For general tips, I'd start by searching for trip reports here (they're the threads with the yellow books by them; the search box is up at the top of the page). I've found that's a good way for me to see what others have done, how many days they spent where, that sort of thing.

One thing that a lot of Ireland novices have misconceptions about is how long it will take you to get from place to place. It's a small country, but driving around takes longer than an equivalent area in other places (like the US). We averaged about 35mph.

When are you going, and have you booked your flights yet? If your main aim is Dingle, it would be better to fly in and out of Shannon on the west side of the country.

I would also be looking at U.S. Carriers to / from that area, as British companies have large carbon taxes, as well as fuel taxes.

I'm using ff miles on AA from SFO next August. My 'fees' are about $1,000 or so less than flying on BA. See posts by Gardyloo for better details.

Dublin works for me as a starting point.

"my husband is one of those who gets as much in as possible."

Ireland may slow him down a bit As Jent says plan on averaging about 35-ish mph and even less in the really scenic bits on the W/SW coasts.

"We are landing in Dublin, and heading toward the Dingle peninsula . . . "

Hopefully not heading to Dingle the day you arrive. First of all that is a very long drive, but mainly you are likely going to be jetlagged and driving the first day isn't such a great idea.

". . . hoping to bike."

You are braver souls than me

Not to scare you off, lots of folks do bike in Ireland. But it is generally much more difficult than in the States for example. VERY narrow roads (read the 35 mph bit) w/ no shoulders and few bike lanes

Jent is also right that Shannon is more convenient to Dingle.

You will love Ireland! The west coast is beautiful. At that time of year, you should have long days so you’ll be able to see a lot.

We stayed mostly in B&Bs, which were great. Keep in mind that some B&Bs only accept cash. My biggest recommendation is to try to limit one night stays.

Bring a waterproof jacket and a fleece even in August. A good map is a must, such as the Michelin Guide. We used a Garmin with Ireland maps, which worked well, but wasn’t always accurate.

Have you thought about what places you would like to see?

Since my first post my husband and I have located where we want to go. We did book our flights and are arriving and departing from Dublin. As I mentioned in the first post my DH likes to be on the move....night 1 Dublin, then from there we are moving each night.husband is thinking we might spend less time in the car by doing this, but I am not so good at living out of my suitcase! The only 2 night stay is in Killarney where he wants to rent bikes and ride Ring of Kerry and Dingle Penn.....I don't know how experienced a rider you need to be? We are from the Midwest U.S. and it is pretty hilly in Missouri, but????narrow roads? No bike paths??? Help!!!!we have not booked any hotels or such.....yet!

go to you tube and look at some video clips of the roads in the area. it will give you a better appreciation of what you may encounter.

"from there we are moving each night.husband is thinking we might spend less time in the car by doing this,"

Doing that you are automatically building MORE car time.

as for the roads - this one gives you a bit of an idea of Dingle . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqr9mRiw7Tc

If travelling to Ireland in 2013 it might be worth googling "The Gathering" to see what you come up with. There are plenty of small festivals and events being organised around the country in 2013 (many unplanned as yet) and you may find some that coincide with your timing and interests.

Thank you all for your suggestions, we are going to dig deep this weekend and do lots more research based on what we have learned. I M so glad I found this site! I will post what we decide, but feel free to add any more thoughts!��

Cycling Ring of Kerry is a challenge few will take and for good reasons....

This is a road I use at least twice a week and I dread meeting cyclists as the road is barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass and if one is a tour bus, and they use that road all the time, then often you have in a car to pull in.

Add a cyclist to the mix and there is danger.

My heart is in my mouth when I see cyclists ahead which is thankfully rare and usually very experienced and safe riders.

It is a very windy and hilly road with many seriously severe bends and there will be places you will need to push the bikes. However fit you are

Please, think again! You can cycle happily around Killarney where bikes are rented freely and where there are wonderful bike lanes, and enjoy that where the road is wide. Muckross also is a good place for bikes

But the Ring is best enjoyed by car. and you can pull in at many places to enjoy the views.. I do this all the time still.

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