I recently went to Ireland for the 1st time. I visited Kinvara, Galway, had a day trip to Bekan, Mayo to see my grandmother's 1st cousins, and then spent 4 nights in Fanore, Clare (the Burren area) before spending my last night in Portmarnock with another cousin who lives there. I loved it. But I went in April, so the grass wasnt as green and the Burren in general is not as green and grassy because of the Limestone, etc...still absolutely loved it. Now I want to go back with my 14 year old daughter next year, Probably mid/late June. I am thinking that time frame should be before the summer rush, and also because its later in the season, things will be greener, than back in April, right???

Now, I am not sure where to go. I LOVED seeing my cousins the last time and they live up in Bekan, Mayo. Or Portmarnock in Dublin. So I have 2 ideas for rough itineraries.

1. Fly into Shannon, see CoM on the way to Galway City. 2 nights in Galway, then move to Clifden for 4 nights or so and explore Connemara. Spend a day in Bekan, Mayo before driving over to Dublin for the last 2-3 nights.

But, something about Kerry is really drawing me to that area. So my other idea is to go to Kerry and then I'd probably end up skipping my cousins in Mayo (bummer!). When I see the pictures of Dingle it just calls to me!

2. Fly into Shannon. Divide 7-8 nights between Killarney or Kenmare(or someplace around there) and Dingle. Then drive to Dublin to see cousin in Portmarnock for 2-3 nights.

I've heard Connemara is beautiful. But Dingle and Killarney look gorgeous as well. I want to see green fields, old churches, brightly colored buildings, bridges, etc...Will I be able to find all of that in Connemara? Galway makes more sense because I'd get to be closer to Mayo for a day visiting family, but the photos of Dingle call to me more.

How to choose?? I dont have airfare yet or anything, so this is all just tentative. I dont want to drive long distances every day. (a little driving is OK, but I dont want to be behind the wheel of the car all day sightseeing). Also I'd like to stay someplace that is walkable to a few shops, pubs, etc..so after a long day I can walk to dinner. So I guess I prefer to stay in a small town, with shops/pubs than in the middle of no where.

Do both.
Just split your time differently.

I loved staying here, but it's not in walking distance to pubs, etc.

Rockyview Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast | Fanore, Co. Clare, IRELAND

Instead of 4 days in the same place, I'd split it 2 and 2. And make time to go out to the Aran Islands for a day trip if you can.

Consider skipping Dublin altogether. Fly in and out of Shannon and hit all the west coast spots you listed. Once you have an itinerary, shoot it over to your cousins and welcome them to join you!

Three years ago, late June/early July we went to Beara, Killarney and Dingle. Breathtakingly beautiful. Everything you described wanting to see.

This past March we went to Galway and Connemara as part of a full tour around the northern side of the country. Loved Galway, my favorite city/town in Ireland. I loved Inish Mor. The drive between Leenaun and Louisburgh was quite beautiful. For Connemara, we had misty, foggy weather so that certainly took away from its beauty, but I didn't like it as much as the others. I had such high hopes about Connemara because I had heard so many people rave about it and claim it as their favorite, but it wasn't mine. I'd suggest looking at pictures to see what you are most drawn to to help you decide.

And, to throw a wrench into your planning, IMO, Northern Ireland has the most beautiful scenery.

I've stayed in Fanore before. It was very nice but O'Donohue's was closed most of the time we were there and they didnt serve food because it was the off-season.

I'm hesitant to do both because I dont want to be zooming around so much. Say I have 10 days max - How much time do I need to see the Ring of Kerry + Dingle and feel like I got a good feel for the places? I'm thinking I'd want at least 3 nights in each place. Then I'd probably want at least 3 nights, maybe 4 in Galway/Connemara. I suppose both areas are doable, but then I would miss seeing my cousin in Portmarnock. He is in his 70s so I dont feel right about asking him to travel to the west to see me. But he might go to Mayo where his brother lives so perhaps I could work in a day there. Or extend my trip to 12 nights.