morning from U.S. Drive to Fanore to Rockyview Farmhouse. Spend the day exploring the Burren Area. Any good pubs close to finish the night off?
Day 2 - Drive to Galway (eat lunch at McDonaghs) for the day stopping at Kinvara and Ballyvaughan on the way back. Need good dinner place in one of those places.
Day 3 - Long drive to Kenmare where we will stay the next 3 days at Tara Farm. Stop at Cliffs on the way and take ferry.
Day 4 - Visit Kenmare and Killarney areas - find a great pub locally in Kenmare to enjoy - any ideas?
Day 5 - Visit Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry. Ring of Kerry closer but seen great comments about Dingle
Day 6 - Drive via coastline to Bandon where last 3 days will be spent. Stop on the way and make this a whole day trip.
Day 7 - Visit Kinsale and another town in area (any thoughts? can I spend a whole day in Kinsale?)
Day 8 - Visit and travel around Cork area for the day. Any "must sees" around Cork?
Day 9 - Drive back to Shannon for flight back to good ole' Louisville, Ky.

What do you think - I know day 3 will be a good drive but hopefully Cliffs and Ferry will break it up. Any help appreciated.
Matt

Matt,
Your Day 3 isn't terrible. A bit of driving, but not crazy and some great scenery along the way.
In Kenmare, take a look at Crowley's Pub. An evening there can be quite an experience, but it's really a matter of taste.
In Kinvara, the Pier Head is good for dinner. (Merriman Hotel might be, too, but I haven't tried it.) I was less happy with Keogh's.
I vote for Dingle Peninsula if you have to choose between that and the Ring of Kerry.

Thanks for the advice - I was a little concerned about the drive. Hopefully a nice Guiness will be my reward

Fanore to Kenmare is probably 3 1/2 - 4 hours. (The ferry could possibly make your trip a little longer if you have to wait to board, but it's a lovely ride across the Shannon.)So, you'll have a day of traveling, but a nice one.Since it could be a long day, I'd have two pints.

Matt,

I second the visit to Dingle!

As for Co. Cork, I'd pick a peninsula and go exploring. We've done Sheeps Head and Mizen Head both were well worth our time. IAs for Cork City itself I have yet to do it so you'll have to let me know when you get back!

Have a great time!

Wendy

Matt,
If you haven't chosen a place to stay on the Brandon side of Dingle Pen., I highly recommend The Shores Country House. This is a beautiful house which over looks Brandon Bay. Fantastic view of the beach. Great breakfast. Power shower. Option for dinner which was wonderful. Annette O'Mahony is full of energy, is very pleasant, and makes this a memorable stay.
Ginger

Ginger is absolutely right. Accept no substitute, The Shores is fantastic. Incrediblt comfortable rooms, moderately priced and one of the rooms is actually an apartment. I believe she is still putting the finishing touches on that room. Same price for the apartment room which included a kitchen and living room area.

Bill

I agree that Crowleys in Kenmare is a great experience... and definitely a matter of taste! My favourite in Kenmare is The Horseshoe, which has a small bar at the front and a restaurant at the back, I have to say that there are a number of other restaurants in the village that I prefer (Leath Phingin, Packies, The Bank House etc.) but bar at The Horseshoe can get a great crowd(usually late), and it is not at all 'oirish' like some of the others can be...
lucky you!