Maggie, 

You must be getting excited about your trip. This time you will be able to sit back and relax while someone else drives and takes care of everything. I had a look at the tour and it really hits some good highlights. 

When you are in Cong be sure to visit the abbey and go out back and across a bridge and through an archway for a beautiful walk in Cong Woods. Here is an autumn pic of it:


Enchanted Autumn in Cong

The Museum of Country Life is excellent. At first it seems ho-hum but once you start looking at things and reading about them it is fascinating and presents real Irish life. And a Belleek Tour. What can I say but that Belleek is my absolute favorite and I have a collection. It is amazing to see that they do it all by hand including weaving baskets and applying tiny flowers, then painting. It will make you appreciate real hand made work.

I see that you are going through Glengesh Pass which has some spectacular scenery as does Slieve League. 

You will love the Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway. It is one of my favorite drives in Ireland. Here are a couple of shots of it:


Fair Head


Glens of Antrim

You seem to have a short stop in Downpatrick to see St. Patrick's grave. If you have a moment go into the cathedral for a look. There is probably not enough time to see the St. Patrick Center and I don't see it on the tour list. But you can't see everything. Perhaps it will give you a taste for No. Ireland so that you will return again on your own.

You have been to Dublin before. As you know the HOHO bus is a good deal and gives you a 24 hour pass. Did you get to Newgrange on your last trip? If not, I suggest it for a day trip. There is also a day trip to Malahide Castle. Some other things to consider:

Botanic Gardens
Marino Casino 
Glasnevin Cemetery
Phoenix Park
Dublin Zoo
Farmleigh House & Estate
The President's House: Sat only
Chester Beaty Library
National Museum
St. Michan's Church
National Museum (for Mom)
Dublin Castle

The Berkeley Hotel is one of the D4 zombie hotels. I understand that they are letting them run down. They were to have been demolished for other building projects but the economy extended their life. You can read more about zombie hotels on my Blog. I would not expect too much from the hotel.

Be sure to visit this site: http://www.visitdublin.com/

Michele

PS. Yes, I did Newgrange the first time around...and highly recommend it! (You recommended it for my first trip!) :) TY...again! :)

Maggie,

Bob is right. My mistake. I have been burning the candle at both ends lately and need some sleep!

The Burlington was purchased for land development, then closed. When the economy went south and the development was called off it was reopened. It would not be my first choice. Since it is such a huge hotel it is bound to be extremely busy. There are very mixed reviews of it on Trip Advisor.

I remember recommending Newgrange for your trip but sometimes people change what is on their itinerary. Anyway, there is plenty to do in Dublin. I suggest stopping by the tourist office there for brochures and suggestions too.

Michele