Ireland with no plans-- is this a bad idea

You might want to think about what you want to see before you get to Dub (so you don't wind up doubling back or missing something you really wanted to see or criss-crossing the country) but free wheelin' is acceptable and could be do-able but may be more expensive (bookng ahead will give you more cheap options). You won't get to see as many of the 'sights' as you might want but I would reckon you'll stumble across some of your own gems. You'll soon find out if you need to start booking ahead for accom but it may not be necessry this year (allegedly alot of the Brits will be staying home this year since a pint of Guinness in Dub now costs GBP5 - it used to be GBP 3.50 but the plummetting pound has taken value from GBP1 = EUR 1.5 to GBP1 = EUR1).

With two weeks you could do somethinhg like south through Wicklow to Cork and up the west coast to see where you get to as a rough plan - just as an idea of which way to point the car. Even easier would be if you hired a small campervan or such giving you even more freedom.

Just go with the flow and see where you end up. Sometimes it's more fun that way!

I think this is a great way to travel.
There is plenty of accommodation available this year. Also room in the pubs.
At least when you find a place you like, you can stay there.
My preference is for the seaside towns. There is normally a bit of action there.
Enjoy your stay.

I've travelled in Ireland, and I think it's just fine to go with no plan. You may have to hunt a bit to find lodging once in a while, but you'll find something. The suggestions I have would be to read up a little to have a general idea of where you might like to go. Remember that Irish roads are very different, and don't plan on making more than about 35 mph. You will be more relaxed if you spend more than one night at a few places along the way. If you do want to plan ahead for accommodations, you can obtain a book of B&B's from the tourist office, and call in the morning ahead, or the night previous. In that way, you don't have to plan very far ahead. Have a great time!

Seems to be good availability on accommodation at the moment although watch out for things like the Puck Fair at Killorglin Aug 10-12 which might be booked up

Yes, it's true that if you end up in a town or village with a festival ongoing, accommodation will probably be hard to find. That's one thing to look out for!

You could definitely visit Ireland without plans, I would suggest investing in a guide to B&Bs as often the smaller towns & villiages won't have hotels within walking distance of the pubs - which realistically you may not be in a condition to drive from!! discoverireland.com may be a useful resource for accommodation and general information, if you can catch festivals around the country they may well be worth a look!