Bobby,

Welcome to my forum. Not all sightseeing attractions will be open during your trip. So that might make a difference in where you plan on going. Also, the days will be short with sunset before 5 pm. It is not wise to spend time driving around Ireland in the dark so plan on being checked into your lodgings by 5 pm at the latest. With the long nights you can get in entertainment in pubs to compensate.

With only 8 days you will want to choose your overnight stays carefully. If you can fit in as many two-night stays as possible in strategic areas you will be better off. To get a head start on your trip, you can consider heading south to Co. Wicklow on your arrival day (provided you arrive early enough for a drive of a little over an hour). Spend your last couple of nights in Dublin. Now all you have to do is fill in the blanks for the rest of your time.

Some good places to stay in addition to Dublin and Co. Wicklow are Kilkenny, Killarney. That should give you a start.

Michele

My parents and I went to Ireland last October and it was perfect. We went everywhere (we were there 16 days!) ...a little too long... My mom is a fan of Ballykissangel and we stoped by. We were so in awe that we didn't even go into Fitzgerald's! Enjoy!