dublin to dingle or other choices..

The best way to get to Dingle is, unfortunately for you, to drive there. I think the alternative is to take a train from Dublin to Tralee (most of those trains require one change), and then a bus from Tralee to Dingle (or a much more expensive cab ride). The train from Dublin to Tralee is about four hours. The bus from Tralee to Dingle is about 70 minutes. Time-wise, that is about the same as driving. It's about 60 euros per person, although maybe you could find a better price on a train.

You could fly Dublin to Kerry (not sure on cost). But then you'd have to take a bus to Tralee from there, and then the aforementioned bus from Tralee to Dingle. Or do a pretty expensive cab ride from the Kerry airport to Dingle.

So it is possible to do it with public transportation, but I think a car is much easier. Plus you would have the flexibility to make a stop or two along the way (there are plenty of things worth seeing in the middle of the island, which would also break up your drive).

No I don't think it'll be too rainy. We were in Dingle in mid-October a few years ago and the weather was pretty good overall. You basically have to plan for rain pretty much all the time, but it won't be any better or worse. You may have a reduced selection of pubs with live music at night, but there will still be a few.

If you are looking at somewhere else to go for a night or two, consider Kilkenny. You could get there by train from Dublin, and there is plenty to do there (old medieval town, a castle, a cathedral with a cool round tower, Smithwick's, etc.).

Have you already booked your flights? Could you set it so that you have Dingle and Shannon on either end to save yourself some time?

Dingle is fabulous and the Slea Head drive is amazing (if the weather is good). I'd consider three nights in Dingle if you can do it. Don't take the bus from Tralee to Dingle, it takes too long. Rent a car and drive there. You'll need the car for Slea Head anyway.

Dingle is terrific, but not really practical via public transport given your limited time.
Might suggest Galway as an alternative - about 2+30 via train from Dublin. Pretty place. Lots to do, even if the weather doesn't cooperate.

If you haven't booked your flights yet I agree to fly out of Shannon ~ it was a lovely smaller airport and you do customs before you board so you don't have to do it when you land back in US.

I highly recommend going to the west coast and driving if you are able. It was the best part of our trip and we have already decided when we go back we will just head to the west coast.

With only 4 or 5 day window to work with my suggestion would be to make the most of your available time by staying in or close to Dublin and doing day trips from there, especially if you're averse to driving. You're right to be concerned about the weather, especially for such a short visit. Know too that Daylight Savings ends on October 30th in Ireland which will likely affect your travel and touring options (ie less daylight to work with). I'd save the west of Ireland, beautiful though it is, for a future visit when you have more time to savor the experience.
Might take a look at the DART map for the Dublin area and see if any of the villages along the route appeal to you if you really want to get out of the city for a while. One obvious suggestion is the pretty seaside village of Howth just north of the city - a relatively cheap and easy 20-25 minute journey via the train from Dublin center but a world away in terms of peace, quiet, scenery, and general ambiance. Wouldn't be far from the airport for your return flight too.
Safe travels.

I would agree that with only four or five days I would just stay in Dublin instead of wasting so much time trying to get to Dingle. Several years ago I did a trip on my own without a car and like you I wanted to get to Dingle, but just couldn't find an easy way to do it without wasting half a day or more trying to get there by train and bus. In the end I took the train to Killarney and spent a few days there and did a guided day tour to Dingle instead. Still, the train from Dublin to Killarney is about four hours so you will still spend a lot of time travelling, especially since you will have to return to Dublin, or figure out how to get to Shannon airport to fly out.

thank you.

We have decided to do a 3 day rail tour of Cork,Blarney, Ring of Kerry, and Cliffs of Moher. Staying two nights in Killarney, i believe.

All the feedback was very helpful.

Spencer, can you share information on the train tour? Who to contact?

Sure i used Viator and booked with Rail Tours Ireland. It's actually cheaper to book directly with Viator.

if you call into their 800 number and tell them its your first booking - you get 10% off plus Viator wont charge you a foreign transaction fee..

railtoursireland.com