we just got back from a fabulous 3 week vacation. I can tell you what we did and you can decide if you want to follow this or tweak it.

Landed in Dubin, got into hired car and went to the Ritz Carlton at powerscourt House, Wicklow. We had a 2 day package which included an amazing 1 hr aromatherapy massage and a meal for two at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant for 225 Euros per night (2 day package). From there we explored Glendalough, Killiney etc.

Next stop Killkenny. Very lively town with a lots of craft shops.

Next we went to Glasha Farmhouse. It is a beautiful farmhouse next to a river and lots of nice walks around. Visited the Rock of Cashel.

From there we went to Killarney. We saw the Riverdance there (highly recommended) but the rest of our stay was quite a wash out due to the rains.

Next stop Dingle. You must go there and must stay at Heatons Guesthouse. Beautiful rooms, fantastic location and gourmet breakfast. And lovely hosts.

The we did the ring of kerry landing up in Galway and then on to Connemara (we stayed at Cashel House but do not recommend it).

And then finally to Dublin.

We stopped at Waterford and Cork for lunch, both nice towns.

In Dublin I highly recommend the Merrrion Hotel.

Good luck

I am an American living in Ireland, so I have seen my share of tourist sites and done my share of escorting friends around. I live in the West and I love it! I recommend seeing the West. Cork and Kerry are beautiful and very much what American's think of as Ireland. Dingle is a must see! Beara is beautiful too. I personally love Adare in Co. Limerick. Small town with shops and restaurants. Good for an overnight stay.