I shared my joy when we booked our airfare a few weeks ago, now I'm happy to say that we've got almost all of our lodgings booked as well.
Here's the game plan:
Day one: Arrive Dublin; stay in Malahide (hopefully at Beechwood House - this is the only place that hasn't answered me yet)
Day two: Kingscourt - Stay Cabra Castle
Day three & four: Doolin - Stay Cullinan's
Day five & six: Dingle - Stay Emlagh Lodge
Day seven & eight: Kenmare - Stay The Lodge
Day nine: Bunratty - Stay The Courtyard
Now all we have to do is figure out the rental car mess (I've assigned this job to my husband) and WAIT!! That is the worst part right - waiting. The good thing is now that I know just where we are going I can focus my reading and planning on those areas. I feel like I've come so far from my original itinerary and I owe it all to you (especially Michele) for the honest, helpful answers and thoughts. So - thank you!!
I was very happy to help with your plans. It sounds like a good trip. Always send more than one email to Ireland if you don't hear back in a couple of days. Many go astray. I'm sure there is a band of them circling the earth like the rings of Saturn. One way to get immediate attention is to phone. Have your husband take a look at my "Car Rental" page for tips on booking.