March 11th-18th Dublin and anywhere else we can go!

Damion, if you scroll down through the To the North section, you will find thread after thread talking about what to do in and around Dublin. There are several current posts, and more available through searching the archives. Check the Transportation section for more posts about rental cars in Ireland. You haven't really given us enough information to be able to make good suggestions. Do you land on the 12th? So you are only actually talking about four full days before returning to Dublin for the 17th, flying out on the 18th? What are your interests? What is your budget for lodging and food? What is cheap to you? I would suggest checking out some of the other recent threads here for ideas, then we can help better with specifics when you are ready.

Best known care rental company in Eire is Dan Dooley's. (thnx Nancy) You'll need to research to see which of the many others meet your budget. Just be certain to pay for the coverage. Roads are small, sheep are many, nicks, and dings, accidents can happen. As far as must sees Book of Kells at Trinity College, New Grange, Glendalough, Powerscourt, Cliff's of Mohr, Dingle Pennisula, Kinsale, Killkenny, Rock of Cashel and the Giant's Causeway in NI. It's a small island. About 125 miles from the East coast to the West. Just don't drink and drive and be ever watchful for sheep and speeding lorries.

I believe Claudia is referring to Dan Dooley Car Rental. They aren't necessarily the cheapest around, but you might find some deals. All of the major American companies are represented, in case you have some discount possibilities with one or the other. Irish Car Rentals is the company I have most often used when renting in Ireland, and I always get the super CDW insurance. I'm not sure that I agree that you have time for the Dingle Peninsula in your four days. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are a possibility, but as I said, giving us some idea of your interests would help us give you better suggestions. For example, I am not a fan of gardens, particularly, so Powerscourt doesn't interest me but it might interest you. My daughter was bored silly seeing the Book of Kells because she's not interested in looking at ancient books, though I liked it. We can't really do much more than make a list of places to go. Almost anything on Claudia's list is possible with the right planning, but you can't do everything.

I personally found a good deal with Budget, but heard that Dan Dooley has a good reputation too. It just depends on what fits your needs and how much you want to pay. Make sure that you also get the super CDW-making your deductible zero-it will cost a little more. Depending on what interests you (for me its different vistas, old castles and places with history); I would try this: head south to Glendalough (through the Wicklow Mountains) to see the monastic village and St. Kevin's Kitchen. From there, maybe head to Kilkenny to see their castle & town. Drive on to the Rock of Cashel & Hore Abbey. After that, Blarney Castle (don't forget to kiss the stone!) and/or visit Cork. From there head up to the Ring of Dingle, stopping along the way in Killarney and checking the Muckross House. Still haven't seen enough? Head towards the Cliff of Moher (this is a must on my trip!) and the Burrens. If you still have time, maybe Galway and then back over to the other side of Ireland and visit Newgrange (north of Dublin). I understand this a lot to see and do, but just ideas to a small fraction of what's out there, but because of what I've read and been advised; are things that I believe others might find an interest in and it gives you a little bit of everything. To find places to stay, I always check out Trip Advisor. From there you can see top ranked hotels, B&Bs or hostels for the area in which you will be in. There are photos posted from the people who have stayed there too. I find the invaluable. Also, on the Graffiti Wall, there is a 'shout-out' to Heroic B&Bs. Again, this is a personal preference and what you can afford. While I'm at each place to stay, I always ask the proprietor for a recommendation of a good place to eat in the local area and that way you can find a place that would better suit your needs. Happy St. Pat's day and safe travels!

If you are interested in Patty's suggestions, you might want to have the correct spellings so that you can look up the locations. Glendalough is a monastic settlement where you can see St Kevin's Church (also known as St Kevin's Kitchen). Kilkenny is not far from there, nor are the Rock of Cashel and Hore Abbey. The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren could be visited easily if you are going to Galway. You couldn't possibly visit all of the places on her list in your four full days, though. EDIT: I see that Patty has amended her post to correct most of the misspellings.