Ireland in 4 1/2 days?

I will be arriving in Dublin, Ireland on a Thursday morning and leaving Dublin on that next Monday afternoon (in late August). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on itinerary or best cities to see in that time frame. We are considering renting a car at some point but sure on where to go. It is just two of us in our late, late twenties and are up for an adventure and enjoying the scenic countryside.

I appreciate any help or suggestions.

T h a n k s !

There are probably two suggestions, both obviously involving Dublin.

1) Keep Dublin as your base. Thursday and Friday do Dublin sights, maybe a trip to Howth. Saturday get the train to Dalkey. Sunday take rental car around Wicklow Mountains.

2) Thursday and half of Friday in Dublin. Friday drive west to Galway (2.5 h drive) or head to Killarney (3.5 to 4 h) or Doneygal (3.5 h). All these areas are great for driving around, have beautiful coastal scenery. Head back to Dublin late on Sunday, do last few sights before flying out.

On the basis of a fairly limited time and on the basis that you wish to have a look round the usual tourist sites in Dublin I would agree a day to the Wicklow Mountains makes a good day out. For instance Glendalough using the St Kevins bus (a couple of services daily). Using a catr gives a wider range via say the Wicklow Gap, Sally Gap. Powerscourt Gardens.

Out from the northern suburbs try Trim (medieval town) and or Newgrange, Tara and / or Loughcrew for prehistoric remains. I particularly like the latter as it is not so touristy.

Trying to head to Galway or Killarney or other places will really eat into your time.

R

I second Markfawkner's advice.

You could easily head to the West if you hired a car, and stay in B&B's in around Conamara and County Mayo for a couple of days. It would involve a bit of driving but not a disproportionate amount given that you'll be in the country for four and a half days. I wouldn't bother with this unless you are hiring a car, though.

Otherwise, the Wicklow Mountains would be a good destination. You could also stay overnight in Glendalough or one of the nearby villages or youth hostels. If you want to feel active, the Wicklow Way is a waymarked trail, and while some parts of it are challenging, in good weather there are certainly sections which are quite approachable. For example, you can easily walk up Djouce Mountain from the car park overlooking Lough Tay, or indeed from the other side. That would be a walk of a couple of hours. The Sugarloaf is a much easier and quicker walk but the last part is a steep scramble over loose gravel.

Thank you very much for all the advice given so far. I greatly appreciate it!!

Edited by: djcham

For nice places to go around Dublin, Glendalough and New Grange are excellent. Anywhere in Wicklow is nice for a walk or to go to the beach (if you are really lucky with the weather!). If you want some info on nice walks in that area let me know.
Spend a day i Dublin and then go elsewhere. If you are up for the Drive its about 3 hours to the West of Ireland. You could take the Sligo road and travel around Sligo and South Donegal (Yeats country if you are into poetry!). Or take the Road to Limerick and go on to Clare which i highly recommend. Its beautiful around there and you can visit the Cliffs of Moher. Both places have good surf spots if you are interested in that. Stay for a night there though as you will not want to drive back in a day.
Let me know if you need any more help!
Have a great time!

Presuming you are flying in and out of Dublin Airport you can travel by rail or by car - you will not need a car for Dublin if you choose your accommodation carefully.
While in Dublin do the Hop On Hop Off Dublin Bus Tour - this will speed up your Dublin attraction visits.
My profile may give you more ideas.
Enjoy.