Kathleen,

Welcome to my forum and congratulations on your upcoming 25th Anniversary. I hope you will take a spin around my website because it will walk you through the planning stages of your trip. Go to the Getting Started page and be sure to call Tourism Ireland for your free books, brochures, map and vacation kit. 

I also suggest you read and look at books about Ireland. You can get some at your local library and then decide which ones you like and purchase an up to date version. A couple of books about Ireland will be your best investment for your trip.

I am not familiar with Ashes B&B. However, I do have personal recommendations for some great places to stay on my Lodgings page.

Some forum members have found that airfares are dropping this year. It is hard to advise you about that since only someone with a working crystal ball could actually tell. However, I suggest you look at the website of your airline of choice frequently. Also, sign up for their newsletters and you will get informed of any sales and specials. If you find a fare that seems exceptional, get it immediately.

As you read and do your research, I suggest you make a list of places that appeal to you. Then put that list in order of what you consider most important. Look at your map to see where most things are clustered. The start putting an itinerary together. Connect the dots, so to speak. It does take a little effort but will pay off in the end. Plus you will have a trip that meets your needs and requirements instead of a generic one that may or may not appeal.

We are here to help as your planning progresses. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Thanks, Michele, for your guidance.  I shall certainly take advantage of your site to get started.  I do have a friend/co-worker who has been to Ireland a number of times, so she can help me too.  When I come up a specific itinerary, I'll post it and see what feedback I get.  Goodness knows, I have plenty of time to plan this!