We are traveling with my brother and his wife in October 2026 for a week in Scotland before a week in Ireland. We are planning to fly into Dublin form Glasgow early the first day. Looking to spend 2 nights in Dublin and take the train to Tralee and then shuttle to Dingle. The next day I am looking take a day tour around Slae Head and spend another night in Dingle. The next day we would like to hire a driver to take us to Kilkee, Lahinch, Cliffs of Moher and stay in Doolin. One night in Doolin and then tour Burren and on to Galway where the driver would drop us off. The following day we would catch a later afternoon flight from Shannon to London for our flight home the next morning.
We like general sight seeing, minimal museums, a little hiking and afternoon pub stops (if not driving).
Questions:
1. Does it make sense to rent a car in Dublin and drop it in Shannon instead of train and driver? I have driven a lot in Europe but never on the left side of the road?
2. Should we skip Galway or ??
3. We would like to do a whiskey tour at some point . Recommendations?
4. If we decide to hire a driver, what is the best way to find and hire one?
Dublin-2 nights
Dingle-2 nights
Doolin-1 night
Galway-1 night
Thank you for your input!