Hi

I'm planning a short trip to Ireland in July for my boyfriend & I (mid-twenties), on a budget (basically spending as little as possible). We'll be getting the ferry from Pembroke Dock-Rosslare on Monday 28th July, and returning Saturday 2nd August. Pembroke is set as the leaving point, we live in Cardiff and will be visiting family/friends in Pembroke the weekend before this trip. We think the Aran islands sound gorgeous, and I'd quite like to see a bit of Dublin and visit Newgrange. We like to travel as cheap as possible, and will have to use public transport. We usually stay in hostels but happily camp too if it's practical. We like wild scenery, walking, I like a bit of culture/history, if we could find some proper traditional music somewhere it'd make him happy (he's a musician).

My thoughts on our itinerary so far are:

Mon 28th July - 0245 ferry from Pembroke, arriving in Rosslare at 0630, spend the morning traveling up to Dublin. Afternoon & evening exploring Dublin. Stay in hostel in Dublin.

Tue 29th July - Day trip from Dublin to Boyne Valley/Newgrange. Stay 2nd night in hostel in Dublin.

Wed 30th July - morning citylink bus from Dublin to Galway. Lunch & afternoon in Galway, then early evening Bus to Rossaveal then ferry to Aran Islands, stay for 2 nights

Thur 31st July - on the island(s)

Friday 1st August - morning ferry/bus back to Galway......
Now from here I can't decide. We have to be back in Rosslare on Saturday night for the 2100 ferry. I'd like to visit Cashel on the Saturday but am very open to other suggestions as it seems a mission to get there on the bus! We basically need somewhere to stop over on the Friday night on the way back to Rosslare, accesible by public transport, with something worth visiting along the way.

We realise that not taking the car and relying on public transport is going to be a hassle - but taking the car on the ferry is an extra £150, plus fuel costs and extra insurance and that money could be paying for accomodation etc.....

Now specific questions
1. Is it best to travel Rosslare-Dublin by bus or train??
2. Any recommendations for agencies for day trips to Newgrange from Dublin??
3. Any recommendations about Aran Islands - which to choose? is it possible to camp there? Are there ferries between the islands to explore during the day?
4. Finally what would people recommend about getting back from Galway to Rosslare over the Friday/Saturday?

Any other thoughts or input appreciated!