Ann

If you do spend time in Fermanagh (the lake district of Ireland), try the Manor House Hotel. It was just voted the best hotel in Northern Ireland. I stayed there in September, just after 9/11, and it was a great place to get away from all that.

pat

On that short of a timetable, if you want to see the natural sights you may want to skip Dublin. Then fly into Shannon. You can go north or south from there. I'll give you the north direction since that was where I went. Bunratty castle is a tourist trap but still interesting since they try to make it like it would have been 400 years ago. Lisdoonvarna and Doolin are both very nice and right by Cliffs of Moher. We stayed in Lisdoon. Galway and the Aran Islands are both top places to go. And you could go thru the Connemara up to Westport (a beautiful drive). If you like some exercise hike up Croagh Patrick.<BR>This is making me want to go back. The night before we left from Shannon we stayed at a B&B about 10 miles from the airport. We went to the town of something-on-Fergus. It was the only evening of the trip that it was rainy and a little cold. We ate a lovely dinner at one pub and went a block down the street to another one. That night we switched from Guinness to Irish coffee and a couple shots of Bushmills. It was a warm and cozy spot. They had a corner with a TV on that my daughter (was 10 at the time) found the British comedies entertaining.

Dee

Dingle (& the ring of Kerry) or West Clare are 2 of the most beautiful & breathing taking places in Ireland. If I were you I'd go to both places as you'd easily manage it (both on the west coast) ... you'll love it. They're just so .... (sound corney) but spiritually cleansing!!! West Cork is also stunning (in the south) - would be fab if you're on for driving!

Catherine

I've been to Ireland twice, the last time two years ago. Hands down, my favorite spot was County Sligo. My family spent three days at a place called Temple House and completely loved it. We decided were we to do it all over again, we'd spend more time there. Maybe the whole two weeks next time! The site is absolutely gorgeous and the hosts, Deb and Sandy couldn't be nicer. Our two girls (9 & 13 at the time) fell in love with the two burros that wonder the grounds, and vice versa. There's so much to do and see, including ancient burial sites, fishing, riding, etc. The last night of our stay we went up to the barns and watched while they brought in the sheep to shear. The men/boys doing the work were great and patiently answered all our questions.<BR><BR>One note: Sandy is extremely allergic to chemicals such as cigarette smoke and perfumes so those must stay at home. One of the best parts of the stay was sitting around a turf fire and talking with all the different guests from around the world. Gees, all this talk of Temple House is making me want to go back right now! If you should want more detailed information, please reach me at my e.mail address.<BR><BR>Here's their web site if you're interested. <BR><BR>www.templehouse.ie<BR><BR>Good luck