looking for opinions on 7 night ireland itinery

I think this itineray will work just fine, Annie. Is there any possibility you can fly back from Shannon? It would save you from having to drive back to Dublin. If not, this should still be a very nice trip. I hope you have a great time.

If you are stuck flying into and out of Dublin, this looks OK. As Carroll says, it would be preferable to fly out of Shannon to save driving back. That being said, though, you could go back via a variety of scenic routes.

I just bought the Ireland Rough Guide. You might want to look at a copy of it and check out the Doolin information before finalizing your itinerary........ Kenmare is a great base because you can easily explore both the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula from that location.

Thank you all for responding. First of all, sorry for the incorrect spelling on itinerary.....was thinking more of content. Unfortunately, I booked the Dublin flights long ago and don't want to modify because my fares were so good. I'll know better the next time. Any thoughts on picking up and dropping off the car in Dublin? I've gotten mixed reactions so far. Some think I'll be just fine, while others insist the airport is the way to go. I love the B&B's I've booked. Does anyone have experience with Trinity Capital Hotel and Buswell's in Dublin? I chose these because of the proximity to museums, Trinity College, and shopping. Thanks again!
Anne

It's recommended that you pick-up rental car at the airport to avoid trying to drive in downtown Dublin. Airport is right on the motorway so it's easy to get out of town quickly. Just avoid the Hertz there; I had awful experience with them ( just got back last week). For Dublin I would recommend staying near one of the airport bus stops. I stayed at the Best Western Academy Plaza which was just meters from an Air Coach stop. It was a short walk to Tourist Information and about a fifteen minute walk to Grafton street or Temple Bar areas but very quiet. If you buy a Hop-on/Hop-off bus ticket, it's easy to get around and the one I bought included a return ticket to airport on Air Coach. I don't know what you sightseeing plans for days 5 and 6 are, but Doolin has limited services. I chose to base myself in Galway which gives you access to lots of services including day tours to various places. I found the Connemara area much more interesting than the Burren/Cliffs of Mohrer. I stayed at the Harbour Hotel which had covered, secure parking (got a special deal on HotelsIreland website). Note though that traffic in Galway city center can be bad. There are also plenty of B & Bs just outside of center. On your drive back to Dublin, two great historic sites are Clanmacnoise and Bru na Boinne (Newgrange). I did overnight stay near airport as well but I had a 9 am flight. If your flight does not leave until 5 pm you might consider staying in town and taking Air Coach back to airport or staying at another nearby location that's easy reach to motorway.

Depending on what company you rent with (and the location of their in-town offices), picking up in the city might be the better alternative, - if you go directly out of town after that. You DON'T want a car in Dublin. The airport location is directly on a very busy, crowded street, and it can be pretty nerve-wracking to have to learn "other side of the road" driving at high speed on a busy road.

Thrifty in Dublin 2 is located on Lombard St. East, not too far from our hotel. We will spend the first night without a car, then pick it up the next day mid-morning, and drive directly out of the city. When we it off, we will go directly to their office and then take a cab to the hotel. I think I can make it work. I feel comfortable driving in NY and Boston. Other than the opposite side of the road and round abouts, how much worse can it be? Thanks everyone.