isabel

I have been to both Ireland and Spain - and both in summer. I probably wouldn't go to Andalucia in summer but you mentioned both Barcelona and Madrid and I didn't think those were unbearably hot and I'm from the northeast so used to much cooler temps. But I admit I do like hot weather (prefer that to cool and rainy, which there is a good chance you'll get in Ireland). I still say, Ireland was more expensive than we had expected so unless the airfare is much cheaper I'd consider Spain - or as I said above, Portugal, which was even less expensive and less hot than Spain (I've been there in the summer as well).

Also, as you just mentioned, in Ireland you will be doing a drive around type trip - that's the best way to see the countryside. And that does mean changing hotels (or more likely B&Bs) each night. If you were do Spain I would actually advise you pick either Barcelona or Madrid and then add in some day trips. That way you could get away with only one hotel. From Madrid you could do Toledo and Segovia as day trips (although both are wonderful as overnights - I know, tough decision).

You might want to check out my photos of the various places you are considering. I have galleries of all the places I've mentioned. http://www.pbase.com/annforcier

HappyTrvlr

We were surprised how comfortable Barcelona was in early July and I can't stand heat and humidity.
Ireland is a wonderful country and I don't see why you'd have to move BnBs every day. We drove from Shannon to Dublin in a week and then stayed a few more days in Dublin at the end. It's a beautiful drive.

Monk6552

Thanks so much for the input.

I really am torn. The reason Ireland would be driving all over the country with a few nights in each place is because we would be doing a package - and there are specific cities on the itinerary. While we could look into figuring out the trip on our own (and I have) this has proven to be the most reasonably priced option (under $2,000 a person) that offers good quality lodging. Unfortunately I just don't have enough experience of planning European trips to try and navigate planning a trip to Ireland (or Spain for that matter) without the help of a package or destination site. (If we were talking the Caribbean I'd have no problem...)

So as much as I might like to do 3 days in Dublin and then only a day or two of driving - I haven't seen any package like that - so far I've been using Europeandestinations.com, Sceptre Tours, and TravelZoo primarily - haven't seen much on Orbitz, Expedia, etc.

If anyone knows of a package like that - or can recommend a site that would have something like that, I would happily look into it.

Thank you all.

LLING

Have you considered one of the most unexpensive countries in Europe: Portugal.
In july is not the high season, so prices of hotels, food, etc. is affordable.
The weather is great to choose from seaside, cities, or mountains.
To travel around you may choose from buses, trains, short cruises, etc. Whatever you prefer, for sure it is not expensive.
English is widely spoken throughout the country
Have a great vacations!

christina_creuzzer2

If you are going to Barcelona you get the hole package, the city, museums, architecture, a amazing aquarium, the nightlife, great food and wine, and you can take a swim in the sea and do some daytrips outside the city. I was there for 5 days in 2009, really loved it. If I had just one week and wanted as much as I can get, I'd go to Barcelona again!
Have a great time!