Re-post this in the Ireland forum with more information of where you are planning to fly in to, how many days you are staying, and what kind of things do you like to do. You will get a lot of help that way.

For example: We are a couple in our late thirties and we really want to see some great coastal sights, drink some awesome beer and don't mind renting a car and driving...

This kind of info really helps since there are so many different types of experiences to be had in this beatiful country!

The best place to fly into would be Shannon Intl. Airport in Co. Clare. The west coast is really beautiful. You are only about 20 miles from the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The scenery on the west coast is spectacular. I would suggest Counties Clare, Galway and Kerry. Shannon is the ideal airport to fly into.

SECRET IRELAND

www.mysecretireland.com is a great site.

Do not do a Bus Tour.

We've just returned from our 1st trip to Ireland this past June. We had a private car and driver/guide (Terry Carruthers of Walking Experiences, who was great). Flew into Shannon. Had lunch in Tralee, stayed at Benner's Hotel in Dingle for two nights. Dingle is charming and the hotel was very comfortable. Next two nights in Portmagee (to see the Skellig islands) at the Moorings Inn, lovely room and great restaurant and pub. Then two nights in Killarney. Spent a few hours in Kenmare (not enough time). Then to Kinsale to the Friar's Inn (newish, comfortable). There's a lovely farmer's market there. Then a night at a lovely manor house, and our final night 10 mins. from Shannon Airport. The west coast is spectacular.........so many beautiful photo ops. All the hotels were clean and comfortable. Food was fabulous everywhere we went. And the best thing of all....the Irish themselves. Kind, friendly, helpful, great sense of humor. They were delightful.

gramie, what time of the year are you going...will you fly in dublin, out shannon, or do you fly in and out of the same airport?....what kind of things are you interested in?...pubs, cliffs, mountains, ruins, wild flowers, etc?......how many days will you have?....

tell us all of this and i promise you will get tons of good help.....