Shannon to Dublin 8 days with car .

I'm basically answering to "up" your inquiry, which is awfully general. If you'd tell us a little more about your interests and reasons for choosing Ireland, your budget, perhaps your age range and the size of your party, we might have some suggestions. For example, some people want to hit the most popular & famous locations, such as the Blarney Stone and Ring of Kerry. Others want to avoid crowds and find their own little corner to experience Ireland.
Have you read any guidebooks? Mapped out your intended route?

We are renting a car and staying at voucher b&b’s. We are in our late 60s. We are flying into Shannon and staying the first night in a hotel in Ennis. We are staying the next night in Galway. We would like to see the best of Ireland but not interested in crowds all the time and going to Dublin. We are flying out of Dublin but would prefer not to tour it. We are staying the last night in Swords. We would prefer to do the southern and western parts of Ireland. Thanks for your help.

You could stay out on the Aran Islands, or go to Dingle. Also, the Connemara area is wonderful. We enjoyed staying in Trim on our way headed back to Dublin.

A lot of people really love Dingle, but it is a bit out of your way. Connemara would be more on your route, I think. I see favorable reports about staying overnight in Clifden to use it as a base. You might enjoy visiting Westport.

On the way toward Dublin, the National Stud is a unique place to visit if you have any interest in race horses. You might also want to stop at Athlone and see the castle and Lough Ree.

Agree with looking at Connemara and Clifden. There is so much to see in this area. Doo Lough Valley, Killary Fjord, Croagh Patrick, Connemara National Park, Sky Drive. If you go this route, I recommend taking the ferry to Inishbofin instead of going to the Aran Islands.

Thanks for mentioning Inishbofin island!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186607-d209811-Reviews-Inishbofin-County_Galway_Western_Ireland.html

Hi from Wisconsin,
Ennis is a great place to spend a day. Galway is next. Anywhere from Clifden to Westport would be good for touring Connemara. Clifden and Westport have plenty of options for eating. Leenaun is quite small, but it is where I would try to locate.

Limit how many miles you plan to traverse. On the big roads it will be like being at home. So why do that. The small roads are slow. Remember the roads are shared in Ireland. Drive as thought he center of the road belongs to both. Don't hug the sides of the road too much or you will scratch the car.

wayne iNWI