Less is more in Ireland, and I think you are trying to do too much. You could even skip the Ring of Kerry (overrated by many, is often crowded and will take most of a day to do right) and consider not passing over Dingle. Many feel the peninsula there is just as spectacular i.

Here are my initial thoughts:

So far we are flying into Galway (from London) to spend 2 nights in Connemara (this part is set). Two nights are fine.

Our plan is to wake up early on the morning we leave Connemara (Wednesday) to drive to Kenmare via The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher and Dingle. You probably are looking at five hours of driving -- with no stops -- if you simply go from Galway area to Kenmare straight. Add in going through the Burren, stopping at the Cliffs and going to Dingle, and well -- there is really no way to cram all of that in a single day.

The next day (Thursday) we would drive the Ring of Kerry before heading to Kinsale where we would spend the night. The Ring is a full day, and Kenmare to Kinsale is another three hours of driving.

The morning after that (Friday) we drive to Dublin after a morning in Cork. We spend 2 nights in Dublin and fly home early Sunday. Kinsale to Dublin is another five hour journey -- without a stop in Cork (a basically unappealing mess which can certainly be avoided!) 

Certainly seems like alot of driving -- the Green Blur approach -- and not time to enjoy side trips and a nice pace. I would consider somehow rearranging destinations to allow for two night stops at given towns and day trips from that spot each time.

Perhaps this:

Day 1-2/ Galway area as a base, see Connemara region, Cong, Clifden, etc.

Day 3/4 Killarney as a base. Stop at Cliffs on the way, using the Tarbert Ferry to cross the Shannon River in Clare. Take one day journey to Dingle, take one day trip to Ring, or to Kenmare, (or just do the many things there are to do in and around Killarney like the Muckross House, jaunting car ride, etc.).

Day 5 One day stop in Kinsale, enjoying the great food and pubs this town has.

Day 6/7 Back to Dublin for two days of enjoying the "big city" before flight back.

You will not be able to travel fast on most of the roads you must encounter, so realize that mileage and how long it takes to get somewhere are much different in Ireland. Just some thoughts, but maybe this will be of some help.

Have a good trip.

Sidz



-- Edited by Sidz at 16:54, 2008-08-05