Shelly,

First off, welcome to the forum. Secondly, I commend your strategy of starting to plan well in advance.

The high season in Ireland runs from about mid-june to early-october. You didn't say how large of a group was planning on making the trip but if you have enough people, you might considered hiring a private driver and small coach, as that will allow everyone to have a truly relaxing vacation.

My preference is for May & early June, a sth egardens are in full bloom and the tourists are still at minimum. You will find that most festivals occur in the summer season, as to take full advantage of the tourist dollars and the lengthy days.

The best place to start is in determining how many days you have available to spend in Ireland. It mauy be a small country but you get no where quickly. Secondly, decide what areas you want to see. Have each traveler make a list of ten, cross reference all of the lists and see what pops up on the most lists. You will not be able to see everything you want so do not let that be a discouragement. I would suggest either flying in and out of Shannon or flying into one side of the country and working your way around to the other for departure. Are your folks from Ireland? That will also determine what areas you cover.

I have given you a lot to think about, to be sure. I, along with the rest of the "Ireland Yes Irregulars" look forward to helping you plan this grand adventure!

Slan Beo (Take Care),

Bit