Ireland in July: arrive Belfast, depart Shannon

You aren't going to want a big van on tiny Irish roads. You will want the smallest vehicle(s) that will hold your family and your luggage. Of course, that might mean that you and your wife drive separate vehicles, which might not appeal to you. Also, you might want to check on whether there would be an extra fee for renting in Northern Ireland and dropping off in the Republic - different companies may have different policies, too.

Your plan looks good. I might suggest Lahinch rather than Doolin or Lisdoonvarna for that stop, and Bunratty rather than Ennis for the last night, but it depends on what you intend to see while you are in that area. There are B&Bs everywhere (you can get a directory of them from the Irish Tourism board website). Since you are traveling in July, it would be best to book ahead since that is during peak tourist season.

Nancy is not kidding about some Irish country roads being unbelievably narrow.

Look at an auto rental webpage to determine how many passengers and bags will fit in the car you choose.

Take the smallest car which will meet your needs. If you have to, go to a local dealer to look at the model you are considering.

Don't take a large van if you can avoid it. You will be glad once you spend a couple of hours driving on those narrow roads.

Does anyone know if any rental cars come with car top carriers and whether that would be a good idea? I can encourage all of us to minimize luggage, but we'll still have 6 people with some necessary baggage.

I think you're itinerary is excellent, Wesley. The only thing I might consider is cutting Kenmare to two nights and Cobh to one and spending two nights in Dingle so you can see more of Dingle with less driving. (Dingle is my favorite place in Ireland. I haven't been to Cobh, so I don't know if that requires two nights.) But even as is, I like your plan.

You'll have to check with the rental companies about a roof carrier.

Wesley, I do not remember seeing many car top carriers and I would not recommend them for two reasons. Ireland is known for its rain - you may be lucky, we were not. Your luggage runs the risk of being soaked through. Secondly, putting your luggage on the roof raises the center of gravity of the vehicle. People have mentioned narrow roads. They are also twistng. You may find mutliple hairpin bends. You do not want to be fighting an out of balance vehicle.