Two Ireland Questions (Cars & Hotels)

I'll give you my take on your questions:
1) I would make my accomadations in advance because you can waste a lot of time in tourist information centers trying to find a place to stay, the recommendations in the Rick Steves Ireland book were excellent for me last May when I was in Ireland.

2) You really have to rent a car if you want to see much of Ireland other than Shannon and or Dublin, the train system is not that extensive and the bus system takes way to long to get anywhere, besides drving through the Irish country side is one of the best parts of the trip!

3) Spend a day or two at Ashford Castle and take the Falconry class while there, this was the highlight of our trip to Ireland and the 1/2 day spent with the Falcons and learning to fly them from your arm is a true "backdoor" experience.

4) While in Shannon go to the Bunratty Medieval Banquet, the music is amazing and the food is excellent.

5) While in Dublin be sure to take the "Literary Pub Crawl" , this is a classic experience you won't want to miss. Also go to O'Neil's Pub for dinner, great food and Guiness!

I love Ireland, it's my favorite country in Europe, have fun!

Rent the car and Enjoy the freedom it offers. Get a compact Car. Make certain you reserve an automatic as most cars are still stick shift. Use the GPS but have an old school map as well. Watch out for sheep, walkers, lorries and bicyclists. Learn to calculate kilometers into miles in your head. Prepare for roundabouts. As far as lodging when you see a Brown shingle/sign hanging from a post as you pass a farm or house that's a BnB. Stop. Knock on the door. May should be fine for still being able to find a place without pre booking. Also if one place doesn't have a room the proprietor is often kind enough to call around on your behalf. Very hospitable folks. Truly beautiful country. Try to see the Gap of Dunloe.
Have a wonderful trip!

You do not need to book accommodation in advance. Perhaps plan where to stay on first night and book . You can then book as you go . There are b and b in most towns and a few outside the towns. The ones outside the towns do not get filled as people prefer to stay in the town and not drive after a visit to the pub.

You need a car. Its the only way to see the country. Use a map. stop and ask for directions. also ask for nearest B&B . Everyone is helpful

Enjoy

"Should I rent a car? I’ve heard two opposite opinions on driving in Ireland. One, that you simply must because there is so much to see in-between the cities"

Yes and yes. Driving will yield an entirely different and far richer experience than relying on public transit. Study up and drive, it will be worth it. Avoid driving in Dublin or other larger cities-you most certainly will not need or want a car in Dublin. I see you are meeting your parents, can we assume you are 25 or older? Min age is 25 (pretty sure) for car rental in Ireland.

Don't miss the Kilmainham Gaol tour when in Dublin; arrive a bit early.

Slainte!

Thanks everyone! I wanted to rent a car anyway, so you've all just justified that decision for me!
As for the accommodations, I think I'll book my first night, the Dublin nights at the end of my stay, and then wing it the rest of the time! (Maybe... I'll keep an eye on availability, in case anything looks like it's starting to book up.)