Casefamily,

You might want to confirm your tee time first as that will determine where you will play golf and stay. If it is Sligo consider exploring the NW and west of Ireland. Sligo, Donegal, Westport, Achill Island, Connemara, Galway and Aran Islands are all things to consider.

I generally suggest staying for 2 nights where it makes sense and sprinkling in a couple of one-night stays to get from place to place.

If you would care to post a proposed itinerary we would be happy to comment on it.

Michele

Michele, Thanks so much for your quick response. Your passion on Ireland is quite apparent throughout this forum. Just what we were looking for.

Basically we are starting our European tour in Frankfurt through Paris and London and Cardiff (Wales). We will fly out of Cardiff on July 1 to Dublin (haven't yet booked flight from Cardiff to Dublin). From there:

7/1: Arrive Dublin (approx 1:00 pm depending on flight)
Guinness Tour? (On a Sunday?)
7/2: Dublin Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
7/3: Drive to County Sligo area (main questions here: Is there enough to do/see in this area and would you recommend this area for a first timer?)
7/4: Golf at Enniscrone (I have communicated with the golf course, haven't heard back yet)(definitely willing to consider other courses in other parts of Ireland)
My primary concern is having something for my wife to do while my son and I golf. She is NOT a golfer.
7/5: Horseback tour (half day)(somewhere, don't know where yet)
Castles/other sights
7/6: Drive back to Dublin
7/7: Fly back to US at 10:00 am.

Alternative would be to head out of Dublin on 7/1, do our "country" things and return to Dublin on 7/4 or 7/5 to do the Dublin itinerary.

Again, many thanks to you for your assistance.

-- Edited by Casefamily on Sunday 4th of March 2012 12:12:23 PM

Michele,

That is a great idea. I didn't even think of saving $ by heading out early and returning the car once back Dublin. We will definitely do that. Thanks also for the links. As far as my wife driving, it really depends on what there is to do near our lodging. She is willing to join us on the golf course if they will allow non playing persons along. I have an inquiry in to the golf course on that and waiting for reply. If she can't then she would be most interested in museum or shopping which we should be able to locate with the Sligo link. Would you have a top 2 or 3 things to see in the Sligo area? (Castles, ruins, other historicals?) It is all so overwhelming sitting here in Kansas City on the internet!!

Thanks again for all your help.