Hello from snowy Massachusetts!  Since I have been blessed with an unexpected day off from work, I thought it was time to start asking my questions and seeking advice concerning my upcoming trip to Ireland.  My husband and I have never been before.  We are in our fifties and we will be flying into Shannon very early on the Monday after Easter and staying for 7 nights. (Land on April 17-April 24) We plan on renting a car but using the towns of Dingle, Kilarney and Kinsale as home bases. 

This is doable but you may want to change your first night's plan.

Based on everything I have read on this forum, we will stay the first night in Bunratty and visited the folk park and hopefully attend the Celli in the evening.  OK for night #1. 

The good news is that you will be flying from the east coast, presumably Boston so there should be a couple of non-stop flight options into Shannon. I went through Boston last year on Aer Lingus and we were non stop to Shannon. That's good because the time change is only 5 hours as opposed to the seven that I face. Yes, you'll be tired but if you want to do all three towns, go to Dingle the 1st night, stopping MANY times along the way to slap yourself and wake up. The drive is approximately 2.5 hours, a little more for some, a little less for others. Getting around Limerick in that direction is pretty simple as you avoid the city center entirely.

Starting early the next morning we are planning to drive to Dingle.  Any suggestions for "can't miss" stuff along the way?  Where to stay for two nights in Dingle? How long will it take to do this drive?  How are the roads?  

Along the way you can catch the cute little town of Adare which you literally can't miss because you drive right through it. Lots of thatched houses, some complain a bit too touristy, but you'll like it. The N21 is a pretty good road and you should move quickly while not in towns. There are a couple of other nice towns along the way and there are numerous green vistas to jump out and admire while you stretch your legs. It shouldn't be a terrible problem getting there. If you like quiet and solitude and a beautiful place to stay, The Shores B&B on the north Dingle coast is as good as it gets. It's not in Dingle town which to some is a draw back, to me it's a plus. The B&B looks out on the longest beach in Ireland and in April it should be very quiet. Annette loves running her B&B and you can tell. She also serves amazing dinners.

OK for nights #2 & 3.  Driving then to Killarney for nights #4 & 5.  Same questions about places to stay, time of drive and driving conditions.  I am always open to suggestions.  Also, should we stay within walking distance of the town in order to eliminate any additional driving or should we look for a location with a view?  All suggestions welcomed.

I'm totally a view guy so you are getting a VERY one sided opinion here. My first suggestion is to consider Kenmare to Killarney. Killarney is fine, but it's sould was sold to tourism over a century ago. Kenmare is a beautival village on the Kenmare River (more of a bay at that point) and full of great places to eat and stay. I've stayed at a place called the Harbour View on the Beara Peninsula side which has great views and is a B&B. I liked it but it's not fair to try to compare it to The Shores. I've also that at the Tahilla Cove Country House which is on the road between Kenmare and Sneem. This is a beautiful location, but as most guesthouses (as opposed to B&Bs) it is more expensive. They have there own little cove, they serve dinners and they have a bar that someone is around most of the day. http://www.tahillacove.com/

The driving conditions are fine though the road from Killarney to Kenmare is a very narrow and winding road. It is also a must travel. Getting to it early in the day before the tour buses have made it around the Ring of Kerry is a very good idea. Mid to late afternoon can be a bit scary. Ladies View near the top is a wonderful stop. Other things to consider in the area are the Ring of Kerry drive and the Gap of Dunlow which is a beautiful all day trip. You'll need good weather for the latter to do it right.

The plan calls for driving to Kinsale for night #6 (same questions) and returning to Shannon area for the final night.  We take off at 11:00 am on Monday.  Do you think that is too long and difficult a drive to return from Kinsale to Shannon in one day?  How long will it take?  Do I need to forego Kinsale this trip and head north from Killarney for night #6? 

I like the idea of two nights down south which you paid for by making it to Dingle on the 1st night. If it were me, especially if I packed light, I would slowly make it to Kinsale, stopping one night near or on the Mizen peninsula and then the next night in Kinsale. The drive back to Shannon is doable comfortably in a day, probably about 3 hours driving time. Avoid Cork at all costs. Go around. You'll get lost and have to go into extensive marriage counseling. Spend your last night in Shannon and do those little touristy things that are required.

Where?    I need help!!  Looking forward to hearing from everyone.  Thanks.

My two cents.

Bill