First time overseas and want to do it all in a week

You said only your flight to Ireland has been booked. You could consider flying on to England out of Shannon, saving a drive back across Ireland, unless you wanted or needed to fly out of Dublin.

Limerick is pretty close to the Shannon airport, or you could stay instead in Shannon or (like us) in Sixmilebridge. Bunratty castle is close to Shannon, too.

In London, consider visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum, the V&A. It's packed with something for everyone.

1. B&Bs will probably be your best cost option, unless you stay in hostels.
2. To break up the drive back to Dublin, I would suggest Cashel rather than Limerick.
3. Flying out of Shannon makes more sense and would give you time to see the Cliffs of Moher. If you did that, you could see the Rock of Cashel on the way to Kinsale.
4. Not sure you have time for any horseback riding or hiking. Moving every day means a lot of time driving (and driving in Ireland can be very slow in the areas you are visiting).

Hopefully, the suggestion of flying from Shannon to London will help reduce the number of one-night stays on the itinerary. Even if your daily drives are just a few hours, picking up and moving every day can be tiresome, and B&B owners are grateful for people who stay more than one night. Rick's Ireland book lists his selection of tested accommodations for booking ahead.

Ireland fits the bill for an outdoorsy trip and London offers so much variety that you'll probably only have time for one or two churches.

I had actually looked at flying out of Shannon when heading to London. I think we will do that. Which place would be best to add another night?

We are already planning on 2 nights at Dingle.

Dingle. Seriously the drive around Slea Head is stunning, you could also do the Gap of Dunlop, Killarney National Park, etc. if you give Dingle 3 nights. Angela's and John's http://www.cillbhreachouse.com B and B is a wonderful spot to nest. Lovely couple and the brown bread John makes each morning. Yum. Be sure to visit Glendalough once you leave Dublin. Enjoy your visit.

I am with Nancy. From Dingle go to Cashel and see the Rock of Cashel & Hore Abbey. In my opinion, you can completely bypass Limerick.

Also, B&B's are the best places to stay. We've only stayed at them in Ireland. In Dingle, our favorite is the Lighthouse. http://www.lighthousedingle.com/

You can find them all on Trip Advisor. To quote the English, the ratings are usually "spot on".

Finally, if you do fly out of Shannon, you can squeeze a trip over to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Must see sights that close to Shannon.

Dingle is fantastic, stayed at the Lighthouse once several years ago and last October at Angela and John's B&B, Celli Brech (sorry about the spelling) and much prefer Angela's, loved breakfast and the lovely second floor outdoor balcony for the view over the harbor. They are wonderful people. They do have a triple room and rates are very good. In Kinsale, try the Presbytery B&B, they have triple room and it is lovely.

Here is the link to Trip Advisors 73 Bed and Breakfast in Dingle.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g211861-c2-Dingle_Dingle_Peninsula_County_Kerry-Hotels.html

You should also consider flying from Kerry Airport to London. It is farther south and closer to Dingle and the Ring of Kerry.

You should also consider flying from Kerry Airport to London. It is farther south and closer to Dingle and the Ring of Kerry.