Michele,  We are planning our first trip to Ireland - we are celebrating our 25th anniversary and are leaving on May 13/08. Wondering if you could have a look at our plans and share your thoughts - we want to have a relaxing trip - we are renting a car, but there is so much to see! Here is the plan...
Day 1, 2 - land in Dublin. Staying at Brooks Hotel - To Do:Hop on bus tour, Kilmainhan Gaol Historical Museum, Guiness Storehouse and traditional music pub crawl.
Day 3, 4 - 2 nights in Kinsale (thinking Desmond House B&B).  Visit Rock of Cashel on the trip there. Visit Cork and Blarney Castle.
Day 5, 6 - 2 nights in Kenmare - ROK, visit Killarney. Haven't picked a hotel or B&B for this spot yet.
Day 7 - one night in Dingle - like to visit and perhaps do some horseback ridiing.
Day 8,9 - Galway - 2 nights at St Cleran's (do you think that is a good pick??) this is the actual day of our Anniversary - in this area we hope to see Cliffs of Mohr, Aran Islands and Bunratty Castle....
Day 10 Drive back to Dublin and get a hotel for one night...we leave at 11am on Day 11....
so if you have any suggestions I would really appreciate them, restaurant recommendations, hiking spots....I am on line researching and reading my Fodor's Ireland - trying to deicde the best itinerary ...thanks, MJ