Could someone offer some itinerary advice?

Just a couple of thoughts. First, while I understand the pull of Newgrange, it sounds like Dublin will get short shrift, and there's a lot to see in Dublin: Kilmainham Gaol, St Stephen's Green, the nearby museums, in particular the archaeological museum, to name just a few. Secondly, I'd be inclined to get to Dingle on day 5, do the Slea Head drive there instead of more ROK. Both are spectacular, but I think you may enjoy Dingle more than Killarney-touristy yes, but less so.

This is a fast itinerary, but I think it's fine, especially since you enjoy busy itineraries. I generally don't enjoy so much driving, but in Ireland I don't mind because the scenery is so beautiful. Now to your specific questions:

Day 3 - I think this is okay (based on my recollections), but please check the driving times on Michelin and add an extra 25%. The Rock of Cashel does not require a lot of time, maybe an hour. When you arrive at your B&B will depend to a great degree on how early you leave Dublin.

Day 5 - You didn't ask about this, but you don't need more than one day for the Ring of Kerry. You will want an entire day for the Dingle peninsula. It is stunningly beautiful!

Day 6 - I have not been to Doolin, but it sounds like a good place to spend the night. Be sure to take the Killimer-Tarbert ferry instead of driving the long way. It will save a lot of time and make it easy to stop at the Cliffs of Moher on route.

Day 7 - I have not been to Galway, so I can't give good advice here. But I would consider spending the day exploring the Burren, which I loved, instead. Of course, your son may enjoy Galway since it's a university town. Just throwing out another option. We drove threw Galway, and it was rather hideous at rush hour, so factor that into your plans.

Day 8 - I would definitely turn in the car that evening so you don't have to worry about it the next morning. If you don't already have your flight reservations, you might want to fly out of Shannon instead so you don't have to drive back to Dublin.

Triple Rooms - We went to Ireland with our youngest son when he was 17 and got triples in B&Bs. There aren't a lot of them, but we found one in each place we stayed. We thought it was fine. We weren't in the room that much, mostly just to sleep.

Skellig Michael - You don't really have time for this unless you eliminate a stop such as Galway. If the seas are rough (which is frequent), the boats can't sail, so you can't count on being able to go. The same is true of Inishmore (Aran), although I think rough seas are less frequent there. You could do this on the day you plan to be in Galway, and if the seas are rough, you can tour Galway instead. I thought Inishmore was fabulous and highly recommend it. We chose to fly (from west of Galway) because of the potential problem of the seas, and stay overnight. On the second day, the planes were delayed because the weather was so bad and we almost didn't get off the island. Ironically, they said the boats were running. Another island is Great Blasket off the coast of Dingle, which is maybe my favorite place in Ireland. You don't have time for this either, unless you eliminate a stop and spend a night in Dingle. The boats are pretty small and also don't go if the seas are too rough. I've been there twice and the second time, I got pretty sick on the way back. I would do it again, though. It's just so beautiful! Don't feel like you have to do an island, though. On such a short trip, it adds another complication that might make your trip a little more stressful. You cannot see it all, so just enjoy the places you pick. I think you will love it.

Thank you Dave and Carroll for the thoughtful and speedy replies!

Re: Dublin - Dave, I totally get what you are saying here...I think it depends on how well we do with the jetlag. On past European trips I've done well because I was able to sleep on the plane, if we're exhausted, dragging ourselves out to Newgrange may be too ambitious and we will opt to stay in town and enjoy the local sites.

Re: ROK - So do you guys think 2 nights in Killarney and then 1 night in Dingle (day 5) rather than 3 nights in Killarney? It's hard to judge distances- it doesn't look that far but backtracking south just to sleep does seem silly.

Re: Doolin/Galway - my husband and son are really into nature photography so they're not all that keen on Galway anyway, perhaps we bypass and go father north?

Re: Island trips - as cool as it looks, I think we save this for a future trip...just not enough time unfortunately.

Re: triple rooms - I am noticing that the B&Bs have very few triples available so we're trying to book early so we don't have to spend on 2 rooms but good to know you didn't have an issue! I'll send emails prior to booking to confirm.

Thanks again for your replies! I am so excited I can hardly wait!

FWIW, I am not that crazy about Dublin. I liked Newgrange far more than anything in Dublin except Trinity Library and the Book of Kells. But I agree, that staying in Dublin would be more relaxing.

Regarding staying in Dingle - This is probably what I'd do since I just love Dingle town. In fact, I'd probably stay one night in Killarney and two nights in Dingle. However, keep in mind that it will save you time on Day 6 if you stay in Killarney all three nights. Either option is fine.

It sounds like Galway may not be the best choice for you. I think there are two good options for nature photography: 1) stay another night in Doolin and spend a day in the Burren, or 2) head north to Connemara, which is beautiful. The Burren is a kind of stark kind of beauty and very interesting. Connemara is more mountainous (more like big hills) and traditionally beautiful. I would look at pictures online and see what appeals to you more. Also, consider what fits easiest into your schedule.

Hi Carroll-
I am so glad I found this forum and that you replied to me.
I am very keen to see The Burren & Connemara so perhaps we try to find a B&B up that way or do the two nights in Doolin and skip Galway.

Thanks also for the tip about the Michelin driving site and adding 25% to my travel time!

"In fact, I'd probably stay one night in Killarney and two nights in Dingle."

+1

This could also be turned around, heading straight for Doolin, a somewhat shorter drive and not touristy in the way Killarney and Dingle are. Not a knock on Dingle at all. Take note of the sights on the Dingle Peninsula-Coumeenoole Beach, Beehive Huts, the Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkedar Church, Ballyferriter, wow...

Thanks Dave!
That is something to consider as well.

Doolin seems like a pretty little place but the B&Bs for our dates are quickly getting booked...some that I looked at a few weeks ago are already gone. I think we're going to have to finalize our plans by this weekend and then send out inquires to the B&Bs. Some seem to have websites that offer online booking but not all. Are there any in Doolin that you'd recommend?

We stayed at a quaint B & B called Moher Lodge, though I don't see it listed on the Ireland B & B site now. It was a rec from someone on this board, but the folks there were getting on in years too, may still be going, we were there 2013. They were lovely people, just a short drive from Doolin. You might rather find something right in town.

At the time I called them, they talk a little funny ;-) but it was more straightforward than online booking.

I presume you know of this site?

http://www.bandbireland.com/

Hi Dave-
I've been to a few different sites....and may have been re-directed to that one, it looks familiar. Mostly I've visited specific B&B websites after searching on the Ireland tourism website. This seems much easier, thank you!

I just got word that the Killarney B&B I was hoping for is fully booked for the Saturday night so that's a bit of monkey wrench...I am sure I can find another but I really like the Muckross Stables B&B. We're avid riders so we'd hoped to experience at least a short ride with with them and with the stables being on site we thought it would be less of a destination activity and more like something to do before heading out for the day or whatnot....the kid loves his sleep so we could probably get a 2 hour trail ride in before he even wakes up! LOL . My husband thinks I'm crazy but I think the planning and research is quite fun...but I do want to make some final decisions this weekend!

Greetings from Ireland!
All the answers are great, Ill just add my voice to the chorus that you might regret doing 3 nights in Killarney and no nights in Dingle. Its simply wonderful.
Just an addendum for your hypothetical drive from Dingle to Doolin. I would advise not taking the Tarbert Ferry. But to go instead via Adare and Limerick. it is quicker and has a better and safer road. Limerick has been by-passed in recent years with a tunnel under the River Shannon that shaves a lot of time off this journey. The road to Tarbert is very bumpy and windy and if you're late for the ferry it can prove a little dangerous. If you miss the Ferry you'll be sitting in the parking lot twiddling your thumbs for 30-60 minutes.
I do this journey every 2 weeks from April to October guiding Rick Steves groups. Going the 'long way' is faster and a more comfortable drive.
Slainte/Good health
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland Tour-Guide
Dingle & Derry

Hi Stephen-
Thanks for the tips!
We are in the process of revamping those days now to 2 days Killarney.
we just need to decide if we want to do 2 Dingle, 1 Doolin; 1 Dingle, 2 Doolin; or 1 Dingle, 1 Doolin and 1 Connemara...husband not too keen on the last option only because he said the drive back to Dublin from father up North might take ages and he definitely wants to return the car on Thursday night to reduce departure day stress.

I can't thank you all enough for the input...you have all been most helpful!! I'm trying to finalize this weekend because it seems accommodations are booking up! We could always get a double and a single room for the three of us but if I can save a few euro with all of us in the same room, I'd much prefer to spend my money on food, drink, and a few really gorgeous Aran sweaters! :-)

I would definitely stay two nights in Dingle and one in Doolin. There is so much to see and do in Dingle. Last trip we spent six hours alone just doing the Slea Head drive and that was our fifth time in Dingle. Each time we seem to see more and have more to do. We had looked for B&B for this trip as there was going to be three of us. I seem to remember both The Lighthouse and/or the Celli Breach B&B had triple rooms. We ended up with a fourth person so needed two rooms instead. Have stayed in both and they are lovely. Doolin itself has really nothing to do in the village itself and try to avoid it during the day as the tour buses make it very difficult to navigate. Have a wonderful trip.

Thanks Gail! I will check out those B&Bs! I appreciate your input.

Dingle is definitely worth at least two nights! Like Gail, we also spent most of a day doing the Slea Head drive--there is so much to see along the route. We stopped in at the Blasket Center and were sorry not to have had more time to spend there. On our recent trip we rectified that and had a chance to really enjoy the exhibits--well worth the time. And the town itself is lovely to stroll through--some great pubs and shops. There is also a display of some beautiful stained glass windows at the Cultural Center. Dingle was one of our very favorite towns! And on our first trip we stayed in a very nice triple at Milestone House B&B. Barbara and Michael are wonderful hosts and spend time acquainting you with all the possibilities the town and region have to offer.