First trip to Ireland: where should we go?

What most people said

• Most say pick one or two regions, not the whole island: about a quarter of the country per week, with 2–3 bases.
• The west is the most common pick: Galway, Killarney and Dingle, adding Cork/Kinsale, Westport or Donegal if you have longer.
• For four or five days, many suggest staying east instead: Wicklow and Glendalough, Newgrange (book ahead) and Kilkenny's castles.
• Families rate Bunratty, the Burren and sheepdog shows. In winter, check what's open: Dingle and many smaller places close from November to mid-March.

What people said

• Fold a map into quarters (or just draw lines). One week, one quarter. Two weeks, perhaps one half. Try to stay three or more days per stop. Stay in guesthouses or B&Bs. Local hosts are gold.
• As your stay is short I would stay in the East: visit Powerscourt House and Gardens in Wicklow, the Wicklow Mountains, Brú na Bóinne in Meath. You might squeeze in a visit to Kilkenny.
• 1st night? Stay near Bunratty. You'll be jetlagged. An afternoon at Bunratty Folk Park, then a meal and an early sleep is a great first day.