Favourite trip of my life.
In 2004, I went in a group of five guys to Ireland.
We actually flew into London (where a buddy of ours lives) and then flew to Dublin.
We rented two cars and did a trip from Dublin-to-Galway using roads around the South of Ireland.
Stopping in the smaller towns and a few "town pubs", staying at smaller bed n breakfasts.
It was great.
There are some really, really good castles & paths & stuff around the south.
Blarney Stone is at some castle (pretty awesome grounds too) near Cork, which is to the South.
Killarney is fun town to for a night.
After staying in Galway (a fun party/college city) for two nights, we took the straight road back to Dublin.
By far, by far... best trip of my life.
Worth renting a cap and driving the narrow streets around the south of the country, IMO.
Our map, attached.dublin-to-galway via south.gif