I'm just planning a May(?) 2023 return to Ireland to "pick up" as many of the places we've never been to over three previous visits. We've never been to Dingle or Belfast specifically, but all of the northwest in general. We have been to Aran Islands, Skellig Michael, Southeast,, Shannon)
I'm a repeat offender of planning trips with lots of one night stays, but for covering the ground from Cliftden to Belfast, the idea of "home base" makes even less sense than I'll sometimes admit. We travel very light (one carryon each) so unpacking/packing isn't even a small deal. Our idea of fun is viewpoints, hiking, Neolithic sites, old castles, and pubs with trad.
Specifically, after a reasonable beginning:
Dublin x3 (jetlag, two full days of things we haven't done)
Dingle x2 (never been, peninsula loop)
Doolin x2 (enjoyed it 25 years ago, maybe Cliffs from the water)
Galway x2 (always enjoy it)
Things then take a dark turn:
Leaving Galway
Ross Erilly, Kilbannon, Fakeraugh, Cliftden Castle
Cliftden x1
Connemara NP, Kylemore,
Westport x1
Belbulban, Fairy Bridges, Denegal Castle
Donegal x1
Slieve League, Glengesh, Assaranca, Kilclooney, Ray Church
Dunfanaghy x1
Glenveagh NP
Ballycastle x1
Rope Bridge, Dunserevick, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce, Dark Hedges
Belfast x3
Dublin last night
This agenda involves pretty relaxed daily drives with lots of hiking time. I had included Cardonaugh but decided Malin Head wasn't worth the entire day and it was too much to add without a stopover.
Flying or train from Dublin to Kerry makes sense until you look at rental car prices. Still a possibility. It's not drop off fees - it's the lack of competition from SixT inflating prices.
Anyway, I'm unusually open to deleting towns/extending stays if it doesn't create lots more driving. My wife would possibly appreciate it. Skipping Giant's Causeway (as it's a tourist zoo) would be fine.