9 days in Ireland

Welcome to the forum! Many reading (myself included) feel 9 days is a drop in the bucket for a visit to Ireland--I've had about 5 weeks total time in Ireland and I'm eager to return. It sounds as if you haven't had a chance to look at guidebooks or websites for ideas, yet (or maybe nothing's caught your eye). Perhaps if you can provide a little more information, forum readers will be better able to provide suitable recommendations. Where do you begin your journey? (Where's home?)

Is your primary purpose to visit family living in Dingle (or is the family coming in from elsewhere, too?)
A good place to start: What makes a good vacation for you? What do you enjoy? Scenery? Archeology? History? Museums? Hiking or other active endeavors? Music? What activities do you have planned for Dingle?
What are the teen's passions? I suggest getting the teen involved in the planning.

Will you be driving from Shannon to Dingle?

If flying into Shannon, then stay in the west of Ireland for those four days.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is great fun for all ages and you could easily spend a day there.

Therre is the Burren area - this is limestone scenery and completely different to the rest of Ireland. Base yourself somewhere like Doolin and do a day trip to the Aran Islands from there. There are small towns to explore and the coast is superb. There is Poulnabrone dolmen and stone ring forts to discover as well as Aillwee Cave. Don't miss the Burren Perfumery.

Alternatively head north to County Galway and up into Mayo. There's lots to do and see there too and you can also do a day trip to the Aran Islands from there. There's Ashford Castle and you can do a falcon walk. There are ruined castles and ruined abbeys. Visit Kylemore Abbey gardens or go for a boat trip on Killary Harbour. Do the Sky drive from Clifden - possibly one of the best short drives in the world on a sunny day. Visit tiny Roundstone with its harbour and Malachy Kearns Bodhrán workshop.

The Muserum of Country Life in Castlebar also makes a good day out. As well as the displays and exhibits it has a lot of videos recorded of life in the 1950s and 60s Ireland. These are a fascinating insight into the way of life and customs -some are decidedly pagan!

Thank you for the suggestions! To provide a bit more context. I’m traveling with my husband and 17-year-old daughter to meet his family in Dingle (they are also traveling to meet us there-not local). My father-in-law has visited Dingle often and rented a house there to show us his favorite spots.

The three of us are flying in four days early. We originally considered Scotland, but the logistics were too daunting, especially since we aren't seasoned travelers. We love the outdoors, specifically hiking.

We currently have reservations at a hotel in Killarney National Park @ the Lake Hotel, but I’ve recently read Rick Steves’ advice to avoid the area. If we keep our Killarney reservations, I’d love an itinerary that offers something different from what we’ll experience in Dingle. Since we’ll likely do the Ring of Kerry with the full family later, what can we do in Killarney that feels unique? Any and all help would be appreciated.

There is certainly a lot to do in the Killarney area, perhaps the most touristic area in Ireland. Wasleys' suggestion to base in Doolin is sound, as Doolin also provides a good variety of activities. You didn't say whether you would have a car. Killarney will be much easier as a base if you don't have a car, as the tourist infrastructure there will provide for things like a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher if that appeals. If your daughter has a particular interest, I suggest a simple google search of that thing and Ireland and see what you find. For example, if she loves to knit, look for a sheep farm you can visit and buy yarn for her to knit herself a lasting memory (or knit granddad a thank-you gift). God love you if you can get your teenager involved in trip planning!