Ireland- 10 day trip in Sept- first time vist- HELP!

I would hope you have picked up Rick's book by now. It's money well spent and he had discounts negotiated with B&Bs that could easily save you the price of the book. You didn't say how long you were going for which would help people give suggestions. To each his or her own as far as itineraries are concerned. I'll tell you what we did on a recent trip. We landed in Dublin and drove to Newgrange/Knowth for a couple of great tours of tombs. Buy the OPW Card there for free entry into multiple sites. We then decided we didn't have time to see the other sites close by and drove to Trim where we toured the castle before settling into our B&B. Trim is an uninspiring town but the castle was well worth the visit. We drove to the west coast and stopped at Clonmacnoise on the way (impressed). Since you're going to the Aran Islands (we didn't) I suggest you stay in Galway and do a tour from there either a day trip or overnight. We toured the Burren (not impressed) and did a cruise along the Cliffs of Mohr (impressed) before heading to Dingle (must do - ultra impressed). After 3 nights in Dingle, we drove to the Rock of Cashell (impressed) via Killarney (impressed) before stopping for two nights in Kilkenny (so so). We wish we had spent the night around Killarney Natl Park. Some people love Kilkenny but we thought one night would have been plenty. From there it was on to Dublin via Glendalough (impressed) and Sally Gap (ok but on the way). It would have been worth spending more time around Glendalouch. We dropped the car at the airport and took the bus into Dublin (must see once, at least). We spent 3 nights there which was about right. A fourth day would have given us a chance to see everything we had any interest in. With 3 we saw what we believed were what would interest us most.

Thanks for the reply/suggestions. And yes, I have already bought the Rick Steves guide for Ireland. My husband and I will be in Ireland for ten days and ten nights. I was thinking that after arriving in Dublin, driving straight to Galway for ?2 nights? (to see the Aran Islands) then from Galway straight down to Dingle for ?3 nights? then possibly from Dingle to ?Kinsale? for 1 night followed to Rock of Cashel and 1 night in Kilkenny, and finally going back to Dublin for 3 nights. I wasn't sure if we should squeeze in the side trip to Kinsale or add an extra night in Dublin. Or, if there was some where else more worthwhile. Our first day we arrive in at 10:30 am, and I know we will be tired so I figured we would just drive onto our first destination versus any sightseeing and relax once we got there. Does anyone know the driving time from Dublin to Galway? I am gratefull for suggestions that were impressive versus not impressive, and that were worth 1 night versus 2 or 3 nights. I also don't want to rush and try to see too much in the amount of time we have....

Clonmacnoise Abbey was a great suggestion. Kinsale is nicer place to stay than Dublin and Connemara the part of Galway West of Galway city, is beautiful. try to drive to the inlet at the start of Killary harbour. It is beautiful, remote and peaceful. Have fun, Willie Wallace

Dublin to Galway is about a three hour drive.

Thanks for all the suggestions. This is what I am thinking so far, if you can let me know what you think! Arrive in Dublin at 10:30 am, get a rental and drive to Knowth & Newgrange and stay the first night in Trim, the next morning check out the Trim castle? then head for Galway with a stop at Clonmacnoise Abbey, stay in Galway for 2 nights with a day trip to Aran Islands (Inishmore), then head from Galway to Dingle with a stop in between for lunch and sightseeing (any suggestions here for where to chose a stop along the way, I see some people stop at the Cliffs of Moher). Once arrived in Dingle we will stay for 3 nights, will then head from Dingle to Kinsale with possible stop at the Muckross house? and Blarney, stay 1 night in Kinsale, then head from Kinsale to Dublin with a stop at the Rock of Cashel and possibly ?Glendalough, arrive in Dublin and get rid of the rental and stay our last 3 nights in Dublin with our departure flight at 12:30pm on our last day in Ireland. The trip should total 10 ten days and ten nights, any suggestions for modifications would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling in September. Thanks again to everyone for their responses.

The highlight of Kilkenny is the castle. It's restored to Victorian grandeur and not the ruins you'll see at Trim. If you can fit it in, a walkthrough of the castle is worth the time. The #2 site (IMHO) is the cathedral which is also worthwhile. After that, you could head on. Don't forget the OPW cards. You can pay your way into many sites. They are much cheaper and a better value than the British versions. You get to skip to the head of the line in some of the busier sites. In Dublin using it to avoid an almost hour long line at the K. Gaol probably paid for the card in reduced psychological angst.

An hour long line at Kilmainham Gaol? Wow, must have been during the peak tourist season. When I went in late February, I walked right in.

Re: "will then head from Dingle to Kinsale with possible stop at the Muckross house?" Yes, yes, yes! Not only Muckross House but even better are the ruins of Muckross Abbey. If you like hiking, Torc Waterfall nearby (also in Killarney National Park) is beautiful. Ross Castle is also close. If you have to pick one of these, pick the abbey.