I am finishing up our itinerary for our trip that begins in about a month, now that I have Michele's book... Any suggestions appreciated.

I have lists of things to do at each stop along the way, but we are generally staying 3 nights at each place (2 in Oughterard and 4 near Kenmare), so I don't really feel too concerned about nailing down details of what we will do on each day - probably depends on weather in some cases... While I definitely want to know where I'm staying each night, I like to be a little loose on the details of each day.

Arrive in Dublin on 9/24 8 a.m., pick up rental car - take our time getting to Ballintoy - several stops along the way (Monasteroboice, Glenarm, Cairncastle) to kill time and take it slow... (Yes, I know this is more of drive than some of you would recommend fresh off the flight.) We will stay at Whitehouse Park Hotel for 3 nights - see Giant's Causeway, Bushmill's Distillery, possibly a day in Derry. Various sights along the Antrim Coast. Not visiting Belfast - was there last year. Visit Randalstown, near Antrim - possible origin of husband's great grandfather - no idea what's there!

On 9/27, travel to Ardara via Gleanveagh National Park and perhaps stop in Derry if we have not done that already. Stay at Teach Ceann Tui (always wanted to stay in a thatched cottage with a peat fire!) for 3 nights. Visit Dunfanaghy, Horn Head, Glencomcille Folk Museum, Slieve League, and ride a horse on the beach.

On 9/30, head to Oughterard via Connemara NP and stop in Westport and other spots on the coast. Hoping to stay at Railway Cottage 2 nights - waiting to hear back on that. While there, I want to try and fit in a trip over to Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum and perhaps Clonmacnoise (love this place!), but we'll see how it goes, bit of a stretch since we have only 2 nights here. Also, cruise on Lough Corrib, Auganhure Castle, husband may do some fishing. 

On 10/2 head to Kenmare via Cliffs of Moher and the ferry over the Shannon. 4 nights at Doire Farm Cottages. While there see the usual ROK sites, perhaps visit Dingle Peninsula (lower priority because I was there last year) and definitely visit Beara Peninsula and drive the Healy Pass (missed the turn last year!).

On 10/6, head to Dublin airport to drop off car, stop at Rock of Cashel along the way. Drop car at airport and bus into City. 3 nights in a flat in Dublin. Jameson's Distillery, Christchurch Cathedral and Dublinia exhibit (husband is interested in his Viking heritage - big surprise from DNA testing...), National Museum. Meet up with my Dad who is arriving 10/7 to work on family history research.

On 10/9 up early and bus to airport for trip home. Spend the flight thinking of all the things I missed and planning for 2015!