Ireland itinerary - Advice/feedback needed

Hi everyone,

In July I will be taking a trip to Ireland for about 7-8 full days with my girlfriend, sister and mom. All of us have done extensive traveling except my mom (who is 60, and this will be her first time out of the states). I went to Ireland a few years back, but spent the majority of my time in Dublin. We plan on flying into Dublin.
Id really appreciate any advice or feedback on some ideas of what to do. But some things we're looking for....

We would definitely like to spend a night in a castle - something moderately priced would be best.
Can anyone recommend a good B and B in Dublin, or in any of the other areas mentioned.
My mom is very interested in old ruins, churches and castles from the Medieval time.
Would it be worth it to rent a car?
Aside from Dublin, what other cities are must-sees?

Given that we'll have 7-8 full days, is it possible to visit...
Kilkenny
Clonmacnoise
Rock of Cashel
Skellig Michael
Blarney Castle
Is Giants Casueway too far north to get to in this time?
Galway

Again, any advice would be really appreciated...and if there is something im missing on here, feel free to point us in the right direction.

B&B in Dublin: Arranmore House in Drumcondra on Northside, about 10/15 mins walk into centre and plenty of busses pass outside. (also on road to/from airport)
Renting a car: definitely worth it for 4 of you - freedom from bus and train schedules and get to smaller places.
Forget Skellig Mhicill and Giants Causeway too far south and too far north if you want to do the other parts mentioned, and Skellig depends on the weather - boat doesn't go out in rough seas.
Dublin city worth a day or two
Co Meath: Newgrange , Monasterboice
Kilkenny city and some lovely small towns around it.
Clonmacnoise and then head west to Galway or south to Blarney Castlewhich really isn't much apart from the over rated touristy Blarney Stone and Cork city

I would say Galway is a must, I prefer it to Dublin. Overall I would say head west.....many things to see and do. Clifdon is a lovely town and Sky road is great on a fine day! And a BIG yes to renting a car, it is the perfect country to do a self drive holiday- much more freedom! You will have a blast, I know I am!

If your mom is interested in castles you could visit Trim in Co.Meath, it's near enough to Dublin for a day trip and there is the remains of a large Norman castle there (It was used in the filming of Braveheart). You can't stay the night in the castle itself but you can enter and walk around the grounds and have a guided tour.

Hi,
I live in Ireland and here is my recommendation (doesn't include all that you stipulated but may help regardless - giving my honest opinion on what is best).
Definitely rent a car - public transport way too poor for where you want to go and will add time onto your already confined schedule.

If I was you....from Dublin head West towards Galway and while in Galway take day trip to visit the Aran Islands. Clifden is also worth a look from Galway.

From Galway drive throught Ballyvaughan - Doolin - Lahinch taking the chance to visit the Burren, Ailwee Caves and The Cliffs of Moher. Did this a few years back and stayed in a B&B in Doolin - a great spot for the Craic.

From there drive straight down (as such) to Dingle. From Dingle take the coast road taking in Kilorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Sneem to Kenmare. Stay a night in Kenmare and move onto Glengariff, onto Banty and on then to Schull and then to Baltimore. These are not long drives and either Baltimore or Schull are great stops for a night. From Baltimore take the Coastal scenic route back to Cork (through Skibbereen - Clonailty, Kinsale. Once in Cork you can visit Blarney castle easily and then head back to Dublin and the airport...

This may be two long (can get back to see your original post to check sorry) but Ireland is so small you may be able to condencse this plan!

Hope this helps
Conor

Yip, do as Conor suggests, or at least part of it. He's given you a lot of lovely places to see there and you should be happy if you see even a part of what he suggests.

Thanks for the help everyone....anyone else have any advice or suggestions?