9 days in Ireland...Last 3 dedicated to Dublin

For not knowing much about Ireland you've got a good start to your itinerary. Dingle is a great place if you're looking to visit the pubs and here some Irish music. Sounds like you're more of a back door kinda gal--you might find you'll want more time in the SW area (Dingle Peninsula, Kinsale, Tralee, Kilarney, etc.). If so, I'd skip Limerick if you're already doing Cork and Dublin, but that's just me. Have a nice trip!

ugh, sorry: hear some Irish music.

@Liz~that's funny you describe me as a back door kind of girl! So true! I do want to stop by Bunratty as my husband and I met at a bar named after Durty Nelly's in Texas so perhaps we could spend night 5 or 6 in Limerick (and skip Galway?) I think we could day trip to the Cliffs from Limerick then head to Dublin? (or should we skip the cliffs in lieu of more time in the South west??) Thanks for the suggestion I will definitely check out your idea!

Skip Limerick. Since you want to see Bunratty, why not stay at a B&B on the Bunratty Road? There are a number of them along there. We stayed at one called Dunedin Lodge (I think) which has a lime kiln from the original castle property by their parking lot. You will go through the Burren in getting from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway. Your original plan makes more sense logistically - Bunratty (instead of Limerick), Cliffs, Burren, Galway, then back to Dublin - instead of backtracking to Limerick after a daytrip to the cliffs and missing Galway. And you are right to drop your rental car before proceeding into Dublin. You wouldn't need to drive in the city, anyway.

I have done a ridiculous amount of research (OCD- HA!) for our trip to Ireland and I've read in several places that Limerick is sort of run-down, and even unsafe in some areas. Now, I admittedly have not been there, but with such a short trip, I would think there are myriads of places that you would enjoy more. Maybe consider the Rock of Cashel (only an hour by car from Limerick) - one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Ireland. Or maybe spend more time in Clare. South of the Burren, there are tons of wonderful places (castles, ruins, wonderful little towns, etc) and maybe consider the cliffs at Loop Head (southwest tip of Clare). Many people feel they are more beautiful than the Cliffs of Moher, and certainly much less crowded. Hope this helps and have a wonderful time on your trip. PS- travel books I suggest: Ireland by Lonely Planet, Ireland Travel 101 by Patricia Preston, and Rick Steve's Ireland 2012.

Dingle is famous for having gorgeous coastal views and having really interesting history - there's lot of old ruins still on the peninsula that tell an interesting story of Ireland's past. But it's also a small area, so one night and two days is enough to explore it. Also, yes, if Dublin is your end point, I'd drop it off when you get to the city. It's not horrible to drive in the city, but I would say it's unnecessary. Also, if you're flying into Cork and you like whiskey, consider going to the Middleton Distillery. It was really fun and you can volunteer to do a taste test at the end of the tour of various types of whiskey.

I just got back a couple of days ago and here's my take: Part 1:
Cork to Dingle - it's not a castle but Muckross House is a stately home with amazing grounds. (The grounds are free as are view of the outside of the house.) The house itself is paid tour only and is worth doing if that's your thing. Dingle is great but it takes some time to get the charms so don't rush it. Drive the peninsula with Rick's guide and visit the various sites. (I found the Blasket island museum to be very good and touching.) Take the ferry between Talbert and Killmer to speed up travel to the Cliffs. (I had never done it but it's super simple.) If you're iffy on the Burren just take the coast road all the way up from Moher and you'll get a great mix of coast and left and the Burren granite on the right.

Part 2:
Galway warning - it has no street signs! I'm not kidding about a serious lack of signage in Galway - be prepared to circle the city repeatedly looking for landmarks like the TI and hotels you've heard of. My personal take is not to plan too much time in Galway seeing it - just didn't seem to have much to appeal to me. I would instead spend the time going to Trim seeing that castle and then maybe Newgrange and Knowth (if prehistoric is your thing) on the way to the airport to return the car. Ask about how M50 (the Dublin ring freeway) tolls are paid when you rent your car. There is no way to pay so you need a e-pass or Hertz simply charged the card I used 3 euros. (If you come in from the North towards the airport you may not pass the toll thing at all.) If you need to return your car with gas drive to the airport and at the very last second steer towards 'Swords' which the town next to the airport and you'll find gas stations easily and then simply reverse back to the airport and it should only add 15 minutes or so. Avoid having a car in Dublin! Just take one of the airport buses directly into the city. Look into the 3 day Rambler pass if you take the Airlink bus. Have fun!!