This question has been prompted by an answer on another forum..
"If your nightly stops is set as is, I would head north first... get as much driving out that first day as possible since you can't get into a hotel/B&B right away -- plus if you force yourself to stay up, I think you'll adjust to the time change much easier. Why Donegal? Don't get me wrong, I like it and have visited several times but it is a lot of driving for just a few nights. If you have specific reasons then that makes sense but if someone told you to do it... perhaps you might want to skip it this trip."
Personally if someone is coming in on a Red Eye I would say no more than 200 motorway miles or 100 national road miles and that would be pushing it!!
__________________
Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
Could not agree more -- especially for travellers who are not used to driving in Ireland. You need to get used to things, and doing it tired and pushing it regarding miles is not something one should try.
When I go into Dublin, about as far as I want to drive that first day is Kilkenny. I get there and walk the city that afternoon to stay awake, and then find that a good night's sleep has me ready to go longer distances the next morning.
"get as much driving out that first day as possible since you can't get into a hotel/B&B right away"
Thats sounds dangerous for so many reasons.
We fly into Dublin and our first couple of days we spend with family friends in Dowra,Co. Leitrim.We always stop for breakfast on the N4 in Rathowen at Ferricks Hotel(about one hour from Dublin).Then 2 more hours on the road,I can not even think we could handle any further of a drive.Then nap time!
We fly from the east coast on direct flights.I dont know how people coming from the west coast ,or farther ,with connecting flights does it.