Ireland

OK - This summer it is off to Ireland for 7-8 days before dipping down into England for a few days with some friends. We have been through the Irish airports (Shannon & Dublin several times, but never got off the airport grounds. Any suggestions on Dublin and the west central coast. I no longer enjoy drinks so pubbing for it's own sake is out except for the music.

Ken,Just depends on what you like. You can always find something along the road anywhere. Go any direction from Dublin and you won't be disappointed. If you do spend time in Dublin, do the Red Bus hop on Hop off. Gives a nice overview. The street buskers on Grafton St are always entertaining.

I spent most of my time in Mayo. Crough Patrick is an interesting hike to do. Some nice bike rental/trails in the area also. The Aren Islands are interesting, but renting a bike there is the thing to do....hire a cab instead. Too many hills and too much wind for poorly maintained bikes.

Not in Mayo, but Cliff of Moher are cool to see, but you will see the other side at the Aran Islands, TO ME it appears they split off from there.

Ring of Kerry is another pretty drive.

Download google maps offline for you phone for navigation. Can you drive a manual transmission?

I have no suggestions for housing as I just stay with family.

A HOHO would be a good option. You can read this as well- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel_Guide-g186605-Dublin_County_Dublin.html

Something else to consider is Northern Ireland. Belfast is a short train ride from Dublin and renting a car and doing the Coastal Causeway route is not to be missed. We did it anti-clockwise with the kids last summer and a great time was had by all.

Northern Ireland is also very nice to explore.