I have planned many European trips, but I'm challenged with this one; I appreciate any ideas and advice. I'm a 65-year-old, fit woman traveling with my 90 year-old Dad who is fit but walks slowly now and his 82 year-old wife. Since Dad has been to Ireland multiple times, he wants to see places in the interior (like where our ancestors lived), avoid touristy places with all the buses. They want me to drive and here's the places we want to visit: Short visits to Dublin and Belfast to see a few major sights, Cookstown/Pomeroy (don't need a lot of time there), Doolin and the Aran Island (a day trip). Additionally, Donegal, a small town near Limerick and possibly Kinsale. I know we don't want the car in Dublin so will pick it up or turn it in accordingly. For Belfast, may stay outside the city and taxi in.
My initial questions are about the driving route:
Has anyone done a driving trip like this? Did you do an open-jaw trip flying in or out of Dublin and Shannon? What worked best? Do you have suggestions on where to stay or routes in the interior? Does it make sense to start in Dublin or Shannon?