Meredith,

Your itinerary looks good. See my answers below in blue.

Day 1: Arrive Dublin, pick up hire car, head for Trim. O/night at Highfield House * Fine. My stay at Highfield House in Trim was less than stellar. It is not on my recommended list. I much prefered Trim Castle Hotel, which has some very good two-night specials.

Day 2: Trim * Fine. Be sure to see Trim Castle. Are you going to Newgrange?

Days 3 & 4: Ballinamore (via Cavan) * Fine. Lots to see around Enniskillen too.

Days 5,6,7 & 8: Derry (via Omagh) * Fine. Be sure to see the Ulster American Folk Park.

Day 9: Sligo (via Donegal) * Fine.

Days 10 & 11: Westport (Achill Island) * Fine. Achill is one of my favorites if the weather is good.

Day 12: Cong (via Roundstone) (o/night Ashford Castle) * Fine.

Days 13 & 14: Galway (Aran Islands weather permitting) * Fine.

Day 15: Doolin * Fine.

Days 16,17,18 & 19: Dingle (early start from Doolin to see Cliffs along the way)  via Killimer/Tarbert Ferry * Fine. I just spend three days in Dingle with fabulous weather. It is a wonderful place to stay more than one night.

Days 20,21,22,23 & 24: Kenmare (ROK and /or Beara Peninsula, Killarney and surrounds) * Fine. My favorite small town in Ireland.

Days 25 & 26: Kilkenny (via Cashel) * Fine. My favorite city in Ireland.

Days 27,28 & 29: Dublin (via Carlow)( drop hire car off at airport on first day) * Fine.

Some questions regarding the above that I'm hoping you can help me with.

1. From Derry we intend to explore the Causeway Coast, as well as spend at least a day in Derry itself. We'd like to do Michael Cooper's walking tour as Bit suggested. Is the Inishowen Peninsula worth devoting a day to? * It is if the weather is good. It is mostly a scenic drive and Malin Head is the most northerly point in Ireland. The Gap of Mamore is scenic.

2. Would you recommend travelling from Sligo to Westport via Ballycastle to see the Ceide Fields, or are there other archeological sites just as worthwhile that we will be seeing anyway further south? * Personally I think Carrowmore, Creevykeel and Knocknarea near Sligo is more interesting than Ceide Fields. However when I was at Ceide Fields it was very rainy and they were not giving tours. I basically saw the museum and it was okay. I didn't see the dig or get informed of anything.

3. Any "must-sees" along the route between Ballinamore and Derry? Should we be looking to spend much time in Omagh? * I answered about Omagh and the UAFP above. Around Enniskillen is Marble Arch Cave, Castle Coole and Florence Court.

4. Because we are now dropping off our rental car at Dublin airport instead of in the city, what is the best way of then making our way into Dublin? Bit suggested a taxi-roughly how much would that cost? Also, I have read a lot about the construction work on the M50 and how inconvenient it is. For tourists unfamiliar with Dublin, what would be the best way to get to the airport coming from the south of the city? We thought we should just stick to the major roads. * A taxi from the airport into Dublin city center is around 30 to 40 euro and depends on your exact destination. If you have a few people and a bit of luggage the convenience factor will more than compensate for the cost. There is also bus service into the city: http://www.dublinairport.com/to-and-from/by-bus/ Even though there is construction on the M50 it is still the best way to get to the airport. Just bring your patience, watch the signs carefully and have a few euro handy for the toll.

Michele