My experience with 4 trans-atlantic flights results in the conclusion that a wide body plane is more comfortable, and less claustraphobic. I like to be able to choose my seats, and always go for a seat in a cluster of 2 seats beside an aisle, rather than 3, 4, or 5 seats adjacent seats. (A Boeing 767 for example is good, a 757 not so good....not familiar with airbus models). At least you only have to climb over 1 person, or have 1 person climb over you to get in and out! The cattle-car versions with 3 seats, an aisle, and 3 seats are worst, for me, for an eight hour plus flight! When booking your flight, you can usually see which plane the airline INTENDS to use....but that can change too! Of course the ultimate would be a wide body that is only half full, and have 4-5 empty seats in the center section to stretch out flat on....but those days are probably long gone....airlines need to fill most or all the seats for economic reasons due to high fuel prices! As for a window seat, I think it is easier to prop your head into the corner and get more comfortable for sleeping, so would advise that.

For jet-lag;  I refrain from caffein and alcohol 12 hours before, drink lots of water, take 1 tylenol PM with supper, try to get around 5-6 hours of sleep, then plan numerous outdoor-walking-sight seeing types of activities upon arrival, and try to keep going till at least 8PM. On our 1st trip over, we did back to back open top bus tours in London, and slept much of the way! Also did a musical theater presentation and nodded off a lot during that too! Then I didn't sleep very well that night. On the next 2 trips, we elected to do outdoors stuff, and it worked much better! Dan

2 days in Killarney with the ring included.   My bars of choice, O'Connors and Tattler Jacks both will have a mix of locals and tourists, if you get 5 minutes for St Mary's Cathedral just to stand inside for 1 minute (no religion required).

Bit of a dash to Dublin.  The stairwell at Blarney is steep and narrow, snogging the rock is optional and it depends how much time you have but the grounds are my reason for recommending visitors go there.  Cashel is under renovation but well worth the 30/40minute tour.  All topped off with a typical Oirish nite (Do Red Indians really wander round in Feathered head gear?)  sure you will enjoy it but please don't think we act like that unless getting paid for it.  Hopefully Kilmainham Gaol will be included in your second day.

Have a really good nights sleep, and a good full breakfast.  You have a long day ahead.  probably on Irish Ferries Ulysses around 8am and a 3 hour crossing before boarding the slow train through Wales get a seat on the left hand side (opposite the platform) for the best views along the Coast. Change trains at Chester and head north.

Possibly Keswick or Kendle  for the night??  Grasmere is nice, small quaint Lakeland's village then the dash to Edinburgh.  Not to everyone's taste but I can recommend the Mearcatts Tour of the city vaults (ghost tour) if you have free time in the evening.

All sorts of Scottish Highland scenery but Stirling castle is always one of my recommendations, probably the best British Castle even without a minor part in several films.

This is a Tour, not a Holiday. you will be familiar with your guide and fellow passengers by the end of it but I am sure you will have a great time.  Just grab as much "me time" as possible, sleep well and eat well, lots of fluids(but not too much)

Put me as definately one who does much better staying active that first day and not going to sleep until the evening.  Whenever I have done that, it's been amazing how well I am adjusted the next morning.  First time over years ago on a tour, I did get a couple of hours sleep when we arrived and it did not sit well with me!   Felt like I was in a fog for the next two days.

I guess everyone is different, but I do pretty well by staying up and walking, drinking plenty of fluids, getting a good meal ... and then sleeping well that first night.

Geno

That is me as well Judy.  Both ways.