I have enjoyed planning our trip using your book and getting advice through your forum.
My husband and I will be travelling to Ireland in early September to visit with family and then to stay a week to celebrate his birthday.
Here is our intinerary, any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.
I have your book-we are planning to visit the main attractions (Cashel, Glendalough & Powerscourt,etc) and check out the restaurants and pubs that you mention.
Also, I'm sure that our hosts, where we are spending the night, will be a wealth of knowledge.
We will be at most places two nights, so ideas for day trips would be helpful, or any other thoughts that you may have.
We will have a rental car.
Day 1 - Arrive Dublin, visit with family near County Monaghan over the next few days - staying at Hillgrove Hotel
Our "couple" trip starts on Day 5.
Day 5 - Travel to Virginia, Cavan - staying at St Kyrans Country House - 2 nights
Day 7 - Travel to Kilkenny, Kilkenny - staying at Rosquil House - 2 nights
Day 9 - Travel to Avoca, Wicklow - staying at Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge - 2 nights
Day 11 - Travel to Dublin - Place near Airport -not yet determined
Welcome to the forum. Glad you are enjoying planning your trip. Your itinerary looks good and seems well-planned. If they are serving dinner on one of your nights at St Kyrans be sure to make reservations. The food there is wonderful. Also, ask for a lake view room.
If you have an early departure flight from Dublin on your way home I suggest Premier Inn. I often turn my car in the evening before and just take the shuttle to the airport as it cuts down on how early I have to get up. If your flight is a little later in the day I like Beechwood in Malahide.
The main issue with a car rental is - will you purchase all insurance or do you have a credit card that will cover the insurance? For the past several years I've been using Avis and Dan Dooley with no problems. I tend to use their .com websites as opposed to their .ie sites. Do a price check comparison.