Still trying to figure out what to do and where to stay: Leaving early September 06- would like to do something like: Shannon/Dingle/Kenmar/Ennis/or Bunratty/Shannon. Would like to do some ridding near Dingle/ and stay in B&B's near or in towns along the way and visit sites near these towns. We will only have 8 days 7 nights. Is this do-able and does anyone have suggestions for B&B's in these areas. Would it be best to do 3- nights in Dingle/2 in Kenmar/ 2 Ennis or one there and one in Bunratty? Would appreciate any input to this madness. thanks
That looks like a doable itinerary and if you are riding in Dingle, 3 nights there would be good. Otherwise, as beautiful as Dingle is, it is compact and for an overview of the west, there is more to see FROM Kenmare than from Dingle. I would put the three night stay in Kenmare usually. Then again, If you stay at The Shores in Castlegregory, three nights is a good option.
Do either Ennis or Bunratty. Don't stay one night in each. They are close together and connected by one of the very few good roads in the west. Bunratty is closer to the airport. Ennis is more of a real town while Bunratty is sort of a B&B village with some pretty solid tourist activities attached - Castle, folk park etc.
Bill's advice is excellent. As I mentioned before, if you will go to my "Lodgings" page you will find lots of recommendations for great places to stay. Just click on IrelandYes Index (near the top of the forum page) and then on "Lodgings".