Flying into Shannon - Can't decide on Ennis or Galway for first few days

Hello,
How long will you be in Ireland?
Without a car, I would recommend you hire a driver (I can offer a recommendation, if you'd like).

While it is 'possible' to get around parts of western Ireland with buses, you will enjoy your touring much more if you can go in 4 wheels. We hired a driver for a trip two years ago, and by time it was all said and done, it did not cost that much more than renting an automatic, paying for fuel, parking, tolls, and the oh-so-high rental car insurance (which does not cover tire damage). And, our driver was a fun local who acted as a tour guide of sorts.

We had a general game plan (from my research) of what we wanted to see, but I emailed that to him, and then he telephoned us to suggest a couple of changes (which were great). We also gave him a lot of flexibility in some areas to 'just show us the beauty of your country.' He delivered and then some!! He covered all his own overnight/meal expenses.

If you have at least 5 full days, I would suggest being picked up at Shannon, heading to Adare (for a snack), then head to the Rock of Cashel (wonderful recommendation to us by Nancy who frequently posts here), then stay overnight in Kinsale (lovely town), then head over to the ring of Kerry the next day, then up thru Kenmare,
the coast line thru Connor's Pass, etc. take in the Muckross House, then head to overnight at a B&B in Doolin...there are a few that are a super easy walk to the pubs take in the Cliffs of Moher, then the following day, head thru The Burrren, lunch stop in Galway (Key Street is lovely and fun), then head to the Connemara region (this is when you really need to be in a car to enjoy the lovely scenery), then head over to Cong (if you can, snag a two-night special at Ashford Castle and take part in the Hawk Walk (incredible experience), If you don't stay overnight at Ashford, at least do lunch there and enjoy the castle/grounds...incredible) Then, depending on the number of days you have, you can either see more or head toward Shannon to be poised for your flight home. (Note: If you have more days than we did, I would recommend earlier in your itinerary staying overnight somewhere near the Ring of Kerry for an extra overnight or in Kenmare instead of just quickly moving on to Doolin for the Cliffs of Moher.) While near Shannon, be sure to take in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. We went on the recommendation of an Irish cousin, who said it would be as close to Ireland as possible to when my grandmother was a young girl, and it was a very nice experience.
Ireland is a very friendly place, and it is extra fun to tour with a local who 'knows everyone.'

Margaret-
I would love the name and contact information for the driver you hired! My daughter and I are going in May. I had planned to drive it myself but have slight reservations. Tonya

Google: Tony McGann, Doolin Taxi, and you will find his contact info/web page.

Here is his email address: [email protected]

He was very reliable, courteous, had a wonderful sense of humor, and really made our trip so very enjoyable.

Both Ennis and Galway are a bit short on sightseeing in their own right. See recent comments from our guidebook co-author, although the original question was different.