I will already have spent a week in the Netherlands in April and my husband has decided to fly to DUB where we will meet up for 10 days in Ireland. I've been to Dublin several times and the Killarney-Kerry area once. I want to return to Kerry and see some new places with minimal Dublin. We now 70-yr-olds use public transport when possible, rental car when necessary, occasional tours. We like history, culture, and the outdoors.

Looking at my usual guides and the extensive guidance given to KarenWoo on her planning thread, I've come up with a rough itinerary with one day/night to allocate somewhere to get in some more walking in towns or countryside. We'll be packing our wet weather gear and hoping for the best.

Day 1 - arrive and meet up at DUB. Taxi or bus to Aparthotels Dublin Castle (guaranteed 12 noon check in; coin laundry onsite for me). Maybe prebook Book of Kells. Walk around Dublin for husband to get a feel for the city.
Day 2 - Newgrange. Either tour bus 9-5 to Newgrange and Monasterboice OR 7:15 or 9:30 <1 hr train to Drogheda then bus 163 to Newgrange with return at 1:50p or 3:45p arrive Dublin 3:15p or 5:45p. (Possible based on taxi apps to get taxi to Monasterboice if we want)
Day 3 - Cashel. Either 8:00 or 12:00 bus 234X 2 hr to Cashel. See Rock of Cashel (Anything else in/near town?). Return to Dublin on bus at 1:30 or 3:40pm or spend night in Cashel? (possible also to take train to Cahir and visit Cashel by bus from there next day if overnight in Cahir using extra day/night)
Day 4 - Avis rental car pickup SNN and Burren. If in Cashel, Bus 332 9:00 2 hr Limerick Colbert of if in Dubln hourly train 2 hr, then Expressway bus 51 to SNN pick up car. Drive via Dysert O'Dea church/cross/castle if didn't go to Monasterboice, Cahermore Fort, Pulnabrone Domen, carron church, Kilfenora visitor center with night in/near Doolin (concerned this might be too much so maybe this is where I should spend the extra day/night and visit Burren over 2 days?)
Day 5 - Ferry trip to Inis Mor where rent ebikes if weather cooperates else tour bus then night in/near Doolin
Day 6 - Drive to Killarney (should we use the Shannon car ferry Killimer to Tarbert?) with stop maybe at Foynes flying boat museum, maybe Adare, maybe just walk around Killarney park, then night Killarney area
Day 7 - Hike roundtrip in Gap of Dunloe from Kate Kearney's cottage (did boat trip before) then night Killarney
Day 8 - Drive Dingle Penninsula Slea Head Loop with stops for views, beehive huts, blasket center, maybe short walks then night Killarney
Day 9 - Is this where I should use the extra day/night? to drive to Kenmare (lace), up to Ladies View and Moll's Gap etc. (or possible next morning before return car) then night in Killarney
Day 10 - return rental car in Killarney and take 3.5 hr train at 9:40, 11:40,1:40, or 3:40p to Dublin. Maybe Marsh's Library or just position for flight next day. Night Dublin or airport hotel.
Day 11 - flight at 11:00

Thanks for your thoughts about time in Cashel, the Burren, etc. So many places and always so little time. My husband likes to trips of only up to 10 days.

Hi Kay, an extra night in Doolin would give you time to get out and explore the Burren. There are many beautiful walks for you to explore this fascinating landscape and the option of following a guided walk with a local who will explain the history, folklore and culture of the area. The trip to Inis Mór will be a highlight for sure and you can combine this with a boat tour beneath the Cliffs of Moher - just book a combo tour on doolinferry.com. There are lots of great places to stay and dining options in Doolin. It is also the home of traditional music with live music sessions every night of the week. Enjoy your Ireland trip - it sounds fab!

Thanks, Carol.

We've decided that Cashel/Cahir is too complicated without a car on that segment, so we will day trip to Newgrange and Glendalough and/or Trim. Then train to SNN one morning to pick up car and head to Doolin via the Burren.. I've found a B&B that appears walking distance to the ferry. Looking forward to Inis Mór.

Hi Kay, there is no train station in Shannon. The nearest one is Ennis and you'd need to get a taxi to the car hire in Shannon from there. Alternatively there are direct buses from Dublin City to Shannon airport. Also, Newgrange is in Meath and Glendalough is in Wicklow so you'll only manage one of those trips in a day realistically. In terms of getting around Inis Mór, it's too big to explore on foot. Options include pony and carriage or hop on hop off minibus tour with a local guide OR electric/normal bike. It's a great day out!

Carol,
Thanks, my writing was sloppy.

We plan a few day trips from Dublin. Definitely one day to Newgrange. A separate day Glendalough or Trim.
We will take train to Limerick then Expressway bus to SNN to pick up rental car. I saw there are buses from Dublin, but I think we'd rather train part way. Will double check.