Dave, Dublin is a great beginning for a couple of nights if only to absorb the Irish street life and the pubs. By all means rent a car---you can see more and still conserve time. We toured the entire perimeter of Ireland in 2007 and enjoyed especially the awesome north coast of Antrim.

Only one regret with Ireland, never enough time to absorb it all---so much to see within a few days. But, for sure, Ireland will call you back so, like others of us, plan for a future return. We envy you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Dan