Ireland trip report - July 31-August 15 four adults

Continued...
Returned rental car and took train into Dublin
Two nights Dublin at The Chancery 225E per night, new hotel, by castle, very nice and modern
Some things we did in case anyone has any questions or wants additional information: Prearranged taxi to and from Doolin with John Sheedy at Atlantic Way Excursions, Doolin Ferry, Rothai Inis Oirr ebike rental, Doolin Cliff Walks, Dingle Distillery, Blaskett Island Center, Kingdom Falconry, Eask Tower hike, walked Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle, Kissane Sheep Farm, Lorge Chocolate Making Class, drove and hiked on Dingle, Iveragh and Beara peninsula, Cahir, Cashel and Kilkenny Castle tours (through heritage pass), Historical Walking Tour of Dublin, Chester Beatty, Dublin Castle, National Gallery (2 Vermeers) Kilmainham Gaol Museums.
I preplanned almost everything from this forum and the RS Ireland book. I prepurchased everything I could in advance saving time. Four adults: 68, 62, 40, 37. We found the food exceptional. Loved Ireland more than expected. Kept busy but never felt rushed. We were at a bar drinking everyday by 4 pm. I would recommend all of the above we used and I can be a tough critic. We had no issues at all. We drove over 600 miles but basically just in the southwest corner of the island. We enjoy hiking, history, locally sourced food and craft beer.

Thanks for reporting - and including what you did! Sounds like a wonderful trip! I, too, had no idea on my first trip in 2019 that I would love it so much and return for another month.

Thank you, Renee. I liked seeing your accommodation information. Reading your report reminded me of our 2009 & 2019 trips to Ireland. Such fond memories!

Thank you for the great post. We also are flying to Dublin vs Shannon because of the cost. Still need to nail down our transport to Ennis. Running out of time.
Any restaurants you would recommend? Thanks for posting

We only had two fair to bad meals (and unfortunately they were from the RS book). Perhaps it was just a bad night for the kitchen.
If you tell me what towns you will be in I can tell you were we ate.
I never had a bowl of chowder that was not outstanding but I think the best was in the Dingle Pub.
I think the best fish and chips was at McDermott's in Dingle.
Our splurge restaurant was Mister S (recommended on the forum) was excellent.
The most beautiful setting, classic Irish menu and delicious food was Julia's on the Beara Peninsula off Healy Pass (recommended by our B&B where the locals go.)

Thanks for this helpful trip report, Renee. Two of us are heading to Ireland soon, Dublin, Dingle and Kenmare. We'll be staying at O'Neills - I think I read they only take cash, is that correct? In Kenmare, we are a bit further from town but hoping it won't be too far.
Any more restaurant/pub suggestions welcome! Thanks again.

Yes the book says that but they take credit cards.
They are a very sweet couple who run the B&B. I was a bit nervous about parking on the street but it was fine.
The Slea Head Drive was my favorite area. The Blasket Center is beautiful (even if you don’t go inside walk out to the observations deck).
We enjoyed the Dingle Pub (ate in bar area) and caught the Irish dancing one night! We had an excellent dinner at Solas. I have a blog for my family and friends. If you’re interested PM me and I’ll send you the link.

Kenmare is lovely. We ate at Kenmare Brewhouse, Boxed Wood Fire Pizza and No. 35 — all were wonderful choices.
Any pub that looks interesting is good. I really don’t think you can go wrong. If you want to chat with folks sit at the bar. The music is everywhere —the challenge for us was staying up late.

Great info - thanks again!

Renee, would you be willing to share the names of the restaurants where you had the fair to bad meals, if in Ennis or Dublin? Thanks much.

They were not in Ennis or Dublin.

Thanks for posting on my favorite country in Europe! Two trips so far, with hopefully, many more!