Hi Tiffany:

My first thoughts are to suggest you not waste time on either Waterford or Limerick -- in my opinion two places in Ireland that lag far behind in being places to see.  If you want to see the crystal factory in Waterford, you could do that on your way through, and I can think of no real reason to even consider stopping in Limerick.  If you like bigger cities, then maybe that is your thought, but if you are wanting scenery, coastal vistas, and small village ambiance, then I would avoid Waterford, Limerick, and Cork City.  There are tremendous places to see and stay in West Cork, however, and that would be my suggestion.

Here are my thoughts -- and again, I'm just trying to help.  I have no idea what your idea is for travel:

Day #1 Land in Dublin at 8am, pick up rental car and drive to Kilkenny. See the Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenney Castle that day.  Sounds good.  Kilkenny is a great place to go the first day.

Day #2 Head to Cork. Along the way stop at Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Waterford if possible (or is there another day this would be easier?). Arrive in Cork evening time.  Day #3 Still in Cork. See Blarney, Cobh  With two days in this area, I would skip Cork City and travel west to perhaps Kenmare, where you can enjoy wonderful day trips to fabulous sights in that area. Kenmare is a beautiful village to stay in.  Much more interesting to me instead of the tourist mecca of Blarney or at Cobh. You can also do the Ring of Kerry from Kenmare.

Day #4 Leave for Limerick City. I am wondering if there is a way to drive to Limerick via the Ring of Kerry? Or to be able to drive some of the Ring of Kerry on the way to Limerick? Day 4 could be done in Dingle or Killarney, both areas wonderful for exploring the Dingle Peninsula and the beautiful sights near Killarney.  Again, I would not only suggest not going to Limerick, I would try and avoid it -- not really worth the trip.

Day 5 you could drive to Doolin for a one night stay, taking the Tarbert Ferry to cross into County Clare, and seeing the Cliffs of Moher on your way, as they are only a few miles from Doolin.  Since you are there in November, this is one village that will feature traditional Irish music each night in one of three pubs there, including the always fun Gus O'Connor's Pub.

Day #6 Head to Mayo.Hotel is in Castlebar. Possible explore Galway from here (research show about 45 miles away). Day #7 Possibly see Anchill Island  Sounds good.  Let weather dictate whether Achill Island makes sense.  You might be better walking around Galway on Day 7 if weather is not great that time of year. Westport is also a fun town in that area with traditional music each night at Matt Malloy's Pub.

Day #8 Head to Dublin Day #9 in Dublin-any suggestions besides the usual? Good -- you are going to be in Dublin for two days, turn car in when you arrive on Day 8.  You will not need or want a car there. The Hop-on-Hop-off Tour is a great way to see the city.

Day #10 fly home mid afternoon.

Also keep in mind that November will feature short days with it getting dark late in the afternoon.  You should try and not be on the road at night, especially at a time of the year when some slick conditions might exist. See if any of this helps give you other ideas and we can assist from there.  Plenty of nice people on this site who will try and make your trip the best it can be!

Geno.

Tiffany,

Welcome to my forum and congratulations on honeymooning in Ireland. My thoughts are similar to Geno's, however from what you posted it seems your itinerary and hotel reservations are written in stone and can't be changed. If that is the case you will have to make the best of what you have.

Do you have a family connection to Castlebar? It is an odd choice for a base.

Working with your current itinerary here are my thoughts:

Day #1 Land in Dublin at 8am, pick up rental car and drive to Kilkenny. See the Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenney Castle that day. * Since it is only about 2 hours drive to Kilkenny I suggest you also take a walking tour of the city. They are available from the tourist office. It will give you a good overview of the city plus you will see St. Canice's Cathedral, round tower and other things. 

Day #2 Head to Cork. Along the way stop at Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Waterford if possible (or is there another day this would be easier?). Arrive in Cork evening time. * Given the time of year (very short daylight hours) I would skip Waterford and do Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. That is plenty for the day. 

Day #3 Still in Cork. See Blarney, Cobh * Fine. 

Day #4 Leave for Limerick City. I am wondering if there is a way to drive to Limerick via the Ring of Kerry? Or to be able to drive some of the Ring of Kerry on the way to Limerick? * Your itinerary and late Nov. really gives you no time for seeing the ROK. Instead you might consider the direct route to Limerick and seeing Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, which is not too far away from Limerick. 

Day #5 In Limerick. See the Cliff's of Moher. * Fine. 

Day #6 Head to Mayo. Hotel is in Castlebar. Possible explore Galway from here (research show about 45 miles away). * You could see Galway on your drive up to Castlebar.

Day #7 Possibly see Anchill Island * Achill Island and the Atlantic Drive is lovely if the weather is good. If not, consider The Museum of Country Life near Castlebar and charming Westport (about 15 minutes away). 

Day #8 Head to Dublin. * You might want to stop at Clonmacnoise (south of Athlone) on your way to Dublin. 

Day #9 in Dublin-any suggestions besides the usual? * If interested in Irish history see Kilmainham Gaol. Note that most museums are closed on Mondays. The hop on hop off bus would give you a good overview and transport you around the city.

Day #10 fly home mid afternoon

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Michele

Knowing that your are cemented to your locations, here are some "things to do" ideas...

Day #1 Land in Dublin at 8am, pick up rental car and drive to Kilkenny. See the Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenney Castle that day.  Park the car if you have a downtown location and walk the city if weather is good.  Kilkenny is one of the best walking cities in Ireland.  Great information on doing that courtesy of Corey and Liam at Irish Fireside.

Day #2 Head to Cork. Along the way stop at Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Waterford if possible (or is there another day this would be easier?). Arrive in Cork evening time. Agree with Michele -- do not mess with Waterford.  Cahsel and Cahir will be plenty to experience.

Day #3 Still in Cork. See Blarney, Cobh.  Great historical significance in Cobh, Blarney grounds are beautiful, even if kissing the Blarney Stone is a bunch of nonsense, and you would be close to the Jameson Distillery if you care to tour that place.

Day #4 Leave for Limerick City. I am wondering if there is a way to drive to Limerick via the Ring of Kerry? Or to be able to drive some of the Ring of Kerry on the way to Limerick?  Ring of Kerry nowhere near your route. You are a straight drive on the N20 that should only take you less than two hours.  I really do not care for Limerick, so it's hard for me to be of much help here.  Some people will tell you St. John's Castle, but to me it is one of the most over-priced and uninteresting things you can see in Ireland.  It is going through some renovation I believe, but better things to to.  You would be quite close to Shannon, so you could instead go to something like the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, which although a bit over the top, is fun and you see a much nicer castle.

Day #5 In Limerick. See the Cliff's of Moher. This is fine.  Also could go to Loop Head, similar stunning views without the crowds or admission charge.

Day #6 Head to Mayo.Hotel is in Castlebar. Possible explore Galway from here (research show about 45 miles away).  Fine

Day #7 Possibly see Anchill Island. Fine if weather good.

Day #8 Head to Dublin. Great suggestion by Michele about Clonmacnoise as a way to see something on this route.

Day #9 in Dublin-any suggestions besides the usual? Hop-on-hop-off tour.

Day #10 fly home mid afternoon.

Really, no matter what you decide it will be new experiences and fun.  Just don't try to do too much with the short daylight you will be dealing with.

Have a wonderful trip!

Geno